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-OF- 



WASHINGTON CO., 



NEW YORK. 



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SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS. 



PHILADELPHIA: 



1878. 



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PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., PHILADELPHIA. 



CONTENTS. 



msTOi^io^i-.- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

niAPTER PAGE 

I. — Introductory ........ ^ 

ir.— The Advent of the White Miin 10 

III.— The Situation 12 

IV._1609 to 1700 13 

V. — Queen Anne's War 15 

VI.— The First Settlement, etc IB 

VII._The War of 1744 18 

VIII.— First Part of the " Old French War" ... 20 

IX.— Latter Part of the Old French War .... 27 

X.— From the French War to the Revolution . . . -32 

XI.— 1775 and 1776 40 

XII.— 1777 « 

XIII. — Remainder of the Revolution ..... 58 

NXIV.— The Era of Development 63 

yXV. — A General View 69 

isXVI.- 1800 to 1861 70 

XVII.— Regiments Raised in 1861 75 

XVIII.— The One Hundred and 'Twenty-third Infantry . . 80 

XIX.— Other Regiments 85 

XX.— Present Condition of the County .... 86 

XXI. — Geology of Washington County .... 89 

XXII. — -Freemasonry in Washington County ... 95 

^XXIIL— The Medical Society of Washington County . . 97 



CHAPTER PAGE 

XXIV.— Agricultural Societies . . . • . . .103 

XXV.— The Press of Washington County .... 106 

XXVI.— Washington County Civil List Ill 

HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

Salem 121 

Granville 19-t • 

Argyle 230 

Cambridge ......••••• 2;>1. 

Dresden ........-•• 2S.i 

Easton 200 

Fort Ann 301 

Fort Edward SU 

Greenwioh 334 

Hampton ....-• 362 

Hartford 372 

Hebron ■^'' 

V^lackson ^"■' 

Kingsbury ■120 

Putnam *'^^' 

White Creek -1^^ 

Whitehall *''^ 



Patrons' Record Asn DiREtTORv 



ILXjTJSTK/.A.TIOnSrS. 



View of Court-House, Salem .... facing title-page. 

Map of Washington County between 8, 9 

The " Post" Building 110 



facing 



een 128, 
128, 
facing 



SALEM. 

United Presbyterian Church .... 

Residence of William Law .... 

Portrait of Judge C. L. Allen .... 

Residence of L. S. Sherman (with portraits) . 

Portraits of J. B. Stevenson and Wife 

Property of Thomas S. Stevenson (with portraits) 

Portraits of Isaac Bininger and Wife 

Residence of Clinton F. Wilson (with portraits) . " 

Portrait of S. Beaty between 136, 

Residence of Wm. J. Beaty (with portraits) . " 136, 

" John Cleveland " . . facing 

Portrait of Bernard Blair ...... " 

Dr. George Allen ..... " 

Residence of the late David Hawley . . . between 144, 
Portraits of David Hawley and Wife . . " 144, 

Portrait of J. A. MoFarland f.iciug 

Residence of the late Hiram Walker (with portraits) '* 

Portraits of Wm. MoKie and Wife .... '' 

Farm Residence of J. M. Thompson (with portraits) 
Residence of Sarah Fairley (with portraits) 
National Bank of Salem ..... 
Residence of B. F. Bancroft .... 
The Old Meeting-House in Salem 
Portrait of Gen. John Williams (steel) 

" Hon. James Gibson (steel) 

*' Benjamin F. Bancroft (steel) . 



facing 



facing 194 



PAGE 

Portrait of Asa Fitch 1S5 

" D. V. T. Qua 187 

Residence of Mary A. Steele and Son (with portraits) facing 190 

View of Salem, N. Y., in 1793 ....'. " l**- 

GRANVILLE. 

Residence of G. L. Bulkley .... 

" Mrs. Leonard C. Thome . '. 

Portraits of David and Hannah Rogers . 

" Stephen Dillingham, Sr., and Wife 

Residence of " " 2d (with portraits) 

" Edwin B. Temple (with portraits) 

" Truman Temple " " 

'f L. R. Tem]ile " " 

Granville Military Academy, North Granville 
Residence of Noah Day (with portraits) . 

" M. T. C. Day " " 

" Seymour L. Potter 

Portrait of Gen. Edward Bulkley 

" Leonard C. Thome (steel) 

Residence of Otis Dillingham (with portraits) 
Portrait of Daniel Woodard 
Residence of R. C. Betts (with portrait) . * 

ARGYLE. 

Residence of Wm. D. Stevenson .... facing 2,'iO 

Portraits of John and Elizabeth Reid ... " 232 

" James and Jane Williamson ... " 232 

Portrait of George C. Dennis " 2:i2 

Residence of A. Barkley " 2;!6 

Portraits of Robert and Eleanor Culhbert . . " 240 

" James Foster and Wife .... " 240 



between lO.s, 

'•' 200, 

200, 
202, 
" 202, 

facing 

between 208, 
" 20.S, 



197 
199 

•201 
201 
203 
20;{ 
204 
207 
209 
209 



facing 212 

" 216 

" 222 

" 224 

. 226 

facing 228 



CONTENTS. 



HjUjXJSTK/jLTionsrs. 



Residence of William Clapp 

" John R. Harsha . 

Farm Resilience of James MclJo 



lalJ 



CAMBRIDGE 

Residence of Russell S. Fish 
Farm Property of Zerah Rider 
Portraits of John P. Putnam and Wife 
Residence of John h. Hunt 

" Horace and Phebe Valent 

Portrait of Rev. Henry Gordon (steel) 

" James Maxwell (steel) . 

" David Robertson . 

Portraits of Henry and Patience Hall 

" Thomas and Jane Skellie 

" James U. Austin and Wife 



243 
244 



facing 



252 
260 
264 
272 
272 

between 278, 279 

278, 279 

facing 280 

280 

280 

. 282 



EASTON. 

Residence of Col. Andrew Thompson, with portraits 

" E. W. Hollister 

" Homer B. Dixson .... 

" Horton Cottrell ..... 

Portraits of Adam Cottrell and Wife 

Late Residence of Adam Cottrell .... 

Residence of John Wilbur, Jr 

Portraits of John Wilbur, Jr., and Wife . 

Portrait of E. W. Hollister 



facing 



facing 



290 
292 
294 
296 
298 
298 
299 
299 
300 



FORT ANN. 

Residence of Israel Thompson, with portraits . . facing 301 
" John Hall, with portraits ... " 302 

" B. J. Lawrence, with portraits (double page) 

between 304, 305 
Kane's Falls Woolen-Mills .... " 306, 307 

Bridgeport Wood-Finishing Company's Works . " 306, 307 



FORT EDWARD. 

Residence of A. C. Hodgeman .... 

" Amasa Howland .... 

" Alexander Carswell (with jiortraits) 

" John Wagman " 

Portraits of John and Lucy Mclntyre 

" John and Charlotte McGregor 

" John Clark and Wife . 

John S. and Mary Durkee 
Portrait of James Baldwin 
Portraits of Walter Rogers and Wife 
Portrait of Joseph E. King, Ph.D., D.D. . 

" h\ D. Hodgeman (steel) . 

Portraits of Walter C. and Margaret Gilchrist 
Portrait of James H. Gilchrist . 
Residence of the late Enos Howland, with portraits 

GREENWICH. 

Residence of Edmund II. Gibson 

" David T. Ensign . 

Portrait of James I. Lourie 
Residence of Alphonso Dwelle . 

" William Hutton, with portraits 

" the late Thomas Rogers 

Portraits of Thomas and Betsey Rogers . 
Residence of James Boveridge . 
Portraits of James Beveridge and Wife . 
Residence of Horace Morse 
Portrait of Dr. Cornelius Holmes 
Portraits of Asa F. Holmes and Wife 

" Nelson H. and Emma B. Wing 

" George and W. G. Stewart 

Portrait of David A. Boies 
Residence of Nelson Pratt (with portraits) 
Portraits of Alphonso Dwelle and Wife 



facing 



314 

316 

318 

320 

between 320, 321 

320, .321 

" 322, 323 

" 322, 323 

324, 325 

" 324, 325 

facing 327 

329 

. 331 

. 332 

facing 333 

facing 334 

336 

" 338 

340 

342 

between 344, 345 

344, 345 

" 346, 347 

" 346, 347 

facing 350 

between 352, 353 

352, 353 



faci: 



facing 



354 
356 
358 
359 
360 



Portrait of Col. Franklin Norton 

Residence of Harvey Hanks (with portraits) 

HAIWPTON. 

Residence of Paulinos Millard . 
Residence of Fonrose Farwell . 
Portraits of Benj.-vmin and Paulinus Millard 



PIGE 

facing 360 



364 
362 
364 



370 



Residence of Hon. Ralph Richards (with portraits) . 

HARTFORD. 

Residence of Hon. James M. Northup (with portraits) facing 380 
" Harvey Brown (with portrait) 



382 



HEBRON. 

Residence and Farm of Arthur L. Smith ... fa 

" " John McConnell (with portraits) 

Portrait of C. J. White, M.D. . 
Residence of Jas. Craig (with portraits) . 
Methodist Church, West Hebron 
Residence of Nathan R. Hills (with portraits) 
Property of Edward L. Coy (with portraits) 
Portrait of Abraham Johnston . 
" Daniel Braymer 



386 
388 
390 
392 
395 
396 
399 
401 
403 



JACKSON. 

Residence of J. H. Cleveland, with portraits 



facing 

between 406, 

" 406, 

" 408, 

•' 408, 



^* Samuel B. Hedges, with portraits 

" James H. Weir, with portraits . ** 

'* James E. Robertson ... " 

Portraits of James E. and John Robertson . *' 

Residence of James Coulter, with portraits (double page)" 410, 

Portrait of Paul Doig ...... facing 

Residence of Jonathan Warner .... " 

Portraits of Jonathan Warner and Wife ..... 

Portrait of Thomas B. Lourie ....... 

Residence of William Holden, with portrait . , facing 

KINGSBURY. 

Residence of Loren Allen ...... facing 

" T. M. Groesbeck " 

" Mrs. Benj. Ferris (with portraits) . " 

Carriage Manufactory of Wilber & Witpen . . " 

Hotel, Store, and Res. of Ezekiel Smith (with portraits) *• 
Residence of Joseph H. Harris (with portraits) . " 

'* Geo. Weston (with portraits) . . " 

Portrait of Charles Rogers ....... 

Farm Property of James P. Buck (with portrait) . facing 



409 
409 
411 
412 
415 
415 



420 
420 
424 
428 
432 
436 
440 
442 
446 



WHITE CREEK. 

Residence of the late Isaac Ashton (with portraits) . facing 455 

" I. Braton Perry (with portrait) . . " 458 

" Round Hill Farm," residence of John James (double page) 

between 462, 463 

Residence of L. S. Sweet ...... facing 466 

" Hugh Taber (with portrait) ... " 469 

Portraits of Jonathan B. Fowler and Wife .... 471 

Portrait of Nathaniel Cottrell 472 



WHITEHALL. 

Residence of William Hannas . 
Portraits of William Hannas and Wife 

" Dwight Hollister and Wife . 

" R. C. Johnson and Wife . 

'* Elisha A. and Mary C. Martin 

Portrait of Lambert H. Law 

" Robert Doig .... 

" Judge Asa Hawley . 

Residence of A. J. Long, M.D., with portraits 
Portrait of Col. Lemon Barns . 



between 474, 
" 474 
facing 



bctv 



480, 
484, 
484, 



facing 488 



Residence of Mrs. Almira Bascom, with portraits 



facing 



489 
491 



CONTENTS. 



BIOC3-K/^I=I3:iO^L. 



facing 
between 128, 

facing 
between 136, 

facing 

between 144, 
facing 



between 19 



Judge C. L. Allen ..... 

The Stevenson Family .... 

General Isaac Bininger .... 

Samuel Beaty ...... 

Bernard Blair 

Dr. George Allen ..... 

David Hawley 

Prof. J. A. McFarland .... 

William McKie 

General John Williams .... 

Hon. James Gibson ..... 
Benjamin F. Bancroft .... 

Asa Fitch 

David Van Tuyl Qua .... 
James M. Thompson ..... 

Enoch S. Sherman 

William Law 

Hiram Walker ...... 

Joshua Steele ...... 

John Cleveland 

Fayette Wilson 

Hugh Fairley ...... 

Alonzo Gray ...... 

David Rogers ...... 

Hannah D. Rogers " 198, 

Stephen Dillingham, Sr " 200, 

General Edward Bulkley facing 

Leonard C. Thorne ......... 

Stephen Dillingham (2d) 

Otis Dillingham 

Deacon Noah Day ......... 

Marcus T. C. Day 

Daniel Woodard ......... 

Edwin B. Temple 

Truman Temple ......... 

Luther R. Temple ......... 

Royal C. Betts 

Seymour L. Potter ......... 

J. L. McArthur .......... 

Benjamin F. Ottarson 

John P. Putnam ....... facing 

Rev. Henry Gordon . . . . . . . . 

Zerah Rider . 

James Maxwell .......... 

Henry Hall .......... 

John L. Hunt .......... 

Russell S. Fish 

Adam Cottrell 

John Wilbur, Jr. 

B. W. HoUister 

Andrew Thompson . . . ' 

John Hall 

Israel Thompson ......... 

B. J. Lawrence 

John Mclntyre ....... between 320, 



John MacGregor 

John Clark 

John S. Durkee . 

James Baldwin . 

Walter Rogers . 

Joseph E. King, Ph.D., D.D. 

Frederick D. Hodgeman . ' 

John Wagman . 

Gilchrist Family 

Enos Howland . 

Amasa Howland . 



320, 
322, 
322, 
324, 
324, 
facing 



192 
192 
193 
199 
199 
201 
216 
222 
224 
224 

225 
226 
227 
227 
228 
228 
228 
229 
229 
264 
278 
279 
280 
280 
281 
281 
298 
299 
300 
300 
312 
313 
313 
321 
321 
323 
323 
325 
325 
327 
329 
330 
331 
332 
333 



PAGE 

Alexander Carswcll '. 333 

James Irvine Lourie facing 338 

Thomas Rogers between 344, 345 

James Beveridge " 346, 347 

Cornelius Holmes, M.D " 352, 353 

Asa Fitch Holmes " 352, 353 

Nelson H. Wing facing 364 

Walter G. Stewart "356 

David A. Boies 358 

Hon. Leonard Gibbs 359 

Nelson Pratt 359 

■ Alphonso Dwelle 360 

Lieut.-Col. Franklin Norton facing 360 

Oapt. Harvey Hanks 361 

William Hutton 361 

Horace Morse 361 

Hon. Ralph Richards 370 

Albert Richards 371 

Mrs. Julia Norton 371 

Paulinus Millard 371 

Fonrose Farwell ' . 371 

Hon. James M. Northup 380 

Harvey Brown 381 

Dr. C. J. White facing 390 

Abraham Johnston 401 

Edward L. Coy 401 

Daniel Braymer 402 

Whedou Smith 403 

Nathan R. Hills 404 

James Craig .......... 404 

James E. Robertson between -108, 409 

Paul Doig facing 412 

James Cleveland ......... 414 

Jonathan Warner ......... 415 - 

The Hedges Family 416 

James H. Weir 410 

Thomas B. Lourie ......... 417 

William Holden 418 

James Coulter .......... 418 

Andrew McLean 419 

Warren Kenyon ......... 419 " 

Hob. Roswell Weston 440 

Charles Rogers . 442 . 

Ezekiel Smith 443 

Benjamin Ferris ......... 444 

John Dwyer .......... 445 ■' 

James P. Buck . 446 

Loren Allen 446 

James McCarty 447 

Joseph H. Harris 447 

HughTaber 469 

Israel Braton Perry ......... 470 

Dr. William Richards 470 

Jonathan B. Fowler 471 

John James .......... 471 

William Hannas between 474, 475 

Dwight HoIIister facing 476 

Randolph C. Johnson " 478 

Elisha A. Martin between 480, 481 

Lambert H. Law • " 484, 485 

Robert Doig " 484, 485 

Judge Asa Hawley ......... 487 

Alfred Jerome Long, M.D. 488 

Col. Lemon Barns 489 

Hon. Oliver Bascom . . 491 



H I S T O E Y 

OF 

WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



BY CRISFIELD JOHNSON. 



. CHAPTER I. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

The War-Path of America— The Great Battles on its Borders— The 
Design of this History — Its Arrangement — Boolfs Consulted — Ac- 
knowledgments to Individutils. 

Washington county is the war-path of America. 
Though other portions of the continent liave been the 
scenes of more terrible conflicts, no other of equal size has 
been crossed by as many hostile expeditions as the one 
which is the subject of this history. Occupying as it 
does the territory between the Hudson and the northern 
i lakes, it has been the ground over which Ilurons and Iro- 
quois, Canadians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders, 
French and English, Continentals and Hessians, have suc- 
cessively passed on their missions of attack and defense, of 
destruction and of vengeance. 

Curiously enough, while Wa.shington county is thus 
emphatically the " war-path" of America, it is not to any 
considerable extent a battle-ground. Fortune has so ordered 
that, while many minor conflicts have taken place within the 
present limits of the county in question, all the great battles 
which have made this region famous were fought outside — 
but barely outside — of its boundaries. From every one of 
those battles the roar of cannon could be heard in what is 
now the county of Washington, and several of them were 
fought within sight of its territory. 

Had a cordon of sentries been patrolling the boundaries 
of the county during the eventful quarter of a century 
which succeeded the great French and English war, some 
of them would have learned, by eye or ear, of the occur- 
rence of all the important contest for the mastery of this 
great strategic locality while they were being fought. Those 
who, in the autumn of 1755, had been guarding the west- 
ern line of the present towns of Fort Ann and Kingsbury 
would have heard the thunder of Gciieral Johnson's artil- 
lery, as he repulsed the columns of Dieskau from the rude 
breastworks on the shore of Lake George, only four miles 
to the westward ; those who occupied the same posts two 
years later might often have stayed their course to listen 
to the roar of Montcalm's guns, and the more feeble replies 
of the ill-fated Fort William Henry ; while they who, in 
2 



July, 1758, had stood on the northernmost peaks of Put- 
nam would have known by the terrific cannonade that a 
desperate battle was being fought five miles northward, 
around the ramparts of Tioonderoga. In the Revolution, 
the famous fields of battle were still closer. The sentries 
on the sout ern line of the town of White Creek, in Au- 
gust, 1777, would have seen close before them, in the 
valley of the Walloomsac, the rude farmers of New Eng- 
land and New York driving in disastrous rout the dis- 
ciplined mercenaries of Brunswick and Hesse ; tho.se who, 
a month later, had stood where the western border of Easton 
is washed by the placid Hudson, might have watched the 
red-coated battalions of England on the other shore recoil- 
ing before the terrible fire of the Continentals in the first 
battle of Saratoga ; while those who had stood there on 
the 12th day of October would have seen those same proud 
battalions, English and Hessians alike, fleeing before their 
despised antagonists to the shelter of their intrenchments, 
and the fate of America decided in favor of independence. 

To give the public a lull aud, so far as possible, an accu- 
rate history of a county which has played so important a 
part in the history of America is the design of this work. 
We propose, in the first place, t« present a general view of 
the county's history from the earliest accounts to the pres- 
ent time, showing all the events of general importance or 
especial interest, following closely the chronological order, 
confining ourselves to the territory now included in Wash- 
inn-ton county and to the acts of the citizens of that ter- 
ritory, and mentioning outside matters only when necessary 
to make manifest the connection of those which are espe- 
cially our theme. This will be followed by sketches of 
various societies and other subjects pertaining to the county 
at large ; the whole, thus far, constituting the general history. 

While this covers all the time down to the present year, 
yet it will treat most cjpiously of the early history, and of 
the action of Washington county regiments in the recent 
war, leaving the details, and minor circumstances occurring 
since the era of settlement to be specified in the .separate 
town-histories. These latter follow the general record, and 
will portray the ordinary course of events in the various 
localities — events which the dignified Muse of History has 
too often neglected, but which are always interesting to 

9 



10 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



those who participated in them and to their descendants, 
and which may be made to contribute to the true knowl- 
edge of a nation's life, at least as much as the more sono- 
rous record of stricken battle and legislative conflict. 

Interspersed among these town-annals will be found nu- 
merous separate sketches of the men and women of the 
county, both dead and living, while the monotony of the 
print is broken by portraits, views of residences, public 
buildings, etc. Certainly no reasonable person can com- 
plain of the amount of information furnished. As to the 
manner of its presentation, we must leave others to judge. 
In dealing with the events of two hundred and sixty mo- 
mentous years the compiler has found a difficult task, and 
if any have expected perfection they will doubtless be dis- 
appointed. To those who can appreciate the labor involved 
in compiling such a volume — the consultation of books, the 
harmonizing of conflicting authorities, and the still more 
difficult task of obtaining the town-histories from the lips 
of residents— we commend the woik for their favorable 
consideration, and trust it will not be found entirely unsat- 
isfactory. 

The principal books consulted have been Parkman's 
" Life of Champlain," Smith's " History of New York," 
Gordon's and Botta's " Hi.stories of the American Revolu- 
tion," the " Documentary and Colonial Histories of New 
York," Bancroft's " History of the United States," Stone's 
" Life and Times of Sir William Johnson," Pouchot's 
" Memoir of the War of 1754," Lossing's " Life of Schuy- 
ler," Sparks' " Lives of Putnam, Stark, and Arnold," Ma- 
dame Riedesel's " Letters," " Memoirs of General Riedesel," 
" The Sexagenary," Neilson's " Campaign of Burgoyne," 
Stone's " Campaign of Burgoyne," Mrs. Bonney's " Legacy 
of Historical Gleanings," Hough's " Northern Invasions," 
Butler's " Lake George and Lake Champlain," French's 
" New York Gazetteer," Corey's " Gazetteer of Wa.shing- 
ton County," Childs' " Directory of Washington County," 
besides numerous manuals, registers, pamphlets, etc. ; and 
last, not least. Dr. Asa Fitch's " Survey of Washington 
County," published in the " Tran.sactions of the State Agri- 
cultural Society for 1848-49." 

For aid in the ta.sk of compiling the general history we 
are especially indebted to Hon. James Gibson, of Salem, 
who has devoted much time and attention to the aiuials of 
this, his native county, whose pen has been often employed 
in elucidating its history, and from whom we trust the 
public may yet receive some permanent historical contribu- 
tion. S.carccly less is our obligation to the ladies in pos- 
session of the papers of their distinguished ancestor, Gen- 
eral John Williams, for the privilege of examining those 
valuable documents, which, admirably arranged in six pon- 
derous volumes, throw more light on the internal, home 
history of Washington county in early days than can bo 
obtained from any other source. Tlie courtesy of Mr. Mc- 
Farland, principal of Salem Academy, in afibrding the 
writer fref|ucnt and convenient access to the library of that 
institution, is thankfully remembered. 

We also beg leave to acknowledge the aid given to the 
general history through special contributions and personal 
reminiscences by Dr. Asa Fitch and Dr. John Lambert, of 
Salem, Rev. 8eth C. Carey, of Ma.ssachusetts ; Hon. John 



McDonald, Hon. Ebenczer McMurray, and Colonel Solo- 
mon W. Russell, Jr., of Salem ; General James C. Rogers, 
General Thomas J. Strong, Major William H. Kincaid, 
Major James McCarty, Captain JI. S. Teller, and Hon. U. 
G. Paris, of Sandy Hill ; Mr. Henry McFarland, of Fort 
Edward ; Colonel Antoine Renois and 5Ir. L. K. Pierce, 
of Whitehall; Mr. Lewis R. Harsha, of Argyle; and Mr. 
William Ladd, of Salem. 

Thanks, too, are due to the many others, too numerous 
to be named here, who have furnished aid to the town-his- 
torians in the compilation of their part of the work. The 
record which has thus been produced from all these numer- 
ous sources, and arranged and embellished with the best 
skill of the writers and artists, be the same more or less, is 
now respectfully submitted to the public. 



CHAPTER IL 



THE ADVENT OF THE "WHITE MAN. 

Sanmt-'! Champliiin discovers Lake Chaiuplain — Ilis Corapiinions — 
Mfeting of the Iroquois — Location of the Meeting — Taunts of the 
Savages — The Battle — Defeat of the Iroquois — -Disastrous Results 
to Canada. 

As near as can be ascertained, the very first white men 
who ever entered the territory of the State of New York 
found their way into the present county of Washington, 
and within the limits of that county was fought the first 
combat on New York soil in which men of Caucasian 
blood took part. 

On the fourth day of July, 1609, Samuel Champlain, 
the adventurous Frenchman who had founded the colony of 
Canada, discovered and entered the lake which still bears 
his name. He was accompanied by two Frenchmen and 
by sixty Huron Indians, whose cause he had espoused, and 
with whom he was on his way to attack their ancient ene- 
mies, the Iroquoh. The little army occupied twenty-four 
canoes, and with these they pushed on swiftly up the lake 
during the fourth and fifth days of July. Being now 
arrived in the vicinity of the locality where the Uurons 
expected to find their foes, the former adopted especial 
precautions, apparently with a view to surprise the enemy. 
They paddled on during the whole night of the fifth, but 
lay concealed on the shore all day of the sixth. At dusk 
they again set forth, and at ten o'clock at night discovered 
a war-party of Iroquois, also in canoes, near the western 
shore of the lake. The latter immediately went on shore, 
and with their stone axes began to hew down trees for a 
fortification, while Champlain and his Ilurons remained on 
the lake. 

The location of the point of meeting is somewhat doubt- 
ful, but the weight of evidence is that it was in what is 
now the town of Putnam, in the county of Washington. 
It is true a map made to illustrate Champlain's travels, but 
not drawn by him, represents the meeting and subsequent 
conflict to have taken place just north of Ticonderoga, but 
this is contradicted by Champlain's own account, which 
says that he saw the waterfall of Ticonderoga and the out- 
let of Lake George. The time, too, that the Indians spent 
on Lake Champlain, and the great length which the narra- 



HISTORY OF WASIIINaTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



11 



tor assigns it (one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred 
and fifty miles), both go to show that the invaders were 
brought to a halt considerably south, rather than north, of 
Ticonderoga. At all events it would not do to ignore so 
important an event, whieh iiiir/ht have taken place in Wash- 
ington county. 

The Ilnrons remained on the lake, according to Cham- 
plain's narrative, while the Iroquois built their rude barri- 
cade of trees, the former keeping their canoes alongside 
each other, and fastened to poles, so that they could all 
fight together if they should be attacked. When all was 
ready they sent two canoes towards the shore, whose occu- 
pants hailed the enemy and asked them if they wished to 
fight. The latter promptly replied in the affirmative, but 
advised a postponement of the conflict until daylight. The 
llarons agreed, and the remainder of the night was spent 
by both parties in singing, dancing, and abusing each other. 
In the latter amusement both parties were great proficients. 

" You Hnroi* dogs are cowards," the Iroquois would 
shout from their barricade of logs ; " how dare you come 
against the Hedonosaunce ? Have we not whipped you 
often before?" 

" We will show you Minyo squaws what we are," the 
Ilurons would reply. " You have beaten us sometimes 
when you had two to one, but you dare not fight us man 
to man ; and now we will whip you, even if you have the 
most." 

" The scalps of the Ilnrons hang thick in our lodges ; 
our squaws and children play with them every day. Soon 
they will play with yours ; you cannot stand before our 
arms." 

" Oh, ho !" would scream an indiscreet Huron, " your 
arms will be worthless before those which we have. We 
have weapons you have never seen before. You will I'all 
before them as if the Great Spirit had stricken you with his 
lightning." 

And thus with boasts and taunts, with shouts and screams, 
with plentiful repetitions of the epithets " dog," " coward," 
"slave," and "squaw," the summer night passed swiftly 
away. At daylight on the seventh Champlain's party went 
ashore, the French being clad in light coats of mail and 
armed with arquebuses, while their Huron allies were re- 
splendent in war-paint and feathers, and were equipped with 
bows, arrows, and tomahawks ; some of the latter being of 
stone and some of iron, fa.shioned in the forges of France. 

Seeing the apparent weakness of the invaders, the Iro- 
quois left their barricade, two hundred strong, and advanced 
slowly in line toward the foe, their bows and arrows in their 
hands, their faces hideously painted, their heads adorned 
with crests of gaudy feathers, and the bodies of at least a 
portion of them protected with arrow-proof armor, made of 
strips of wood fastened together with cotton thread. In 
front of them marched three chiefs, whose rank was denoted 
by the exceeding loftiness of their plumes, and the greater 
hideousness (if tliat were possible) of their war-paint, but 
who were in other lespects attired and armed like their 
followers. Champlain's French companions and a few of 
the Ilurons went into the bushes, while the main body 
marched rapidly in line toward the Iroquois, with their 
white leader. The latter had loaded his arquebuse with four 



balls ; the chiefs of the enemy had been pointed out to him, 
and he was expected to take the brunt of the fighting. 

Suddenly the line of Ilurons divided in the middle, and 
the bold Frenchman, arquebuse in hand, advanced into the 
view of the astoni.shed Iroquois. The latter halted, the 
chiefs clustered together, and all gazed in wonder at the 
white face, dark beard, flashing armor and curious weapons 
of their new foe. The Huron line closed up in the rear, 
and Champlain continued his onward course until he 
stopped within thirty paces of the Iroquois chiefs. Then, 
at length, the latter started from their stupor and fitted 
their arrows to their bows, determined to test the prowess of 
the strange intruders. Seeing this movement, Cliamplain 
at once lifted his arquebu.so, aimed at one of the chiefs, and 
fired. Not only the warrior at whom he aimed but one of 
the other chiefs fell dead before the shot, and one of the 
Iroquois in the rear was mortally wounded. 

This was, so far as known, the first time that the sound 
of firearms was heard within the present limits of the State 
of New York ; the first time that blood was shed by a white 
man within those boundaries. Nay, if we except the 
doubtful account of the entry of Jean Verrazzani into the 
harbor of New York city in 1523, Champlain and his com- 
panions were the very first Europeans to set foot within the 
Empire State. They were the pioneers of civilization, 
though probably the Iroquois did not look on them in that 
light^ 

The Ilurons, when they saw the execution done by their 
foreign champion, rent the skies with their exultant yells, 
a.id sent volley after volley of arrows among their foes. 
The latter were appalled by the apparently supernatural 
flash and report, and the fearful death of their leaders ; but 
for a few moments they kept their places and responded 
vigorously to the arrows of the Ilurons. Many were 
wounded on both sides by these feeble weapons, but none 
were killed. Ere Champlain could reload his arquebuse one 
of his companions, who had crept up in the bushes, fired 
another shot, and another of the Iroquois warriors fell dead 
in his tracks. Then the braves of the Ilcdonosaunee, who 
had triumphed over half the native tribes of America, lost 
their courage in presence of these incomprehensible disas- 
ters and fled into the forest, the French and Ilurons pur- 
suing them with shouts and yells, inflicting death upon sev- 
eral of the fugitives and capturing ten or twelve prisoners. 

The wounded Iroquois were carried off by their compan- 
ions. Fifteen or sixteen of the Ilurons were also wounded 
by the arrows of their enemies ; but their injuries appear 
to have been very slight, for Champlain says they were 
" promptly cured." After the victory the Hurons seized 
on the abandoned provisions and arms of the Iroquois, de- 
voted three hours to singing, dancing, and feasting in honor 
of their triumph, and then, in company with their French 
friends, turned the prows of their canoes toward their 
northern homes. 

Such was the first meeting of the French and the Iro- 
quois. It reads more like murder than does ordinary war. 
The taking part by the French in an aggressive movement 
in which they had no concern, the slaughter of the unsus- 
pecting Iroquois with weapons to them unknown and invin- 
cible, the needless destruction of the frightened fugitives. 



12 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



all give to this exploit a elifiracter of peculiar and revolting 
rutlilessness. 

And most disastrous was it to the French. They had 
made enemies of the most powerful native confederation 
this .side of Mexico. Attacks on both sides soon deepened 
and fixed their hatred, and for a hundred and fifty years 
the people of Canada, by the sight of their blazing dwell- 
ings, by the shrieks of their slaughtered women, by the 
sound of the savage war-whoop, by the death-shots falling 
thick and fast among their devoted soldiery, were taught 
to rue the cruel rashness of the brilliant adventurer who 
devoted the colony he had founded to the vengeance of the 
Iledonosaiinee. Nay, it is not improbable that the power 
of the Iruqnois, by retarding the settlement of Canada, turned 
the scale between the French and the English, and that the 
final expulsion of the former power from this part of Amer- 
ica was indirectly due to the raid of Champlain into Wash- 
ington county in July, 1009. 



CHAPTER III. 



THE SITUATION. 



the Era of our History's Opening — The Territory which is our Sub- 
ject — Its Location — Its Geographical Features — Its Trees and 
Animals — Its Owners in 1609 — Prehistoric Traditions. 

At the time our history opens (July, 1G09), America 
had been discovered but a hundred and .seventeen years. It 
Was seventy-five years since Cartier had sailed up the great 
river St. Lawrence, but it was only six since Champlain had 
planted a permanent colony on its shores ; and it was but 
three years since the colonists of Jamestown had founded 
the first settlement in the United States. It was not till 
two months later that Henry Hudson, with his crew of 
Dutch and English, sailed up the river which still perpetu- 
ates his memory, and, as is generally but incorrectly sup- 
posed, became the pioneer discoverer of the Empire State ; 
and it was eleven years later ere the Pilgrim Fathers landed 
on the rock-bound coast of Plymouth. 

As it is the territory now forming the county of Wash- 
ington which is to be the theme of our story, a brief delinea- 
tion of its boundaries and description of its surface will aid 
in giving the necessary distinctness and individuality to the 
subject, especially during the long period between the first 
appearance of the white man and the formation of the actual 
county of Washington. 

The district under consideration extends from latitude 
forty-two degrees and fifty-four minutes north to latitude 
forty-three degrees and forty-seven minutes, — a distance of 
no less than sixty-one miles. It lies between longitude 
three degrees and ten minutes and longitude three degrees 
and twenty-one minutes east from Washington, its width 
for forty miles from its southern boundary being almost ex- 
actly eighteen miles. The remainder of the county dimin- 
ishes northward from nine to four miles in width. The 
area of the whole is eight hundred and thirty square miles. 

The narrow northern section just mentioned, comprising 
the present towns of Putnam and Dresden, is composed 
mostly of a high rocky ridge, bordered on the east by a long, 
narrow stretch of water and marsh, now called the southern 



part of Lake Champlain, and on the west by Lake George, 
that sparkling, island-gemmed, mountain-bound sheet of 
water, the beauty of which is renowned throughout the 
continent. The mountain range which occupies the pen- 
insula — and of which the highest peak (Black mountain) 
is two thou.sand eight hundred and seventy-eight feet above 
tide-water — is separated from the rest of the county by a 
remarkable depression, through most of which Wood creek 
runs, and which extends .southwesterly from the head of 
Lake Champlain to the banks of the Hudson, at Fort Ed- 
ward, forming a natural pathway for the armies which 
successively marched to the north and the south on their 
missions of invasion. 

Where this depression spreads out into the broad plain 
around Fort Edward and Sandy Hill, the Hudson comes 
rippling down from its source in the Adirondack wilds, turns 
something more than a right angle, and runs thence nearly 
due south along all the rest of the western border of the 
county. East of this are no less than three ranges of hills, 
all running northeast and southwest, with parallel valleys 
between. The first consists of the highlands of the present 
towns of Easton, Greenwich, Argyle, Hartford, Granville, 
Hampton, and the eastern part of Whitehall. Through this 
breaks the Batten Kill ; its branches, the White creek and 
Black creek, dividing the first from the second ridge. The 
latter constitutes the high ground of Cambridge, west Jack- 
son, and the eastern part of Salem and Hebron. This again 
is separated by the Owl Kill from the third range, only a 
small part of which is in Washington county, where it oc- 
cupies the eastern part of the towns of White Creek and 
Jackson. Poultney and Pawlet rivers, flowing from the 
highlands of Vermont into Lake Champlain, drain the 
northeastern part of the county, and the Hoosic, on its way 
to the Hudson, forms a part of its southern boundary. 

All these ridges and valleys were at the beginning of our 
history covered with a heavy growth of oak, ash, elm, beech, 
maple, and other common American trees, while occasional 
groves of lofty pine shaded some of the streams with their 
evergreen verdure. Here, the deer, the bear, the wolf, and 
the panther all had their lairs, while the deadly rattlesnake 
coiled among the rocks beneath, and the screaming eagle 
soared high in air over lake and river, vale and mountain- 
peak. The geology and natural history of the county will 
be treated in separate chapters, by a gentleman especially 
qualified for the task, and we do not desire to trench upon 
his province. We merely wish to give a rough idea of the 
territory where we are, in imagination, to dwell for two hun- 
dred and seventy years. 

That territory was undoubtedly, in 1609, under the con- 
trol of the easternmost tribe of the Iroquois, the fierce and 
restle.ss Mvluiicks. They never have had a permanent res- 
idence there since the country became known to the white 
man, and there is no reason to suppose they ever had. 
They may have employed it as a hunting-ground, or they 
may, as in later years, have abandoned it to the use of their 
tributaries, the Mohicans of western jMassachusetts. 

Such was the situation in 1609. Of the prehistoric age 
little need be said, for nothing is known, and there is 
hardly any ground even for reasonable inference. Dim 
tradition asserts that the Iroquois were driven out of the 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



13 



territory now called Canada by the IJiirons ; that they 
located in central New York, and by means of their pecu- 
liar federation became stronger than their conquerors, with 
whom they waged ceaseless war. The only certainty is 
that when Champlain came to Canada, in 1603, he found a 
bitter feud in existence between the lliirons and their 
southern rivals, and was informed that such had been the 
case as far back as Indian knowledge ran. Doubtless the 
glades and hillsides of Washington county had many a 
time and oft resounded with the fierce war-whoop of Huron 
and Mohawk, and its soil was stained with the blood of 
these savage foemen, as they met on the great natural 
war-path which is the subject of our history. But they 
left no memorial of their deeds, and we turn without regret 
from the shadowy domain of tradition to the historic path- 
way beginning in 160'J, at first dim, but gradually growing 
plainer and broader as it is successively trodden by hunters, 
soldiers, pioneers, farmers, mechanics, merchants, by busy 
citizens of all classes and occupations, and sweeps onward 
down to this year of grace, eighteen hundred and seventy- 
eight. 



CHAPTER IV. 

1609 TO 1700. 

Three Lines of Conquest: Dutch, English, and French — Iroquois 
Friendship for Dutch and English — De Courcellcs' Kaid — Arent 
Van Corlaer— Dc Tracy's Expedition—Rival Claims— i'irst Pat- 
ent in Washington County — Indian Expeditions — King William's 
War — Winlhrop's Army — lis Return — John Schuyler's Raid — 
Peter Schuyler's Expedition the next Year — De Mantelle in 3693 
— The Peace of Ryswick — The enormous DcUius Patent — Its Va- 
cation by the Legislature. 

For nearly sixty years after 1609 very little occurred 
in Washington county which has become matter of record. 
Events of great importance, however, were happening all 
around, and from three directions three lines of adventure 
and conquest were converging towards this great natural 
focus. In September of that year Hudson sailed up the 
river which has since received his name, to the site of Al- 
bany, and took possession of the country round about in 
the name of his employers, the Dutch East India Com- 
pany, and of the States General of Holland. That people in 
a few years established several trading-posts along the Hud- 
son, and in 1623 began the work of permanent colonization. 

In 1620 the Pilgrims commenced the settlement of New 
England, and, in spite of a thousand obstacles, steadily pushed 
forward the work of civilization. The French gradually 
increased their possessions in Canada, though they showed 
themselves much more successful as fur-traders and mis- 
sionaries than as agricultural colonists. The Iroquois per- 
sisted in their hostility to the countrymen of Champlain, 
and doubtless often crossed the soil of Washington county 
on their mission of vengeance against the intruders who 
had so early earned their hatred, though no record remains 
of these stealthy forays. 

These powerful confederates were naturally impelled by 
their enmity against the French to cultivate friendly rela- 
tions with the Dutch, from whom alone they could obtain 
the death-dealing muskets and ammunition with which to 
do battle with their Gallic foes. When, in 1664, the New 



Netherlands were conquered by the English, and granted 
by King Charles the Second to his brother, the Duke of 
York (from whom the province was called New York), the 
Iroquois transferred their friendship to the new owners of the 
province, and still continued their warfare against the French. 

In January, 1660, a French officer. Monsieur de Cour- 
celles, set forth with four hundred French troops and two 
hundred Canadians, designing to inflict a severe blow on 
the Iroquois. Shod with snow-shoes and muffled with furs, 
every officer and man carrying thirty pounds of biscuit, be- 
sides his arms and ammunition, and accompanied by sledges 
loaded with supplies and drawn by dogs, the little army 
made its toilsome way on the ice to the head of Lake 
Champlain, and thence trudged through the forest to the 
vicinity of Schenectady, sufiering terrible hardships from 
the excessive cold. There a part of the force was am- 
bushed by the Mohawks, and about the middle of February 
all the remainder came ha.stening back to Lake Champlain, 
down which, half frozen and starved, they made their pain- 
ful way back to Canada. 

Several of the Frenchmen wounded in this expedition 
were rescued from the MoImioIcs and taken care of by 
Arent Van Corlaer, the manager of the colony of Rensse- 
laerswyck. This gentleman was a special favorite of the 
Iroquois, who looked upon him as the chief man among the 
whites, the actual governor being unknown to them, and 
ever after called the governors of New York by the appella- 
tion of " Corlaer." 

Monsieur de Tracy, the governor of Canada, was so 
pleased with the kindness of Corlaer that he invited the 
latter to visit him. He accepted the invitation, but on his 
way was drowned, by accident, in Lake Champlain. 

In the September following the expedition of De Cour- 
cellcs, De Tracy led another force of about six hundred 
up Lake Champlain. They occupied nearly three hundred 
bark canoes and a few light bateaux, and took with them 
two small pieces of artillery. These were more fortunate 
than their predecessors ; they were not defeated, but, as the 
jllohaioJis had learned of their approach, they could only 
burn the villages of the savages and return by the route 
they had come. Through the influence of the English 
colonial government, the Iroquois shortly after made peace 
with the French, which endured until about 1687. 

The grant of Charles the Second to the Duke of York 
covered all the territory east to the Connecticut river, and 
northward to the confines of Canada. The latter limits 
were not designated, but the English considered that they 
owned to the Canadian settlements, while the French 
claimed that Canada included the whole valley of Lake 
Champlain, which they had long since discovered. Wash- 
ington county was, however, much nearer the Anglo- 
Dutch settlements than those of the French. As for the 
title of the Indians, it was looked on as entirely worthless 
until it was transferred to one of the rival European claim- 
ants; then it became an excellent title in the eyes of that 
party, but of no value in those of their opponents. 

Nov. 1, 1683, the province of New York was divided into 
counties, the northernmost of which was Albany. This 
stretched indefinitely north and west into the wilderness, 
and included the present territory of Washington county. 



u 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In 1684 the first patent for land within the limits of 
Washington eouiity was granted by the colonial govern- 
ment. The grantees were Peter " Philipse" Schu3-ler 
(Peter, the son of Philip), Robert Livingston, and other 
gentlemen of Albany and vicinity. The land thus granted 
extended back six miles on each side of the Hudson. On 
the west side its southern boundary was at Anthony's Kill, 
now Mcchanicville ; on the east side it began at the north 
bounds of the Schagticoke patent (the mouth of Hoosic 
river), and ran up the Hudson to the mouth of the Batten 
Kill ; thus covering the whole of the present town of Eiiston 
and a small part of Greenwich. 

This was commonly known as the Saratoga patent. It 
does not appear to have been recorded, and the land was 
certainly not settled on the east side of the Hudson till 
a long time afterwards. In 1708 it was confirmed and 
recorded, covering substantially the same ground. The 
Peter " Philip.se" Schuyler mentioned in the grant was 
doubtle.ss Colonel Peter Schuyler (son of Philip), the first 
mayor of Albany, one of the leading men of the colony 
and grand-uncle of General Philip Schuyler of the Revolu- 
tion. Robert Livingston was a Scotchman, recently settled 
in the colony, and the founder of the celebrated family of 
that name. 

In 1687 hostilities broke out between the Five Nations 
and the French, and the Marijuis de Dcnonville made a de- 
structive attack on the Senecas near the site of Rochester. 
That same year about sixty of the enraged Iroquois passed 
down Lake Chaniplain, inflicted severe damage on the 
French at Chambly, and returned in safety to their homes. 
The next year nine hundred warriors, mostly Moliawks, 
made their way to the island of Montreal, and devastated 
it with great slaughter up to the gates of the city. 

jNIeanwhile France had adopted the cause of James the 
Second, driven from the throne of England by William 
the Third in 1688, and war had consequently been declared 
between the two countries ; the conflict being commonly 
known as King William's war. 

In February, 17!)0, a detachment of French and Indians 
pushed through the forests, probably keeping to the west 
of Washington county, and committed the celebrated and 
terrible massacre of Schenectady. 

We now come to the appearance of the first Anglo-Ameri- 
can force on the territory under consideration. Shocked 
and enraged by the Schenectady disaster. New York and 
Connecticut raised a force, to be sent by the way of Lake 
Champlain, for the purpose of capturing Montreal. 

Fitz John Winthrop, of Connecticut, was commissioned 
a major-general and appointed to the command. General 
Winthrop reached Albany the 21st of July. Major Peter 
Schuyler, before mentioned, soon after moved in advance 
with a detachment of Dutch militia, on the west side of 
the Hudson, as far as the second carrying-place (now Fort 
Miller), where they proceeded to build canoes for the use 
of the army. On the 4th of August the general arrived at 
the same point with the remainder of his force. It consisted, 
all told, of four hundred New Yorkers (mostly Dutch), one 
hundred and thirty-five from Connecticut, thirty " River 
Indians," and about one hundred and fifty Moliawks ; not a 
very formidable army to compass the capture of Canada. 



On the fifth the command proceeded to the " great carry- 
ing-place" ( Fort Edward), the New Yorkers in canoes, and 
the New Englauders on foot ; their supplies being carried 
on horseback. The next day the meagre army proceeded 
over the swampy ground, abounding in Udl white-pines, 
to the forks of Wood creek, now known as Fort Ann ; the 
sturdy Hudson-river Dutchmen exciting the general's espe- 
cial admiration by the easy vigor with which they carried 
their canoes and provisions on their backs along the toil- 
some way. 

On the 7th of August, General Winthrop, with his mus- 
keteers, proceeded down Wood creek to its mouth in bark 
canoes, while a band of watchful Mohawks marched on 
either side of the boats to guard against any lurking foe. 
All camped near the mouth of the creek, on the north side. 

On the 9th of August a dispatch came from the Senecas 
and other Iroquois, who had been expected to meet General 
Winthrop near the north end of Lake Champlain, to the 
eff'ect that they could not go because the smallpox had 
broken out in their country. About the same time it was 
discovered that at this advanced season the bark would not 
peel, and no more canoes could be made ; also that the pro- 
visions were giving out, and that little more could be ob- 
tained from Albany. A council of war, held on the 15th 
of August, therefore resolved to return to Albany. 

In fact the whole expedition was miserably deficient in 
every respect, and it is likely the retreat was as much owing 
to the small number of men as to any other cause. Win- 
throp must have seen that five hundred militia and two 
hundred Indians were entirely inadequate to the capture of 
Montreal, even if there had been an abundance of pro- 
visions and canoes. 

Captain John Schuyler (a younger brother of Major 
Peter, and grandfather of the Revolutionary general, Philip 
Schuyler) was now directed to proceed, with forty soldiers 
and a hundred and twenty Indians, and see what he could 
do against the French at the other end of Lake Champlain. 
The " army" then moved back to the head of Wood creek. 

There Lieutenant Hubbell died of the smallpox, and was 
buried with military honors, a circumstance which is only 
noticeable because the lieutenant is the first person whose 
name is recorded as having been buried in Washington 
county. The boats, the stores, and the slight fortifications 
which had been erected, were all destroyed, and the troops 
proceeded in great haste to Albany. General Winthrop wa.s 
put under arrest by Governor Leisler, but could hardly be 
punished for not capturing Canada with his diminutive and 
ill-supplied force. 

Meanwhile, Captain Schuyler led his detachment down 
Lake Champlain. In a short time he met Captain Glen, 
who had been sent on a reconnaissance, and obtained thir- 
teen more whites and five Indians from his command, while 
the remainder followed the track of the retreating Win- 
throp. With his force of about a hundred and eighty 
persons, all told, Schuyler continued his course to the north 
end of the lake, and thence to La Prairie, where he inflicted 
considerable damage on the French, and then returned by 
the .same route to Albany. 

The next year Major Peter Schuyler collected two hun- 
dred and sixty whites and Iroquois, and made another 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



15 



assault on Canada. On the 26th of June his conmiand 
reached the site of Fort Edward, and on the 28th proceeded 
to that of Fort Ann. There they remained about sixteen 
days, building canoes and preparing for the journey. On 
the 14th the party floated down to the falls of Wood creek 
(now Whitehall), and two days later set forth in their frail 
fleet down the lake. At this time, however, the long, 
narrow strip of water reaching from Whitehall to Crown 
Point was not always considered as a part of Lake Cham- 
plain. Consisting as it does of a narrow deep channel, 
bordered on each side by a strip of marshy ground hardly 
covered with water, the whole was frequently spoken of 
as " the drowned lands," and was sometimes known by 
other names. 

On reaching the north end of the lake, Schuyler pro- 
ceeded to La Prairie, and had a fight with the enemy. He 
then made his way back to his canoes, and returned to the 
head of the lake, following thence the usual route, by way 
of Wood creek and the Hudson, to Albany. Boastful 
colonial accounts relate that Schuyler's party slew three 
hundred of the enemy on this expedition, but this was 
doubtless mere gasconade. He lost twenty-one men killed 
and had five wounded, and does not appear to have accom- 
plished anything of coasequence. 

Frequent depredations were made by the Lidians allied 
with the respective combatants, and in January, lti93, 
Count Frontenac, then governor of Canada, determined to 
strike a telling blow against the Mohawks, who were the 
most dreaded of his adversaries. He accordingly dis- 
patched against them a body of four hundred and twenty- 
five whites and two hundred Hurons, all commanded by an 
oflScer named De Mantelle. This force, all on snow-shoes, 
with its provisions on sledges, came up to Ticonderoga, 
strode along the western border of Washington county 
on the ice of Lake George, and from the head of that 
lake pushed through the forest toward the castles of the 
Muhawlcs. 

On the 22d of February they again arrived on the 
western shore of Lake George, having inflicted severe 
injury on the Moliawlcs and captured many prisoners, but 
having themselves been closely followed not only by their 
Lidian enemies, but by the two warlike Schuylers before 
named, with a body of white volunteers. These had 
severely handled the invaders, and De Mantelle, the com- 
mander of the latter, had been slain. When the fugitives 
arrived at Lake George the ice was found to be rotten, and 
the men in some places sank to the waist. The English 
and Mohawks had stopped at Hudson river, but were sup- 
posed to be close behind, and in the confusion a large por- 
tion of the prisoners escaped. The French pushed on 
down Lake George, while their Indian allies struck over 
the highlands of Putnam to Lake Champlain. They found 
their depot of provisions spoiled by the rain, and they all 
suficrcd great hardships before they reached Jlontreal, 
where they did not arrive until the 9th of March. 

In 1695 the peace of Ryswick was concluded between 
England and France, and for a while the red uicn of New 
York and Canada: buried the hatchet, in imitation of their 
transatlantic allies. The next year the territory of Wash- 
ington county came very near being transferred, almost 



entire, to a single individual. On the 3d day of Septem- 
ber, 1696, Benjamin Fletcher, the colonial governor, gave 
to the Rev. Godfredius Dellius, minister of the Dutch Re- 
formed church at Albany, a patent covering all the land 
north of Saratoga patent, on the cast side of the Hudson, 
the tract being twelve miles wide from the Saratoga patent 
until the east line struck Wood creek, and thence occupying 
all the land between Hudson river and what was then called 
Wood creek, but is now known as the southern part of Lake 
Champlain, as far north as Rock Retsio, or Regio, now 
known as Split Rock, on the shore of Lake Champlain, 
ninety miles from the north line of Saratoga patent. The 
Dellius patent is somewhat obscurely drawn, but this is 
evidently the meaning of it. 

The location of Rock Regio has been doubted, but it is 
shown to be near Split Rock by an aflidavit of John Henry 
Lydius and wife, mentioned in Butler's " Lake Champlain 
and Lake George," page 17. The patent describes it as 
seventy miles north of Saratoga patent, but little was known 
about distances at that lime, nearly all boundaries being 
determined by natural landmarks. Considering the long 
sweep of the Hudson to the westward, north of Sandy Hill, 
this patent must have embraced a tract of over two thou- 
.sand square miles, comprising more than half of Washing- 
ton county, almost all of Warren county, and a large part 
of Essex. The quitreut reserved to the crown was one 
raccoon-skin per year. 

The Rev. Godfredius claimed to have previously pur- 
chased the land of the Mohawks, and it is quite likely that 
some of the chiefs had made him a grant of some land 
after a due use of whisky and flattery. But, reckless as 
the colonial authorities often were in regard to large grants 
of land, this was too enormous to be successful. In April, 
1798, the Earl of Bellamont succeeded Colonel Fletcher as 
governor, and he was so impressed with the injury the 
grant would work in retarding the settlement of the country 
that he persuaded the Legislature to vacate it. Dellius 
denied the authority of the Legislature to do this, and, on 
returning to Holland, is supposed to have transferred his 
claim to Rev. John Lydius, his successor in the Albany 
church. 

Nothing further of especial consequence relating to Wash- 
ing county occurred during the seventeenth century. 



CHAPTER V. 

QUEEN ANNE'S -WAR. 

Beginning of the Conflict— Quiet here until 1709— E.xpcdition nga.inst 
Montreal — General Nicholson appointed Commander — Assembling 
of the Troops— Schuyler's Advance- Building of Fort .Saraghtogii 
—Also of Forts Nicholson and .Schuyler— Inactivity through the 
Summer— Retreat in November -Nicholson's Second Expedition- 
Building of Fort Anne- Its Change of Name— This Expedition 
also Abandoned — The Peace of Utrecht. 

Scarcely had the new century dawned upon the world 
ere its light was obscured by the smoke of battle. The 
long combat known as " Queen Anne's war" began in 1702, 
and the tomahawks were speedily at work in America, on 
account of the rivalry of France and England. Washing- 
ton county was again the war-path for numerous small 



16 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



parties on their errands of destruction against the French 
or English frontiers, but no expedition of much importance 
passed through it until 1709. 

In that year the British and the colonial authorities 
joined in a plan by which two expeditions were to co- 
operate for the capture of Canada. Five regiments of 
British regulars were to be joined at Boston by a body of 
Massachusetts levies, and proceed by sea to Quebec, while 
the troops of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and 
Pennsylvania were to concentrate at Albany, and follow the 
well-known track by way of Lake Cliamplain to Montreal. 
General Francis Nicholson, formerly lieutenant-governor 
of New York, was appointed commander of the latter ex- 
pedition by acting-Governor Ingoldsby. The four provinces 
last named furnished fifteen hundred, besides several inde- 
pendent companies from New York. These were joined by 
about a hundred Mohawks. About the first of June, the 
pioneers and artificers, escorted by three hundred men, 
under Peter Sehuylor, — now become a colonel, — set forth 
from Albany. This detachment built the first permanent 
fortification in Washington county, — a stockade called 
" Fort Saraghtoga," situated on the east side of the Hud- 
son, a little below the mouth of the Batten Kill, in the 
present town of Easton. 

They built other stockades at Stillwater and Fort Miller 
Falls, and constructed a road from the Batten Kill up the 
east side of the Hudson to the " groat carrying-place" at 
Fort Edward. Here Schuyler built a fort which he called 
Fort Nicholson. He then proceeded with his detachment 
to the forks of Wood creek (the site of Fort Ann), where 
a rude fortress was constructed and named Fort Schuyler. 
John Schuyler (now a lieutenant-colonel of his brother's 
regiment) was placed in command. A hundred bark canoes 
and a hundred and ten bateaux were also built, the latter 
capable of holding from six to ten men each. 

The main body of the army, under General Nicholson, 
soon afterwards moved up the Hudson. The largest por- 
tion, eleven hundred and fifty in all, was stationed at Fort 
Schuyler. Fort Nicholson was garrisoned by four hundred 
and fifty men, among whom were a few companies of 
British regulars, the first whose scarlet coats and precise 
manoeuvres were seen within the borders of Washington 
county. Forty soldiers were stationed at the post at Fort 
Miller falls (which had not yet received that name), and 
others at other points lower down. 

A French force, reported to number sixteen hundred, 
had stationed itself at the other end of Lake Champlain. 
Their services were not necessary, however, for Nicholson 
awaited action by the fleet against Quebec, and the summer 
pa.ssed away without any proceedings of importance. A 
severe sickness broke out in the English camp, to which 
large numbers fell victims, which made a hostile movement 
still more impracticable. The enterprising French sent 
frequent scouts into the territory occupied by the English, 
and one of these, near the 1st of October, captured Lieu- 
tenant Staats, in the immediate vicinity of Fort Nicholson. 
In November the English destroyed Forts Nicholson and 
Schuyler, and the po.sts at the second carrying-place, and re- 
tired down the river. Fort Saraghtoga was still maintained. 
In 1711 still another attempt was made to lead an expe- 



dition against Canada through Washington county. The 
plan was essentially the same as the previous one. A fleet 
was to operate against Quebec, and an army was to go by 
way of Lake Champlain to Montreal. General Nicholson 
was again selected as commander of the latter force. This 
consisted of three small regiments, — one of regulars, com- 
manded by Lieutenant^Colonel Ingoldsby ; one of New 
Yorkers, again commanded by Colonel Schuyler; and one 
of Connecticut men, under the orders of Colonel Whiting. 

It left Albany about the last of Augu.st, following the 
route pursued two years before, to the ruins of Fort Schuy- 
ler. Here a new fort was built, half the expense being 
borne by the BritL-fh government and half by the colony of 
New York. It was at first called " Queen's Fort," doubt- 
less on account of the aid received from the crown in 
building it, but soon after received the queen's actual name 
and became Fort Anne. This name has been substantially 
retained ever since ; but for a long time everybody has in- 
sisted on spelling it " Ann," in utter contempt of the fact 
that her Majesty, from whom the name was received, always 
spelled it " Anne." This is particularly to be regretted, as 
it tends to break the historic chain which binds us to the 
events of a hundred and sixty-seven years ago. But uni- 
versal practice is sovereign in matters of orthography. It 
has made "Dutchess" county out of "Duchess," and in 
obedience to its authority we shall henceforth designate the 
fort under consideration, and the town named from it, as 
Fort Ann. 

Fearing that the Lake Champlain route would be un- 
healthy, Nicholson's army, now increased to four thousand 
men, took the route to Lake George, as being a more salu- 
brious locality. Before reaching that sheet of water, how- 
ever, Nicholson learned that the British fleet intended to 
operate against Quebec had been shattered on the sea, and 
that the expedition had been abandoned. He accordingly 
deserted Port Ann, withdrew his troops to Albany, and 
disbanded them. Fort Saraghtoga was still kept up as the 
northernmost protection of the Hudson river settlements. 
In 1713, Queen Anne's war was ended by the peace of 
Utrecht, and Washington county became once more a 
hunting-ground instead of a war-path. On other parts of 
the frontier the colonists were frequently assailed by the 
Indians, even when no European war was in progress ; but 
in this locality the Five Nations were so closely allied with 
the English, and the Hurous with the French, that peace 
between the two great nations of Europe usually gave peace 
to the shores of the Hudson and of Lake Cliamplain. 



CHAPTER VL 

THE FIHST SETTLEMENT, ETC. 

The Saratoga Settlement — Probability that it was the First — Con- 
flicting Claims — Building of Crown Point — Agreement with Cap- 
tain Campbell — His Colony — His Disappointment — The Hoosic 
Patent — The Walloomsac Patent — -Colonel Lydius' Establishment 
—The First White Child— The Schuyler Patent- The Bayard 
Tract. 

Several years after the peace of Utrecht, the Schuylers 
and others interested in the Saratoga patent procured the 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



17 



settlement of a considerable tract near the fort of that 
name. This settlement has usually been spoken of as en- 
tirely on the west side of the Hudson. But the circum- 
stances attending its destruction, which will be mentioned 
later, clearly show that it was partially, at least, on the east 
side. In all probability it was begun on the east side, 
around the fort, though it may afterwards have been ex- 
tended to the west side. There is hardly a question that 
this was the first settlement in Washington county, but it 
was so thoroughly devastated afterwards that it has entirely 
escaped the attention of some writers who have treated on 
the early history of the county, and our investigations have 
failed to show us when it was begun. 

The dividing line between the French and English pos- 
sessions in America was loft in dispute by the peace of 
Utrecht, and in 1731 the governor of Canada made a move- 
ment to secure a large part of the disputed territory to 
France by building a fortress at Crown Point. Great 
alarm was felt along the northern frontier of New York ; 
for it was felt that in case of war much more facility would 
be afforded to the murderous expeditions of the French 
and Indians than ever before. The obvious counter-move- 
ment would have been for New York to build a fort at 
Tieonderoga, but the governor and Assembly were iu con- 
stant conflict with each other, and nothing was done. Even 
Fort Ann was left in ruins, and no defenses wore erectad at 
the head of Lake Champlain or Lake George. Fort 
Saraghtoga, however, was still kept up, though not very 
thoroughly. 

The only move towards counteracting the French ad- 
vance was an attempt made to settle the territory above 
Saratoga patent with a colony of fearless men, who might 
act as protectors of the lands below. In 1735 a proclamar 
tion was issued by the governor inviting " loyal Protestant 
Highlanders" to settle the lands between the Hudson and 
the northern lakes, — the men of the tartan and claymore 
being evidently considered the best defenders that the 
province could have. In 1737, Captain Laughlin Camp- 
bell, a Highland soldier of distinguished courage, came to 
America in response to the proclamation, and went over 
the territory of Washington county to sec if a colony 
could be L-^ated there. He was satisfied with the locality, 
and according to his statement, which was in all probability 
true, Lieutenant-Governor Clarke (acting governor) prom- 
ised him a grant of thirty thousand acres for the use of 
a colony, free of all expenses except survey-fees and quit- 
rent. 

Campbell returned to Scotland, sold his property there, 
rai.sed a company of ibur hundred and twenty-three adults, 
besides children, to come to America, and in 1738 cro.ssed 
the Atlantic with a part of his charge. Ou his arrival, 
however, the governor insisted on his full fees and a share 
in the land. This Campbell refused to give, — the fees he 
was perhaps unable to give. Governor Clarke pretended 
to be very anxious to aid the emigrants, and recommended 
the Legislature to grant them assistance. But the Legis- 
lature was, as usual, at war with the governor, and refused 
to vote money to the emigrants, which they suspected, 
with good reason, the latter would be required to pay to 
the colonial officials for fees. The colony was obliged to 
3 



separate to earn their living. Campbell, after various ad- 
ventures, died in poverty, and the further .settlement of 
Washington county was postponed nearly thirty years. 
These facts are derived from the statements of Captain 
Campbell and his friends, but the conduct of the colonial 
officials in other matters makes these charges appear ex- 
tremely probable. 

A little after the Campbell fiasco, the Hoosic patent 
was granted. This lay six miles back from the Hud- 
son, and mostly in Rensselaer county ; but it extended 
two miles north of the Hoosic, thus embracing a strip 
of that width in the south part of the town of Cam- 
bridge and the southwest part of White creek. East of 
this, the Walloomsac patent of twelve thou.sand acres was 
granted, lying partly in Rensselaer county, partly in the 
southeast portion of Cambridge, Washington Co., and 
partly in what is now the State of Vermont. 

Meanwhile, Colonel John Henry Lydius, son of Rev. 
John Lydius, who is supposed to have purchased the right 
of Rev. Godfredius Djllius to the vast tract granted by 
Governor Fletcher, being desirous of keeping up his claim 
of title, built a house, roughly fortified, so as to resist an 
Indian assault, on the site of Fort Nicholson (in the pres- 
ent village of Fort Edwards, and engaged in trade with 
the red men. The precise date of his making this estab- 
lishment (frequently called Fort Lydius) is not known, but 
it was between 1730 and 1744 ; and is believed to have 
been shortly after the former date, when Colonel Lydius 
left Canada. 

As the English and Dutch sold Indian goods much 
cheaper than the French in Canada, a large trade was 
attracted to Fort Lydius from the north, and Iliirons and 
Ottitwas from beyond the Saint Lawrence were found 
trafficking there beside the Molunrks and Mohicans of 
nearer localities. 

It is generally supposed that Lydius' daughter, Cath- 
arine, afterwards Mrs. Cuyler, was the first white child 
born in the present county of Washington, but there is 
every reason to believe that children were born before her 
in the little settlement around Fort Saraghtoga. In fact, 
Catharine was not exactly a white child. Her mother, 
Genevieve Masse, was a Franco-Indian half-breed, whom 
Colonel Lydius had married in Montreal, where he resided 
between 1725 and 1730. 

As the colonial officials did not recognize the title of 
Lydius to the land he claimed, they proceeded, on July 
18, 1740, to grant a tract of twelve thousand acres, com- 
prising the southern and larger part of the present town 
of Fort Edward, to John and Philij) Schuyler and others. 
The fir.«t we infer to have been John Schuyler, Jr., son of 
the lieutenant-colonel who took part in the Nicholson ex- 
pedition, and father of General Philip Schuyler of the 
Revolution, while the second was doubtless his brother, 
who was afterwards slain at Saratoga. The tract was 
commonly known as the Schuyler patent. The next year, 
Samuel Bayard, who was also one of the grantees, obtained 
an additional tract of thirteen hundred acres, lying north 
of the Schuyler patent, and extending to the middle of the 
present village of Fort Edward. But agaiu the clouds of 
war overshadowed the land. 



18 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE MTAR OF 1744. 

The Situation in 1744 — Strengthening Fort Saraghtogii — Marin .and 
his Band— Destruction of Lydius' Bstiiblishment— .attack on Sar- 
aghtoga— Death of Philip Schuyler— HuiKling of Fort Clinton— Its 
Location — De Mery on AVoud Creek — Kcpentigny near Fort Clin- 
ton — Other French and Indian Raids — La Corno de St. Luc 
marches against Fort Clinton— The Ambush— The Battle — The 
French Victory — Further Attempts — Ketreat of La Come — Fort 
Clinton destroyed by the English — End of English Occupation. 

In 1744, after what was then considered a long peace, 
of thirt}--one years, war broke out between England and 
France. In a short time Indians were lurking around the 
fortified house of Colonel Lydius and the little settlement 
at Fort Saraghtoga. No serious damage, however, was done 
that year. At this time Fort Ann was entirely in ruins, 
nor does it appear that the colony of New York had any 
fortified post on tlie upper Hudson except Fort Saragh- 
toga. This was somewhat dilapidated, but capable of being 
used. 

The next year, 1745, Colonel Philip Schuyler (uncle of 
the general) and Major Collins were employed to strengthen 
Fort Saraghtoga by building six block-houses, which they 
accordingly did. AVe infer that they were at convenient 
distances around the fort. The war was somewhat lan- 
guidly waged on both sides, and the summer of 1745 
passed without the occurrence of any event needing notice 
in the territory which is the subject of this history. Colo- 
nel Lydius, relying on the strength of his defenses, or on 
his influence over the Indians, remained at his little fort, 
the farthest outpost of the English. 

But in November, 1745, a French partisan officer, after- 
wards widely celebrated, named Marin (a name which the 
English and Americans have distorted into " Molang"), 
came down from Canada, with three hundred Indians and 
as many French, intending to attack the settlements on the 
Connecticut river. He changed his plan, however, and 
shaped his course toward the Saraghtoga settlement. Arriv- 
ing at Colonel Lydius' establishment, Marin laid it in ashes, 
taking prisoner the colonel and his son, both of whom he 
afterwards took with him to Canada. He then proceeded 
down the Hudson with his motley force, arriving at Saragh- 
toga before daylight on the morning of the 28th of No- 
vember (N. S.). 

The settlement consisted of about thirty families, many 
of them being tenants of Colonel Philip Schuyler, who 
was one of vhe chief proprietors of the land, and the 
principal man of the locality. As has been said, it is quite 
probable that the settlement was on both sides of the 
Hud.son. If any part of it was on the west side, Marin 
must have divided his force ; for, in a very brief time, the 
fort and all the dwellings wore captured and set on fire, 
and a hundred and nine of the inhabitants, — men, women, 
and children, — thus rudely awakened from their slumbers, 
were taken prisoners. A few escaped, and a few were slain. 
The number of the latter (considering the number captured 
out of thirty families) must have been very small in com- 
parison with the proportion usually slaughtered in Indian 
attacks. 

Colonel Schuyler, however, fell a victim to his own 



bravery. A French lieutenant, named Beauvais, who knew 
him, and who led the attack on his house (which was built 
of brick, and pierced for musketry), called on him to sur- 
render, assuring him he should not be harmed. Schuyler 
refused, called Beauvais a dog, and fired his " fusee" at him. 
Beauvais repeated the invitation to surrender, but Schuyler 
only fired another shot at his foe. The latter then fired his 
own gun, with better aim than Schuyler, and the latter fell 
dead in his tracks. This, at least, is the French account of 
the matter, doubtless derived from Beauvais him.self, and 
perhaps too favorable to him. 

We have included an account of Mr. Schuyler's death, as 
it was a part of the raid, which certainly extended to the 
Washington county side of the river, although it is not 
certain on which side he lived. 

In the winter of 174G, the Colonial Assembly, at the 
request of the Schuyler family, voted a hundred and fifty 
pounds (about three hundred and seventy-five dollars) to 
built a fort in place of Fort Saraghtoga. One of the objects 
was to guard the large fields east of the old fort, which, 
notwithstanding the destruction of the houses, it was still 
hoped might be cultivated. To do this more effectually the 
new fortress was built, in the spring of 1746, on a hill a 
considerable distance east of the site of Fort Saraghtoga, 
and not fiir from the present road from Schuylerville to 
Galesvillc. This fact, confirmed by the location of the 
ruins of the new fort (which were in existence at the time 
of the second settlement after the French wars), shows 
clearly that there must have been a part of the settlement 
on the east side of the river. In fact, notwithstanding the 
positive expressions of Lossing and others, we are strongly 
of the opinion that the whole settlement was east of the 
river, and that Schuyler's mill was on the Batten Kill instead 
of Fish Kill. The new fort was much larger than the old 
one, being a hundred and fifty feet long by a hundred and 
forty feet wide, with six wooden redoubts for barracks. It 
was armed with six twelve-pound and six eighteen-pound 
cannon, and received the name of Fort Clinton, in honor 
of George Clinton (father of Sir Henry Clinton, the British 
commander in the Revolution), who was then governor of 
the province. 

The locality of Fort Clinton has often been mistaken for 
that of Fort Saraghtoga, and much confusion has been 
caused in consequence. It is evident that the land was 
cleared as far back from the river as Fort Clinton, and 
probably a short distance beyond. 

Several small French and Indian parties made their w.ay 
into Washington county during the summer of 1746. In 
July, Mons. Do Mery, with about four hundred and fifty 
Canadians and Indians, came up Lake Champlain and 
camped on the shores of Wood creek, which the French 
called Riviere an Chicot. Into this stream, for several 
miles above its mouth, they felled the trees growing on both 
sides, so as to render its navigation impracticable and pre- 
vent or retard any English expedition against Canada. 

In the latter part of August, Mons. de Repentigny, an- 
other celebrated French partisan, led a party of twenty-five 
or thirty Al/cnaki Indians into the vicinity of Fort Clinton. 
Seeing a detachment of twenty soldiers escorting a cart-load 
of clay to build a chimney, the Abcnakis suddenly attacked 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



19 



them, killod and scalped four men close to the gate of the 
fort, and took four prisoners. 

The French records show nearly twenty such expeditions 
in that single year, 1746 (besides those ol' which no account 
remains), that went on their mission of murder to the 
frontiers of New York and Massachusetts. Blost of them 
passed over some part of the lon<>;-exteaded borders of 
Washington county, but it would be idle to recount the 
meagre annals of these inglorious exploits, so much alike 
in their atrocity and in their insignificance to all save their 
unhappy victims. One week a band of painted warriors 
(perchance led by one of their own chiefs, perchance by a 
French officer almost as wild and fierce as themselves) 
Would be gliding swiftly through the primeval forests on the 
banks of Wood creek, the Hudson, or the Batten Kill, 
toward the doomed locality; the next week the same forests 
would shadow their returning forms as they hastened to- 
ward Canada, their dark faces gleaming with triumph, 
their girdles adorned with the scalps of old and young, 
male and female, while in their midst there would perhaps 
be a few haggard men and weary women, urged forward by 
their brutal captors, and shuddering at the unknown fate 
which awaited them. 

The year 1747 opened with a general renewal of these 
scenes. The English and the Six Nations made some 
attempts at retaliation, but do not seem to have been as 
successful in their atrocities as their opponents. 

About the middle of June — old style, but in the latter 
part new style — St. Luc la Come de St. Luc, another of 
the French partisans who were so successful as leaders of 
these stealthy war-parties, made his way to the vicinity of 
Fort Clinton, at the head of twenty Canadians and near 
two hundred Indians, — Hiirons, JS^ipissiiiffs, Abeimhis, and 
French Iroquois. After watching for a day or two in the 
forest without seeing any good opportunity, as the Indians 
said, " to break somebody's head," La Corne determined to 
try an old stratagem to induce the English to come out of 
their fastness. He jjlaced six of his bravest Indians in 
ambush, near the fort, with orders to fire on the first that 
came out, and if attacked to beat a speedy retreat. 

The first day the ambushed warriors saw nothing, and 
the chiefs began to urge a retreat. But La Corne declared 
that it was not the French custom to retreat while there 
was a chance to strike a blow, and at nightfall again placed 
a party in ajiibush. 

At daybreak the next morning (the oOth, N. S.) the 
lurking warriors saw two Englishmen come out of the fort, 
and immediately fired on them. The gate was at once 
opened and a hundred and twenty of the garrison rushed 
out, formed in line, and fired on the assailants. The half- 
dozen Indians fled in accordance with La Comes plan, 
some of them throwing down their muskets and toma- 
hawks, running a little way, falling, running and falling 
again, as if severely wounded. The English, however, sus- 
picious of danger, advanced but slowly, and when they 
reached the place where one of the savages had thrown 
down his musket and tomahawk they halted. 

La Corne saw that he must make the attack quickly. He 
rose up and fired his gun at the foe, and all his men in- 



stantly did the same. Then, while the English line stag- 
gered under this sudden volley. La Come raised the war- 
whoop, swung his tomahawk, and rushed forward, followed 
by all his two hundred and twenty companions, running at 
the top of their speed and yelling like so many demons. 
The English fired a feeble volley, and those remaining in 
the fort also opened with their cannon. But the savages 
dashed furiou.sly on, and the next moment were plying their 
tomahawks on the English, who fled in all haste to the fort. 
Less than fifty of them succeeded in entering, and then the 
gates were shut, not only on the enemy but on the rearmost 
of their own men. The latter made but little resistance. 
In a few moments twenty-eight of them were killed and 
scalped, and forty-five more taken prisoners. A lew others 
rushed across the fields to the Hudscin and plunged in, fol- 
lowed to the bank by the yelling savages. Most of tlicse 
were drowned, or slain by the shots of their relentless 
pursuers. 

Unable to secure an entrance into the fort, the savages 
retreated into the forest with their scalps and prisoners as 
quickly as they had advanced. How slight must have been 
the resistance of the English is shown by the fact that 
only one Indian was killed and five were slightly wounded. 
Having sent his party and their prisoners into the forest, 
La Corne with a few men waited near the fort to see what 
the garrison would do. A number which he estimated at a 
hundred and fifty came outside the gate (showing that there 
must originally have been over two hundred there), but, 
warned by the disaster of the morning, they did not ad- 
vance beyond the shadow of the wall, and soon returned. 
La Corne accordingly retired, and, at the head of his tri- 
umphant band, set forth toward Canada. 

The English continued to hold Fort Clinton during the 
remainder of the summer; but in the fall, probably near the 
last of October, the guns and stores were removed, the gar- 
rison withdrawn, and the fort burned, by order of Governor 
Clinton, his avowed reason being that the Assembly did 
not vote enough money to keep it up. 

This was the end of occupation, for the time, in that 
part of the county, — an occupation which was not renewed 
to any extent until after the concpiest of Canada, though 
occasionally some one may have built a residence amid the 
ruins of the old settlement. So completely had the mem- 
ory of this little colony passed away that when people's 
attention began to be turned to the early history of the 
country very little was said about this, the first settlement 
in Washington county. The existence of the two forts, 
Saraghtoga and Clinton, in different locations, but in the same 
vicinity, both of which were attacked by French and In- 
dians in the same war, added still more to the confusion, as 
did also the fact that both those forts were called " Sarastau" 
— meaning Saratoga — by the French. By collating various 
accounts derived from both French and English sources, 
we think we have obtained the first consistent and con- 
nected account of the events in Washington county from 
the peace of Utrecht, in 1713, to that of Aix-la-Chapelle 
in 1748. The preliminaries of the latter peace were signed 
in April of the last-named year, and for a time stopped the 
march of war-parties along the northern frontier. 



20 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

riKST PAET OF THE "OLD FHEKTCH ■WAH." 

Six Years of Peace— The War begun in 1754— The Three Expedi- 
tions of ITSS— Movement against Crown Point— Advance liy Gen- 
eral Lyman — Building of Kort Miller; also of Fort Lyuian — Arri- 
val of General William Johnson at Fort Lyman— The Forces 
assembled there — Prominent Men : Johnson, Hcndrick, Lyman, 
Schuyler, Putnam, Koger.s, Stark, and Butler— The Council of 
War — Johnson goes to Lake George — Lyman follows — The 
" Dutch-Frenchman," Dicskau, at Tieoiidcroga — His Sudden Ad- 
vance — His Ignorance of American Warfare — He marches against 
Fort Lyman — The Indians refuse to attack it — The Army sets 
out for Lake George— Defeat of Colonel Williams and King Hen- 
drick— Attack on Johnson's Intrenchments— The Repulse — Dics- 
kau wounded and captured— Slill another Battle— The French 
Retreat — Honors to Johnson— Name of Fort Lyman changed to 
Fort Edward — Scouting Parties — Rogers and Putnam — Lieutenant 
Noah Grant- The Army disbanded— Rogers' Rangers— Movements 
of 1756— Extreme Slowness— Abercrombie frightened by Mont- 
calm — Rogers and Putnam attacking Marauders— Rogers goes 
beyond Ticonderoga — The Army again withdrawn — Rogers' and 
Stark's Remarkable Expedition— Attempt to Capture Fort William 
Henry — A Picturesque Army — A Surprise prevented — General 
Webb — Lieutenant Marin's Raid — Terrible Massacre at Sandy 
Hill — Another Surprise — Slaughter of Militia on Lake George 
—Montcalm moves against Fort William Henry — Colonel Munro 
made Commander — Webb's Call for Reinforcements — He refuses 
to aid Munro— Sir William Johnson sets forth to relieve him — 
Webb orders him back — Surrender of Munro — Arrival of Fugi- 
tives at Fort Edward — Their Story of Massacre — Coming in of the 
Stragglers- Montcalm falls back— A Raid by De Levis— Putnam 
aiding the Guard— Putnam subduing the Fire— Close of Ihe most 
Disastrous Period. 

From the peace of Ais-la-Chapello to the outbreak of the 
great conflict which is known distinctly as the " Old French 
and Indian War," there was ahiiost entire quiet in the ter- 
ritory of Washington county. There was not even a new 
patent granted. There is a dim tradition that a settlement 
was then begun on the south part of the Schuyler patent, 
in the present town of Greenwich, but there is no direct evi- 
dence to that effect. The feeble remnant of the llohican 
Indians, by the permission of the lordly Moliaicks, hunted 
over the lands in question, and occasional traders passed to 
and fro in their search for gain. Perchance a few settlers 
straggled back to the devastated fields of Easton, and a cir- 
cumstance which will be noted hereafter tends to sho\y tliat 
this was the case, but no record remains regarding their 
number or circumstances. 

The great war actually began in Virginia, in 1754, 
though not formally declared until two years later. At 
first the conflict did not extend to the northern frontier, 
but in 1755 it opened all along the far-extended line. 
England and her colonies prepared to send three expedi- 
tions against the principal French strongholds, — one, under 
General Braddock, against Fort Duquesne ; one, under 
General Shirley, against Fort Niagara ; and one, under 
Major-General William Johnson, against Crown Point. 
While the first was composed almost entirely of regulars, 
and the second largely so, the third consisted wholly of 
provincials, and yet was the only one which met with even 
partial success. 

The troops for the Crown Point expedition began assem- 
bling at Albany about the last of June. It was not, how- 
ever, until near the 1st of August that the advance moved 



up the Hudson under Major-General Phineas Lyman, of 
Connecticut. This force did not cross the river into Wash- 
ington county until it arrived opposite the site of Fort 
Nicholson and of " Lydius' house." It was on its way up 
that an intrenched depot was established, from which the 
village of Fort Miller, in Washington county, derives its 
name, though the post itself was on the west side of the 
river. On the site of Fort Nicholson a much larger fortress 
was laid out, to which the name of Fort Lyman was given. 
Work was immediately begun upon it, under the direction 
of Captain Eyre, an officer of engineers. It was of an 
irregular quadrangular form, protected on two sides by the 
Hudson river and Fort Edward creek, and was fifteen hun- 
dred and sixty feet (nearly a third of a mile) in circumfer- 
ence. On its ramparts, sixteen feet high and twenty-two 
feet thick, six cannon were mounted. Besides the usual 
barracks, magazine, hospital, etc., within the fort, large 
barracks were erected on the island in the Hudson river, 
opposite the fortress. 

To this point, on .\ug. 14, came Major-General William 
Johnson, with the remainder of the troops, except the New 
Hampshire regiment, the stores and artillery, and fifty Md- 
Jiaick braves, under the celebrated chief. King Ilendrick. 
There were already two hundred ilohaxck warriors with 
Lyman's comiuand. 

It was a busy period at the frontier post. There were 
nearly four thousand men assembled there, all newly be- 
come soldiers, but diligently striving to perfect themselves 
in drill and discipline. These consisted of two Connecticut 
regiments, the commanders of which were General Lyman 
and Colonel Goodrich ; three Massachusetts regiments, 
under Colonels Rtiggles, Titcomb, and Williams ; a Rhode 
Island regiment under Colonel Cockrofl ; and a New York 
regiment, — of which, however, three companies were from 
Connecticut, — commanded by Blajor Fitch, of the latter 
State. A New Hampshire regiment, under Colonel Blaiich- 
ard, arrived about Aug. 25. Many men, prominent in 
American history, were then taking some of their earliest 
lessons in the art of war around Fort Edward, a brief men- 
tion of whom may be interesting to our readers. 

General Johnson, the commander-in-chief, better known 
to the present age as Sir William Johnson, was then a 
broad-shouldered, bold-faced man of forty, a successful 
pioneer and Indian trader, energetic and vigilant, and par- 
ticularly distinguished for his influence over .the warriors 
of the Six Nations. " King Hcndrick" had long been re- 
cognized as the principal war-chief of the Muhawks, and, 
though now aged and corpulent, was zealous for war and 
ready to follow his friend, Johnson, to the last. 

General Phineas Lyman, the second in command, was a 
Connecticut lawyer of good standing, who had had some 
military experience, as indeed almost every one had in those 
days, and who showed himself a brave, faithful, and capable 
soldier. The captain of one of the two Albany companies 
in the New York regiment was a fair-faced, fine-looking, 
active young man of twenty-one, destined to become one of 
the most distinguished of Americans, and whose name was 
to be linked especially with the history of Washington 
county. This was Captain Philip John Schuyler, as he 
was then enrolled, but whose middle name was soon after 



HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOiX COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



21 



dropped, and who is now known as General Philip Schuy- 
ler. 

One of the Connecticut officers, Lieutenant Israel Put- 
nam, was a rough but sturdy farmer, already thirty-five years 
old, unlearned in book.s, but familiar with the lore of the 
forest, brave even to desperation, and whose name will be 
respected by all Americans as long as the memory of Bunker 
Hill shall last. 

Captain Robert Rogers, of Blanchard's New Hampshire 
regiment, had already become noted as a successful partisan, 
and although in the great Revolution which made his 
country free he engaged on the side of her oppressors, yet 
history should not neglect to record the bravo and faitliful 
services he rendered at an early day, in protecting her fron- 
tiers from devastation. In the ranks of Captain Rogers' 
company, too, was a shrewd, keen-faced young man, slender 
in form but tough as the hickory of his native forests, 
shrinking neither from the bullet of the Frenchman, the 
tomahawk of the Indian, the severest cold of a northern 
winter, or the hardest fatigue imposed by partisan warfare. 
This was John Stark, the hero of Bennington, and major- 
general in the army of the Revolution. 

There was still another young soldier from the valley of 
the Mohawk, whose courage none disputed, but who was 
destined to be hated with peculiar energy by nearly all the 
people of the American frontier, who have transmitted his 
name to their descendants as the synonym for all that is 
cruel and atrocious. We refer to Lieutenant John Butler, 
then commander of a company of Indians under General 
Johnson, but two decades later the most terrible scourge of 
the valleys of the Mohawk, of Schoharie, and of Wyoming. 

Soon after his arrival, General Johnson heard that six 
thousand Frenchmen were concentrating at Crown Point, 
with the intention of taking the offensive. He laid the 
information before a council of war on the 24th of August, 
and asked their opinion. They declared unanimously that 
reinforcements should be sent for, that the route to Lake 
Saint Sacrament was the best, and that two thousand men 
should be sent forward to make a road and prepare a depot 
of arms, etc., at the head of that lake. There were at that 
time only two thousand nine hundred and thirty-two men 
reported fit for duly, besides the New Hampshire men, then 
almost arrived. Before, however, General Johnson could 
send the report of this council to the colonial governors, the 
New York Legislature had already voted to raise four hun- 
dred more men, Connecticut five hundred, and !Massachu- 
setts no less than two thousand. 

On the 25th, Johnson started, with fifteen hundred sol- 
diers and all the Indians, for Lake Saint Sacrament, where 
he arrived on the 28th, and encamped. It was at this 
time that the name of " Lake George" was given by Gen- 
eral Johnson to the beautiful sheet of water previously 
known by the French name of Saint Sacrament, or the 
Indian one of Andiatiroote. 

Colonel Blanchard arrived about the time that Johnson 
left, and a few days later General Lyman followed his com- 
mander, leaving the first-named officer in command at Fort 
Lyman, with his own New Hampshire regiment and five 
companies of tlie New York regiment. 

The general's plan was to throw up some intrcnchraonts 



at the head of Lake George, then move to Ticonderoga, 
and there await reinforcements before advancing on Crown 
Point. But, in the mean time, the new French commander- 
in-chief took possession of the former locality, and assumed 
the offensive. This was the Baron de Dieskau, a soldier of 
German extraction in the service of Louis the Fifteenth, 
and whom the Americans called " the Dutch-Frenchman." 

Dieskau arrived at Ticonderoga on the 3d of September, 
having a force there and at Crown Point of seven hundred 
and twenty regulars, fifteen hundred Canadians, and seven 
hundred and sixty Indians. At Ticonderoga he heard 
from a prisoner (according to the Chevalier de Montrcuil) 
that Johnson had gone back to Albany, and that there were 
but five hundred men at Fort Lydius, as the French called 
Fort Lyman, now Fort Edward. This may have been an 
intentional deception, but it is quite as likely that the pris- 
oner had heard of Johnson's leaving Fort Lyman, and sup- 
posed, as a matter of course, that he had retreated. The 
baron at once determined to make a rapid movement, and 
capture and destroy the fort ere Johnson could send 
assistance. 

For this purpose he selected two hundred and twenty 
regulars of the battalions of La Reine and Languedoc, 
six hundred and eighty Canadians, and six hundred Indians, 
and started up Lake Champlain in canoes the very next 
day. This division of his force was in direct violation of 
the orders of the Marquis de Vaudreuil, the governor- 
general of Canada, who gave positive written directions 
thtit Dieskau should move against the enemy with his 
whole army, " without excepting any part of it, whatever 
report may be made of the situation and weakness of the 
enemy." 

De Vaudreuil was a native of Canada, and knew the 
great difficulty of obtaining any reliable information of an 
enemy's force in the American forests. Dieskau, however 
like Braddoek, Burgoyne, and so many other European 
officers, thought he knew the whole art of war and could 
not learn anything from natives or old residents of America. 
Strangely enough, however, since he intended to attack a 
fortified post, he left the bulk of his regulars behind ; for 
experience had often shown that the Indians, good in a 
bush-fight, were worthless in attacking fortifications, and 
the provincial militia were but little better for the latter 
purpose. But then Dieskau did not possess experience 
in American warfare, and would not consult those who 
did ; he seems to have supposed that the fierce-looking 
warriors from the banks of the St. Lawrence and the 
Ottawa would, at his order, march up to the mouth of 
the British cannon as readily as would the grenadiers of 
the royal guard. He probably selected so large a propor- 
tion of irregulars in order that he might march more 
rapidly. 

Dieskau's force encamped at " Two Rocks," or " The 
Narrows," on Lake Champlain, the night of the 4th of 
September, and the next day disembarked at South Bay. 
Leaving the boats under a guard of a hundred and twenty 
men, the detachment set out for Fort Lyman with eight 
days' provisions on their backs. The second in command 
of this force, the largest body of French and Indians 
which had yet appeared in Washington county, was lieu- 



22 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tenant-colonel the Chevalier de Moutreuil, and in it were also 
several of the encri^ctie partisans whoso name had hecome 
a terror to the inhabitants of the British frontier. 

The principal of these was Gardeur de St. Pierre, the 
same who commanded at Fort Dufjuesne when Wa.shingtou 
first visited it to demand the retirement of tlie French, 
and who, during 1754, had directed all the French opera- 
tions on that frontier. He was now in command of all 
the Indians under Dicskau, and, from some expros.sions 
used in the French reports, the Canadians appear also to 
have been under his charge. De Vaudreuil particulaily 
charged Dieskau to con.sult St. Pierre in regard to all the 
operations of these portions of his force. 

During the 6th and 7th of September, Dieskau and his 
men were marching towards Fort Lyman through the 
present towns of Fort Ann and Kingsbury, the little band 
of gayly-dressed regulars in the centre, the Canadians in 
front and rear, and the tawny warriors of the northern 
wilds spreading far out on cither flank, scouring every se- 
cluded glade and darksome thicket in the search for the 
scalps of lurking or straggling focs^ Among the numerous 
and needlessly minute orders for the march, drawn up by 
Dieskau before leaving Ticonderoga, was a direction to St. 
Pierre that he should not allow th.e Indians to " amuse them- 
selves scalping until the enemy be entirely defeated, inasmuch 
as ten men can be killed while one is being scalped." The 
worthy baron, it is very plain, neither understood the red 
man's character nor appreciated his dexterity. He might 
as well have ordered the Hudson to flow upstream as to 
have directed an Indian to refi'ain from using his scalping- 
knife when there was an opportunity, and it would have 
been a very swift slayer who could kill two men, let alone 
ten, while an experienced Huron or Moliaivh was denuding 
the head of a foeman. 

Arriving undiscovered within two or three miles of 
Fort Lyman, on the afternoon of the 7th of September, 
Dicskau encamped for the night, and called together the 
chiefs, in order to give directions for the intended sudden 
assault the next morning. To the great surprise of the 
European martinet, the Indians positively declined to join 
in the attack ; one account says it was because they con- 
sidered Fort Lyman as being on land belonging to the king 
of England that they refused to attack it, while they were 
willing to move against Johnson, as they said that Lake 
St. Sacrament undoubtedly belonged to the French. They 
may have given such a reason to Dieskau, but the true one 
unquestionably was that, like all Indian.s, they were afraid 
of cannon and fortifications. They knew there were both 
of these at Fort Lyman, while they supposed there were 
none of the latter, and few or none of the former, at Lake . 
St. Sacrament. 

In vain the baron, through St. Pierre as interpreter, 
argued in fiu'or of attacking the unfinished fort and the 
camp of Blanchard's New Hampshire men outside. The 
red men were impervious to his logic, and the. general prob- 
ably began to learn the difference between the veterans he 
had been accustomed to command and these reckless chil- 
dren of the forest. Compelled to submit, he at length 
arranged with them to make an attack on Johnson's camp 
the next day. 



At daybreak the morning of the 8lh the whole force 
set out for Lake St. Sacrament, soon striking into the road 
which Johnson had made, and pursuing it towards their 
destination. They now marched in three columns, the regu- 
lars in the centre, the Canadians on the right, and the In- 
dians on the lefl. In a short time they passed beyond the 
present boundaries of Washington county and entered the 
territory of the town of Queensbury, Warren Co. As was 
stated in our first chapter, it is no part of our design to 
narrate the details of event occurring beyond our limits. In 
order, however, to keep up the connection of the narrative, 
we will give a brief summary of the proceedings of Dies- 
kau's army ere it again recrossed the Washington county 
border. 

The baron soon learned from a prisoner that a detach- 
ment of a thousand men was approaching, sent by Johnson 
to reinforce Fort Lyman. About half-way between that 
post and Lake George the French general disposed his 
men in ambuscade and awaited the approach of the foe. 
The latter, consisting of Massachusetts and Connecticut 
troops and of Mohawks, were led by Colonel Ephraim 
Williams and King Hendrick. Supposing that the French 
were on the eve of attacking Fort Lyman, they hastened 
swiftly on, were caught in the ambuscade, and quickly de- 
feated with heavy loss; Colonel Williams and King Hen- 
drick both being slain. 

Dieskau pressed rapidly forward, intending to enter 
Johnson's camp along with the fugitives and take ad- 
vantage of the demoralization he expected would prevail. 
But the backwoods general had improvised a backwoods 
breastwork of wagons and felled trees, and had placed his 
cannon so as to command the wood. The Indians and 
Canadians swerved aside at the sight of the big guns, and 
engaged the flanks of Johnson's force, while the French 
regulars advanced in the centre. But the efibrts of all the 
assailants were unavailing, and after the battle had raged 
from noon till four o'clock the provincials and Moluncks 
sprang over the breastwork, made a grand charge, and ut- 
terly routed the foe. Dieskau was badly wounded and 
taken prisoner, Gardeur de St. Pierre was killed, and a 
hundred and ninety-four of their ofticers, soldiers, and In- 
dians were killed and wounded. General Johnson was also 
wounded early in the action, and during most of the battle 
the English forces were gallantly commanded by General 
Lyman. 

Meanwhile Colonel Blanchard, hearing the firing, dis- 
patched two hundred and fifty men from Fort L^'man, 
under Captain McGinness, to aid General Jolin.son. Near 
nightfall they came up with a body of Canadians and In- 
dians, resting at the place where Williams and Hendrick 
had been defeated in the morning. These they attacked and 
routed with heavy loss. From the two engagements thus 
fought on its banks the pool called Bloody Pond took its 
name. 

The French were not pursued, and that night, or the 
next morning, they again entered the territory of Washing- 
ton county, but sadly changed from the confident little 
army which set forth the previous morning, flushed with 
high hopes of an easy victory. Under the command of the 
Chevalier de Montreuil they made their way back as best 



IIISTOIIY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



23 



they might to South bay, embarked on their boats, which 
had not been disturbed, and rcturnfed sorrowfully to Ticon- 
deroga. To all appearances a vigorous pursuit by the victo- 
rious army would have resulted in the complete destruction 
of the foe before he could have reached and embarked on 
Lake Champlain. It is said that General Lyman eagerly 
sought permission to do this, but was overruled by General 
Johnson. 

The latter also declined to move against Crown Point, 
and in this he was probably correct, as the French still had 
a force there and at Ticonderoga almost as large as his 
own, and with the aid of their fortification could doubtless 
have beaten him as easily as he had beaten the troops of 
Dieskau. Reinforcements came to Fort Lyman, but it was 
then so late that it was decided to return and disband the 
army. By Jolinson's orders Fort William Henry was 
built on Lake George, and Fort Lyman was improved, if 
not completed. 

With great shabbiness, he changed the name of the latter 
post from that of the gallant oflBoer who had really won the 
battle of Lake George (Johnson having been wounded and 
compelled to retire early in the engagement) to that of 
Edward, Duke of York, grandson of the reigning monarch 
(George the Second), and brother of George the Third. 
It was subsequently known as Fort Edward. With still 
greater meanness, Johnson entirely omitted all mention of 
Lyman in his dispatches ; thus appropriating to himself all 
the glory pertaining to the commander, a large part of which 
belonged to another. The result was that the general-in-chief 
was made a baronet, was given a gratuity of five thousand 
pounds, and became fiimous as Sir William Johnson, while 
General Lyman was entirely unnoticed by the home govern- 
ment, and had not even the poor satisfaction of seeing his 
name descend into history in connection with a frontier 
fortress. 

The reward to Sir William was liberal ; for, though the 
victory of three thousand men behind breastworks over 
fifteen hundred assailants was nothing to boast of, yet the 
British government were wonderfully well pleased that a 
victory of any kind should have been won in America. It 
was the year of Braddock's defeat on the Monongahela and 
Shirley's failure on Lake Ontario, and small favors were 
most thankfully received. 

While the troops were still at Fort William Henry, 
numerous scouting-parties were sent out to observe the 
enemy in the vicinity of Ticonderoga and Crown Point ; 
some of them going directly down Lake George, and some 
ranging the forests of Fort Ann, Dresden, and Putnam. 
The greater portion of these parties (in fact, nearly all the 
successful ones) were commanded either by Captain Robert 
Rogers, of the New Hampshire regiment, or by Captain 
Israel Putnam, of Connecticut. Sometimes they acted 
together and sometimes separately. Rogers was then the 
more prominent, and was soon after made a major. 

The report (to be found in the Colonial History of New 
York) of one of these scouts, made down Lake George the 
last of October, 1755, in which a party of French were 
defeated in a sharp skirmish, was signed by Captain Robert 
Rogers, Captain Israel Putnam, and Lieutenant Noah 
Grant. The last named was a Connecticut officer, and 



perhaps belonged to Putnam's own company. He was 
the father of Captain Noah Grant of the Revolutionary 
army, and the great-grandfather of General and President 
Ulysses S. Grant. He must have been a gallant officer, or 
he would not have been selected by Robert Rogers and 
Israel Putnam as their associate ; and the next year both 
he and his brother were slain in battle near Oswego. 

From some of these reports it appears that the English 
then gave the name of " South Bay" to the whole of the 
long narrow stretch of Like Champlain south of Crown 
Point, or at least of Ticonderoga. It was sometimes also 
called "The Drowned Lands," a name corresponding to 
the one given by the French, " Le Grand Marais," — tlie 
great marsh. 

When the main body of the army was disbanded in the 
fall, a small portion was retained to garrison Fort Edward 
and Fort William Henry. From the ranks of the New 
Hampshire regiment Captain Rogers enlisted a company 
especially for scouting purposes. His brother, Richard, 
was his first lieutenant, and John Stark his second lieu- 
tenant. Richard Rogers soon after raised another com- 
pany, and Stark became first lieutenant. 

These hardy men continued their perilous duties during 
the winter, making long trips on snow-shoes into the 
enemy's lines ; but as their routes at that time were 
mostly down the west side of Lake George, just outside 
the limits of our county, we cannot give them any ex- 
tended notice. 

When the spring of 175G opened, Putnam returned with 
some Connecticut troops to Fort Edward, and quickly re- 
sumed his favorite occupation of scouting, sometimes alone 
and sometimes in company with Rogers and Stark. 

Preparations were again made to capture Crown Point, 
but all the movements dragged with unaccountable slowness. 
The colonies raised a force of six thousand men, who ad- 
vanced to Fort Edward under the command of Gen. Seth 
Winslow, of Massachusetts. Here they were joined by a 
body of British regulars under Gen. James Abercrombie, 
who had been selected to command the northern army. 
Late in the middle of the summer the army advanced to 
Fort William Henrj', but ventured no fiirthcr. 

The Marquis de Montcalm, the new French commander- 
in-chief, came down to Crown Point and Ticonderoga in tlie 
forepart of July, and made himself so conspicuous that the 
dull-witted commander at Fort Edward was seized with alarm 
lest he should be attacked in his camp. Extensive fortifi- 
cations were actually erected at Albany to withstand the 
threatened assault. The Earl of Loudon, the British com- 
mander-in-chief in America, was even less vigorous than 
Abercrombie. Suddenly De Montcalm disappeared from 
Lake Champlain, re-appearing soon after on the shores of 
Lake Ontaiio, where he captured Oswego before Aber- 
crombie or Loudon knew that it was in danger. 

About the only warlike work done in or near Wa.shing- 
ton county in 175G was by Rogers and Putnam with tlieir 
companies of rangers. In the forepart of June the two 
indomitables were sent from Fort William Henry, with a 
Inindred men, to intercept a body of several hundred of 
the enemy, under St. Luc la Corne, who had landed from 
South bay, had plundered a train near Halfway brook, and 



24 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



were retreating by way of Lake Cliamplain. Rogers and 
Putnam and their men hastened in boats down Lalce George 
to a point opposite the narrows on Lake Chaniplain, and 
marched rapidly ovcrhind to the latter point. They were 
supplied with two very light pieces of artillery, which they 
dragged over the highlands of Dresden with them. 

Arrived at the narrows of Lake Chaniplain, they lay in 
wait for the returning foe. In due time the latter came, 
rowing tran(|uilly down the lake, unthinking of danger, 
and their boats heavily laden with the plunder of the un- 
fortunate train. A.s they came opposite the lurking-plaee 
of the rangers, a hundred well-aimed muskets were fired 
into the boats, and the little culverins sent a shower of grape 
in the same direction. Several of the boats were instantly 
sunk, and scores of the Frenchmen went down to rise no 
more. Not knowing the number of their assailants, the 
survivors thought only of escape, and under a heavy fire 
they pushed on with all speed down the lake. Their loss 
was apparently very severe, but they did not seek to avenge 
it, and the rangers returned in triumph to Lake George. 
The next morning they embarked for Fort William Henry. 
On their way they met a large body of French and Indians 
in boats. The rangers opened on them with a heavy fire 
at a short distance, when the enemy gave way and allowed 
them to pa.«s, with a loss of one killed and two wounded. 

On the 30th of June, Rogers, with«fifty men, went down 
Lake George nearly to its foot, where they hauled their five 
whale-boats ashore, and carried them on their backs over 
the mountains of the northern part of" Putnam. By this 
means they escaped the close watch kept by the French on 
the outlet of Lake George. They arrived at Lake Cham- 
plain (" South Bay," as Rogers called it) on the 3d of July, 
and went a short distance down it. On the night of the 
4th they slipped quietly by Ticonderoga, within sound of 
the sentry's hail. The audacious rangers afterwards passed 
Crown Point in the same manner, destroying some French 
vessels and their cargoes, left their own boats, marched by a 
long, circuitous route to the west side of Lake George, sent 
to Fort William Henry for bateaux, and then returned to 
that post. 

In October, General Winslow withdrew his army from 
Fort Edward, except a few troops left in garrison ; the rest 
being disbanded. The provincial levies were generally en- 
listed for eight or nine months, and disbanded every fall ; 
so that, although they bore some resemblance to our modern 
volunteers, they were far less efficient. 

One of the most audacious reconnaissances on record took 
place in January, 1757. On the 21st of that month. Major 
Rogei-s with seventy-four men. Lieutenant John Stark 
being second in command, went from Fort Edward to Fort 
William Henry, and thence set forth on snow-shoes over 
the ice of Lake George toward Ticonderoga. It will be 
remembered that that lake forms the northwestern boundary 
of this county, and that all the expeditions which pas.sed 
over it skirted that boundary. We therefore mention 
briefly some of the principal ones, even though, as iu the 
present case, the conflicts to which they led took place out- 
side the county. 

The reckless little detachment of rangers made their way 
to the foot of Lake George, then took a circuit overland. 



and boldly struck in between Ticonderoga and Crown Point. 
There one morning they attacked a jolly party of soldiers 
and teamsters, who were taking some sledges on the ice 
to the former post. The rangers captured seven sledges 
and their horees, but a part of the Frenchmen escaped 
to Ticonderoga. The commandant then at once sent out 
a force, estimated at two hundred and fifty soldiers, also 
on snow-shoes, who overtook the rangers in the present 
town of Crown Point. Then followed a battle on snow- 
shoes, with the snow four feet deep, lasting from three 
o'clock till sunset, in which the provincials lost twenty-six 
killed and missing, and from which the French finally 
retired with a lo.ss of eleven killed and twent3'-six wounded. 

Rogers was severely wounded at the first fire, and Stark 
commanded throughout the action. At dark he drew ofi" 
his force, and marched all night through the woods, bear- 
ing his wounded with him, and reaching the western border 
of Lake George the next morning. Leaving his men 
twenty miles from William Henry, the young hero, with 
two companions, pushed on to that post, obtained hand-sleds 
and refreshments, got back to his command the following 
morning, and then drew a loaded sled to the fort that same 
day. An ambush, a two hours' battle, a march on snow- 
shoes of at least a hundred miles, combined with drawing 
a burden twenty miles, the whole occupying continuously 
three days and two nights, may fairly challenge compari- 
son with the hardiest deeds of ancient or modern warriors. 

In March the French sent an expedition of fifteen hun- 
dred men up Lake George to capture Fort William Henry. 
It comprised two hundred and fifty regulars, three hundred 
Canadian volunteers, six hundred and fifty militia, and 
three hundred Indians, and was commanded by lligaud de 
Vaudreuil, brother of the governor-general of Canada. 

Among all the many warlike bands which have passed 
over the historic Lake St. Sacrament, others may have 
made a more splendid appearance, but none could have pre- 
sented a more uni((ue and picturesque one than the little 
army which marched from Carillon (Ticonderoga) on the 
15th of March, 1757, under the command of Rigaudde Vau- 
dreuil. Fifteen hundred men, all on snow-shoes, regulars, 
irregulars, and Indians, is a sight probably never seen before 
nor since. Their provisions were loaded on sleds drawn 
by dogs. The men strode forward under the shadow of 
the Putnam highlands, slept at night on bear-skins in the 
snow, covered only with pieces of sail to keep off the 
wind, skirted the western border of Dresden and the north- 
western corner of Fort Ann, again reposed on their bear- 
skin beds, and on the evening of the 17th arrived within 
tffo or three miles of Fort William Henry. 

They failed to surprise the fort, owing, it is said, to the 
vigilance of Captain Stark, who, by a ruse, prevented his 
Scotch-Irish New Hampshire men from celebrating St. 
Patrick's day ; so that while the regulars were all drunk, 
there were sober rangers for sentinels, who discovered the 
approach of the enemy. Nor did De Vaudreuil, though he 
invested the fort and cut off communication with Fort 
Edward, dare to risk an assault. After waiting a few days 
and burning an immense amount of stores, vessels, etc., 
the French retired down the lake. 

When spring was fairly opened, the English authorities 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



25 



again made preparations for important operations on the 
novtliern frontier, and again the colonies poured forth their 
thousands of volunteers to second those efforts ; but nothing 
could prosper under Loudon and Abercrombie, especially 
when pitted against the Mar(|uis de Montcalm. Aber- 
crombie, who was the nominal commander of the north- 
ern army, remained at Albany, while General Daniel Webb 
was placed in the immediate command, with his head- 
f|uarters at Fort Edward. This officer had fled down the 
Mohawk the previous year, after the capture of Oswego, 
with such rapidity that he wa.« looked on with great dis- 
favor by the soldiers and the people. An army of several 
thousand provincials assembled under Webb's orders, and 
there were also several regiments of British regulars. 

On the 25th or 26th of July, Lieutenant Marin, so 
often mentioned as one of the most daring French parti- 
sans, landed at the head of South bay with about two 
hundred regulars and Indians, and set out to make a dash 
against Fort Edward. They moved forward entirely undis- 
covered, and on the morning of the 27th arrived in the 
vicinity of that post. An English patrol of ten men was 
first cut off, all of whom were killed. Marin pressed for- 
ward, attacked the guard of fifty men, and quickly cut 
them to pieces with heavy loss. Several regiments came 
out of the fort and formed in line, but the cautious Webb 
would not let them advance, and Marin retired without 
loss. On his return to Montcalm he reported thirty-two 
scalps and one pri.soner, and claimed to have killed many of 
the guard who were not scalped. He said, in the peculiar 
idiom of the French language, that he " did not amuse 
himself by taking prisoners." 

There is reason for believing that it was on this expe- 
dition that there occurred the terrible yet thrilling incident 
of the murder of sixteen captive soldiers by Indians, at 
what is now Sandy Hill, leaving only one man, the team- 
ster, John Quackenboss, related by Dr. Fitch in his " Sur- 
vey" of Wa.shington County. The large number of scalps 
taken in proportion to the " one prisoner," and the locality 
of the events, all correspond closely to Dr. Fitch's account. 
The time, also, is nearly the same, though the precise 
period of the Sandy Hill incident is not known. There 
were various traditions regarding this latter event, but the 
only account of reasonable authenticity was derived by 
Dr. Fitch from a nephew of the hero of the story. A 
detailed account of this incident is to be found in the 
town history of Kingsbury. 

Such wholesale slaughter of prisoners as Quackenboss 
described and Marin hinted at was not common even 
among the French and Indians, and there is reason to 
believe that the murderers acted under positive orders, the 
slaughter being designed to strike terror into the soul of 
Webb and the garrison of Fort Edward, and prevent any 
interference with the coming a.ssault on Fort William 
Henry. If such was the design it succeeded with the 
general if not wit'i the soldiers. 

Almost at the same time another scene of slaughter was 
taking place on the farther border of the county. All day 
and all night of the 25th of July Lieutenant Corbierie, 
with fifty Canadians and three hundred Otttnciis, lay in 
ambush among the islands of Lake George, above what is 
4 



now called Sabbath-Day point. On the morning of the 
26th there came gliding down the lake in twenty-two 
barges a New Jersey regiment of three hundred soldiers, 
under the command of Colonel John Parker. 

Aft«r the first volley, the French and Indians at once 
urged their bark canoes towards the barges of the Jersey- 
men, as if to board them, but the latter took fright on the 
approach of these hideous warriors ; many of them dropped 
their arms, and all sought safety in flight. Rut the arrow- 
like canoes quickly overtook the barges, and a fearful mas- 
sacre ensued. Those even who sought the western shore 
were soon run down by the light-footed savages. After a 
hundred and thirty-one were killed, the Indians became 
satiated with blood, and began taking prisoners. Of these 
they captured a hundred and fifty-seven. Only twelve of 
the whole three hundred escaped death or captivity. On 
the other hand only one Indian was wounded, — the strong- 
est possible evidence of the panic of their opponents. 

A French writer (Roubard) states, of his own knowledge, 
that one of the slain provincials was actually boiled and 
eaten by the ferocious Otlawas! 

These terrible events were but the preludes to a far more 
important movement. On the 31st of July a thousand In- 
dians, in their canoes, came flashing swiftly over Lake St. 
Sacrament, on their way to Fort William Henry. Nearly 
a thousand more, witU two thousand whites, had taken 
their way towards the same post, through the forests of the 
western shore. On the 1st of August the main army of 
the Marquis de Montcalm came sweeping over the lake. 
It was the largest force yet seen on those waters, — number- 
ing over two thousand French regulars and two thousand 
Canadians, besides the Indians in advance and the division 
on shore. The total force numbered about seven thousand 
five hundred men ; three thousand being regulars, nearly 
three thousand militia, and eighteen hundred Indians. On 
the 2d of August the whole army arrived in the vicinity of 
Fort William Henry, and proceeded to operate against it. 
Without giving .special attention to the eventful siege 
which occurred in the present county of Warren, we will 
turn to the main English army at Fort Edward. 

Near the last of July, General Webb left that post for 
Fort William Henry, under the escort of Major Putnam, 
with two hundred men. A reconnaissance by that officer, on 
the 31st, having revealed the approach of Montcalm, Webb 
immediately returned with his escort to Fort Edward, 
and dispatched Colonel George Munro, a sturdy Scotch 
officer, with his regiment, — the latter to reinforce, the 
former to command, the endangered fortress. Muni-o set 
forth on the 2d of August, arriving at Fort William Henry 
just before the French stationed themselves on the road be- 
tween the two posts. This raised the garrison there to 
about two thousand two hundred men, while AVebb had 
between four and five thousand at Fort Edward. 

General Webb also sent expresses through the colonies, 
asking for reinforcements. The call was promptly re- 
sponded to. All the militia of New York north of the 
Highlands was called out, a fourth of the able-bodied men 
of Connecticut wore drafted, other colonies responded with 
almost equal energy, and bodies of militia were soon march- 
ing from every direction towards Fort Edward. But the 



26 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



patriotism of the people was nullified by the cowardice of 
the general. 

Sir William Johnson, hearing of the danger at Johns- 
town, mounted his horse, gathered a few militia and In- 
dians, and in two days made his way to Fort Edward. 
Meanwhile, intelligence had been coming thick and fast to 
that post regarding the progress of the French. Webb 
knew that but few i-einforceraents could arrive in time to 
do any good, and ho knew, too, that he had sufficient men 
to relieve Fort Wiliiiim Henry. But he lay quietly in his 
intrenchments, and when Munro applied to him for aid, 
replied by a letter declaring that he could not advance 
until the militia arrived, and if Munro could not hold out 
till then, he must make the best terras of surrender he 
could. 

On the 8th of August, Sir William Johnson obtained 
permission from the general to advance to the relief of 
Munro, with such volunteers as he could obtain. Putnam 
and his rangers at once volunteered to go, and so did most 
of the provincial regiments. Not the militia, however; 
some of these had begun to arrive, but they were mutinous 
and Indian-frightened, and many deserted. It is difficult 
to learn whether thoy were most disgusted with Webb, or 
Webb with them, and both sides appear to have had equal 
reason. 

Sir William drew out his men, but ere the march had 
hardly begun the general countermanded the permission, 
and ordered them back. It was the last chance for Fort 
William Henry. The next day Munro surrendered the 
fort, it being stipulated that the troops, with their arms 
and baggage, should retire the following morning to Fort 
Edward. 

On the afternoon of the tenth, while the garrison of the 
latter post were eagerly watching for news from William 
Henry, a weary, panic-stricken band of four or five hun- 
dred men were seen hastening, with scarcely a semblance of 
military order, towards that haveu of shelter. Many had 
thrown away their arms, some bore still bleeding wounds 
from the tomahawks of the savages, and all showed every 
appearance of the most complete demoralization. Arrived 
in the fort, they told their horror stricken comrades how, on 
setting forth in the morning in accordance with the capitu- 
lation, the savages had first mingled in their ranks, then 
began plundering them of whatever their cupidity dictated, 
and finally, grown more fierce through impunity, had used 
the tomahawk and sealping-knife on their victims with all 
their native ferocity. 

If the narrators told the whole truth, they must have 
added that the massacre was almost as disgraceful to the 
English as to the French. The former outnumbered the 
Indians, and were all armed, organized, and ready for battle, 
but they were seized with one of those panics so common 
in presence of Indians, and had fled in terror, without 
making hardly an efibrt at resistance. It would be beyond 
our purview to enter into any elaborate discussion of the 
question whether Montcalm was to blame for the massacre, 
but in view of the fact that there had been a similar, though 
less flagrant, breach of faith at Oswego the previous year, and 
that the marquis commanded a force of near six thousand 
French and Canadians, and less than two thousand Indians, 



it certainly seems strange that he should not have foreseen 
the trouble, or that he could not prevent it. 

The demoralized band before mentioned was all the con- 
siderable body of p]nglish troops who reached Fort Edward 
on the tenth. The others lay slaughtered by the road.sidc, 
or were prisoners in the hands of the Indians, or had sought 
refuge with the French, or were scattered far and wide 
through the forest in their efforts to escape from their 
bloodthirsty foes. Cannon were fired at intervals to guide 
the wanderers to Fort Edward, and all day and all night, 
and for two or three days afterwards, singly, by twos, by 
threes, and by half-dozens, the fugitives kept straggling 
in. It was the fifteenth of the month ere those who had 
retreated within the French lines, and those who had been 
rescued by Montcalm from the Indians, were sent forward 
under escort to Half-way brook, delivered over to an Eng- 
lish guard, and brought to Fort Edward. Some of the 
Indian war-parties departed for the Canadian wilds without 
taking leave of Montcalm, and bearing off their prisoners 
to long captivity and probable torture. 

The next day — the sixteenth — -the ever-vigilant Putnam, 
with his rangers, made his way circuitously from Fort Ed- 
ward to Fort William Henry, and found the French just 
departing down Lake George, and the ground thickly 
strewed with the ghastly remains of men, women, and chil- 
dren who had fallen victims to the fury of the savages. 

In a short time afterwards near twenty thousand militia 
reached Fort Edward. They were of course too late to do 
any good, and they vented their wrath on Webb in curses 
both loud and deep. Mutinous and useless, they were soon 
discharged. 

Webb was soon after relieved of his command, Fort Ed- 
ward being placed under the orders of General Lyman, the 
gallant officer before mentioned. But though the recreant 
general was ordered to England, his influence was such that 
he was able to escape all punishment or even censure. 

About the 1st of November the Chevalier de Levis, with 
several hundred French and Indians, made a rapid scout 
up Lake Champlain and Wood creek into the vicinity of 
Fort Edward. It may have been this party, or a detach- 
ment from it, that made the attack narrated in the life of 
Putnam, when that officer saved the detachment of Captain 
Little from destruction, and which is more fully narrated 
in the town-history of Fort Edward. 

As winter approached the bulk of the provincial levies 
were, as usual, disbanded. Putnam and Rogers, with their 
rangers, were, however, retained, the former being posted on 
the island in the Hudson opposite Fort Edward. Colonel 
Haviland, of the regular army, was placed in command of 
that post, which he retained during the winter. 

Up to this time nearly all the British operations in 
America had resulted in disaster, as well they migiit, con- 
sidering that the generals in the field were miserably inef- 
ficient, if not cowardly, while the statesmen at home were, 
if possible, still more incompetent. But from the winter 
of 17.o7 and 1758 a marked change was seen in the aspect 
of British affairs in America, and although there were 
occasional disasters, yet the general course of the Anglo- 
American arms was from victory to victory, down to the 
hour of final triumph. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



27 



CHAPTER IX. 

LATTER PART OF THE OLD FRENCH WAR. 

Pitt made Prime Minister — Justice to tlic Americans — Large Levies 
called out— Impressment of Teamsters— Colonel Bradstreet— 
French Indians near the Batten Kill— A Garden there — Lord 
Howe arrives at Fort Edward — Putnam at " Fiddler's Elbow"— 
The Moonlight Battle — Putnam's Return — Rencontre in the Forest 
— Abercrombie's Arrival— Composition of his Army— The Favor- 
ite Soldier— Lee, Schuyler, Gage, Wooster, William Franklin, Guy 
Johnson, and Philip Skene — Abercrombie's Advance — A Brilliant 
Spectacle — Death of Howe — A Fearful Disaster — A Demoralized 
Retreat— Braditreet's Expedition — Disgusted Teamsters— Another 
Raid by St. Luc la Corne — Rogers, Putnam, and Marin — A Bush- 
Fight— Putnam captured — Indian Amusements — Marin retreats — 
Preparations to burn Putnam — The Rcaoue — General Amherst 
made Commander-in-Chief — The Army in Winter-tjuarters — A 
Long Tramp — Another Rally — Capture of Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point— Amherst's Defect— Weakness— The Campaign of 1700— 
Final Success — Preparations for Settlement. 

The cause of the change noted at the conclusion of the 
hist chapter lay in the fact that William Pitt, the most 
vigorous statesman of the age, had been appointed prime 
minister of England. An earnest effort was at once made 
to retrieve the disasters which Britain had suffered at tlie 
hands of her active foes. Ever the friend of America, 
Pitt abandoned many of the arrogant pretensions which 
had long annoyed the colonists. He obtained an order 
from the king that colonial officers below the rank of 
colonel should hold equal rank with those of Great Britain, 
according to the date of their commis.sions. Early in 1758 
he sent a circular letter to the colonies, asking them to 
raise as large a force as possible, and engaging that the 
men should bo furnished by the crown with arms, ammu- 
nition, and provisions. 

The colonies promptly responded, and in the spring more 
soldiers than ever before sought the accustomed rendezvous 
at Albany. Early in June immense quantities of boats 
and supplies were sent up to Fort Edward, great numbers 
of teams and teamsters being impressed for the purpose. 
This was the usual method of obtaining transportation in 
" good old colony times," and naturally created great dis- 
satisfaction among its subjects. 

The writer known as the " Sexagenary" relates that his 
father was one of the teamsters thus impressed. The ope- 
rations were under the direction of the celebrated Colonel 
John Bradstreet, quartermaster-general of the army, and 
one of the most efficient officers in it. The road at that 
time ran up the west side of the Hudson to a point oppo- 
site the Batten Kill, then crossed and followed up the east 
side to Fort Edward. 

The Sexagenary states that his father, on one of his 
return trips from Fort Edward, saw a moccasin print in 
the mud on the east side of the river, near the Batten Kill. 
After he had passed over the Hudson a shot was heard in 
the locality just mentioned. A guard which was stationed 
on the west side crossed over to the east side, and there 
found a man killed and scalped " in a garden belonging to 
a Mr. De Ruyter." We mention this incident partly to 
show the audacity of the Indians in thus venturing so far 
south of our outposts, but more particularly because it 
furnishes evidence of the fact that there were settlers then 



living in Washington county, near the mouth of the 
Batten Kill. 

On the 5th of June Brigadier-General Viscount Howe, 
with the first division of the grand army of invasion, 
arrived at Fort Edward. Major Rogers, with fifty men, 
taking their boats with them in wagons, at once pushed on 
to Lake Champlain, and made a short reconnaissance, but 
discovered no enemy. Meanwhile Lord Howe moved for- 
ward to Lake George, where he arrived on the 22d of June. 
Putnam had at this time become a field-officer of a 
Connecticut regiment, but his services were so invaluable 
as a ranger that Lord Howe detached him from Lake 
George, with fifty men, to guard the head of Lake Cham- 
plain, and particularly to prevent the French from reeon- 
noitering in that vicinity. The veteran woodsman took 
post at a place now called " Fiddler's Elbow," three-fourths 
of a mile below Whitehall, where lofty, opposing rocks, 
concave on the east side and convex on the west, crowd the 
waters of Lake Champlain into a narrow gorge, through 
which a steamer has barely room to pass. 

On the promontory on the west side, overlooking the 
water, the rangers erected a low breastwork of stone, some 
thirty feet long, which they concealed with pine bushes 
arranged along its front. Sentinels were stationed, and for 
four days and three nights Putnam remained here, watch- 
ing for the approach of unwary Frenchmen. Fifteen out 
of his fifty men became ill, and were sent to Fort Edward, 
but still the remainder waited for their prey. 

At length, on the evening of the fourth day, the sentry 
on the north gave a whispered alarm, and a long line of 
canoes were seen making their way up the lake. Witii 
similar whispers all the sentries were quickly called in ; the 
thirty-five men ensconced themselves behind the rocky 
parapet, the muzzles of their muskets pointing between the 
evergreen bushes towards the channel where the enemy 
must pass. On they came, near five hundred French and 
Indians, led by the ever-active Marin, or " Molang," their 
paddles and their arms flashing in the light of the full 
moon, which flooded the narrow passage and disclosed 
every movement of the advancing foe. 

Silent as death the rangers waited the command of Put- 
nam. The leading canoes had glided by, when one of the 
eager band accidentally struck his musket on a rock. In 
the stealthy warfare then carried on, every sound caused 
suspicion, and the foremost canoes at once stopped. Others 
came up, a throng of boats was formed, and all the occupants 
instinctively gazed up towards the top of the promontory, 
where nothing met their eyes but a few insignificant pine- 
bushes. But Marin scented mischief in the air, and gave 
a whispered command to turn back. His men began to 
obey. Putnam saw that the time had come ; the word " fire !" 
rang from his lips with startling distinctness, and the next 
instant thirty-five muskets sent their messengers of death 
among the crowd below. 

Nearly every bullet .struck its man, and for a few moments 
the wildest confusion ensued, some trying to escape and 
some returning the fire, though their bullets made little 
impression on the stone breastwork. As quickly as possible 
the intrepid Marin got his men into order, placed them in 
as secure positions as possible, and engaged in a rapid inter- 



28 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



change of volleys with the rangers. But, notwithstanding 
the disparity of numbers, Putnam's temporary fortress pre- 
vented serious injury to his men, while their own bullets 
caused fearful execution among the enemy. 

After a few volleys, Marin discerned from the weakness 
of the fire that only a comparatively small force was opposed 
to him, and he sent a detachment in boats to land below 
the breastwork ; in modern phrase, to " flank" his foes. 
But Putnam discovered the mana-uvre, and dispatched Lieu- 
tenant Durkee (slain at Wyoming almost exactly twenty years 
afterwards) with twelve men to oppose the landing; and so 
thoroughly were the French demoralized, so great appeared 
the danger of venturing in the darkness among the rocks 
and trees and the deadly muskets of the rangers, that 
Durkee and his little squad actually accomplished their 
purpose. 

After that, Marin contented himself with placing his 
men under shelter, and exchanging a desultory fire across 
the gorge throughout the night. At daybreak he efiected 
a landing on Putnam's left, when the rangers withdrew, 
their ammunition being nearly exhausted, having only two 
men wounded in the whole conflict. It is said that when 
afterwards a prisoner in Canada, Putnam learned that half 
of Marin's force was killed or wounded, but we must take 
some of these old legends with a good deal of allowance. 

Putnam sent his two wounded men towards Fort Edward, 
one who could not walk being carried by two soldiers, while 
he with the remaining thirty took another direction. The 
former were pursued by Indians, and one of the wounded 
men was killed and the other captured. Meanwhile the 
squad of thirty was suddenly fired on, as they were making 
their way through the forest, and one of their number was 
wounded. Putnam knew that his men had but little am- 
munition, and instantly shouted, at the top of his voice, 
" Charge bayonets !" 

"Stop! stop!" cried the opposite leader, at the sound of 
the famous ranger's well-known voice ; " we are friends." 

" Friends or enemies," growled the veteran, " you ought 
to be cut to pieces for doing such poor shooting." 

They were soon after met by another stjuad, bearing 
orders for them to repair to Fort Edward, which they 
accordingly did. 

General Abercrombio with the main army arrived at 
that post on the 28th of July ; or at least the head of it 
did, for it is said that the army and its trains covered a 
distance of seventeen miles. Those who have seen far 
larger armies covering far less space, must remember that 
in these days nearly all the heavy baggage goes by railway, 
while then everything must be carried in wagons over fear- 
ful forest-roads, which caused innumerable intervals in the 
long-extended trains. 

The army which then collected at Fort Edward, including 
the division previously led to Lake George by Lord Howe, 
was by far the largest, best disciplined, and best equipped 
which had yet made its appearance in the northern wilds. 
No less than six thousand five hundred regulars, the flower 
of the British army, composed the centre of Abercrombie's 
force. There were the Twenty-seventh, or Enniskillen 
Foot, under Lord Blakeney ; the Forty-fourth, General 
Abercrombie's own regiment ; the Fifty-fifth, Lord Howe's 



regiment ; the Forty-sixth Regiment, Lieutenant-General 
Thomas Murray; the Eightieth, under Colonel Thomas 
Gage ; two battalions of the Sixtieth, or Royal Americans, 
a corps raised in America but belonging to the regular 
British army; and last, not least, with "tartans broad and 
shadowy plumes," were seen the towering forms of the Forty- 
second Highlanders, the far-famed " Black Watch." 

Ten thousand provincial levies were also under arms, on 
the banks of the Hudson and Lake George, enlisted for such 
short terms as necessarily to be deficient in discipline, but 
largely composed and entirely officered by men who had 
seen one or more campaigns before, and almost as good as 
regulars in the vicissitudes of forest warfare. They com- 
prised, among others, a New York regiment under Colonel 
Oliver De Lancey (afterwards one of the proprietors of 
Salem), two New Jersey regiments, a Rhode Island regi- 
ment, a Massachusetts regiment, and three Connecticut 
regiments, one commanded by Colonel Eleazer Fitch, an old 
soldier of these wars, one by David Wooster, afterwards a 
general of the Revolutionary army, and one by the oflicer 
often mentioned before, General Phineas Lyman. There 
were other regiments the names of which we cannot give, 
though Rogers' New Hampshire rangers formed one impor- 
tant corps. There were also five hundred Iroquois warriors, 
even more lightly clad than the Highlanders, under the 
command of burly, energetic Sir William Johnson, who 
seems to have been assigned to a rather insignificant 
position, considering his reputation as the conqueror of 
Dieskau. 

General James Abercrombie, now commander-in-chief of 
the British troops in North America, and in immediate 
command of the forces at Fort Edward, was perhaps the 
best man whom Pitt was able to find for that important 
post among the higher officers of the British army, which 
shows what a dearth of good soldiers there was in that 
class of ofiicers. He was probably better than Loudon or 
Webb or Braddock, but he showed very few of the quali- 
ties of a good general. 

The favorite of both English and Americans, and, in 
common phrase, " the soul of the army," though only a 
brigadier-general, was the young Viscount Howe, the 
second in command. His zeal, energy, and courage were 
undeniable, and these, combined with his affable manners 
and soldierlike appearance, caused nearly every one to form 
the highest expectations of his success ; but he had little 
experience, and his untimely death prevented his qualities 
as a commander from passing through the crucial test of 
actual battle. Only thirty-two years of age, tall and fair, 
his luxuriant hair cropped short as an example to Ids offi- 
cers of what the forest required, his dress of the roughest 
materials, for the same rea.son, his table-furniture reduced 
from the gorgeous appointments of a British general to a 
knife and fork and tin plate, he moved with smiling face 
among his men, awakening the most ardent enthusiasm, 
especially among the Americans, accustomed to far different 
treatment from the haughty oflScials of the mother couiitiy. 

Among others destined to become prominent in the his- 
tory of the country was Charles Lee, then a rude and 
brawling captain of infantry, " full of strange oaths," and 
a great many of them, and earning as much dislike by his 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



29 



swaggering behavior as he gained of admiration by his 
reckless valor. As different from him as could well be 
imagined was young Major Philip Schuyler, still a gay and 
gracious youth, admirably skilled in all the details of busi- 
ness, and the right-hand man of Quartermaster-General 
Bradstroet in the important task of keeping the army sup- 
plied with the necessaries of war. 

There, too, was Colonel Thomas Gage, a burly, stolid 
officer of the Braddock type, afterwards a lieutenant-general 
and commander-in-chief of the British forces in America, 
whose blundering tyranny hastened the hesitating footsteps 
of revolution in 1775, but who was otherwise of little con- 
sequence in the eye of history. Another soldier, destined 
to less lofly but more honorable prominence, was Colonel 
David Wooster, of Connecticut, a valiant major-general in 
the army of the Revolution, who received his death-wound 
in the cause of freedom. Another was William Franklin, son 
of the great philosopher, then a young officer of twenty- 
six, but afterwards governor of New Jersey, and as promi- 
nent in the ranks of Toryism as the mere name of the 
great patriot leader could make him. Another was Captain 
Guy Johnson, a nephew of Sir William, a dark, stern young 
man, destined to be known in the Revolution as a bitter 
royalist, and a skillful organizer of savages in their work 
of murder ; and still another was Philip Skene, an enter- 
prising Scotch captain in the Enniskillen regiment, whose 
name was to be more intimately associated than that of any 
other man with the early history of Wa,shinglon county. 
Of Sir William Johnson, Lyman, Rogers, Putnam, and 
Stark, such frequent mention has been made that it is need- 
less to speak of them further here. 

On Sunday, the 5th of July, the whole army embarked 
on Lake George, proceeded to Sabbath-Day point, which 
then first received that name, and the next day continued 
their course to the vicinity of Ticonderoga. Of all the 
splendid armaments that have swept over the classic waters 
of St. Sacrament, and along the northeastern border of our 
county, this was the largest and most brilliant, and has 
been again and again described in the most glowing terms. 

From the highlands of Fort Ann, Dresden, and Putnam 
might have been seen the whole vast array of nine hundred 
bateaux, two hundred canoes, and numerous rafts laden with 
the artillery and supplies, the most conspicuous objects being 
two huge floating castles, each provided with two mounted 
cannon, to protect, if necessary, the landing of the army. 
In the forenoon of the 7th, however, the army landed 
without opposition on the western shore of the lake, aud 
began their march through the tangled forest towards the 
French stronghold. 

Then for several days the little garrisons left at Forts 
Edward and William Henry waited with the mo.st intense 
anxiety for news from their brethren in the field. The 
very first dispatch was ominous of some direful disaster, for 
it told that the gallant and generous Howe had been shot 
dead in a trivial skirmish, within a few hours after the 
landing. Two days later a swift-galloping expressman rode 
into Fort Edward with the terrible news that the whole 
army had been defeated, with fearful loss, in a great battle 
on the 8th of July. Englishmen and Americans could 
hardly believe the dreadful story, but it was all too soon 



confirmed. Flung with blundering bolt-headedness against 
a rude intrenchment protected by abatis, and defended by 
only three thousand Frenchmen and Canadians, under the 
fiery Montcalm, the sixteen thousand British and Ameri- 
cans wore out the long, hot summer afternoon in hopeless 
attacks, and retreated at night with the loss of two thou- 
sand men, while that of the enemy barely reached three 
hundred. 

Back over the lake came the beaten army, still numbering 
twelve thousand fighting-men, but demoralized and hope- 
less, and full of bitterness against the commander who, 
without sharing their danger, without seeking any aid from 
military skill, had subjected them to such feaiful loss. The 
main army was encamped around Fort William Henry, but 
the wounded were sent to Fort Edward, and some to Al- 
bany. Among the wounded were Captain Lee and Captain 
Skene, and Major Duncan Campbell of the gallant ' Black 
Watch." The hurt of the latter was mortal, and he died 
at Fort Edward on the 17th of July, and the rude slab of 
red sandstone which marks his grave is the oldest tomb- 
stone in Washington county. The remains of the gallant 
Howe were borne to Fort Edward in charge of his admir- 
ing friend. Major Schuyler, and sent thence to Albany, 
where they still rest beneath the Episcopal church of St. 
Peter. 

The energetic Colonel Bradstreet obtained permission 
from Abercrombie to try to counteract a part of the effect 
of the late defeat, and with the aid of Major Schuyler or- 
ganized a small force out of the demoralized army, obtained 
reinforcements elsewhere, hastened to Oswego and thence 
across Lake Ontario, and captured Fort Frontenac on the 
site of Kingston, with an immense quantity of stores. 
The " Sexagenary" relates that the colonel called the im- 
pressed teamsters together at Fort Edward, thanked them 
for their services in the late campaign, and informed them 
that he should want their aid on the Frontenac expe- 
dition. But the men were not at all anxious for that 
honor. As there was no hope of escaping along the main 
road with their wagons, most of them drove into the pine- 
bushes near the fort, unhitched their horses, abandoned 
their wagons, and each rode off one horse and led another 
through by-paths to the settlements, whence they speedily 
made their way to their respective homes. 

Meanwhile the main army began erecting extensive forti- 
fications at the head of Lake George, and the old war of 
predatory excursions between the French and English 
recommenced. On the 30th of July, St. Luc la Come, 
with a large body of Canadians, destroyed a train between 
Ford Edward and Lake George, taking a hundred and ten 
scalps and eighty-four prisoners. Majors Putnam and 
Rogers were, almost as a matter of course, selected to pur- 
sue the maraudei-s. With five hundred men they made 
their way as rapidly as possible to the head of South bay, 
but were too late to intercept La Corue, who escaped in 
safety to Ticonderoga. 

The rangers then divided, Rogers, with half of them, 
going over on to Wood creek, and Putnam, with the 
other half, scouting along South bay. Ere long they 
learned that the indef\itigable Marin (or " Mulang," as 
Putnam would call him) was in the vicinity with five 



30 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



hundred French and Indians. Tliey reunited their forces, 
and began retiring towards Fort Edward, in order, if prac- 
ticable, to intercept his movements. The rangers now moved 
in three cohimns, commanded respectively by Rogers, Put- 
nam, and Captain Dalzell. Rogers, it will be remembered, 
was the senior major, and was therefore in command of the 
whole force when united. 

The evening of the first day after the reunion (August 
7) they camped on Clear river, a branch of Wood creek, 
in the present town of Fort Ann, and about a mile west 
of the fort. The next morning, according to Putnam's 
statement, Rogers and an English officer, who was with 
the command, amused themselves by firing at a mark. 
One might ascribe this accusation of such strange miscon- 
duct to jealousy on the part of Putnam, were it not known 
that Rogers, with all his skill, was sometimes careless, and 
that he had previously been surprised near Ticonderoga, 
and his party entirely cut to pieces. 

Marin, at this time, was only a mile and a half distant, 
and he proceeded at once to arrange an ambuscade for the 
unwary rangers. Putnam evidently attributed this action 
to the French leader's having heard the firing of guns by 
Rogers and his friend, though it is quite likely that the 
lynx-eyed Marin had obtained a perfect knowledge from 
his own scouts of his enemy's location and course. 

After their rough breakfast the rangers moved forward ; 
Putnam in front, Dalzt'il in the centre, and Rogers in the 
rear. For a while their course lay over ground from which 
many of the large trees had been cut off in previous wars, 
for use at Fort Ann or on the military road, and on which 
a thick undergrowth had sprung up in their place. The 
mod(irn practice of covering the front of a scouting-party 
with a line of skirmishers does not seem to have been in 
use at that period; at least it is nowhere mentioned in the 
accounts given by the actors. 

About seven o'clock in the morning, just as the head of 
Putnam's party was on the point of emerging from the 
thicket just mentioned into the more open forest, a tre- 
mendous yell — five hundred war-whoops concentrated into 
one — burst forth close on their right or western flank. At 
the same instant, five hundred warriors, with the terrible 
Marin at their head, rose up among the bushes and fired a 
volley, and then dashed, tomahawk in hand, upon the 
astonished rangers. But, though astonished, they were not 
di.smayed. There were no complicated manoeuvres to go 
through ; instinctively every man, officers included, faced to 
the right, fired his fusee at the yelling crowd, and then 
sprang to the shelter of tree or stump and began to reload. 
The assailants were checked by the volley, and themselves 
sought similar shelter. 

Dalzell hurried forward and joined Putnam, but Rogers, 
understanding the situation, bore to the right with nearly 
two hundred men and fell upon the enemy's rear. Put- 
nam's biographers, deriving their accounts indirectly from 
him, carry the idea that Rogers neglected to support his 
comrade, because he did not hurry forward with Dalzell ; 
but the whole story of the fight, even on Putnam's show- 
ing, makes it plain that Rogers was soon engaged and con- 
tinued so to the end. Both these eminent partisans were 
men of extraordinary courage ; but, as in the case of many 



other brave soldiers, there seems to have been (at least 
afterwards, if not then) a good deal of jealousy between 
them, and this was doubtless intensified by the fact that 
they took opposite sides in the American Revolution. Tiie 
accounts of Rogers are also hardly just towards Putnam. 

In a short time all were engaged on both sides, and there 
ensued one of those fierce bush-fights so common on the 
frontier, in which every tree sheltered a fighter, and in 
which the whole business of both officers and men was to 
fire as often and as straight as possible, and at the same 
time shield themselves from the bullets of the enemy to the 
best of their ability. While Putnam was thus fighting, a 
powerful Indian warrior sprang towards him, tomahawk in 
hand. The major placed his musket against the very breast 
of the savage and pulled the trigger, but the treacherous 
flint-lock missed fire, and the red man's uplifted tomahawk 
compelled a surrender. Hurrying his captive to the rear 
of the French lines, he bound him securely to a tree, and 
again plunged into the contest. 

Still the battle continued to rage. French and Indians 
occasionally came to the rear, and from these Putnam had 
more to fear than from the fighters. A young warrior 
amused himself for a while by throwing his tomahawk as 
close as possible to the prisoner's head without hitting him; 
chuckling with delight when he saw the gallant ranger in- 
voluntarily flinch, as the keen weapon quivered in the tree 
within a half-inch of his skull. Scarcely had this tormentor 
left, when a Frenchman came up who had no patience to 
indulge in these refinements of torture. Leveling his mus- 
ket at the captive, he endeavored to murder him at once ; 
but his weapon missed fire, as Putnam's had done before, 
so that the latter owed both his captivity, on the one hand, 
and his life, on the other, to the inefficiency of the flint- 
lock musket. Failing in his attempt, the ruflian thrust his 
musket against the breast of the prisoner, struck him a 
severe blow with the butt, and then left him. 

And still the combat went on, amid Indian whoops, 
French vivas, and English cheers, amid the crackling of 
musketry, the groans of dying njcn, the dull crash of the 
tomahawk into the skull of some unfortunate victim, and 
the terrific yell of the conqueror as he tore the bloody scalp 
from the head of his foeman's corpse. Once the rangers 
fell back, but they soon rallied, and drove back the enemy 
beyond the place where Putnam was bound. The position 
of the latter was now more perilous than ever; several bul- 
lets struck the tree to which he was fastened, and some of 
them pierced his coat, though without inflicting a wound. 
Then once more the French lino pushed forward in front 
of the prisoner. 

At length, after about an hour of harder fighting than is 
seen in many a pitched battle, in which the French and 
their allies had ninety men killed and wounded, Marin or- 
dered a retreat, leaving the Americans in possession of the 
ground, but taking Putnam and the other prisoners along. 
Either Marin did not know the rank of the latter, or did 
not care to interfere with the Indians in favor of an enemy 
from whom he had suffered so much, so long as they did 
not slay him. At all events, his shoes and stockings were 
taken oft", and he was compelled to toil ail day under the 
packs of several Indians which were loaded on his back. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUxVTY, NEW TORK 



31 



But this was only a foretaste. Camping at night near 
South bay, the Indians prepared to oxeeute the direst ven- 
geance of which savage warfare is capable on the hated 
leader of the rangers. They were camped at some little 
distance from their French allies, and evidently did not ex- 
pect to be disturbed. They stripped the major naked, tied 
him to a tree, and piled a mass of brush and small limbs 
around his feet. To these they applied a brand of fire, but 
ere the flames were well under way a light shower extin- 
guished them. This, however, soon pa.ssed off, and again 
the torch wa.s applied. The bush caught fire and began to 
blaze and crackle around the unhappy Putnam, who saw no 
hope of escape from a horrible death, and around whom the 
savages now began dancing, singing, and yelling with every 
demonstration of demoniac glee. 

But suddenly, and before any serious injury had been 
inflicted, Marin, who had heard what was going on, 
dashed into the circle of yelling monsters, scattered the 
blazing brands, cut the withes which bound the prisoner, 
and took him under his own protection. He and the other 
prisoners were then taken to Ticonderoga, and thence to 
Montreal, where Major Putnam was exchanged the follow- 
ing winter. After the battle, Rogers and his men returned 
without further adventure to Fort Edward. 

On the 4th of October, General Jeffrey Amherst, the 
conqueror of Louisburg, arrived at Fort Edward, bringing 
with him four regiments and a battalion of Royal Ameri- 
cans, with which he had hastened by forced marches to the 
aid of Abercrombie on hearing of the disaster of Ticon- 
deroga. On the 3d of November orders were received 
from England recalling the inefficient Abercrombie and 
appointing General Amherst commander-in-chief. But it 
was then too late for active operations, and the greater part 
of the army retired into winter-quarters at Albany, and at 
other points still farther south. Eight hundred men were 
left in garrison at the head of Lake George, and fifteen , 
hundred at Fort Edward. To the latter place were brought 
nearly all the stores which had previously been kept at 
Lake George. 

The new commander-in-chief was the best which Britain 
had yet seen fit to vouchsafe to America, — brave, zealous, 
and energetic, but by no means a great soldier. He was 
then forty-one years old, had been successful at Louisburg 
and other points, and was almost the last hope of the 
English and Americans. During the forepart of the win- 
ter he remained at Fort Edward and vicinity, making the 
necessary arrangements for the events of the next year. 
By the 1st of January, 1759, he had completed his task, 
and desired to go to Albany and New York. As commu- 
nication through the snow-bound forests was extremely 
difficult, it is related that the general, with a few officers 
and men, set forth on foot, and probably on snow-shoes, 
and made the whole journey to New York in that manner; 
a fact which at least attests his physical hardihood. 

In the spring of 1759 the obstinate English and Amer- 
icans once more mustered their forces for the capture of 
Canada. Once more the red-coated Britons, the plaided 
Highlanders, the painted Iroquois, and the provincials in 
their motley garb, came crowding up the Hudson to Fort 
Edward, and preparing for another advance along the path 



on which they had been repulsed so oft before. From the 
first to the middle of June, General Amherst's headquar- 
ters were at Fort Edward. Regiments were constantly 
arriving from the south ; others were departing for Lake 
George ; others were perfecting themselves in military dis- 
cipline. Scores of settlers were encamped in the centre of 
the army, and a grand market was kept there for the sale 
of everything that officers and soldiers might desire. 

The army was not as large as that of the year before, 
consisting of six battalions of regulars, numbering nearly 
six thousand men, and nine regiments of provincials, 
containing about the same number. About the 20th of 
June, the general-in-chief, with the main body of the 
army, moved up to Lake George, only a small garrison 
remaining at Fort Edward. It was not, however, till after 
the 20th of July that the invaders passed down the lake. 

During the remainder of the year very little of especial 
interest took place in the territory of Washington county. 
Hardly even a French or Indian scouting-party relieved 
the monotony of garrison life ; for eveiy man that could 
possibly be spared had been taken by Montcalm to defend 
Quebec against the advancing columns of Wolfe, leaving 
only twenty-three hundred men at Ticonderoga to meet 
the army of Amherst. These retreated before that army, 
yielding up both Ticonderoga and Crown Point, which had 
so long been the terror of our northern frontier. But 
Amherst showed that he was not a great soldier by neglect- 
ing to press on to the aid of Wolfe ; and it was only by a 
series of fortunate accidents that that gallant soldier was 
able to achieve the victory which cost him his life. In the 
autumn Amherst once more went down the Hudson into 
winter-quarters, leaving the usual garrison at Fort Edward. 

Although the capture of Quebec had filled all England 
and America with the joyful belief in the ultimate capture 
of Canada, yet the latter event was by no means entirely 
certain, and in the spring of 17G0 no less than three armies 
were mustered for the purpose of striking the final blow. 
This time, however, for some unexplained reason, General 
Amherst led the main body by way of Oswego down the 
Saint Lawrence, while Colonel Haviland, with a compara- 
tively small force, took the old war-path through Washing- 
ton county. General JIurray at the same time moved up 
from Quebec with the army formerly commanded by Wolfe. 
All three commands met, without serious resistance, before 
the walls of Montreal, when the helpless governor-general 
surrendered that last stronghold of France, and with it the 
whole of Canada. The great contest was at length ended, 
— that is, the fighting was ended, — but the formal treaty of 
peace was not signed until the spring of 1763. 

General Amherst, having been in command of the vic- 
torious army at the closing scene, of course received the 
praise always given to successful soldiers. He became a 
baronet, and was known thenceforth as Sir Jeffrey Am- 
herst, and still later received the higher title of Lord Am- 
herst. But it has been truly said that if Wolfe had been 
such a soldier as Amherst the Gibraltar of America would 
not have been captured, and History has justly flung her 
laurels on the corpse of the hero of Quebec rather than 
bind with them the brow of the cautious and successful 
commander-in-chief. 



32 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTOX COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



With the return of a portion of the triumphant army, 
by way of the lakes and the Hudson, Washington county 
ceased to be a war-path for nearly fifteen years. Even in 
the spring of 1760, before the final capture, men were so 
sure that Crown Point and Ticonderoga would never again 
be the headquarters whence gangs of bloodthirsty savages 
would ravage the frontier, that a few farmers returned to 
some of the deserted, brush-grown fields around old Fort 
Saraghtoga, and began to prepare them once more for culti- 
vation. When the news came that all Canada had suc- 
cumbed to British power hundreds turned their attention 
to the fertile valleys and heavily-timbered hillsides of the 
old Mohican hunting-ground, and many a young soldier 
determined to subdue with ase and plow a portion of the 
territory he had so often traversed with knapsack and 
musket. 



CHAPTER X. 

FEOM THE FRENCH ■WAR TO THE REVOLUTION. 

New Beginnings of Settlement — Salem, Carahriilgc, and Skencs- 
borough — Progress in 1702 — Anaquassacook Patent — Kingsbury 
Township — Grant to the Cliildren of Csiptain Campbell — Skene 
returns from the West Indies— The Treaty of Peace— Land of- 
fered to Ex-Offieers and Soldiers — Amounts given to diflcrent 
Grades— Turner's Patent— Bribing the Officials— " White Creek" 
—The Argyle Patent— Provincial and Artillery Patents— The rest 
of the County— The Uighlanders— Dr. Clark and his Colony— 
Skcnesborough Patent and Township — The New Hampshire Grants 
— Sketch of the Controversy — Governor Wentworth's First Grant 
— The Dispute referred to Great Britain— Secret Grants by Went- 
wortli — The Discovery by New York — Proclamations and Counter- 
Proclamations — Decision in favor of New York — Beginning of the 
Riots — First Settlement in Argyle — Project for tive new Counties 
— Continuation of the Quarrel — Nature of Land Grants — First 
Church in the County— Settlement of Fort Miller— Captain William 
Ducr— The First Grist-Mill— Rapid Settlement- Skene's Koad— 
Albert Baker — Project of a new Province — Settlement by High- 
landers — Increased Resistance to New York — Simple Method of 
Conveying Land — Settlement at Ash Grove — Township of Argyle 
Organized- The E.xpulsion of Donald Mclntyre— Mobbing of 
Charles Hutchinson — Futile Proceedings — Organization of Char- 
lotte County — Cambridge ami Saratoga Districts — First Legisla- 
tive Act — Skene's Efforts — Colonel Schuyler made First Judge — 
Other Officers — Courts created at Fort Edward— First Court — Con- 
tinuation of the Hampshire Grant Troubles — Rev. Harry Monro — 
Approach of the Revolution— Strong English Inflnencc— Dr. Wil- 
liams—A Stormy Court — Crime Rampant — An Undaunted Judge 
-The End of the King's Rule. 

The year 17G1 saw no less than three distinct begin- 
nings, looking toward settlement, made within the territory 
of Washington county, besides the reopening of the old 
fields on the Hudson. In the spring James Turner and 
Alexander Conkey, of Pelham, Mass., visited the flats 
where Salem village now stands, and selected that locality 
as the place for their future residence. It is not certain 
whether they made any clearing that year or not, but from 
the language in which the facts are described it would be 
inferred that they did not. 

The same year, on the 21st of July, the governor and 
council of New York granted a patent for thirty-five thou- 
sand five hundred acres, situated north of the Hoosic 
patent, and comprising the central part of the present 



towns of Cambridge and White Creek, under the name of 
Cambridge patent. The patentees were Edmund Wells, 
Isaac Sawyer, Jacob Lansing, William Smith, Alexander 
Colden, Goldsborow Banyar, and others. The three per- 
sons last named were officials connected with the colonial 
government, who, in accordance with the morals of that 
day, which were certainly as bad as they have ever been 
since, blackmailed all would-be grantees of land, and com- 
pelled them to allow the officials a large share in their 
grants. Very soon afterwards the proprietors made a 
public offisr to give a hundred acres to each of the first 
thirty families who would settle in the new township, and, 
according to the record, some of the families who accepted 
the offer moved on to the land the same year. This was 
the customary way of settling a new county in those days ; 
that is, the land was granted in large tracts, and then the 
owners persuaded somebody else to do the work on it. 
Common people were hardly supposed to know enough to 
move into the wilderness and clear up a farm without 
somebody to tell them where to go. 

During the same season Philip Skene, whom we have 
seen leading a company of the Enniskillen Regiment, and 
wounded at the a.ssault on Ticonderoga, made a settlement 
at the head of Lake Champlain, where the village of White- 
hall now stands. He located thirty families there, all being 
in his employment, and began with great zeal the work of 
iiuprovenient. He was still an officer in the army, and had 
received the staff-appointment of brigade-major, from which 
he was called Major Skene, though his rank in the line was 
still that of captain. He had not yet obtained a title to 
the land on which he was settling, but is said to have been 
acting under the advice of General Amherst, and doubtless 
felt that there would be no difEculty in procuring a title 
if aided by that powerful patronage. Soon afterwards. 
Major Skene went to Cuba with the British forces sent 
there, where he distinguished himself in the attack on 
Jloro castle. 

Earlj' in the spring of 1702, Turner and Conkey returned 
to the place they had selected the year before, accomj)anied 
by Hamilton McCoilister, and the three built a cabin where 
the Ondawa House, in Salem, now stands. Each selected 
a form in the vicinity, and vigorously began clearing it oft'. 
Here, as elsewhere on the level ground of Washington 
county, the early settlers found but little jungle or under- 
brush, save where the forest had previously been cut down 
for the u.se of an army. Gigantic oaks, elms, beeches, and 
maples, at a great distance apart, rose from the fertile soil 
in which their roots had been imbedded for centuries, 
while the knolls and sometimes the plains were shaded by 
lofty, dark, and fragrant pines. 

This section of country had long been the hunting- 
ground of the feeble remnant of the Mohicans, the con- 
quered tributaries of the mighty Iroquois, and they had 
been in the habit of burning over the ground every au- 
tumn, so that grass would spring up on which their game 
could feed. This, of course, destroyed the small brush and 
left the large trees more ample room for growth. 

On the 11th of May, 17C2, the "Anaquassacook" 
patent of ten thousand acres was granted by the governor 
and council to four Schcrmerhorns, three Quackenbosses, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



33 



two Smiths, and one Jansen, all of Schenectady. The 
tract was situated in the present towns of Jackson and 
White Creek, and settlement was soon after commenced 
upon it. 

On the same day a tract of twenty-six thousand acres 
was granted by patent to James Bradshaw and twenty-two 
others, of Connecticut. The instrument which conveyed 
the land also incorporated the tract as a township by the 
name of Kingsbury, giving the inhabitants the right to 
elect supervisors, assessors, and a few other officers. 

The old township organization was by no means as com- 
plete as that of a modern town, yet it corresponded to it in 
some degree. "Township" or "district" was the usual ap- 
pellation applied by law to these organizations, but they 
were also sometimes called " towns." They were usually 
created by patent from the governor and council, but when 
once formed their privileges could not be annulled nor 
changed, except by an act of the Legislature. Sometimes 
these municipal privileges were conferred by the same 
patent which granted the lands, as in the case of Kings- 
bury ; but oftener the township or district was organized 
at a later date. By a law of 1 703, each " town" was al- 
lowed to elect a supervisor, two assessors, and a collector, 
on such days as should be designated in their charters or 
patents ; and supervisors were directed to meet at the 
county-town each year to examine accounts, proportion 
charges among the towns, etc. Inhabitants not included 
in an organized township might unite with an adjoining 
one until they were themselves organized. The township 
of Kingsbury was the first one incorporated in the territory 
of Washington county, and as town.ship, district, or town 
it has ever since retained the same name and boundaries as 
were first given it. 

In January, 1763, Donald, George, and James Campbell, 
sons of Laughlin Campbell, whose unfortunate attempt to 
settle in this county has been before narrated, presented a 
petition asking for a grant of a hundred thousand acres be- 
tween the Batten Kill and Wood creek. It is difficult to 
account for the extreme exorbitance of this request, though 
it has been suggested that the Campbells intended, or 
claimed that they intended, to provide for the descendants 
of the colonists who had expected to settle under their 
father's direction. 

The petition was rejected on the ground that the orders 
of the English government positively forbade the granting 
of over a thousand acres to any one person. Nevertheless, 
it was felt that Captain Campbell had been very badly 
treated, and there was a disposition on the part of the 
colonial authorities to give some relief to his children. 
Accordingly, in the autumn of that year, a grant of ten 
thousand acres in the present town of Argyle was made 
to the three brothers before named, their three sisters, and 
four other persons, three of whom were also named Camp- 
bell. 

In this year, also, Major Skene returned from the West 
Indies, bringing with him a number of negro slaves, which 
he had purchased there. He proceeded to Skenesborough, 
but found that half of his thirty families had disappeared, 
many having fallen victims to the insalubrity of the loca- 
tion, and others having becoming discouraged and left. 
5 



The major, however, immediately recommenced the work 
of improvement. 

After over two years of diplomatic man(Euvring, follow- 
ing the close of actual warfare, peace was formally con- 
cluded between England and France in the forepart of 
1763. A large number of British soldiers were conse- 
quently disbanded, and many officers were "reduced ;" that 
is, released from active service, but retained on the army- 
rolls on half-pay. In October a royal proclamation was 
issued, oiFering land in America, without fees, to all such 
officers and soldiers who had served on that continent and 
who wished to become settlers there, and many of them 
naturally turned their eyes towards the ground with which 
they had become so well acquainted during their military 
service. The provincial levies were not included in the 
offer. 

Nothing shows more clearly than this proclamation the 
lofty position of an officer in the British service at that 
time compared with that of a private. A field-officer re- 
ceived four thousand acres ; a captain, three thousand ; 
and a lieutenant, or other subaltern commissioned officer, 
two thousand. From this there was an immense leap down- 
ward ; a non-commissioned officer, whether sergeant or cor- 
poral, receiving two hundred acres. 

Still more remarkable was the distinction made between 
non-commissioned officers and privates; two grades which 
in a regular army are usually considered so near on a level 
as to be equally beneath the notice of a commissioned officer. 
Yet by the proclamation in question, while a corporal was 
to receive two hundred acres a private was only to have fifty ! 
The venerable John McDonald, of Salem, still possesses one 
of the original patents for fifty acres, granted under this 
proclamation to a private soldier, and sold by him to Mr. 
McDonald's grandfather. Fifty acres of wild land, on the 
hillsides of Washington county, was certainly not an ex- 
orbitant reward for seven years' service amid all the dangers 
and horrors of French and Indian warfiire. 

It was not until the spring of 1764 that Turner, Conkey, 
and McCollister, who had been clearing ground on the 
Salem flats in summer time, and residing in Pelham, Mass., 
in winter, finally removed with their families to the former 
locality. They also obtained a patent from the governor 
and council covering the twenty-five thousand acres now 
constituting the greater part of the town of Salem. It was 
granted in the name of twenty-five citizens of Pelham and 
vicinity ; but whether any of the names were fictitious or 
not cannot now be ascertained, though it is probable some 
of them were. 

But what is quite certain is that before the colonists 
could obtain their patent they were obliged to bribe the 
colonial officials with a promise of half the land. Accord- 
ingly, as soon as the document in question was signed, and 
probably before it w;ls delivered, the patentees executed a 
conveyance of an undivided half of their tract to Colonel 
Oliver De Lancey and two other prominent persons con- 
nected with the colonial government. 

Twenty or thirty JIassachusctts (ivmilies proceeded within 
a year or so to occupy the lands in question, calling the 
territory " White Creek," from the stream which ran 
through it, and calling the stream so from the clearness of 



34 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



its waters, as compared with those of " Black creek," which 
came down from the north. 

Learning of the success of Captain Campbell's children 
in obtaining a grant, a large number of the descendants of 
the settlers whom he had brought over from Scotland, with 
a few of the original ones, made application for a similar 
recompense for their hardships and losses. Accordingly, in 
May, 1764, a grant of forty-.soven thousand four hundred 
and fifty acres, comprising the present town of Argyle and 
a small part of Fort Edward and Greenwich, was granted 
to the colonists and their descendants. Of the manner in 
which it was laid off and settled, notice will be found in 
the history of the town of Argyle. 

Although neither the provincial officers nor soldiers were 
included in the royal proclamation, yet by a special grant 
made in May, 1764, a tract of twenty-six thousand acres 
was given to twenty-six commissioned officers of the New 
York infantry, each receiving the same amount without 
regard to rank. The tract was situated in the present town 
of Hartford, and was known as the Provincial patent. 

Another similar patent conveyed twenty-four thousand 
acres, situated in the south part of the present town of 
Fort Ann, to twenty-four commissioned officers of the New 
York artillery. 

The rest of the town — the " Camden tract" in the south 
part of Salem, and the greater part of the present towns 
of Fort Ann, Granville, Hampton, Dresden, and Putnam, 
together with the tilla()le lands on both sides of Lake 
Champlain as far north as Crown Point — was set apart to 
officers and soldiers (principally the latter), under the royal 
proclamation. This exhausted nearly or quite all the 
lands in Washington county aside from the patents before 
mentioned. 

For several years after 1764 settlements were constantly 
being made on these tracts by disbanded soldiers. It is 
noticeable, however, that in every case the settlers were 
Scotch Highlanders, mostly belonging to the Seventy- 
seventh Regiment. We have been unable to learn of a 
single instance in which an English or Irish private soldier 
claimed and settled on his tract of land under the royal 
proclamation. 

Possibly the Scotch may have been, to some extent, 
drawn to this section by the fact that there was already a 
colony of Scotch descent located here. In the spring of 
1765, Dr. Thomas Clark, a Scotchman by birth, but for 
many years the pastor of a congregation of Scottish 
descent in the north of Ireland, came to what is now 
Salem to find a place for the settlement of his people, three 
hundred of whom, disgusted with the persecution they 
had suffiircd at lionie, had followed him to America. Sat- 
isfied with the locality, he proceeded to New York and 
bought that half of " Turner's Patent" which had been 
conveyed to De Laneey and liis friends as a bribe, and 
which with unconscious but most bitter satire was commonly 
called " the gentlemen's tract." Clark's colony, which 
was already at Stillwater, began settling immediately after- 
wards. 

The patentees having conveyed an undivided half to " the 
gentlemen," the whole was divided into lots, and each set 
of owners took their choice successively. Consequently 



the Massachusetts and Scotch colonists lived all inter- 
mingled with each other. They both, however, adhered 
to their own customs, and were desperately determined on 
having their own way. The Massachusetts people had 
named the place White Creek, but the Scotch, or Scotch- 
Irish, were determined it should be called New Perth, in 
honor of the city of Perth in the land from which they 
derived their origin ; and for many years — in fact until 
after the Revolution — the locality was known by both those 
nanie.s. 

Dr. Clark was a man of marked ability, being not 
only a prominent minister but a regularly educated physi- 
cian ; and, there being no one else of the latter profession 
within a long distance, he had a considerable practice for 
many years. He was the first minister and the first phy- 
sician permanently settled in the present county of Wash- 
ington, and a house built for his use in the spring of 1765 
was the first parsonage in the county. 

In the spring of 1765, also, Major Skene obtained a 
grant of twenty-five thousand acres in the present town of 
Whitehall. The usual device was resorted to of associa- 
ting twenty-four other persons with him, whose interest 
was merely nominal, to evade the rule which permitted 
only a thousand acres to be granted to one person. There 
is a tradition that this land was first given to soldiers and 
non-commissioned officers, and was purchased from them by 
Skene, who only obtained the grant to confirm his title ; 
but we are sure this is incorrect. Skene settled there two 
years before the land was offered to the soldiers by royal 
proclamation. There is no evidence that this tract was 
ever set apart to them, and no probability that if Skene 
had once bought them out he would have associated twenty- 
four other persoas with himself in the title which he al- 
ready owned alone. He may have purchased small tracts 
of the soldiers, but not the town.ship. Probably the delay 
in obtaining a patent was occasioned by his resisting the 
blackmailing propensities of the colonial authorities. At 
all events, they obtained no interest in that tract. It was 
formed into a township, by the same patent which granted 
the title, by the name of Skenesborough. 

We have now reached a period when along the eastern 
border of Washington county there began to be a serious 
excitement about the title to the land. This was the 
famous controversy regarding the " New Hampshire grants." 
As this contest will necessarily affect, to some extent, the 
fortunes of Washington county for the succeeding twenty 
years, we will endeavor to give the reader an idea of its 
origin and character, although, as the more exciting events 
of the controversy took place outside the present limits of 
the county, our narrative will be a very brief one. 

Soon after the capture of New Netherland from the 
Dutch, King Charles the Second granted the government of 
the province, under the name of New York, together with 
the title to the ungranted lands therein, to his brother 
James, Duke of York, bounding it on the east by the Con- 
necticut river. On the accession of the duke to the throne 
as James the Second, .the title became vested in the crown, 
but the government established by him was always there- 
after recognized as the legal government of the colony. 

The ea.stern boundary, however, was claimed to conflict 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



35 



with earlier grants to the proprietors of Connecticut and 
Massachusetts, and the rapidly-increasinp: population of 
those colonies was permitted without much resistance by 
New York to occupy the territory up to within about 
twenty miles of the Hudson river. North of the north 
line of Massachusetts, however, no colony was organized 
till the middle of the eighteenth century, and no question 
was raised but that above that line New York extended to 
the Connecticut. But as that part of the colony was a 
mountainous wilderness, terribly open to murderous incur- 
sions from French and Indian foes, no one was anxious 
to ac((uire property there, and no grants were made. 

In 1749, Benning Wentwortli was appointed governor of 
New Hampshire. His couimis.sion directed him to pro- 
ceed to make grants of land for the purpose of settling up 
the country, and also gave the bounds of the territory over 
which he was to rule. The southern boundary was therein 
described as running from a point near Pawtucket Falls, on 
the Merriniac river, due west " till it meets with our other 
governments." The same year Wentwortli wrote to Gov- 
ernor Clinton, of New York, inquiring where his "govern- 
ment" began. The latter replied the next spring that the 
eastern boundary of New York was on the Connecticut 
river. 

Wentworth answered, asking how it was that Massa- 
chusetts and Connecticut went so far west, and stating 
that, previous to receiving Clinton's letter, he had already 
given a grant of a township six miles square, situated on 
the western border of the colony of New Hampshire, as he 
undenstood the lines. This was the famous Bennington, 
which received its designation from the first name of Gov- 
ernor Benning Wentworth. It is pretty evident that that 
official was playing a " grab game," or he would not have 
made his first grant on the disputed ground, at its farther- 
most extremity, passing over the rich lands on the west- 
ern shore of the Connecticut. He evidently thought that 
if he could get possession of the most distant portion of the 
tract, he could more easily seize upon the rest. 

Clinton and his council — all these letters emanated from 
the governors "in council' — explained the condition of 
affairs as regarded Massachusetts and Connecticut, and ex- 
pressed surprise at Wentworth's granting a township before 
hearing heard from them. The latter, in reply, proposed 
that both sides should send representations to the crown, 
and to this New York agreed. " If," wrote Governor 
WentworXh, "it [the grant] falls by his majesty's deter- 
mination within the province of New York, it will be void 
of course." 

The next year (1751) both governments sent representa- 
tions to the " Lords of Trade" in London, who seem to have 
treated them with the usual indifi"erence and tardiness of 
our aristocratic masters regarding the vital interests com- 
mitted to their charge. A prompt decision of the question, 
which was an exceedingly plain one, would have prevented 
twenty years of disturbance, riot, and bloodshed. But the 
Lords of Trade and the privy council delayed their decision 
until 1754, when the breaking out of the French war gave 
them an excuse for neglecting entirely all matters not im- 
mediately connected with the war. 

Meanwhile, sly old Governor Wentworth continued to 



grant land in the di.sputcd territory without the knowledge 
of the New York authorities, and in spite of the arrange- 
ment by which it had been agreed that the dispute should 
be referred to England. The object of this disreputable 
conduct was undoubtedly to get the fees, while the lands 
were bought by speculators for a trifling price, which they 
were willing to risk losing in order to have a chance of 
making a great profit if New Hampshire should get the 
territory. 

Eighteen grants were thus made by New Hampshire 
before the French war, but from 1754 to 17G0 none were 
made, nor were any proceedings taken by either party. In 
1761, Governor Wentworth again began making grants, 
and in three years issued a hundred and eleven patents. 
He only claimed that the authority of New Hampshire ex- 
tended as far west as that of Massachusetts, or withiu 
twenty miles of the Hudson river. But in fact the grants 
were surveyed out so as to run within seventeen or eighteen 
miles of the Hudson. 

The New York authorities do not appear to have found 
out what was going on until 1763. In that year they re- 
ceived instructions to i.ssue patents to officers and soldiere, 
as before mentioned, and on looking around for land, dis- 
covered that Wentworth had been making numerous grants 
in spite of the agreement to refer the whole matter to the 
crown. In December of that year acting Governor Colden 
issued a proclamation warning every one that the title of 
New York extended to the Connecticut river, and enjoining 
the sheriff of Albany county, and other officers, to return 
the names of all who might take possession of land in the 
disputed territory, under New Hampshire, in order that 
they might be proceeded against by law. 

In March, 1764, Governor Wentworth came out with a 
proclamation, declaring that nothing was more evident than 
that New Hampshire extended as far west as Massachu- 
setts ; that the patent to the Duke of York was obsolete, 
and that grantees under New Hampshire might safely go 
on and settle their lands. But in the mean time New York 
had been urging the dilatory authorities of England into 
action, and in July, 1764, an order was issued by the king 
in council declaring that New York extended to the Con- 
necticut river, and that no grants west of that stream should 
be made by New Hampshire. In a legal point of view this 
was unquestionably correct. New Hampshire had never 
had any real claim, nor even a plausible pretext for one. 

Up to this time there had been no rioting. What few 
of the New Hampshire grantees had settled on their lands 
had held them peaceably, and so had a few New Yorkers, 
whose po.ssessions extended east of the sclf-cstabiished 
boundary of the New Hampshire men. But the next 
month a New Yorker was forcibly driven from the eastern 
part of the Hoosick patent by New Hampshire men, and 
thenceforward collisions were common all along the eastern 
border of what now constitutes Washington county, but 
mostly ju.st east of the present line. 

We have given an outline of the origin of the difficulty 
between New York and New Hampshire, and will now pro- 
ceed with the history of Washington county, noticing the 
various disturbances as they occurred. The New York 
officials offered to convey to the New Hampshire grantees 



36 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



wliat they had received from Governor Wentworth on pay- 
ment of the regular fees ; the latter refused, and petitioned 
the crown, wlio directed the authorities of New York not 
to issue any more grants until further orders. 

In 17C5 the first settlonient was made in Argyle, by some 
of the Scotchmen who had received grants there. 

It will be remembered that all this while the whole of 
the territory of northern New York, including the disputed 
territory now constituting Vermont, was nominally a part 
of the county of Albany. In October, 1763, Captain (after- 
wards General) David Wooster and others petitioned for the 
formation of five new counties from Albany. Two were to 
be east of the Green mountains. The third was to run from 
the .summit of the Green mountains " as far west as the 
government might think proper," having for its southern 
boundary the north line of Massachusetts, the Mohawk 
river, and a line connecting the mouth of that river with 
the northwest corner of that State ; while the northern 
boundary was to be an east and west line, cros.sing the 
Hudson at Fort Miller. The fourth county was to lie 
directly north of the foregoing, its northern boundary being 
an cast and west line running through the north end of Lake 
George ; the fifth was to extend to Canada. The project 
was, however, rejected by the New York government. 

During the year 176C a wordy conflict raged between 
the New Hampshire grantees and the New York authori- 
ties. The former declared that the latter refused to con- 
firm their grants except on the payment of exorbitant fees, 
and from what we know of the conduct of tjiose authorities, 
and the bribes they had exacted from their own people, 
there is little doubt that the charge is correct. 

It should be understood that the lands granted by colo- 
nial governments of that era were not sold outright, and no 
cash payment was required except the fees to the ofiieials. 
The grantees were in effect given a perpetual lease, and an 
annual quitrent was reserved to the crown. This quit- 
rent varied greatly. In the case of the Rev. Godfredius 
Diliius it was to be one raccoon-skin a year for several thou- 
sand square miles. But at the period we are now consid- 
ering the yearly quitrent was fixed at two shillings six- 
pence sterling for every hundred acres in the province of 
New York, but only about ninepence sterling in New 
Hampshire. The fees for a grant of a thousand acres were 
as follows: to the governor, §31.25; to the secretary of 
state, $10; to the clerk of the council, $10 to $15; 
to the receiver- geperal, $14.37; to the attorney-general, 
$7.50 ; making a total of about $75 besides the cost 
of survey. This does not look like a very large amount 
for a thousand acres of land, but money was scarce and land 
was plenty, and there were probably thousands of substan- 
tial citizens who would have been utterly unable to raise 
the amount in question. 

During this year the first church was built in the present 
county of Washington. So far as known it was the first 
one north of Albany. It was erected by Dr. Clark's colony 
at Salem. The material consisted of small logs, such as 
could bo brought by hand, there being then no teams in the 
settlement, according to the tradition among the descend- 
ants of the colonists. The logs were laid upon each other, 
and notched together at the corners in the most approved 



style of that kind of architecture ; the crevices being well 
filled with clay. The earth constituted the floor, while the 
roof was composed of black-ash bark, peeled oflf, laid upon 
the gi-ound and flattened with stones while drying. The 
seats were made of split logs laid upon blocks. This prim- 
itive temple of religion was forty feet long, and was the 
largest building in the county, except perhaps the barracks 
at Fort Edward. A school-house, also supposed to be the 
first in the county, was built at Salem the same year, out 
of similar materials and of like architecture. 

In this year (1766), also, the first settlement was made 
at the present village of Fort Miller, which derived its 
name from the old fortified store-houses on the other side of 
the Hudson. The pioneer here was Captain William Duer, 
a gallant young oflicer of the British army, who had served 
on the staff' of Ciive, the conqueror of India, but had de- 
termined to make his home in America, and had selected 
the locality just mentioned as the place for founding a colony. 
He married a daughter of Mr. Alexander, of New York, 
who claimed to be the rightful heir of a Scottish earldom, 
and was commonly known as Lord Stirling. Mrs. Ducr was 
generally known as "Lady Katy,' and a very high-toned 
establishment was kept up for several years, almost within 
the shadow of the primeval forest. 

Meanwhile, owing perhaps to the fact that two colonies 
were at woi'k settling the territory now known as Salem, that 
district filled up with residents faster than any other in the 
county. But both colonies adhered with true Scotch and 
New England obstinacy to their own appellation, and neither 
" White Creek" nor " New Perth" was acknowledged by more 
than half the population. The first grist-mill in the county, 
subsequent to the French war, was built in 1767, by a Scotch- 
man, named Bail, on Black creek, about a mile above 
Fitch's point. It had but one run, of small stone, and did 
very inferior work, but was resorted to for more than a score 
of miles around by the settlers, who now began to build 
their cabins in numerous localities on the various patents 
which have already been named. 

Settlement had so long been retarded by the fear of 
French and Indian enemies, that when the restraint was 
finally withdrawn pioneers rushed in with great rapidity, 
and very few counties in the State have been settled more 
rapidly than was Washington county between the close of 
the French war and the beginning of the Revolution. For 
the details of those settlements we must refer the reader to 
the town-histories ; we can notice here only a few of the 
more important points. 

The enterprising Major Skene continued to' push forward 
his improvements at Skenesborough, and in 1767 had a 
road cut out, at his own expense, from that point through 
the western part of Granville and central portion of Hebron 
to the settlement at White Creek or New Perth. It was 
afterwards extended to Bennington. It was passable only 
for sleighs, which were the vehicles chiefly in use. Not 
only in winter was the ox-sled the principal means of con- 
veyance, but even in summer it was a common thing for a 
settler to hitch his ox-team to a sled, throw on a bag of 
wheat and another of corn, and make his way eight or ten 
miles by that most tedious of methods. A man who owned 
a cart was considered to bo decidedly " forehanded," and 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



37 



one who possessed an actual wagon with four wheels might 
fairly claim to belong to the aristocracy. In 1768, Albert 
Baker made the first settlement in the township of Kings- 
bury, at the point now called Sandy Hill. 

Meanwhile, the troubles on tiie eastern border continued 
to increase. Sir Henry Moore, the governor of New York, 
still refused to confirm the New Hampshire grants without 
the payment of largo fees, as appears by the subsequent 
admissions of Lieutenant-Governor Golden ; the New Eng- 
land farmers who had bought out the original speculators, 
in more or less good faith, and become actual settlers on the 
lands, refused to pay the fees, and resisted with riotous 
force every attempt to put them out of possession. 

At this time there was a project on foot to form a new 
province, comprising the New Hampshire grants and north- 
ern New York, as appears by a petition of some Connec- 
ticut clergymen asking the influence of Sir William John- 
son in favor of a Mr. Partridge as governor of the proposed 
province. But the project was not carried out. 

Meanwhile, a number of the discharged Highland soldiers, 
especially of the Seventy-seventh Regiment, began to settle 
on the eastern border of this county, principally in Hebron, 
on both sides of the line claimed by the New Hampshire 
people. John McDonald, before mentioned, obtained a 
patent for the two hundred acres to which he was entitled 
as a corporal of the Seventy-seventh, returned to Scotland, 
married, remained a few years, and again returned to 
America, where he found that all but thirty acres of his land 
was cut off into Rupert by tiie line claimed by the New 
Hampshire grantees. 

The latter, too, who had previously only sought to obtain 
a confirmation of their titles by the New York authorities, 
without payment of fees, now began to insist on political 
independence of New York, and to refuse to allow persons 
holding under her authority to settle east of the line in 
question (the present ea,st line of Washington county), 
even on land unclaimed by any one else. And this not- 
withstanding the fact that the government of New Hamp- 
shire had acknowledged the title of New York to the land 
in question, and appointed no ofiicers to exercise jurisdiction 
there. The inhabitants were all the while laboring and 
hoping to get back under New Hampshire law, or else to 
become part of a new province. 

In the counties of Cumberland and Gloucester, formed 
from Albany county out of the territory between the Green 
mountains and the Connecticut river, the oificers appointed 
by New York managed to exercise a precarious authority ; 
but about Bennington, and northward along the ea.stern 
line of this county, there was no civil government whatever. 
Rude mobs, headed by Ethan Allen, Remember Baker, 
and other speculators, who had invested in New Hampshire 
grants, drove ofi' New York ofiicers and settlers, and all 
other off'enders went unpunished. 

Many of the Scotch soldiers sold out their grants to 
some of their countrymen. Their mode of conveyancing 
seems to have been very simple. Corporal John and Pri- 
vate Sandy would meet by the roadside or at the village 
ale-house, and after the preliminary greetings the subject 
of their American land would be introduced. Sandy 
would nut think his fifty acres worth crossing the ocean 



for, while the corporal, having two hundred acres, might 
consider it advisable to emigrate if he could purchase 
some additional tracts of his less fortunate comrades. The 
location and value of the land having been thoroughly di.s- 
cussed, and the price after long haggling agreed ujion, the 
ex-corpor.al would draw out his long leather puise and 
count down the amount in the coin of the realm, saying, — 

" There, mon ; there's your siller." 

Then the worthy private would dive into some inner 
pocket and bring forth his parchment patent, signed in the 
name of the king by " Henry Moore, baronet, our captain- 
general and governor-in-chief, in and over our province of 
New York, and the lands depending thereon, in Ameriea, 
chancellor and vice-admiral of the same." This document 
he would promptly hand over to the purchaser in ex- 
change for the money, at the same time saying, — 

" An' there's your land, corporal." 

No other formality, — no tedious drawing of deeds, wit- 
nessing, acknowledging, or recording ; the handing over of 
the patent was supposed to be all that was necessary to 
pass the title. 

Many of the .soldiers not desiring to settle, and being 
unable to sell, their land lay vacant. Squatters often 
settled upon it, and sometimes remained so long in un- 
interrupted possession that they or their heirs or assigns 
became the lawful owners. 

In 1769 or 1770 a colony of Irish Methodi.sts settled 
near Ash Grove, in the present town of Cambridge. The 
leading man among them was Philip Embury, who, though 
an adherent of the Episcopal church, had been favorably 
impressed by the zeal of Wesley, and is generally con- 
sidered the founder of Methodism in America. Soon after 
their arrival the colonists were organized into a Methodist 
church, said to have been the second ever formed on this 
continent ; the first being one also organized by Embury 
in New York city. 

In 1771 the township of Argyle was organized, em- 
bracing the present towns of Argyle and Fort Edward. 
During this year the warfare between the authorities of 
the province of New York, and e.specially of Albany county, 
with the holders of the New Hampshire grants, continued 
with unabated zeal ; the latter having, however, materially 
the advantage, as they held possession of the land, and 
expelled by force all other claimants, while the authorities 
confined themselves mostly to belligerent proclamations and 
futile warrants. It is diflicult to account for the failure of 
the chief officers of New York to enforce their plain legal 
rights, except on the theory that there was something in 
their own conduct which would not bear investigatioi). 

In this year William Tryon became governor of the 
province. In the latter part of Augu.st he sent to Philip 
Skene, John Munro, Patrick Smith, and John MeComb, 
magistrates, living in this part of Albany county, notifying 
them of a riot perpetrated by Robert Cochran and his asso- 
ciates, in driving Donald Mclntyre and others from their 
lands, and requiring those officers to proceed against the 
wrong-doers. But the latter easily found shelter among 
their mountains, and nothing serious was done against 
them. The riot is spoken of as having been " near Argyle 
town." As ucar as can be ascertained it was close to the 



38 



HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOxV COUxNfTY, NEW YORK. 



eastern boundary of Hebron, though it would be difficult 
now to say on which side of the present line it was. 

On Oct. 29, 1771, another serious riot took place, which 
is described in the deposition on which a warrant for the 
offenders was issued by Alexander McNaughton, Esq.. a 
justice of the peace residing in Arsryle. Charles Hutchi- 
son, formerly a corporal in Colonel Jlontgomery's Highland 
regiment, deposed that while at woi'k, on the day above 
mentioned, on a lot of two hundred acres granted by New 
York, " fifteen miles east of the Hud.son and four miles 
north of New Perth," nine men came and began demolish- 
ing his house. Four of them were known to be Ethan 
Allen, Remember Baker, Robert Cochran, and Se- 
ville ; the others were unknown. 

Hutchison requested them to stop, but they declared 
tliat they had determined t]iat morning to offer a burnt 
offering to the gods of this world by burning the logs of 
that house. They accordingly kindled four fires under the 
logs they had pulled down. Baker and Allen held clubs 
over Hutchison's head, ordered him to leave the locality, 
and declared he should be still worse used if he came back. 
On his remonstrating, Baker and Allen said, "Go and com- 
plain to that damned scoundrel, your governor. God damn 
your governor, king, council, and Assembly!' 

Hutchison attempted to stop the torrent of oaths that 
flowed from their mouths, but only caused increased pro- 
fanity and a peremptory order " not to preach to them." 
Allen and Baker declared that if a con.stable attempted to 
arrest them they would kill him, and if they were put in 
jail their friends would break it down and rescue them. 
Hutchison fled to New Perth with his family. The worthy 
Scotchman furthermore deposed that he was credibly in- 
formed that Allen denied the existence of both God and 
the devil. Eight or nine other families were also driven 
from the same locality at the same time, all of whom fled 
to New Perth (Salem), where they were hospitably received 
by their brother Scotchmen of Dr. Clark's colony. 

McNaughton issued his warrant, directing John Reid, 
constable, to call to arms as many good subjects as might 
be necessary, and proceed to Rupert and arrest Allen, 
Baker, and their associates, and bring them before him or 
some other magistrate. But Ethan Allen and his mob 
were not to be overcome by a constable's posse. 

The land of Hutchison and his neiglibors had not been 
occupied or cleared by any one else. They were expelled 
simply because Allen and his comrades were determined 
that no one should hold under a New York title east of the 
line they had themselves established as the eastern bound- 
ary of that province. If Hutchison's estimate was correct, 
and his residence was only fifteen miles from the Hudson 
river, it must have been near the centre of the present town 
of Hebron. The distance, however, was probablj' a little 
greater, and the location is supposed to have been just 
within the township which the New Hampshire men had 
laid out under the name of Rupert, and which they were 
determined that no New Yorkers should occupy. 

Twenty pounds reward was offered by the New York 
council for the arrest of the rioters, and another proclama- 
tion was issued by Governor Tryon, but tliese were as in- 
effectual as Esquire McNaughtou's warrant. 



Perhaps it was hoped that a new set of county officers, 
having convenient access to the scene of the troubles, would 
be able to act more efficiently in their suppression. At all 
events, on the 12th day of March, 1772, a county was 
formed from Albany by the Legislature of New York, to 
which the name of " Charlotte" was given, in honor of 
Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George the Third. This 
was the actual beginning of the county of Washington ; 
the organization having been I'etained from that time down, 
though both name and boundaries have been changed. 

On the east of the Hudson, the .south line of the new 
county began at the mouth of Stony creek ; ran thence east 
three miles and three-sixteenths ; thence south to the Batten 
Kill ; thence along that stream to the south line of Prince- 
town ; and thence east to the west line of Cumberland county, 
which was the summit of the Green mountains. From 
this point to Canada those mountains formed the eastern 
boundary of Charlotte county. From the mouth of Stony 
creek, the western and southwestern line followed the wind- 
ings of the Hudson up to the northwest corner of the present 
town of Luzerne, in Warren county, ran thence west along 
the present north line of Saratoga county to its northwestern 
corner, and thence northwardly along the present west line 
of Warren county extended to Canada. The north line of 
Charlotte was of course the south line of Canada, or the 
forty-fifth parallel of north latitude. 

It will be seen that the present towns of Easton, Cam- 
bridge, Jackson, White Creek, and the southwest part of 
Greenwich, remained in Albany county. On the other hand, 
Charlotte county contained all that part of the present State 
of Vermont west of the Green mountains and north of the 
northwest corner of Jackson, the whole of the present coun- 
ties of Warren, Essex, and Clinton in this State, and the 
eastern part of Franklin county. 

By a law passed on the same day Albany county was 
divided into districts, and all tliat part of it east of the dis- 
trict of Saratoga (which then included Easton) and north 
of Schaghticoke was formed into a district called Cambridge, 
f^he present Easton, with a large tract west of the Hudson, 
was formed into the district of Saratoga. Each district was 
authorized to elect one supervisor, two assessors, one col- 
lector, two overseers of the poor, two constables, two fence- 
viewers, and one clerk. It docs not appear that any dis- 
tricts were organized in Charlotte county, though the old 
townships seem to have answered very near the same pur- 
pose. 

The first legislative act regarding Charlotte county after 
its formation was passed on the 24th of the same month ; it 
made Philip Skene, Patrick Smith, Jacob JIarsh, Philip Em- 
bury, Alex. McNaughton, Archibald Campbell, Jas. Gray, 
Thomas Clark, William Duer, Owen Spencer, Jonathan 
Baker, Simeon Metcalf, and Jeremiah French commis- 
sioners, with power to lay out, regulate, and repair the 
roads. They did not act under their first commission, but 
it was renewed, and they finally served under it. No steps, 
however, were taken that year to organize the county by the 
appointment of judges and other officers. 

It was about this time that the present town of Hampton 
was first settled. The conflict between the New York and 
the eastern rioters continued, though nothing occurred .so 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



39 



closely connected with the present county of Washington as 
the driving off of Mclntyro, Hutchison, and their neigh- 
bors. 

In the spring of 1773 the questions of the appointment 
of county officers and the selection of a county-scat began 
to be seriously agitated. Major Skene made an earnest 
effort to have Skenesborough designated as the county-seat, 
and with the boundaries which the county then had, it 
would seem to have been the most proper place. A peti- 
tion to that effect was signed not only by Skene and his 
seventy tenants, but by the inhabitants of New Perth 
(Salem), thirty miles to the south, and near the south line 
of the county. 

The major would also liave liked to receive an appoint- 
ment to the most important oiEce in the new county, — that 
of first judge of the court of common pleas. Another can- 
didate for that position was Colonel Philip Schuyler, whose 
principal residence was at Albany, but who also had a large 
estate at Saratoga (now Schuylerville), at the mouth of the 
Fish Kill, near the border of Charlotte county, inherited 
from his uncle of the sau)e name, whose death, in 1745, has 
been previously noticed. There was much opposition to him 
on the part of the ultra-loyalists, his family having long been 
distinguished for their hostility to the policy of the royal 
governors, and he himself having already been recognized 
as one of the leaders of the people in opposition to the op- 
pressive acts of the British government. Oliver De Lancey, 
brother of the celebrated Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey, 
was especially active against the appointment of Schuyler, 
and curiouslj' enough the latter's biographer, Lossing, de- 
clares that De Lancey was successful, and that Schuyler was 
not appointed. This, however, is a mistake ; his great 
family influence, and his own high qualities, combined with 
the especial necessity of having such influence and such 
qualities to deal with the insurgents in the eastern part of 
the county, bore down all opposition, and Philip Schuyler 
was appointed the '"first judge" of the county of Charlotte, 
on the 8th day of September, 1772. William Duer was 
associated with him on the judicial bench. Philip P. Lan- 
sing, probably of Lansingburg, in Albany county, was at 
the same time appointed sheriff, and Patrick Smith, of 
Fort Edward, clerk. Ebenezer Clark (son of Dr. Thomas 
Clark) and Alexander McNaughton, both of New Perth, 
and Jacob Marsh and Benjamin Spencer, of the present 
State of Vermont, were appointed justices, and "of the 
quorum" ; that is, associates of the judges in holding the 
courts of common pleas and sessions. There was no pro- 
vision at this time for electing representatives from Char- 
lotte county to the Colonial Assembly. 

Nor was Major Skene more successful in regard to the 
location of the county-seat ; for the order in council organ- 
izing the county directed that the first term of court should 
be held at the house of Patrick Smith, at Fort Edward, 
which place was thus constituted, temporarily at least, the 
county-seat. The term was actually held at the appointed 
place by Judge Duer, Judge Schuyler being absent, sick. 
The three first named of the "quorum" justices were also 
present. The grand jurors at that first court were the fol- 
lowing : Archibald Campbell, foreman ; Michael Iluffnagle, 
Robert Gordon, Albert Baker, David Watkins, Joseph 



McCracken, Joshua Conkey, Jeremiah Burrows, Levi 
Stockwell, Levi Crocker, Moses Martin, Alex. Gilchrist, 
and Daniel Smith. 

All through 1774 the difficulties in the eastern part of 
Charlotte county kept increa.sing, though we do not go 
into the details of the numerous riots, house-burnings, 
whippings which occurred, as they were all outside tlie 
present limits of Washington county. In March, Ethan 
Allen and Remember Baker were outlawed by the New 
York Legislature ; but this extreme proceeding was as futile 
as indictments and warrants had previously been. Mean- 
while, too, the excitement regarding the measures of the 
British government was increasing rapidly and spreading 
throughout all the colonics, and the " Green Mountain 
Boys," as they called themselves, were able to mingle their 
cause with that of the patriots generally, and to appeal to 
the sympathies of all outside of New York who looked on 
the English as oppressors. 

In December of that year application was made for the 
privilege of electing a representative in the colonial as- 
sembly from Charlotte county. The petition to that effect 
was signed by Alex. Campbell, Alex. JIcNaughton, Duncan 
Campbell and ten others, of Argyle, and by Alex. Stewart, 
James Savage, Edward Savage, Alex. Webster and a hun- 
dred others, of " White Crick." 

It was about this time that Rev. Harry Munro, with six 
families, made a settlement in the present town of Hebron, 
at the point widely known as Munro's Meadows, where he 
had received a grant of two thousand acres as an ex-chap- 
lain in the royal army. His own house and those of his 
tenants were of logs, about sixteen feet by twenty, with 
bark roofs and dirt floors, and doubtless those of other set- 
tlers throughout the county were but very little better. 

The spring of 1775 opened with ever-increasing excite- 
ment regarding the insurgents in the eastern part of Char- 
lotte county and the far more important insurrection which 
was gradually taking form throughout the country. So 
many of the residents of Charlotte county were new-comers 
from England and Scotland, that it was much less unani- 
mous in opposition to English oppression than was usual in 
the colonies. Its leading men were nearly all of foreign 
birth : Judge Duer, Major Skene, Dr. Clark, Mr. Em- 
bury, and Dr. John Williams ; the last being a young 
English physician, who had settled in Salem early in 1773, 
and who soon displayed marked ability not only in his pro- 
fession, but as a man of business and a political leader. 

Notwithstanding his recent arrival from England, he 
was an ardent supporter of the patriot cause. Judge Duer 
took the same side. Dr. Clark and Major Skene were both 
believed to favor the British claims, though the former took 
no active part. Some have believed that even Major Skene 
would not liave become an active British partisan bad it not 
been for needless harshness on the part of the colonial 
authorities. Early in 1775 the major went to England for 
the purpo.se, it is supposed, of procuring the organization 
of a new province, consisting of the New Hampshire grants 
and northern New York, with Skenesborough as the capi- 
tal and himself as governor. 

On the 21st of March a stormy court was held at Fort 
Edward. Judge Duer presided ; Judge Schuyler being in 



40 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



attendance on the Colonial Assembly defending the cause 
of the people. It was expected that numerous indictments 
would be found against the rioters in the eastern part of 
the county. Moreover, the disturbed condition of the 
country caused many criminals of a still more flagrant kind 
to ply their trade there, hoping, not entirely without reason, 
to find sympathy fiom the inveterate opponents of the law 
of whom so much has been said, even though the latter did 
not look on themselves as belonging to the class of ordinary 
criminals. These latter criminals comprised robbers, thieves, 
and especially counterfeiters, who turned out their bogus 
silver pieces with alarming facility. 

All these violators of the law and their friends crowded 
in and around the rude hotel at Fort Edward, in which 
the court was to be held, cursing and drinking, and threat- 
ening to pitch court, officers, and jury into the Hudson 
if they dared attempt to enforce the law. The excitement 
was all the more intense from the fact that only eight days 
before the court at Westminster, in Cumberland county, 
had been broken up by a similar mob, one man having been 
killed and several wounded in the affray. 

But William Duer, the East Indian soldier, was not easily 
daunted. Captain Mott, with a company of British soldiers, 
happened to be passing through Fort Edward on their way 
to Ticonderoga. Judge Duer persuaded the captain to re- 
main a few days, and then proceeded to hold his court. 
None of the rioters were disposed to run against the bayo- 
nets of the soldiers, the court was held in quiet, and indict- 
ments were duly found against the guilty parties, though 
the great national outbreak, which began before another 
month had pa.ssed, prevented their arrest or conviction. 

Judge Duer reported the disturbance to the Provincial 
Congi'ess, and requested their protection for the court to be 
held in June, saying, — 

" Your interposition in this matter may save the shedding 
of blood at the next court ; for so long as I know it to be 
the sense of the country that the courts of justice should 
be supported, and that I have the honor of sitting as one 
of the judges, I shall endeavor to keep them open even at 
the risk of my life." 

The court thus held by the resolute judge in March, 
1775, was the last public event in Charlotte county pre- 
vious to the beginning of the Revolutionary period. 



CHAPTER XI. 

1775 AND 1776. 

Outbreak of the Revolution— Patriots and Tories— Capture of Ticon- 
deroga — Captain Herriclt at Slienesborough — Spoiling the Egypt- 
ians — Skene's Arrest — The Last Colonial Court — Amity with the 
Grants — Informal Elections — Meeting of the County Committee — 
Officers reconirnended — Drills ordered — Montgomery and Schuyler 
— Disasters to the Northern Army — Gloomy Prospects in 1776 — 
Tories required to give Bonds — Judge Duer — The Charlotte County 
Rangers — Levying Bounty-Money — Another Committee Meeting 
. — A Curious Bill— Declaration of Independonec^Renewal of the 
Feud with the Grants — Disaffection in Kingsbury, etc. — The 
Joneses — Raising a Tory Company. 

In the latter part of Ai)ril, 1775, messenger after mes- 
senger came galloping hard along the rude roads which led 



through the dark forests and scattered settlements of Char- 
lotte county, announcing that American blood had been 
shed by British bullets on the village green of Lexington, 
that a thousand farmers had left their homes to avenge the 
slaughter, and that these .soldiers of the moment had chased 
the veteran troops of King George in ignoble flight and 
with terrible lass over hill and dale, through wood and field, 
back to the shelter of their comrades' cannon in the town 
of Boston. 

The time had come for action, and a majority of the 
inhabitants of Charlotte county (even excluding the 
" grants") declared their intention to stand or fall with 
their brethren of New England, only waiting the directions 
of the Provincial Congress of New York to take up arms. 
At the head of these were the two Englishmen, Judge Duer 
and Dr. Williams. But a large minority, consisting mainly 
of natives of England and Scotland, could not so easily 
cast aside their allegiance to the king, though they gener- 
ally remained silent in presence of the prevailing excitement. 
The portion of Washington county then attached to Albany 
county (Cambridge, Easton, Jackson, and White Creek) 
was still more decidedly attached to the American cause 
than the inhabitants of Charlotte. 

Charlotte county was so far removed from the seat of 
war around Boston that its people might reasonably hope 
that they would long be exempt from any actual participa- 
tion in the conflict. But the American leaders were accus- 
tomed to deal with long distances, and were not accustoiued 
to let the grass grow under their feet. On the afternoon 
of the 10th of May canoes came flying up Lake Champlain 
to Skenesborough bearing the news that Ethan Allen, the 
renowned leader of the " Bennington mob," and a man 
named Arnold, from Connecticut, at the head of a few men 
levied in the " grants" and in western Massachusetts, had 
that morning surprised the fortress of Ticonderoga, and 
that Allen had demanded and received its surrender " in 
the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Con- 
gress," — to neither of which authorities had he ever before 
been supposed willing to yield obedience. 

The report spread swii'tly through the settlement in every 
direction, adding fresh fire to the enthusiasm of the patriots 
and tending to keep the Tories in a condition of prudent 
neutrality. The loyal tenantry of Major Skene, their leader 
absent, were alike astonished at the infidel Allen's claiming 
to act under a commission from Jehovah, and aghast at the 
idea of that terrible mountaineer's making his appearance 
among them at the head of the moss-troopers of the New 
Hampshire grants. It was not long ere their fears were in 
some degree realized. On the 13th, fifty men who had 
been levied in western Massachusetts, under orders given 
by Arnold, as he passed through on his way to Ticonderoga, 
appeared at Skenesborough, and took possession of the 
village in the name of the revolted colonies. Tliis company 
was commanded by a Captaiu Herrick, and was the first 
body of American soldiers who entered the present county 
of Washington during the Revolution. They seized on 
Major Skene's schooner, and took it with them to Ticon- 
deroga. Taking the absent owner's toryism for granted, 
they confiscated some of his property, among which was one 
very fine Spanish horse. This afterwards passed into the 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



41 



hands of Colonel Morgan Lewis, who loaned it to General 
Arnold to ride at the second battle of Stillwater, and it was 
shot under that daring commander when he was wounded 
in the hottest of the fray. 

This squad of patriots also made a prisoner of Skene's 
son, Andrew P. Skene, who, like his father, was commonly 
called " Major Skene."* They also made prisoners of fifty 
tenants and twelve negroes, and then joined Arnold at Ticon- 
deroga. That enterprising officer immediately manned the 
schooner, and proceeded down the lake on a successful 
cruise. In a short time he had a miniature navy under 
his command, — Skene's schooner, armed with four carriage 
guns and eight swivels, being the flag-ship, while a small 
sloop and several bateaux constituted the remainder of the 
force. 

Shortly after these startling events Jlajor Skene arrived 
from England in the harbor of New York, and it is believed 
from the surrounding circumstances that he brought with 
hira — what be undoubtedly went to obtain — a commission 
as governor of the province of Ticonderoga, consisting of 
the New Hampshire grants and the northern part of New 
York, though there is no direct evidence of the fact. It is 
also believed by some that had the major been in the 
country when policies and parties were so rapidly taking 
form, just before the Revolution, he, like his brother 
Englishmen, Duer and Williams, would have taken part 
with the patriots. 

But the American authorities at New York, like Captain 
Ilerrick's volunteers, took the major's toryism for granted, 
arrested him immediately on his arrival, seized all his 
papers, and threw him into prison. If he really had such 
a commission as is supposed, it would naturally be sup- 
pressed by the Continental authorities, anxious not to 
oifend the important province of New Y^ork, which would 
certainly be the effect of recognizing such a document. 

Skene was soon allowed to leave prison and live on parole 
at JMiddletown, Conn., but was not suffered to return to 
his home, and his property rapidly went to destruction. 
The next May he refused to renew his parole, and was im- 
prisoned ; but was finally exchanged. Embittered by his 
los.ses, and by what he considered his ill-treatment, he re- 
turned to Skenesboro' in the train of Burgoyne, mention 
of which will be made farther on. 

Although the Colonial Assembly, convened under royal 
authority, had adjourned on the 3d of April, 1775, and 
never met again, — its powers passing by general consent to 
the Provincial Congress, — yet in some counties the old 
courts were still held. The last court in Charlotte county 
which derived its authority from the royal governor was 
held on the 20th of June, 1775. The first judge, Philip 
Schuyler, had twelve days before been appointed the third 
major-general of the new American army, and was even 
then counseling with Washington regarding the invasion 
of Canada. 

Judge Duer held the court, which, like its predecessor, 
was annoyed by an angry and menacing crowd, who, not- 



* A. P. Skene is sometimes cilled the nephew of Philip, but in tlie 
original record.'! of the sale of their confiscated property the younger 
man is described as the son of the elder. 



withstanding the liberal proclivities of the judge, appeared 
to look on the tribunal as a suspicious relic of royal au- 
thority. "Very little business could be done, and the court 
was soon adjourned. Its clerk, Patrick Smith, afterwards 
espoused the royal side and fled to Canada, taking, as it is 
supposed, the records of the court with him. 

Meanwhile the friends of the American cause were 
active throughout the county. They organized a county 
committee, consisting of delegates elected from the various 
townships and patents, which assumed the general direction 
of affairs in the new and remarkable circumstances which 
had arisen. For a while even the long enmity between 
the New Hampshire men and New Yorkers appears to 
have been laid aside. The Provincial Congress of New 
York authorized the formation of a battalion of " Green 
Mountain Boys," five hundred strong, and the latter so far 
recognized the authority of their old-time foes as to organ- 
ize under this act. It is noticeable, too, that instead of the 
blatant Ethan Allen, the battalion chose Seth Warner as 
lieutenant-colonel commanding. 

At this period elections were very informal matters. In 
May, Dr. Williams, of the present town of Salem, and Wil- 
liam Marsh, of Vermont, had been admitted to seats in the 
Provincial Congress of New York, on presenting a certifi- 
cate of fourteen gentlemen, committees of White Creek, 
Camden, and several Vermont townships. Sub<e(|uently 
George W. Smith, David Watkins, and Archibald Camp- 
bell were chosen at a mass-meeting of the citizens of the 
county to act with Williams and Marsh as representatives 
of Charlotte county. 

On the 15th of August, 1755, an important meeting of 
the county committee was held, a record of which is pre- 
served in the papers of General John Williams, at Salem. 
It was held at Dorset, in " the grants," and was attended 
by delegates from the whole county, though for some pur- 
poses the delegates from the eastern and western sections 
seem to have acted separately. The delegates from the 
western portion (now Washington county) were Hamilton 
McCollister, Nathan Ilawley, Seth Sherwood, James Wilson, 
Samuel Crossett, Daniel Brundidge, and George Gilmore. 

The committee recommended to the Provincial Congress 
to organize a regiment of militia in the western part of 
Charlotte county, of which Dr. John Williams should be 
commissioned as colonel, Patrick Smith lieutenant-colonel, 
Nathan Hawley and Hamilton McCollister as majors, Seth 
Sherwood as quartermaster, and John Jones as adjutant. 
But it was hard to tell " who was who'' in those days. 
Patrick Smith and John Jones (a brother of David Jones, 
the lover of Jane McCrea) both espou.sed the British side 
of the controversy. 

There were already several companies of militia organ- 
ized in the territory in question, apparently attached to an 
Albany county regiment, and the county committee pro- 
vided for various arrangements and changes regarding 
them. It was resolved that the " Camden people do join 
Captain Nesbet's company." Also, that the county com- 
mittee confirm the division made by the sub-committee in 
the town.ship of White Creek. This may have reference 
to the setting off of the new district, now called Hebron, 
as it was immediately followed by a resolution that all the 



42 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



inliabitants north of White Creek, east of Argyle, south of 
the Artillery patent, and west of the New Hampshire line, 
should fall in Captain Webster's company. This embraced 
the present town of Hebron, and the company commander 
was Alexander Webster, long one of the most distinguished 
citizens of the county. By the expression " west of the 
New Hampshire line," it will be seen that while the com- 
mittee assumed to act for the wliole county of Charlotte, 
they yet practically recognized the line claimed by Allen and 
his followers. 

It was further resolved that Queensborough and the Artil- 
lery and Provincial patents be annexed to Kingsbury patent, 
and fall under the command of Captain Richardson. Also, 
that Argyle patent form one company, and Fort Edward 
district another. 

The committee also made recommendations, at consider- 
able length, to the effect that the militia officers should 
muster their respective companies at least once in every 
month, and oftener, if practicable, for the purpose of train- 
ing them in the military art ; that every able-bodied man 
from sixteen to sixty should obey the orders of their ap- 
pointed officers, and if any should neglect to appear at the 
designated times and perform the duties assigned them, 
they should forthwith, by order of the officers, be brought 
before the sub-committees of their respective towns or dis- 
tricts ; and if it should appear to the majority of such sub- 
committee that there was no good excuse for such neglect, 
then that the facts should be " published by advertisement 
in every town and street within the county of Charlotte, 
and also in the Gazette, to the end that all such foes to the 
rights of British America may be publicly known and 
universally condemned as the enemies of American liberty." 
This punishment by advertisement at first sight hardly 
seems as stringent as fine and imprisonment, yet it would 
doubtless be very unpleasant, especially as there were vari- 
ous irregular punishments which were often inflicted on 
those denounced as " enemies of American liberty." 

The convention finally adjourned to meet at Fort Edward 
on the third day of September following. 

It will be seen that the various subdivisions of the western 
part of Charlotte county were then spoken of as White Creek 
township, Kingsbury patent, Queensbury patent, the Ar- 
tillery and Provincial patents, Argyle patent. Fort Edward 
district, and the territory north of White creek, which was 
apparently without a name. Skenesborough was not men- 
tioned, probably bocau.se the major's tenantry were all too 
loyal to the king to make it desirable to organize a company 
among them. Still, the people were by no means all Tories, 
even at Skenesborough. 

About the middle of August there passed through Char- 
lotte county a tall, handsome soldier of thirty-nine, on his 
way to take charge of the forces in the north. This was 
Richard Montgomery, lately appointed the second brigadier- 
general in the xVmerican army, who had more of the confi- 
dence of the soldiers than any of his superiors except 
Washington. 

He was followed in September by Major-General Schuy- 
ler, commander of the northern department, no longer the 
fair and gracious youth of the French war, but, at the age of 
forty-two, become gouty and ill-tempered, and, whatever his 



soldierly qualities, certainly quite unable to gain the good- 
will of the independent amateur soldiery with which ho had 
to deal. 

Small, ill-equipped bodies of troops and scanty trains of 
supplies passed down the lake from time to time through 
the autumn. Montreal was taken, and for a while the 
people of Charlotte county listened daily for the news of 
the capture of Quebec, and the subjection of all Canada to 
the American arms. But the repulse of the little army 
before Quebec, and then the death of the heroic Montgom- 
ery, soon damped the hopes of the patriots and cheered the 
hearts of their foes. 

The spring of 1770 opened with still more gloomy pros- 
pects, as the Americans were gradually forced back from the 
various positions they had seized in Canada. General 
Thomas was sent to take command, since Schuyler declared 
that his health would not permit him to serv'e in Canada. 
Ten of the best regiments in the American army were hur- 
ried forward over the old " war-path" to reinforce the depleted 
ranks of their comrades, but all was in vain. They were 
forced by disease, hardship, and the numbers of the foe to 
yield up post after post. Thomas fell a victim to the small- 
pox. Reinforcements poured to the aid of the British up 
the broad St. Lawrence, and at length the slender Ameri- 
can army abandoned the last foot of Canadian soil. 

Still, however, the patriot forces held possession of Crown 
Point and Ticnnderoga, and their brethren in the settled 
portions of Charlotte county had little fear of being dis- 
turbed by invaders from the north. 

Constant watchfulness had to be exorcised over the numer- 
ous residents of the county who were more or less friendly 
to Great Britain. In April thirteen persons suspected of 
such tendencies were required to sign a bond, with a pen- 
alty of a hundred pounds each, to obey the Continental Con- 
gress and defend the rights and liberties of America in her 
contest against the oppressive acts of the British Parliament. 
The same month an election was held to choose delegates 
to the Provincial Congress or Convention of New York. 
Judge Duer was chosen to the position by a decided ma- 
jority. There being some caviling at the manner in which 
the election was conducted. Judge Duer wrote to Colonel Wil- 
liams, then the chairman of the county committee, admitting 
that the election was not conducted strictly according to the 
ordinance of the Congress (as indeed was hardly practicable ), 
but claiming that he was fairly elected, and asking a strict 
scrutiny of the poll-list. This scrutiny established Duer's 
right to a seat, which he held during that and ensuing years. 
His colleagues during more or less time in 1 776, were George 
Smith, of Fort Edward ; John Williams, of Salem ; William 
Malcolm, of New York city ; and Alexander Webster, of 
Hebron. 

A large company of partisans was organized to guard the 
northern frontier against small bodies of lurking foemen, 
which was known as the Charlotte County Rangers. In 
August, Colonel Williams, as chairman of the county com- 
mittee, acknowledged the receipt from the provincial au- 
thorities, through Alexander Webster, of five hundred and 
seventy-five pounds (New York currency), being half the 
bounty due for a hundred and twenty rangers. The county 
was also required to furnish men for the northern army, and 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTOX COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



43 



.raised a home bounty to persuade the requisite number to 
enlist. It was resolved that the money should be divided 
among tlie several districts and patents, according to the 
number of voters in each, and that the sub-committees 
sliould levy the amounts on the inhabitants according to 
their property. The following schedule shows the number 
of voters in each district as estimated by the county com- 
niitteo, and the amount of bounty-money levied at this 
time : 

New Perth, lt!0 voters, 12 pounds; Argyle, 90 voters, 
6 pounds 14 shillings; Kingsbury, 75 voters, 5 pounds 7 
shillings; Black Creek (Hebron), 36 voters, 2 pounds 1-t 
shillings; Granville, 30 voters, 2 pounds ; Skenesborough, 
41 voters, 3 pounds 1 shilling and 6 pence ; Camden, 12 
voters, 10 shillings. Total, 434 voters, and 33 pounds of 
bounty-money. These voters were probably for the Legis- 
lature, for which but a small property-qualification was re- 
quired, and must have represented about three thousand 
inhabitants. 

There were frequent meetings of the county committee, 
but in many cases there was little business to do. On the 
4th of June there was a very full representation, the fol- 
lowing being the names of the delegates, with their re- 
spective districts: New Perth, John Williams, John Gib- 
son, John Rowan, Mowrey ; Argyle, Judge Duer, 

Mr. Bell, William Campbell, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Smyth ; 

Kingsbury, • Tyler (taking the place of John Jones), 

John Morehouse, Captain Johnson ; Skenesborough, Aaron 

Fuller, Johnson, Robert Gordon ; Camden, 

Halley ; Black Creek, David Hopkins, Crosier, James 

Wilson; Granville, N. Spring, Gideon Squire, Aaron Smith. 
The following were added at the same meeting : Ebenezer 
Russell, John Nisbett, David Tone, Isaac Mess, Thomas 

Sherwood, William Brundage, and Colwell. The 

members received eight shillings (a dollar) for each 
meeting. 

At one of these meetings a curious bill was made out 
for expenses, which shows that our Revolutionary ancestors 
were not averse to a comfortable indulgence of the inner 
man at the public expense any more than tlieir modern 
descendants. It ran as follows : 

Five suppers 6 shillings S pence. 

Liquor 8 '■ 

Eating 2 " S " 

Liquor 12 " 

Fourteen suppers IS *• S " 

Liquor 9 " 

Punch IS " 6 " 

Ditto 4 " 6 " 

Bowl of grog 1 " 6 " 

Binner and drinli 2 *' 3 *' 

This made an aggregate of 4 pounds 3 shillings and 
9 pence ($10.47), of which only 1 pound 10 shillings 
($3.75) was for food; the balance was for liquor in its 
various forms. This also shows the improvement of the 
age : if a modern committee had drank that amount of 
liquor which they wanted the public to pay for, they would 
have been virtuous and charged it as stationery. 

The same bill >hows al.so that the ordinary price for 
meals at that time was " one and fourpence," or nearly 
seventeen cents ; unless, indeed, the landlord charged an 
extra price to cover the risk of getting his pay from the 
ill-provided treasury of the patriots. 



The Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July, 
1776, drew more clearly llian before the line between pa- 
triots and Tories ; some who had previously been on the 
American side, or at least doubtful, now advocating the cause 
of the king. 

The amity between the new government of New Y'ork 
and the people of the New Hampshire grants only lasted 
during the first excitement of the Revolution. The old 
antipathy soon returned, the two sections of Charlotte 
county ceased to act together, and in 1776 public sentiment 
on the grants was rapidly concentrating in favor of forming 
a separate State government, and supporting it at all 
hazards. New York persuaded tlie Continental Congress 
not to furnish arms to " the grants" until sufficiently as- 
sured that they would not revolt against the autliority of 
that State. But the grants-men went on with their revolt 
all the same, and the New Yorkers were in no condition to 
suppress it by force. 

In the latter part of 1776 it began to be rumored that 
a large army of British regulars and German mercenaries 
was gathering in Canada for the purpose of invading New 
York, — a rumor which was strengthened by each succeed- 
ing report, and which was especially calculated to dismay 
the people of Charlotte county, who would have to bear 
the first brunt of attack if once the enemy succeeded in 
capturing the fortresses on Lake Champlain. 

The di-saflection to the American cau.se was stronger in 
Skenesborough, Kingsbury, and Fort Edward than any- 
where else in the county. Among the most prominent 
Tories in the two latter districts were the members of the 
Jones family, emigrants from New Jersey, several of whom 
were influential farmers. In the fall of 1776 two of the 
younger brothers, Jonathan and David Jones, raised a 
company of near fifty soldiers in Kingsbury and Fort 
Edward. To their patriot neighbors and the American 
officials these soldiers declared that they were about to 
join the garri.son of Ticonderoga, but among themselves 
they had a very different understanding. All the men 
that the Joneses could trust having been enrolled, they set 
out for the north, but instead of stopping at Ticonderoga 
they passed through the woods in the rear of that fort, and 
joined the British forces in Canada. Jonathan Jones re- 
ceived a commission as captain, and David as lieutenant. 
The course of the latter became a subject of especial in- 
tere.st, on account of his subsequent connection with one 
of the saddest tragedies of the American Revolution. 

During the remainder of the year little of consequence 
■ occurred within the limits of Washington county, but the 
air was thick with runiors, too often of a gloomy nature. 
The di-sasters in Canada and those incurred by Washington 
around New Y'ork had filled the minds of the patriots with 
sad forebodings. It had become plain that the task of 
freeing the country could not be accomplished by an enthu- 
siastic uprising of minute-men. Men must go to soldiering 
in earnest and submit for years to danger, hardship, and irk- 
some discipline. But the poverty of the government was 
extreme, and there was little encouragement for the hardy 
farmers of Charlotte county to enlist in the ranks of the ill- 
paid, ill-clad, ill-fed battalions which garrisoned Fort Edward, 
Fort Ann, and other posts on the northeru frontier. 



44 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CHAPTER XII. 

1777. 

Vermont declares itself a State— Charlotte County Committee act 
only for the Western Part — Fears of Burgoyne on.l his Indians — 
His Army set forth — Condition of Tieondcroga — The Charlotic 
County Rangers— St. Clair's Letter to Williams— The Charlotte 
County Militia — Capture of Ticonderoga — Great Consternation — 
Denunciations of Schuyler and St. Clair— Their Conduct con- 
sidered — American Invalids and Baggage arrive at Skenesborough 
— The British follow — A Small Battle — American Vessels sunk — 
Retreat of Colonel Long — The Battle of Fort Ann — Long meets 
the Enemy — Colonel Van Rensselaer aids him — Severity of the 
Fight — Van Rensselaer wounded — American Flank Movement — 
British Retreat up the Hill — Arrival of Indians — Final Retreat of 
the British — Anecdote of Van Rensselaer — Riedesel at Skenes- 
borough — St. Clair joins Schuyler — The Uerman Troops — Bur- 
goyne, Riedesel, Phillips, and Fraser — St. Luc and his Indians — 
Riedesel goes to Castleton— Strength of Schuyler's Army — Schuy- 
ler's Letter to Williams — Burgoyne's Advance — Schuyler's Retreat 
— Terror of the People — Meeting of the County Committee — Salem 
Fort — Murder of the Allen Family — Jane McCrea — Her Person, 
Character, and Family — She goes to Mrs. McNiel's — Indians at- 
tack Picket — Capture of Mrs. McNiel and Miss McCrea — Arrival 
at the Spring— The Quarrel— The Murder— The Flight— Mrs. Mc- 
Niel's Story — Mr. Baker's Account — Belief that Lieutenant Jones 
sent for Miss McCrea — Burgoyne's Letter — Restricting the Indians 
— Hopes of the British— Madame Riedesel— Hessian Women— The 
Pets of the Germans — Schuyler's Weakness — Baum's Command — 
Divers Projects — Baum sets forth — His Meeting with Grcig — 
Reinforcements sent to him — Breymann's March — He meets the 
Americans — The Battle of Bennington — Heavy Loss of the Ger- 
mans — Breymann's Battle and Retreat — Desertion of the Indians 
—Abandonment of Fort Salem- Long Halt of the British— Vic- 
lory of Fort Stanwi.x— British cross the Hudson— First Battle of 
Stillwater — Occupation of the Eastern Bank — Burgoyne hemmed 
in — A Naked Horseman — An Unnatural Father — Burgoyne's Sur- 
render — Return of the Whigs — Confiscations — Suffering of the 
People — A Petition by " Protectioners." 

In tlie month of January, 1777, a convention of the 
inhabitant.s of the New Hampshire grants declared that 
territory to be an independent State, to which they at first 
gave the name of New Connecticut ; an appellation, how- 
ever, which was soon after changed to the more convenient 
and euphonious one of Vermont. This organization has 
been able to maintain itself to the present time ; for, though 
the Continental Congress refused to recognize the self- 
constituted State, yet so overwhelming was the majority 
which supported it, within the boundaries claimed for it, 
and so little able was New York to make good its author- 
ity, that the constitution and laws of Vermont went into 
immediate, peaceful, and permanent operation. 

The boundaries then claimed were substantially the same 
as those which are now recognized. There was some de- 
sire to claim much farther westward, on the ground that 
the new province of Ticonderoga had been legally consti- 
tuted by the English government before the beginning of the 
Revolution, and Vermont had succeeded to all the rights 
of that inchoate government. But this theory found com- 
paratively few supporters, even among the grants-men 
themselves, who founded their claim to a separate State 
existence on the will of their people. An effort was sub- 
sequently made to annex Washington county to Vermont, 
of which mention will be made in the proper place. 

At first there was considerable perplexity on the part of 
the Charlotte county committee as to how they should 



treat the pretensions of Vermont, but they soon saw that 
it would be useless to interfere with the people on the grants, 
and they thenceforth confined their jurisdiction entirely to 
that part of Charlotte county west of the new State. 

With the opening of spring came the report that the 
large British and German army already partially formed 
in Canada was to come up Lake Champlain, under Gen- 
eral John Burgoyne, and thence march down to Albany or 
New York, accompanied by an immense horde of savages, 
whose deadly deeds upon a defenseless population were but 
too well remembered along the northern frontier. The 
people shuddered at the direful prospect, but they hoped 
much from the army of Schuyler, and especially from the 
fortifications of Ticonderoga, which twenty years before, 
when defended by only three thousand Frenchmen, had 
repelled with immense slaughter an Anglo-American army 
of near sixteen thousand men. 

So the three or four hundred militiamen of Colonel 
Williams' regiment mingled occasional drilling with the 
labors of their farms. Schuyler strove hard to fill up the 
feeble army on which the defense of the northern frontier 
rested, and long trains of provisions and other supplies 
passed from the southern counties by way of Fort Edward 
to Skenesborough and Lake George. The spring passed 
away, and it was not until late in June that Burgoyne s 
army was known to be on the move. Arrowy canoes and 
galloping messengers from day to day bore through the 
county of Charlotte, and thence southward, the news of 
his advance. He reached and occupied Crown Point. He 
invested Ticonderoga. Still the people relied on the 
strength of that fortress. 

General Schuyler was not there, considering it more 
necessary to keep his headquarters at Fort Edward and 
hasten the sending of supplies and ammunition by the lag- 
gard authorities and people. Ticonderoga, with a garrison 
of about twenty-five hundred men, was under the command 
of General Arthur St. Clair, a soldier of fair reputation, 
and no one doubted but that he would either repulse the 
enemy or would compel him to carry on a long and tedious 
siege, giving ample time to arrange a good defense farther 
south. 

The Charlotte County Rangers, at this time under the 
command of Captain Joshua Conkey and Lieutenants 
Isaac Moss and Gideon Squires, were patrolling the northern 
roads and forests, watching for British seottts or lurking 
Indians. Desperate efforts were made to get out the militia, 
and not without success. On the 2d of July. General St. 
Clair wrote to Colonel Williams saying he was happy to 
hear that the people turn out so well. The enemy, says 
the general, have been looking at us for a day or two, and 
we expect them to try what they can do perhaps to-night. 
He urges Colonel Williams and Colonel Seth Warner, the 
commander of the Green Mountain Boys, if they can bring 
but six hundred men, or even less, to do so. He directs 
them to march through the grants, on the east side of Lake 
Champlain, first on the "old road," and then on the new 
road, to make the enemy think there is a larger force. If 
attacked, the militia were to make directly for Mount Inde- 
pendence, opposite Ticonderoga, and St. Clair promised to 
send a force to support them. The general concluded : 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



45 



" If I had only your people here, I would laugh at all the 
enemy could do." Similar letters were sent to Colonels 
Robinson and Warner. 

The Charlotte county regiment accordingly set forth 
under Colonel Williams. We know from records before 
alluded to that there were at least five or six companies, 
and doubtless they all turned out on this expedition, but 
the only ones of whom there are any account are the one 
from New Perth (Salem), consisting of fifty -two men, under 
Captain Charles Hutchison, the Highland corporal whom 
Ethan Allen had mobbed in 1771 ; that of Captain Thomas 
Armstrong, numbering thirty men ; and that of Captain 
John Hamilton, numbering thirty-two men. The battalion 
marched, under Colonel Williams' command, to Skenesboro', 
and thence to Castleton, whence a portion of them were 
selected by the colonel to proceed to Ticonderoga. 

But while these movements were going on and the peo- 
ple still considered Ticonderoga a.s their certain bulwark, 
suddenly the news went through the county with lightning- 
like rapidity that Ticonderoga had fallen. General Bur- 
goync had taken warning by the fate of Abercrombie, and 
had not made a direct assault. Having taken possession 
of Mount Defiance (on the south side of the outlet of Lake 
George), which the American general and engineers had 
considered inaccessible, he planted a battery of heavy can- 
non on its summit, and from that commanding po.sitiou 
prepared to as.sail the defenses of St. Clair. The latter at 
once made up his mind that Ticonderoga was untenable. 
He sent liis sick and supplies by water to Skenesborough, 
and on the night of July 5 crossed with the bulk of his 
army to Mount Independence, and thence moved out towards 
Castleton. 

Burgoyne pursued his advantage with great energy, 
breaking through the boom which the Americans had 
stretched across the lake and advancing to Skenesborough 
with his little fleet, at the same time sending Generals 
Fraser and Riedesel to follow the retreating St. Clair. 

The news of this disaster caused intense consternation 
throughout the country, but especially in the State of New 
York, and most especially in the county of Charlotte. The 
people felt as they did in that Massachusetts valley, a few 
years ago, when they heard that the dam had broken way, 
and the waters were rolling down upon their defenseless 
homes. Many, especially in the northern part of the set- 
tlements, made immediate preparations for flight with their 
families from the dreaded British, the more-dreaded Hes- 
sians, and the Indians, the most terrible of all. Others 
hastened to join the army, now more than ever in need of 
men, while still others, of Tory proclivities, furbished up 
their arms and consulted together how they might best 
serve the cause of the king. 

As is ever the case under such circumstances, the bitter- 
est denunciations were visited upon the generals who were 
held responsible for the disaster. In the cabins of the pa- 
triot settlers and by the camp-fires of the soldiers, General 
Schuyler, the commander of the northern department, and 
General St. Clair, the commander of the deserted post, were 
accused of cowardice and of treason to the American cause ; 
nay, in confirmation of the latter charge, the most absurd 
stories were told about Burgoyne's having fired silver balls 



from his cannon into the American lines to bribe our 
generals. 

The evacuation of Ticonderoga had such a direct and 
momentous effect on the welfare of Charlotte county that 
we can hardly avoid giving some attention to the causes of 
that disaster ; yet we hesitate to enter on the consideration 
of a question in regard to which the facts are so difiicult to 
ascertain, and in the discussion of which so much bitter- 
ness has already been evoked. If Bancroft's opinion has 
only brought a storm of abuse upon his head, it is not 
likely that that of a mere county historian will have much 
weight. 

But it is a well-\inderstood jirinciple of the military art 
that a fortress is a first-rate thing to hold on to. If a gen- 
eral surrenders or evacuates one, or allows it to be surren- 
dered or evacuated, the presumption is strongly against 
him. The burden of proof lies on him. It is not the 
duty of tho.se who question his course to show that he 
gave up the post without good cause ; it is his duty to 
show that he had good cause — nay, first-rate cause — for 
doing so. We cannot refrain from asking whether Gen 
erals Schuyler and St. Clair, or their friends, have shown 
suflicient cause for the evacuation of Ticonderoga. 

As to the charge of treachery, it may be cast aside with 
utter contempt. There is not a particle of evidence to support 
it, and the whole lives of both Schuyler and St. Clair utterly 
refute such an accusation. There is nothing to show even 
lack of zeal in the American cause, and there is no (jues- 
tion but that Schuyler throughout the Revolution made 
great exertions and sacrifices for that cause. But still the 
question recurs : Have they proven themselves void of 
ofi^ensc in regard to the evacuation of Ticonderoga ? 

Schuyler's excuse threw the blame, if any there were, 
on St. Clair. He had stationed that general there with a 
sufficient garrison and supplies to hold the fort, at least for 
a considerable time, and it was his duty to have done so. 
If there were any heights that commanded the fortress it 
was St. Clair's business to have occupied them, and if he 
allowed himself to be outgeneraled he alone was responsible. 
Such was the argument in fiivor of General Schuyler. 

But ought not General Sciiuyler to have been present in 
person at Ticonderoga ? This is a question we find it dif- 
ficult to answer in the negative. True, a commanding gen- 
eral can't be everywhere, but he can be at the vital point. 
And Ticonderoga was the vital point on the northern fron- 
tier. It was the key of the situation. With mountains, 
rocks and pathless forests crowding close to the narrow 
lake on either side, there was practically no way to approach 
the American settlements except by water, and Ticonderoga 
held in its iron grasp the waters of both Lake Champlain 
and Lake George. 

General Schuyler well knew, or ought to have known, 
these facts. The ground had been fought over again 
and again during the old wars, and so long as the French 
held Ticonderoga the great armies of the English and 
Americans were entirely unable even to approach the 
frontiers of Canada. There was not another place on 
Burgoyne's route which could even be compared with 
Ticonderoga as to the necessity for defending it. No one 
could foresee the subsequent dilator! ness and blundering 



46 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of Burgoyne, and there was every reason to suppose that 
the evacuation of Ticonderoga would permit him to march 
through to Albany with hardly mure than nciminal oppo- 
sition. 

Wiiile the British forces were still in Canada making 
tlieir preparations, probabl3' General Schuyler's place was 
in the American settlements, arousing the laggard patriot- 
ism of the people and bringing reinforcements and supplies 
from the dilatory authorities. But when the red-coated 
battalions moved up Lake Champlain, it would certainly 
appear that the commander of the northern department 
should have hastened at once to the spot where he had 
planned that resistance should be made, and should have 
taken with him almost every soldier in his department that 
could carry a musket, and every militiaman that could be 
drawn to his standard. And he could have obtained more 
of these than he did if they had seen the commanding 
general leading the way to the front. 

There was no other line of approach which it was abso- 
lutely necessary to defend. St. Leger did not appear 
before Fort Stanwix till a month later. Schuyler could 
concentrate all his efibrts on Ticonderoga. He had com- 
mitted himself to the plan of resistance at that point by 
stationing St. Clair therewith nearly half of his little army, 
and nothing could make that resistance so effectual as the 
presence of the commanding general. Then he could have 
seen to it in person that every point was properly guarded, 
and he might, probably, by mustering all his forces, have 
had enough men to guard them. 

The British commander was there with all his men ; 
Fraser was there ; Phillips was there; lliedesel was there ; 
but the American general was nearly fifty miles in the rear. 
Perhaps that was the proper place for him, but we have 
never seen any evidence to prove it. 

" But do you charge General Schuyler with cowardice ?" 
is the ready question of some one who cannot imagine that 
there are any colors but black and white; who cannot see 
that there are any gradations between extreme rashness and 
extreme timidity. Certainly not ; no doubt General Schuy- 
ler could go through a battle without discredit, and in his 
youth had done so. He was doubtless as brave as the 
average of the generals of either army, and his zeal for 
the American cause was beyond question ; but it does not 
appear as if he '' hankered after" a fight in the way that 
Arnold or Montgomery, Wayne or Morgan did, and just 
such unwavering valor as that was necessary to save Ticon- 
deroga and shield the northern frontier. Or the general 
may, with plenty of physical courage, have lacked the 
mental promptness, " the snap," that would have led him 
to gather up what men he could get, and fly with Mont- 
calm's rapidity to the defense of Ticonderoga. Or he may 
not have realized that that fortress was the key of the 
situation, which would have involved nothing worse than a 
grave defect of military judgment. There are plenty of 
reasons for his course, not involving the imputation of 
either cowardice or treachery ; but whatever the reason, 
the fiict remains that Ticonderoga was the most important 
point in the northern department, and that the commander- 
in-chief of the nortliern department was not present when 
it was invested and captured by the enemy. 



As to St. Clair, no one but an experienced engineer, who 
had carefully examined the ground, could tell whether be 
could have fortified Mount Defiance with the troops he had, 
or, whether, when that height was captured, he could still 
have held out for a time. It is plain, however, tliat he 
did not appreciate the danger he was in, for in his letter to 
Colonel Williams, before mentioned, he declared that with 
Williams', Warner's, and Robinson's men he could laugh 
at_ aught the enemy could do. Certainly he must have 
thought himself very secure if he supposed the addition 
of a few hundred militia would have made him entirely so. 

It was past noon on the 6th of July that the few anx- 
ious Americans at Skenesboro' saw a fleet of two hundred 
bateaux, under convoy of five armed galleys, hastening up 
the narrow lake with all the speed the arms of the weary 
rowers could give them. They soon reached the little port, 
and were found to be filled with stores from Ticonderoga, 
the guard of a few hundred men, largely invalids, being 
commanded by Colonel Long, of New Hampshire. That 
ofiicer at once set his men to unloading the stores into 
smaller boats, in order to send them up Wood creek, at the 
same time sending off an express to warn Colonel Van 
Ren.s.selaer, who commanded at Fort Ann. 

At three o'clock, and before the work of transferring the 
stores was completed, the British frigates "Royal George" 
and " Inflexible," with several gunboats, appeared in sight. 
They were withstood for a short time by the American 
galleys ; but these frail vessels were no match for the heavy 
guns and oaken bulwarks of the frigates, and were soon 
overcome. Three were blown up and two surrendered. 
The fort at Skenesboro' then opened fire on the British. 
Meanwhile, Colonel Long had sent all the bateaux he 
could up the creek, had set fire to the remainder, and also 
to the mills and iron-works; he then dismantled the fort, 
set it on fire, and hastened, towards Fort Ann. 

Amid all this thunder of cannon, blowing up of vessels, 
burning of buildings, and hurried march of troops, the 
inhabitants were plunged in terror. Those of patriotic 
proclivities generally hastened away into the country, — men, 
women, and children crowding such conveyances as they 
could obtain, or straggling on foot over the rude roads of 
the period. The friends of King George would have been 
willing to remain, but hardly dared to do so amid the 
universal uproar. 

While the frigates had followed the American galleys to 
Skenesboro', a considerable force of British soldiers had 
gone to the head of South bay in boats, landed, crossed 
the intervening heights, and descended into the valley of 
Wood creek, in hopes to cut off the retreat of Colonel 
Long. They were, however, too late to accomplish their 
desire, and the Americans made good their escape. Long 
reached Fort Ann, took command of all the forces, and, 
under orders from General Schuyler, prepared to defend 
the position as well as possible. 

On the 7th or 8th, Colonel Hill, with the Ninth British 
Regiment, probably seven hundred or eight hundred .strong, 
followed Colonel Long. If he left Skenesboro' on the for- 
mer day, he halted for the night before reaching Fort Ann ; 
for it was not until half-past ten in the forenoon of the 
8tli that he reached the narrow pass in Wood creek, half a 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



47 



mile below the fort. There he was met by Colonels Long 
and Yim Rensselaer, with all the men they could muster. 
They had in all near a thousand, but of these five hundred 
were Van Rensselaer's militia, fre.shly taken from the plow 
(they were all raised on the manor of Rensselaerswyck), 
while Long's Continentals were principally invalids and 
convalescents. To furnish even this small force with am- 
munition, Schuyler had sent forward nearly all he had at 
Fort Edward, retaining no lead except some which had 
been cut by his men from the windows of some of the 
Albany churches. 

The battle of Fort Ann was the most important one 
which has ever taken place in Washington county, and 
it was also, as attested by officers on botli sides, considering 
the number of men engaged, one of the most hotly-con- 
tested conflicts of the Revolution. We have therefore 
taken especial pains to gather as full an account of it as 
practicable. Many details, not to be found elsewhere, are 
recorded in the " Legacy of Historical Gleanings," by 
Mrs. Bonney, a granddaughter of Colonel Henry K. Van 
Rensselaer, one of the distinguished actors in the conflict. 

Long's force appears to have been encamped below the 
fort, near the pass, and first became engaged with the 
enemy, meeting him directly in front, and checking his 
advance by a heavy fire. Van Rensselaer marched out to 
assist him. Part of his force crossed the creek on Long's 
left, took post in a piece of woods, and poured in a galling 
fire on the enemy across the stream. Tiie latter returned 
it with great vigor ; and so severe was the conflict that a 
British officer, Captain Moouey, in giving his testimony 
before the House of Commons regarding the first battle of 
Stillwater, described the firing as much heavier than he 
had ever known anywhere else, " unless at the affair of 
Fort Ann." 

Terribly galled by the fire from the wood, the British 
made a desperate charge on that position, but were beaten 
back with heavy loss. At the same time Long and Van 
Rensselaer advanced in front. In the height of the con- 
flict, while the woods, the rocks, and the hills were re- 
echoing with the unceasing crash of musketry, the gallant 
Van Rensselaer was desperately wounded by a bullet, and 
fell behind a log over which he was just springing. 
Several of his men ran to his assistance. 

"Don't mind me," exclaimed the colonel, "don't mind 
me, but charge the enemy. Charge, I say ; charge !" 

They obeyed his orders and liurried forward into the 
fight, and for near two hours the wounded officer lay there 
while the battle was roaring around, and the bullets were 
ever and anon whistling above him. A portion of the 
Americans, emboldened by the enemy's failure, again 
crossed Wood creek still farther down, and attacked the 
British rear. Thus almost encircled with foes. Colonel 
Hill was obliged to retreat up the steep, rocky hill which 
lies to the east of the creek, and there maintain himself as 
be.st he could in a defensive position. Thus the contest 
continued for an hour or two longer, the British appar- 
ently unable either to advance or retreat, and the Ameri- 
cans unable to capture the hill, though pressing close to 
its base. 

At length a band of Indians arrived from below. They 



raised the war-whoop, and the British troops answered with 
three cheers. The Americans, who were farthest advanced, 
brought in their turn between two fires, and becoming 
scant of ammunition, retired to join their comrades farther 
up the stream." Colonel Hill at once took advantage of 
this movement to beat a hasty retreat, and redcoats and 
redskins wore soon hastening at full speed toward Skenes- 
boro', leaving the victorious Americans masters of the 
field. 

One could hardly tell, from the ordinary histories of the 
Revolution, what followed after the arrival of the Indians ; 
one might infer that it was the Americans who gave waj-, 
and the invaders who remained in possession of the field. 
But the German author of the " Memoirs of General 
Riedesel," deriving his knowledge from the journals of the 
Hessian officers, says distinctly that Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hill was sent to take Fort Ann, but was attacked on the 
morning of the 8th of July by a superior force, and after 
a long fight " was forced to relreat." This is conclusive ; 
and it is confirmed by the fact that while many British 
wounded were captured by the Americans, — among them 
being Captain Montgomery, a relative of the patriot gen- 
eral who fell at Quebec, — the wounded Colonel Van Rens- 
selaer lay undisturbed upon the field until the close of the 
fight, as did also Colonel Armstrong and other wounded 
Americans. Bancroft correctly .states that the British 
were defeated, and suffered a loss of fifty killed and 
wounded. 

After the firing had ceased. Colonel Van Ren.sselaer 
looked up from behind his log and saw a young man 
coming towards him in rustic drpss, but with musket in 
hand, and with a black circle around his lips, indicative of 
frequent blowing into the dirty barrel of his gun. The 
colonel raised himself on his elbow and cried out, " Who 
comes there ?" 

" Halloo !" answered the startled youth, and then, .seeing 
that his interlocutor had a short " fusee" (such as officers 
appear to have frequently carried at that period), he sprang 
behind the nearest tree and loaded his musket. Not till 
then did he answer the colDnel's challenge. 

"I am a Continental soldier," said he; "who the devil 
are you ? ' 

" And I am Colonel Van Rens.selaer,'' replied the 
officer. 

The prudent young warrior then obtained the assistance 
of several of his comrades and bore the crippled hero to 
the fort. 

Though Colonel Long had won a victory, he did not con- 
sider himself strong enough t« hold the frail block-house 
and pali-sade whicli constituted Fort Ann. He accordingly 
sent off' all his baggage and wounded, set fire to the build- 
ings, and then proceeded with his command to join Gen- 
eral Schuyler at Fort Edward. Colonel Xan Rensselaer 
was borne thither on the shoulders of his men, and thence 
sent to Albany on a bateau. He partially recovered from 
his wound, but was unable to perform active service during 
the remainder of the Revolution. He was the father of 
the gallant General Solomon Van Rensselaer, who was dcs- 
Ijcratoly wounded in Wayne's great victory over the Indians, 
who received six wounds while leading the attack on Queens- 



48 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



town Heights in 1812, and who was for a long time adju- 
tant-general of the State.* 

Meanwhile the bulk of the British army wa.s concen- 
trating at Skenesboro'. General Riedesel with his Germans 
arrived there on the eighth, having abandoned the fruitless 
pursuit of St. Clair. The latter general — his rear-guard 
having succeeded in checking the enemy at Hubbardton — 
marched from Castlcton with his depleted and demoralized 
force through Granville and Hartford, and joined General 
Schuyler at Fort Edward on the twelfth. 

At Skenesboro', notwithstanding the check received at 
Fort Ann, all was exultation over the past, and the most 
sanguine expectations of speedy triumph. And there was 
good reason for such feelings. The British had seized, 
with .scarcely an effort, the great fortress which had been 
designed both by nature and art as the chief defense of the 
northern frontier ; with it they had captured a hundred 
and twenty-eight cannon and immense quantities of warlike 
stores; and they had sent the army of St. Clair fleeing in 
scattered columns to join an almost equally demoralized 
horde on the banks of the Hudson. 

Nearly the whole of Burgoyne's army came to Skenes- 
boro', — five thousand British and over three thousand Ger- 
mans. The latter have always been called by the general 
name of Hessians ; but besides detachments from He.sse 
Cassel and Hesse Ilanau there was a full regiment of Bruns- 
wick infantry, a detachment of dismounted Brunswick 
dragoons, and a Brunswick general — Friederich Adolphus 
von Riedesel — was in command of the whole German con- 
tingent. Americans are in the habit of considering the 
British soldiery as sufficiently heavy in equipment and slow 
in motion, but the English of Burgoyne's army might con- 
sider themselves as models of lightness in comparison with 
the Germans. They used to declare that the helmet of a 
Hessian soldier weighed more than the whole equipment 
of an Englishman, and the statement is said not to have 
involved very much exaggeration. 

These slow, heavy, sturdy men (many of whom had been 
seized in their fields and their shops, or even as they were 
attending church, and forced into the army) had been sent 
across the ocean by their princes to fight the battles of 
tyranny, without the slightest interest in the result even 
on the part of the petty sovereigns who commanded the 
slaughter, but solely from the most degrading avarice. The 
dukes wanted gold, and they sold their subjects' blood to 
obtain it. 

The four thousand British troops who gathered at 
Skenesboro' (a small portion only of the army went up Lake 
George) had at least some national feeling in the contest in 
which they were engaged, and, as they marched to and fro 
in their resplendent red uniforms over the rocky roads of 
Skenesboro', might flatter themselves that their valor was 
destined to lift still higher the renown of F]ngland and the 
power of King George. 



» As a matter of curiosity, it may bo added that the widow of 
Colonel II. K. Van Rensselaer died only last year (February, 1S77) 
in Cattaraugus county in this State, aged over a hundred years. She 
was his second wife, and of course far younger than himself, having 
been but an infant when her future husband was winning imperish- 
able glory in the victory of Fort Ann. 



Ere narrating the subsequent events we will give a glance 
at the chieftains who were so confident of leading the.se 
soldiers to victory. Lieutenant-General John Burgoyne, 
the illegitimate son of a British nobleman, was then forty- 
seven years of age, all of which since childhood he had 
spent in the military service of his sovereign. He had 
shown himself a brave soldier on the fields of Europe, and 
it was hoped that he would prove himself an energetic and 
skillful one amid the forests of America. A large, strongly- 
built man, the British general had a hard, rough counte- 
nance but a fine figure, and bore him.self with a habitual 
air of command which might have been due either to his 
semi-noble origin or to his long service as a military officer 
of high rank. Fond to extreme of the good things of the 
table, he did not consider that his easy task of conquering 
the Yankees laid on him any necessity for self-restraint, 
and his headquarters were often the scene of luxurious 
suppers, lasting far into night, where the wine flowed in 
ample streams, and which were often enlivened by the 
presence of the general's mistress, — the wife of a commis- 
sary in his army. 

Major-Gcneral Friederich Adolphus von Riedesel, the 
officer in command of the Gorman forces, has gained some 
fame in this country, rather through the published memoirs 
of his wife than through any brilliant achievements of his 
own. Descended from a noble Brunswick family, he had 
been a soldier from his youth to his present age of thirty- 
seven years, and had gained the reputation not only of 
valor in the field but of uprightness, activity, and entcr- 
terprise. His portrait, however, does not indicate activity 
nor enterprise ; it shows a plain, round, almost stolid face 
above a stout, heavy body, and looks as if the original 
might .stand fighting in his tracks as long as he could lift a 
sword, but who would hardly operate with the re(|uisite 
rapidity among the forests, the mountains, and the deadly 
riflemen of America. He had been followed to America 
by his wife, a lady of great beauty and many accomplish- 
ments, who was at this time at the north end of Lake 
Champlaiu. 

Major-General Phillips, the second in command of the 
English troops, an officer of great impetuosity, was to be 
seen hurrying to and fro, hastening the transfer of stores, 
superintending the movement of troops, venting his fiery 
temper on all who displeased him, and showing more activ- 
ity than was often displayed by a British general, at least 
in those days. 

Brigadier-General Fraser, a keen-faced, middle-aged 
Scotchman, was akso noted for his energy, zeal, and pro- 
fes.sional skill, and, was probably much better fitted to load 
the army than was the lieutenant-general in command. 

Besides the English and German troops, two or throe 
hundred French Canadians had been persuaded by extreme 
exertions to join the invading army, and were to be seen at 
Skenesboro', in the service of their ancient enemies ; but as 
a rule the people of Canada showed no inclination to en- 
gage in the great contest which was shaking the continent, 
and the small number which had been enlisted scarcely paid 
for the great trouble which had been taken to obtain them. 

A few Indians had come with the army to Skenesboro', 
and soon after its arrival there it was joined by a body of 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



49 



about five hundred. These had been gathered at immense 
expense from a great distance, and comprised Sioux, Sacs, 
Foxes, Mennmonees, "Wlnnehagoes, Ottawns, and Chippe- 
wiis, from tlie forests of Canada, from tlie straits of Mich- 
ilimackinac, from the shores of Lake Michigan, nay, even 
from the far-off waters of the Mississippi. Tlie warriors 
of tlie Six Nations were at this time gathering at O.swego, 
to take part in the expedition of St. Leger. 

They were all under the command of that fierce partisan, 
St. Luc la Cornc de St. Luc, who, though he had reached 
the age of sixty-six years, willingly came forth to repeat, in 
behalf of the English, those exploits with the tomahawk 
and scalping-knife which he had so frequently performed 
against them, and which had made his name a terror to all 
the people of the frontier twenty years before. He was ac- 
companied by Charles de Langlade, another Franco-Indian 
leader, who, as a youth, had taken part in the defeat of 
Braddock, in 1755, who subsequently founded the settle- 
ment of Green Bay, and who is by some considered the 
pioneer of the State of Wisconsin. 

These savages had come, expecting an unlimited oppor- 
tunity to satisfy their love of plunder and their thirst for 
blood, and the reputation of La Corne de St. Luc, both for 
valor and ferocity, naturally strengthened their expectations. 
But Burgoyne, while desirous to frighten the Americans 
with the dread spectre of Indian massacre, shrank from 
actually letting the savages loose upon the inhabitants, and 
seems to have been sincerely anxious to restrain their worst 
propensities. 

On the 10th of July, General Burgoyne issued a con- 
gratulatory order to his army, on account of their recent 
successes, praising Generals Riedesel and Fraser for their 
good conduct in the pursuit of St. Clair, and directing that 
on the following day there should be special religious ser- 
vices by the various chaplains and a grand salute with can- 
non and small arms. 

On the twelfth of the month, General Riedesel, with 
several German regiments, proceeded by Burgoyne's orders 
to Castleton, Vt., where they remained until the twenty- 
fifth. The energy with which the lieutenant-general had 
assailed Ticonderoga and pressed forward to Skenesboro' 
seemed to have evaporated, and two or three precious weeks 
were consumed in making preparations to leave the latter 
place. Possibly this was necessary, but it seems improbable. 
A great deal has been said about the terrible difficulties in 
marching an army from Skenesboro' to Fort Edward, and 
much blame has been thrown on General Burgoyne because 
he did not go up Lake George and march from its head to 
Fort Edward. There are no very great difficulties between 
Skenesboro' and Fort Edward, and when Burgoyne once 
put his army in motion he made the march in three or 
four days. The time was mostly consumed in getting the 
supplies to Skenesboro', and it would probably have required 
almost as much time to take them to the head of Lake 
George. 

We turn to the desponding army of General Schuyler. 
On the 15th day of July, three days after the arrival of 
St. Clair, the forces at Fort Edward were mustered, and 
found to consist of four thousand four hundred men, in- 
cluding the militia, of whom there were at least fifteen 
7 



hundred. More discouraging than the smallness of the 
numbers was the demoralization which prevailed among 
them. Right or wrong, the army had lost confidence in 
Schuyler, and the New Englandcrs were especially bitter 
against him. 

Yet he worked zealously for the cause. The baggage 
and stores were ordered in from Lake George. Bodies of 
militia were sent to obstruct the route from Skenesboro', 
by destroying the bridges, digging trenches across the road, 
felling trees in the road and creek, and in every other 
manner that could be devised. The farmers who remained 
in the vicinity were directed to send the cattle out of reach 
of the enemy. He also sent to the American authorities 
the most urgent requests for all the regular troops that 
could po.ssibly be sent him, and for all the militia that 
could be induced to take the field. 

He was also compelled to keep close watch for spies ; for 
there were Tories all around, who, in consequence of being 
closely intermixed with the rest of the population, were 
able with little difficulty to furnish information to the 
British regarding all the American movements. A letter 
from the general to Colonel Williams, dated the 14th of 
July, preserved among the Williams papers, states that the 
former has closely examined one Baker, sent under guard 
by the colonel to the general, and that he is clearly con- 
vinced that he is an agent of the enemy ; that he has 
placed him in close confinement, and shall send him down 
the river. 

In the same letter the general directs Colonel Williams 
to provision the militia as best he can ; informs him that the 
American scouts are out everywhere, and that he (Schuyler) 
has a large body at Fort Ann ; and adds that, until they 
come away, the people of White Creek need not fear an 
attack. Evidently Fort Ann, or rather the location of the 
destroyed fort, had been again occupied by the Americans, 
after its evacuation by Colonel Long. 

On the 16th of July, Schuyler ordered a brigade of Con- 
tinentals to assist the militia in obstructing the road from 
Skenesboro'. 

By the 21st Burgoyne had got sufficiently prepared to 
begin to think of an advance, and .sent out parties to re- 
connoitre Fort Ann and Fort Edward. The next day, 
preparatory to a movement, he issued a general order, de- 
claring that breaking into houses, plundering, and similar 
offenses should be punished, if it was the first offense, by 
whipping ; if the second, by running the gauntlet. As 
this curious order evidently intended that running the 
gauntlet should be a more severe punishment than whipping, 
he could not have meant any modified performance under 
that name, but must have referred to the real Indian oper- 
ation, with clubs, stones, and tomahawks. Certainly the 
punishment was severe enough ; but it would seem to have 
been inconsistent with the stern dignity of military law, 
and likely, moreover, if often inflicted, to sisriously deplete 
the ranks of his majesty's forces. 

Ob the 22d, General Fraser, with his command, marched 
from Skenesboro' to '' Gordon's house," in Kingsbury, 
having heard a report that Fort Edward had been abandoned 
on the 21st. General Schuyler had, of course, withdrawn 
his outlying force from Fort Ann, and on the 22d, the 



50 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



day of Fraser's advance, he fell back with his army from 
Fort Edward to Moses creek, leaving only a guard of a 
hundred men at the fort. Fraser was followed by Phillips, 
with the right wing of the British army. Burgoyne 
probably accompanied this body. It was not until the 25th 
of July that General Riedesel returned from Castleton to 
Skenesboro'. The next day he sent off the sick and the extra 
baggage to Skenesboro', whence the latter was to be taken 
to Fort Edward by way of Fort George. Immediately 
afterwards he followed Fraser and Phillips towards Fort 
Edward. 

The patriot inhabitants in the towns along the line of 
march nearly all fled before the invader and his Indian 
allies. The latter spread out on both flanks of the army, 
and, notwithstanding the disposition of Burgoyne to re- 
strain them, were but too ready to carry slaughter among 
the families of the " rebels." Even the Tories were not 
safe when there was a first-rate chance for booty or for 
scalps. 

The patriots in the southern part of the county were in 
nearly as much dismay. They were daily expecting the 
appearance of the Indians among them, and an order issued 
by General Schuyler directing them to leave their farms and 
seek refuge in the interior was almost equally dishearten- 
ing. The harvest time was upon them, and what were 
they to live on if they abandoned their crops ? 

The county committee met at New Perth, on the 25th, 
John Rowan being chosen chairman. After declaring that 
universal desolation had overspread the county, on account 
of General Schuyler's order to abandon their farms (though 
they admitted that it was unsafe to remain), they appointed 
Alexander McNulty, Richard Hoy, Wm. McCoy, Edward 
Savage, John Martin, Wm. McFarland, John Nesbitt, 

Robert Colwell, Daniel McCleary, David Hopkins, 

Henderson, and John Gray as appraisers to estimate the 
value of their crops and buildings, with a view to obtain- 
ing recompense in case they were lost through obedience 
to the order. Alas ! both the National and State govern- 
ments were unable to pay or feed their soldiers, much less 
to make good the loss of destroyed crops or burned build- 
ings. 

Schuyler's order was borne by Captain Joseph McCracken, 
and soon after his arrival it was determined to build a fort 
at New Perth, which might serve as a refuge to the inhab- 
itants from wandering bands of red or white marauders. 
For this purpose the old log church, the first erected in the 
county, was torn down, and the logs were set in a stockade 
around the frame church more recently erected. It was 
finished on the 2(;th of July, and received the name of 
" Salem Fort." Captain McCracken was placed in com- 
mand. 

This was the first use of the name Salem, so far as we 
can discover, in the town which now bears that appellation. 
It was probably derived from one of the towns in Massa- 
chusetts of that town, though it is possible that some biblical 
scholar may have thought the Hebrew meaning of " Salem" 
— Peace — might properly be applied to a foitress made of 
two churches, and intended to preserve peace to their 
homes. 

We turn again to the terror-stricken towns to the north- 



ward. By the 25th of July the greater part of Burgoyne's 
army had reached Kingsbury street, in the town of that 
name, the general making his headquarters at Gordon's 
house. The next day the advance under Fraser moved 
forward to " Moss street," in the same town, and attacked 
the American pickets stationed there. A brisk skirmish 
ensued, but the Americans were of course easily defeated, 
and retired to Fort Edward. Several of their number 
were killed in the skirmish, and these were scalped by the 
Indians who were scattered along the front of the British 
army. General Fraser established his headquarters near 
the house of John Jones, one of the family already men- 
tioned as prominent Tories. 

The same day (the 26th), a band of Indians, who were 
scouting on the left wing of the British army, made their 
way into the present town of Argyle and slew the whole 
family of John Allen, consisting of the two parents and 
seven children, as they were seated at their noon-day meal. 
As Allen was a Tory, it is not known what directed the 
wrath of the savages against this particular family, — -very 
likely it was a mere freak of their capricious and blood- 
thirsty natures. They are also said to have slain on the 
same day and in the same vicinity an entire family named 
Barnes, and also a man named John White. 

The next morning the British advance took post at the 
present village of Sandy Hill. A small detachment of the 
Americans still remained at Fort Edward, and thither 
many of the families of Kingsbury and Fort Edward had 
fled for safety ; but the soldiers and citizens were alike pre- 
paring to move down the river. 

It was on this day that the sad tragedy took place which, 
from its peculiar circumstances, at once drew the attention 
of all America, and which has become celebrated wherever 
the English language is spoken, — the murder of Jaue Mc- 
Crea. Several widely-different, and some contradictory, 
accounts have been published regarding tliis event, all pur- 
porting to be derived from eye-wilncsses, or others intimately 
acquainted with the facts. On account of the very gen- 
eral interest which has always been manifested in the death 
of Miss McCrea, we have taken especial pains to sift and 
compare the various accounts referred to, and we feel 
satisfied that the one we are about to give is substantially 
correct. 

Any young woman who suffers misfortune, and is conse- 
quently mentioned in print, is almost always described by 
gallant writers as beautiful in feature and lovely in disposi- 
tion. Had Jane McCrea been the plainest backwoods dam- 
sel that ever suffered the hardening influences of pioneer 
life, the mingled romance and tragedy of her death would 
have invested her with an aureole of transcendent loveli- 
ness. Yet there is evidence that the language of admira- 
tion, so often used without meaning in similar cases, was in 
this one justified by the truth. It is not so very many 
years since there were some still living who had seen her 
in their youth, and they all described the blooming maiden 
of twenty-three* as indeed most fair to look upon. Her 
hair, rippling in long, luxuriant tresses around her form. 



* She is described on her torabstonc as seventeen, but the 
iif the evidence is in favor of the more mature age. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



51 



especially impressed itself on the memory of ber youthful 
admirers. Her family relations also were such as gave in 
that day — when class distinctions were more marked than 
now — some indications of superior refinement. 

Miss McCrea's father was a clergyman of New Jersey; 
but he having, after the death of her mother, married a 
second wife, she had made her home with her brother, 
John McCrea, who resided on the west bank of the Hudson, 
five or six miles below Fort Edward. This gentleman was 
a lawyer by profession , a man of considerable prominence, 
and colonel of a regiment of militia. Unlike many of the 
New Jersey emigrants, he was a decided patriot. He was 
afterwards appointed county clerk of Charlotte county, and 
removed to Salem, where he remained many years; finally 
removing to St. Lawrence county. Other brothers were 
prominent citizens of other parts of what is now Saratoga 
county. 

Miss McCrea had formed the acquaintance of David 
Jones, the son of a widow residing a mile or so below Fort 
Edward, on the east side of the Hudson, and who has 
already been mentioned as having aided to raise a companj' 
of royalists in the fall of 1776, and as having received a 
commission in it as lieutenant. The young people were 
quite intimate, and were believed to be betrothed. 

On the 26th of July, Jane McCrea was staying at a 
house close to the walls of Fort Edward, since known as 
the Baldwin hou.se. The most probable account is that 
she had been visiting there for several days ; that her brother, 
learning of the enemy's advance, had more than once sent 
for her to accompany him down the river. She is supposed 
to have received a communication from her lover, in Bur- 
goyne's army, and to have been awaiting his approach. On 
the morning of the 27th she proceeded to the residence of 
Mrs. McNeil, a relative of General Fraser, of the British 
army. It is said she was a cousin of that officer, but Scotch 
cousinship extends a great way. Mrs. McNeil lived about 
a hundred rods to the north of the fort, and perhaps fifty 
rods from the foot of a hill up which ran the road to Sandy 
Hill, now called Broadway.* 

At the top of the hill, a quarter of a mile or more from 
Mrs. McNiel's residence, was a fine spring of water, with a 
solitary pine-tree standing beside it. Just beyond was a 
piece of woodland. In this wood was stationed an Ameri- 
crn picket of about a dozen men under Lieutenant Van 
Vechten. Near nine o'clock in the forenoon of the 27th 
a band of Indians suddenly swooped down upon this 
picket. It seems to have been something of a surprise, for 
in a few minutes Lieutenant Van Vechten and five men 
were killed and scalped and four others wounded. Samuel 
Standish, one of the picket, fired his musket at the fir.st 
Indian he saw, and then fled at full speed toward the fort. 
As he reached the level ground three Indians ran in be- 
tween him and the fort, wounded him in the foot, and took 
him prisoner. They tied him quickly with one of the cords 
which they usualis carried with them, and pushed him 
rapidly up the hill to the spring. 

Jleanwhile another band had rushed into the house of 



* The house is still in a good slate of preservation, and occupied 
by Mr. Rogers. 



Mrs. McNiel, had seized on that lady and her young gu&st, 
and started northward. Presently they caught two horses 
which were near Mrs. McNeil's residence, and attempttjd to 
place their captives upon them. The lightsome young 
woman was easily lifted to a seat, but the older one was 
fleshy and heavy, and the Indians were not adepts in aiding 
ladies to mount on horseback. Some of them accordingly 
led the horse directly up the hill with Jane upon it, while 
a couple of others pushed forward their other prize on foot 
on another path, which took her out of sight of the spring. 
In a few moments those who had charge of Miss ilcCrea 
arrived at the spring, where Standish already was. They 
halted a few moments, and the Indians almost immediately 
engaged in a sharp quarrel in their own language, which 
Standish could not understand, but which from its sequence 
he supposed to be about jMiss McCrea. From words they 
proceeded to blows ; not, however, using their most danger- 
ous weapons, but fighting with the butts of their guns. 
After a few moments of such combat, one of them in a fury 
leveled his musket at the unfortunate young lady and shot 
her dead. She fell, and the next instant the savage flung 
down his gun, seized her long, luxuriant locks with one hand, 
with the other passed his knife around nearly the whole 
scalp, and, with a yell of triumph, tore the beautiful but 
ghastly trophy from the victim's head. 

The fighting immediately ceased ; the infuriated com- 
batants turned their rage upon the senseless body of Jli.ss 
McCrea, stripping the clothes from her lovely form, and in 
the mere wantonness of barbarity inflicting nine wounds 
with tomahawk and scalping-knife upou her lifeless remains. 
Then, fearing an attack from the fort, the Indians hurried 
ofi" toward General Fraser's camp, taking Standish with 
them. 

In this account we have in most particulars followed the 
account of Mr. Standish. He recovered from his wound, 
was sent a prisoner to Canada, exchanged, and resided after 
the war in Granville, Washington county. He narrated 
the tragic story to Jared Sparks, himself a native of Wash- 
ington county, who publi.shed it in one of his " American 
Biographies." 

Standish also stated that Mrs. McNeil was brought 
with Miss McCrea to the spring and was present at the 
murder. That lady, however, declared that she had pre- 
viously been separated from her friend, and we have thought 
it more probable that the young soldier, in the awful excite- 
ment of the time, was mistaken on that point, rather than 
that Mrs. McNiel had deliberately falsified the facts ; for she 
could not have been mistaken as to whether she was or was 
not present at that terrible tragedy. 

Her statement was, that after the separation she was 
hurried forward on foot to Fraser's camp. There she in- 
quired for her relative, the general, and when she found him 
claimed his protection, at the same time denouncing him 
roundly for letting his " rascally Indians" thus mistreat her. 
She had been stripped by her captors of all her clothing but 
her chemise, and the general gave her a soldier's overcoat for 
a temporary covering. Soon after her arrival she saw some 
Indians come into camp, one of whom bore a scalp, which 
she at once recognized by its long and ample locks as that 
of her unfortunate young friend. She accused them of the 



niSTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



murder, but they at that time asserted that Miss McCrea 
had been mortally wounded by a party of Americans from 
the fort, who fired on them as they retreated, wlieroupon 
they thought there was no harm in stripping off her scalp. 

Stone, in his " Life of Brant," adopts this account, and 
argues that the Indians' story was probably true, since there 
was not as much reason for their murdering Miss McCrea, 
whom they had got on horseback, as there was for slaying 
Mrs. McNiel, whom they had to half-carry on foot. But 
this theory is in direct contradiction not only to Standi.sh's 
statement, but to Burgoyne's own confessions in his letter 
to Gates, of which further mention will be made. 

Standish, moreover, is corroborated by Albert Baker, a 
leading citizen of Sandy Hill, who had sought .safety in Fort 
Edward. His account is published in Neilson's " Cam- 
paign of Burgoyne." From the walls of the fort he and 
others saw the Indians chasing the pickets ; saw them rush 
into Mrs. McNiel's house and come out with their prey ; saw 
them taking one of the women up the hill on horseback ; 
saw them halt at the spring by the solitary pine, which, 
though half a mile distant, was plainly visible across the 
open space, and, as he thought, saw Miss McCrea shot from 
lier horse. 

He also stated that, so weak were the Americans and so 
strong was the enemy in the immediate vicinity, none of 
the former left the fort during the day; so that Miss Mc- 
Crea could not have been accidentally wounded by her 
friends. There are some minor discrepancies between 
Standish and Baker, but not greater than might naturally 
be expected, considering the excitement of the former and 
the distance of the latter. 

Thousands of men, women, and children have been mas- 
sacred during the wars between the Indians and the colo- 
nists, thousands more during the old French wars, and still 
other thousands during the Revolution and subsequent con- 
flicts, but not another case among them all has attracted so 
much attention as that of lovely Jane' McCrea. This was 
due partly to the youth, beauty, and social position of the 
victim, but still more to the romance that mingled with the 
tragedy. It was generally believed that Miss McCrea had 
lingered near Fort Edward to meet her betrothed lover, 
young Jones, probably vrith the expectation of marriage ; 
that he had sent two Indian chiefs to convey her to the 
British camp, promising them a reward for doing so ; that 
they quarreled over the reward before they received it, and 
that one of them slew their innocent captive to prevent the 
other from obtaining the pay. 

Though the evidence on these points is somewhat defect- 
ive, and though David Jones is said to have denied that he 
knew aught of the Indian raid, yet the circumstances tend 
strongly to show that the common report was substan- 
tially correct. The fact of her going from the residence of 
her brother, a prominent patriot, toward the enemy, and 
remaining at Fort Edward till the foe was almost in sight ; 
the fiict that she then went still farther forward ; the fact 
that the Indians at first undoubtedly attempted to take her to 
camp, and did take Mrs. McNiel there, though it certainly 
could not have been permitted to cumber the camp with 
captured women ; and the fact that, after getting started with 
her on horseback, they slew her during a quarrel among 



themselves, without any apparent cause, all tend to prove 
that the common version of the story is not far out of the 
way. 

News of the murder was sent down the river to Colonel 
John McCrea that day or evening, and he came up to the 
fort. The next morning a party ventured out to the scene 
of the massacre. The body of the slain woman was found 
where it had been flung into a small ravine, while the re- 
mains of Lieutenant Van Vechten and his soldiers lay 
scattered around. Miss McCrea and the lieutenant were 
removed and buried about three miles down the river ; but 
the remains of the lady were afterwards transferred to 
another resting-place, as naiTated in the history of Fort 
Edward. 

When General Gates took command of the American 
army, he wrote a very sharp letter to General Burgoyne in 
regard to his manner of waging warfare. After charging 
him with encouraging the Indians in cruelty, by offering a 
reward for scalps, he added : " Miss McCrea, a young lady 
lovely to the sight, of virtuous character and amiable dispo- 
sition, engaged to an ofiicer of your army, was, with other 
women and children, taken out of a house near Fort Kd- 
ward, carried into the woods, and there .scalped and mangled 
in the most horrid manner. Two parents, with six children 
[probably the Allen family], were treated with the same 
inhumanity while quietly resting in their own peaceful 
dwelling. The miserable fate of Miss McCrea was particu- 
larly aggravated, she being dressed to receive her promised 
husband, but met her murderer employed by you. Up- 
wards of one hundred men, women, and children have per- 
ished by the hands of the ruflfians to whom, it is asserted, 
you have paid the price of blood." 

This language shows that the opinion that Jliss McCrea 
was on the point of joining Lieutenant Jones, whether cor- 
rect or not, was prevalent at that time, and was not a piece 
of romance invented at a later period. 

General Burgoyne promptly repelled the specified charges 
in a letter to his opponent, asserting that he had from the 
first refused to pay for scalps, but liad offered the Indians 
rewards for prisoners, to encourage them in a more humane 
mode of warfiire. Speaking of Miss McCrea, he said, — 

" Her fall wanted not the tragic display you have labored 
to give it to make it as severely abhorred and lamented by 
me as it can be by the tenderest of her friends. The act 
was no premeditated barbarity. On the contrary, two 
chiefs, who had brought her off for security, not of violence 
to her person, disputed which should be her guard ; and in 
a fit of savage passion in one from whose hands she was 
snatched, the unhappy woman became the victim. Upon 
the first intelligence of this event, I obliged the Indians to 
deliver the murderer into my hands ; and though to have 
punished him by our laws or principles of justice would 
have been, perhaps, unprecedented, he certainly should 
have suffered an ignominious death, had I not been con- 
vinced, from my circumstances and observation, beyond the 
possibility of doubt, that a pardon, under the terms which 
I prescribed, and they accepted, would be more efficacious 
than an execution to prevent similar mischiefs. The above 
instance excepted, your information is false." 

It is very evident, from this letter, that there is no truth 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



53 



in the theory that Miss McCrea was accidentally killed by 
American pursuers ; though possibly the Indians might 
have tried to get rid of Mrs. McNiel with that statement. 
Of course, if that plea would have stood investigation, the 
Indians would have presented it to Burgoyne, and if it had 
even a semblance of truth, the latter would have eagerly 
seized on it to relieve himself and his army of the odium 
which lay upon them. That he keenly felt that odium is 
proven by the whole tenor of his letter. His statement, 
moreover, that two chiefs •' brought her off for security," 
confirms the common tradition that Jones employed them 
for the purpose ; though the strangeness of using such 
messengers has caused many to doubt that he did so. 

Gates' information was not entirely false as to other 
murders than that of Jane McCrea. Those of the Allen 
and Barnes families are the most prominent ; but there 
were doubtless many solitary instances resembling that of 
John White, in which some straggling countryman was 
barbarously deprived of life by these ferocious savages. 

Burgoyne reprimanded the Indians with great severity, 
and laid the most stringent restrictions on their native pro- 
pensity to plunder and murder ; nor do we hear, during 
the remainder of the campaign, of any of the more flagrant 
kinds of outrage on their part. But they were very much 
dissatisfied with this restraint, and ere long they began to 
desert. Their commander, St. Luc la Come de St. Luc, 
had too often led them against the English settlers, with 
unbounded license in the way of scalping, not to sympathize 
with them in their griefs at the present time ; and when, 
in a public letter, he afterwards excused their desertion, he 
did not deny the statement of Burgoyne in the House of 
Commons, that the principal rea.son for their abandonment 
of the royal cause was the restraint laid on them in regard 
to plundering and murdering the inhabitants. 

Burgoyne's chief fault, respecting the Indians, was in 
consenting to lead such cut-throats under any circum- 
stances ; and the conduct of the British ministry can never 
be too deeply execrated for employing those whom they 
knew to be universal murderers. 

There are numerous traditions, too, regarding the be- 
reaved lover in this terrible drama. One is that he was 
slain at the battle of Stillwater ; another, that he and his 
brother deserted and returned to Canada, where he long 
lived the life of a hermit, brooding in gloomy seclusion 
over his lost love and her tragic fate. 

On the morning after the murder, as soon as Miss 
McCrea's body had been recovered, the Americans aban- 
doned Fort Edward and joined Schuyler's army at Moses 
creek. On the twenty-ninth, Eraser's advance corps 
reached the neighborhood of Fort Edward, but it was not 
until the thirty-first that Generals Burgoyne and Riedesel 
establi-shed their headquarters there. General Phillips was 
sent to Fort George to expedite the transfer of stores by 
that route. 

Now that they had reached the Hudson, the British 
considered that the worst of their troubles were past, and 
supposed that they could march with comparative ease 
down its bank, with their baggage floating on its waters, 
walk over the demoralized American force in front of them 
if it got in their way, and join Sir Henry Clinton without 



diflBculty. But Burgoyne's advance was very slow. For 
six weeks his headquarters remained at Fort Edward. At 
this distance of time one can hardly form an opinion 
whether his tardiness was absolutely necessary or not, but 
it looks extremely improbable. 

Shortly after General Riedesel arrived at Fort Edward 
he was joined by his wife, who remained with the army 
during the remainder of the campaign. Besides her there 
were three other ladies with the army: Lady Harriet Aek- 
land, the daughter of an English peer and wife of Major 
Ackland of the Grenadiers, the wife of a Lieutenant Rey- 
nolds, and the commissary's wife, whom Madame Riedesel 
declared to be the mistress of Burgoyne. The latter re- 
sumed his revelings, and in place of the dispirited Ameri- 
cans the environs of the old fort rang with the jubilant 
clamor of the sanguine invaders. 

Madame Riedesel and Lady Harriet lived decorously 
but joyously, in fine weather eating under the trees in the 
open air, the table enlivened with smile and jest and sally ; 
thinking little of that other fair woman struck down by a 
terrible death only a Cew rods away. JIadame Riedesel 
does not mention the murder of Jane McCrea in her me- 
moirs ; possibly she did not hear of it. 

Many soldiers' wives accompanied the army, especially 
those of the Hessians and Brunswickere. These, dressed in 
their national costume, with their plain faces, and their 
bodies stiffened by out-door toil, had a strange, gypsy-like 
appearance in the eyes of Americans, accustomed to greater 
delicacy of form and feature, even in the most laborious of 
the sex. The men of the German contingent moved about 
their duties with their usual stolid faithfulness, but their 
minds often reverted sadly to the beloved homes from which 
they had been so ruthlessly torn. It has been stated by 
officers of Burgoyne's army that twenty or thirty Hessians 
at a time would have a presentiment that they were going 
to die and would never see the dear fatherland again. This 
greatly affected their health, and very often they did die, 
with no other apparent cause than homesickness and de- 
spondency. 

Domestic in their natures, they were fond of pets, and 
strove to make friends with the wild animals, which they 
frequently captured, to a much greater extent than the 
English. A Hessian column, as it marched through the 
forest-roads of Washington and Saratoga counties, would 
show here a young bear waddling along in the leash of a 
stalwart grenadier; there a fawn, shy and graceful, spring- 
ing at every unusual noise to the end of a cord held by a 
broad-faced infantry-man; while on the tops of the baggage- 
wagons might be seen raccoons, rabbits, owls, and other 
captured denizens of the wood. These cumbersome fiivor- 
ites were doubtless tolerated by the officers to divert the 
desponding minds of the homesick soldiers. 

Meanwhile, matters were apparently growing more des- 
perate for the Americans. On the 27th of July, Gen- 
eral Schuyler made a statement of his army encamped 
at Moses creek. Its strength consisted almost entirely of 
a body of two thousand seven iiundred Continental soldiers. 
Of the Connecticut militia all had deserted but "one major, 
one captain, two lieutenants, two ensigns, one adjutant, one 
quartermaster, one drummer, six sick men, and three rank 



54 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and file for duty." Of those from Berkshire Co., Mass., 
who had at one time numbered twelve hundred, of 
whom half were to have remained in the army, all but 
two hundred had deserted. Out of one of the Hampshire 
county regiment.s, in the same State, all but twelve had 
deserted ; but the other regiments from the same county 
had done somewhat better, there being two hundred of them 
left. Of the Albany county militia about half were on duty. 

It is the same story, told again and again during the 
Revolution and the War of 1812, of the inefficiency of 
militia for any sustained effort against the enemy. Occa- 
sionally, in times of great entliu.siasm, and under peculiar 
circumstances, as at Bunker Hill and Bennington, they 
would make a good fight ; but tbey would not make a long 
resistance to an enemy, and the number of deserters was so 
great that it was practically impossible to punish them. 

A few days later. General Schuyler retreated from Moses 
creek, crossed the Hud.son at Fort Miller, and led his 
dispirited army nearly to the Mobawk ! On the 1st of 
August he was relieved of his command, and on the 4th 
General Gates was appointed in his place. On the 9th of 
August, Fraser with the British advance encamped near 
Fort Miller. He was followed by Colonel Baum with a very 
mixed force of dismounted dragoons, Tories, Canadians, and 
Indians. This force was intended by Burgoyne to make a 
move into the country to the eastward, for the purpose of 
harassing the Whigs, obtaining Tory recruits, seizing horses, 
etc. Riedesel had suggested such a movement before the 
army left Skenesboro', but his plan was that the detachment 
should move from the rear of the army, by way of Castleton, 
to the " flats of the Connecticut river," where it was be- 
lieved that supplies could be found in abundance. 

After much consideration, Burgoyne had determined to 
make such a flank movement, but with a still wider sweep. 
He selected Colonel Baum to head the movement, and at 
first directed him to march to Manchester, and thence to 
Rockingham, on the Connecticut river. Indians and pro- 
vincials were to be sent up and down the river to gather 
supplies, and then they were all to return by way of Brat- 
tlcboro', and join Burgoyne at Albany ! It is safe to say 
that if the force had ever crossed the Green mountains, 
very few indeed would have returned to this side. 

This order was drawn up by General Riedesel, under 
Burgoyne's direction ; the latter added some amendments, 
advising the taxing of districts for specific numbers of artil- 
lery-horses, etc. The general stated that Captain Sher- 
wood's company of royalists was expected to join the 
command at Arlington, with horses and cattle, which were 
to be sent to the army under guard of some of Peters' 
royalist regiment. Colonel Skene was to accompany Baum, 
" in order to distinguish good subjects from bad," procure 
the best intelligence of the enemy, and choose proper per- 
sons to carry intelligence to the main army. 

It was afterwards proposed to send the force only as far 
east as Manchester, whence they were to return to the 
main army by way of Bennington, where they were to cap- 
ture the stores the Americans had there. But at the last 
moment Burgoyne directed that Baum should march straight 
to Bennington, capture or destroy the stores, get what re- 
cruits and horses he could, and return. 



Von Riedesel prepared the detachment for the expedition, 
the rendezvous being at Fort Miller. General Riedesel gives 
the numbers as two hundred dismounted dragoons, a hun- 
dred Indians, a hundred and fifty of Peters' regiment of 
royalists, fifty-six Canadian and provincial volunteers, fifty 
of Fraser's riflemen, and two light guns with their can- 
noniers, — total, nearly six hundred men. Other accounts 
show that there were three hundred and twenty-seven 
Brunswickers, raising the total force to over seven hun- 
dred men. 

Baum left Fort Miller on the 11th of August, and en- 
camped near old Fort Saraghtoga that night. When about 
to move the next morning he received an order to wait for 
further instructions, and remained encamped through the 
day near the Batten Kill. The next day, August 13, 
he set out on his unlucky expedition. The advance con- 
sisted of Tories and Indians, and the inhabitants fled in 
dire dismay at sight of these dreaded foes ; though Bur- 
goyne's threat after the murder of Miss McCrea restrained 
them so that we hear of no serious outrages on this march. 

There were enough Indians, Canadians, etc., for scouting 
and skirmishing ; but in case of hard fighting the prin- 
cipal reliance was on the dismounted Brunswick dragoons, 
who, being unprovided with infantry arms, were in poor 
condition for such an encounter. As before stated, their 
equipments were of the heaviest description, and as they 
strode along the woodland roads of Easton and Cambridge, 
their short carbines on their shoulders, their long sabres 
clanking at their sides, they looked poorly adapted indeed 
to meet the riflemen of Charlotte county, of the Green 
mountains, and of New Hampshire. 

The night of the 13th Baum encamped near what is 
now called Wait's Corners, in the town of Cambridge. His 
advance had a slight skirmish with a few militiamen, and 
captured eight of them. They were released the next 
morning at the request of Colonel Skene, he having an 
idea that this would have a good effect on the large num- 
bers who were supposed to be inclined towards the king's 
cause. Colonel Baum had been directed to consult Skene 
in everything relating to the treatment of the inhabitants, 
whom he was supposed to know all about, but whom he 
really knew very little about. He had imbibed a notion 
that three to one of them were loyalists, whereas in that 
section hardly one in ten of them was so. 

On the 14th Baum's command proceeded southward 
through Cambridge, crossed the Hoosic into the present 
county of Rensselaer, and followed up the valley of that 
stream and its tributary, the Walloomsac, toward Benning- 
ton. In the afternoon of the 14th they met a force sent 
out from that point under Lieutenant-Colonel Greig. A 
brief contest ensued, and though the Americans retreated, 
yet they showed themselves so strong, and all the accounts 
received showed there was such a large body of militia at 
Bennington, that Baum halted and sent back a request to 
Burgoyne for reinforcements. 

Riding all night, the messenger reached the general's 
headquarters at six o'clock the next morning. Burgoyne 
immediately ordered General Riedesel to send Lieutenant- 
Colonel Breymann in support of Baum. Breymann set out 
with five hundred Hessian light infantry in light marching 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



55 



order, with two cannon. They were not so heavily equipped 
as Baum's men, but the previous rains had made the roads 
very tedious, especially for artillery, and Breymann was 
obliged, or thought he was, to encamp the night of the 
15th at a point seven miles northeast of Cambridge. 

The next morning he pressed slowly forward through 
Cambridge, and at three in the afternoon reached Sancoick 
bridge. There, as he states in his report, he met " Gov." 
Skene, who informed him that Baum was two miles dis- 
tant, but, strangely enough, did not tell him there had been 
a battle. As Breymann had heard no guns, he marched 
confidently forward, and, the first thing he knew, came in 
conflict with straggling bands of triumphant Americans. The 
Brunswickers, Tories, and Indians of Baum's command 
seem to have been so thoroughly beaten that there were 
none, at least on the main road, to tell the tale of defeat to 
the supporting column. 

For during that eventful 16th of August the great 
northern expedition, which was expected to effect the con- 
quest of America, had received its first serious check ; then 
and there began to rise the tide of American triumph 
which rolled forward with constantly-increasing volume, 
until the whole of Burgoyne's proud army lay, submerged 
and helpless, beneath its angry waves. 

Nay, it would hardly be too much to call the battle of 
Bennington the turning-point of the American Revolution. 
Notwithstanding the successes of the patriots in the begin- 
ning, there had been near two years of depression, and 
Britain was apparently moving steadily forward toward 
a complete triumph over the liberties of America. But 
Bennington led to Saratoga, and Saratoga led to the French 
alliance, and the French alliance led to Yorktown, and 
Yorktown led to independence. 

The battle of Bennington (which, it will be understood, 
was not fought in Bennington at all, but in the town of 
Iloosic, county of Rennselaer, and State of New York) was 
another of those important conflicts which fringe the border 
of Washington county with a red band of warlike wrath. 
It was barely outside the southern line of the present town 
of White Creek, in the valley of the Walloomsac, that the 
old Indian fighter, grim John Stark, having waited through- 
out the 15th for the rain to abate, on the morning of the 
16th led his militia against the motley forces of Colonel 
Baum. His men were principally from New Hampshire, 
though there was a considerable number from Vermont 
and Massachusetts, and some also from the towns of Cam- 
bridge, White Creek, Jackson, and Salem, in this county. 

It is not within the scope of our work to go into the 
details of that Rensselaer county " Battle of Bennington." 
Every history of the United States tells of Stark's pithy 
address to his men : " We must beat those red-coats before 
sun.set or Molly Stark will be a widow" (to be sure her 
name was Betsey ; but then, probably, heroes can't be ex- 
pected to remember their wives' names) ; of the enthusi- 
astic advance of the raw militia ; of their gallant attack 
on the intrenchments of their foes ; of the speedy dis- 
persion of the Indians and Tories ; of the desperate re- 
sistance against overwhelming numbers made by the 
Brunswick dragoons, who, when their ammunition was 
expended and their allies had fled, charged sword in hand 



upon their assailants ; of the mortal wounding of their 
leader ; of the almost complete destruction of the little 
band, and of the rapidity with which the triumphant 
militia scattered to plunder the conquered camp. Fifteen 
ofiicers of the Brunswick dragoons were reported killed 
and missing, and two hundred and three rank and file, 
making a total of two hundred and eighteen out of three 
hundred and twenty-seven of that regiment present, be- 
sides those who were wounded but were able to escape. 

So thoroughly were Baum's forces scattered that, as be- 
fore stated, the pursuers got ahead of them, and Breymann 
was in conflict with the latter before seeing any of his own 
friends except Colonel Skene. The solid column of Brey- 
mann's light infantry quickly drove back the straggling 
militiamen, and Stark saw all the fruits of victory disap- 
pearing by rea.son of the lack of discipline of his forces. 
But at this moment Colonel Seth Warner came up with 
his regiment of Green Mountain Boys, and after a sharp 
conflict Breymann was also obliged to leave his two pieces 
of artillery and retreat, though with less loss and in better 
order than the unlucky .soldiers of Baum. 

Breymann's command, with a few of Baum's who had 
joined it, reached Cambridge at midnight. Meantime he 
had despatched messengers to Burgoyne, who, galloping 
through darkness and mud, reached that general with news 
of both battles at three o'clock on the morning of the 17th. 
Startled by these unexpected disasters, and fearing lest 
Breymann, too, would be overwhelmed by an avalanche of 
New England riflemen, he consulted Riedesel, and resolved 
to start immediately with the whole army to support the 
defeated detachment, and sent ofi' an ofiBcer to inform 
Colonel Breymann of his intention. But ere he could put 
his design in operation, Riedesel received news that Brey- 
mann had escaped, and was within six miles of the Batten 
Kill. The order was then countermanded. 

In the course of that day (^the 17th) the wearied Hes- 
sians, covered with mud and almost dead with fatigue, 
marched mournfully into the camp at Fort Miller, while 
hour after hour the Brunswick dragoons, the Tories, and 
the Indians came straggling in with their tales of woe. 

The direct efi"ect of the battle was far less than the in- 
direct. Everywhere the Americans were stimulated to 
fresh exertions by finding that they could whip the enemy, 
and the British were correspondingly depressed. Especially 
did the battle have a great eff'ect on the Indians. They had 
been angered at the reprimands given them and the re- 
straints put on their murderous propensities after the 
slaughter of Jane McCrea, and now they found themselves 
not only without plunder or .scalps, but in danger of being 
soundly whipped into the bargain. 

A number, estimated at about one hundred and fifty, 
accompanied Baum, and thirty or forty of these were killed 
or captured. Their red brethren were very bitter against 
Burgoyne for not sending reinforcements in time. La 
Corne de St. Luc, if ho did not encourage them, certainly 
.sympathized with them. Complaint followed complaint, 
band after band deserted, and finally, at a general council, 
nearly all of them demanded permission to return. Bur- 
goyne used every inducement of which he was master to 
persuade them to remain, and they apparently yielded to 



56 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



his arguments, but the very next day a large number of 
them left, and they continued to desert till hardly one re- 
mained. 

But the British ministry, less humane than Burgoyno, 
thenceforth made use of more pliant tools, in the Butlers 
and Johnsons, who gave the privilege of free slaughter to 
the tribes on the western border of the colonies, and those 
Indians remained faithful to the cause of royalty and 
murder throughout the Revolution. 

It was about this time that " Fort Salem," at New 
Perth, was abandoned by the Americans. The only con- 
temporary allusion to this event which we have seen is the 
statement by Colonel Joseph McCracken that the post was 
deserted on account of the approach of an overwhelming 
force of the enemy. The people all fled from the New 
Perth settlement, and the fort was destroyed ; but whether 
by our own men when they abandoned it, by a few scatter- 
ing Tories or Indians, or by a regular force, is unknown. 

From this time till the 11th of September, nearly a 
month, the British army lay at Fort Edward and Fort 
Miller ; or, as the latter point was then described, at 
" Duer's house," — referring to the residence and mills of 
Hon. William Duer, at the present village of Fort Miller. 
They were waiting for the means of transportation before 
advancing. Possibly this was necessary ; certainly it was 
the cause of their ruin. 

The right wing, under Major-General Phillips, was at 
Fort Miller ; the left wing, under Major-General Riedesel, 
was at Fort Edward. The former was so arranged that 
when it should advance the extreme front should be occu- 
pied by Canadians. The advance brigade was under Briga- 
dier-General Fraser, the next under General Powell, and 
the last under General Hamilton. The extreme advance of 
General Riedesel's division was composed of Indians ; the 
advance brigade was under Lieutenant-Colonel Breymann, 
the next under Brigadier-General Specht, and the last under 
General Gall. 

As early as the 19th of August a pontoon-bridge was 
built by the British across the Hudson, above the Fort 
Miller rapids, but afterwards a better place was found 
below, and one was erected there. 

Meanwhile the Americans were making good use of the 
time granted them through the dilatory action of the British. 
St. Leger was compelled to abandon the siege of Fort Stau- 
wix by the approach of a brigade which had been sent by 
Schuyler to its relief. Considerable additions were made 
to the number of the Continentals under Gates, and the 
militia, encouraged by the results of Bennington and Stan- 
wix, began to flock in large numbers into the camp of that 
general. The latter advanced from the Mohawk, whither 
Schuyler had retreated, and took up a position at Stillwater. 

It was not till the 11th of September that Burgoyne 
considered himself sufiSciently well provided with means of 
transportation to risk an advance. He determined to follow 
the Americans across the river, and move against their 
army. Many have considered him blameworthy in a mili- 
tary point of view for not moving down the east side of the 
Hudson. Clearly, however, if his object was to reach Al- 
bany, it would be easier to cross the upper Hudson, and 
then the Mohawk, than it would to transport an army in 



face of the enemy across the whole broad river opposite that 
city. 

On the last-named day the force at " Duer's house ' broke 
camp, but does not appear to have made much progress. 
The next day Riedesel moved forward from Fort Edward 
to Duer's house. On the thirteenth the crossing took place, 
Fraser moving first, while Breymann, with his light infantry, 
formed the extreme rear of Reidesel's division, and of the 
whole army. As soon as all were over Breymann's men 
destroyed the bridge. 

The two grand armies, on whose movements during that 
exciting campaign of 1777 largely depended the fate of 
America, have now passed out of our jurisdiction. Their 
marches and their battles will henceforth be in the territory 
which was then a part of the county of Albany, but which 
now answers to the historic name of Saratoga. But the 
great conflict frequently involved movements on the east 
side of the Hudson, and these we shall recount, occasionally 
throwing a glance across the stream, or listening to the 
sounds that are wafted from the western shore. 

After the crossing, Burgoyne pressed forward without any 
great delay, and on the nineteenth encountered Gates at 
Stillwater. Neither party could perhaps claim a victory, 
but it was at once evident that the British were not going 
to march to Albany without serious difficulty. The thun- 
ders of the cannonade rolled far and wide over the hills of 
Washington county. The venerable John McDonald, of 
Salem, relates that his father, then nine years old, distinctly 
heard the boom of the cannon at the home, in Hebron, of 
his father, the old campaigner of the French war. 

Next followed the three weeks when the two armies re- 
mained facing each other at Stillwater, the Americans all 
the while gaining strength and the British losing. Near 
the 1st of October, Gates was strong enough to send a 
division to occupy the east bank of the river. Fourteen 
hundred men wore posted at the point where the British 
had crossed, and two thousand somewhat farther down, the 
object being to prevent a retreat to Fort Edward. On the 
8th of October fifteen hundred were sent still higher up. 
It rained all day on the ninth ; but even in the rain, a body 
of militia pushed on to Fort Edward. Two or three hours 
later, a detachment from Burgoyne's army arrived on the op- 
posite side of the river, but on seeing that the fort was already 
occupied they returned. General Stark was in command 
of a large part, if not all, of the forces on the east side. 
The Charlotte county militia, under Colonel Williams, were 
all in arms at this period, and were ordered by General 
Gates to go to the rear of the enemy ; but we cannot learn 
the precise point at which they were stationed. 

Burgoyne was now completely hemmed in. His com- 
munications were cut olf, and, with scant supplies, he was 
compelled either to fight his way out very soon or surrender. 
The Charlotte county bank of the Hudson was lined with 
militia, who fired at every British soldier who showed his 
head on the other shore, and completely interdicted the use 
of the river to the British boats. 

The great battle of the 12th of October, and the splendid 
valor displayed by the Americans, made it plain that Bur- 
goyne could not fight his way through to Albany, and he 
immediately attempted a retreat. But he found every pas- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



57 



sage guarded, and his scouts soon brought him word that 
tlie plateau was occupied by a large force with artillery, 
rendering the passage of the river there impracticable. 

It is said that at this time Burgoyne told Colonel Skene 
that the latter had got him into this scrape (alluding to his 
advising the Bennington raid), and now he wanted him to 
get him out. Skene replied, — 

" Have your men put all their provisions in their haver- 
.nacks, and their ammunition in their cartridge-boxes ; then 
put all the baggage and other valuables within reach of the 
Yankee militia, and they will be so busy plundering it that 
your whole army can escape to Ticonderoga before they will 
find out what is going on." 

But notwithstanding this sarcasm the militia kept very 
close watch on the river. Not a boat could appear but what 
a volley of rifle-bullets would whistle around it, and many 
a one, well loaded with provisions or other stores, was com- 
pelled to make its way to the American, or Charlotte county, 
shore, where its contents were soon appropriated. 

They even made forays into the enemy's country. One 
of them saw some British horses feeding in one of General 
Schuyler's meadows, on the west side of the river, and ob- 
tained permission of his captain to go over and get one. 
He forthwith stripped to the skin, plunged in, swam across, 
caught a fine bay hor.se, and, " accoutered as he was," he 
vaulted on his back. By striking the animal with fists and 
heels the .soldier forced him to a gallop, and guided him into 
the river. When he had got part of the way across the 
enemy began to find out what was going on, and saluted the 
daring horseman with a volley of musket-balls, but he made 
good his escape to the Charlotte county bank, where he was 
received with immense enthusiasm by his comrades. 

But he was not satisfied even with this feat. After he 
had rested, and the British, not dreaming that he would try 
to repeat his escapade, had retired to their post, the soldier 
again addressed his officer, saying, — 

" It isn't hardly proper that a private should have a horse 
to ride while a captain goes afoot. Let me go over again, 
and I will get one for you, and when we get home we will 
have lots of fun driving our matched team." 

The captain, nothing loath, assented, and again the Yankee 
Leander swam the Hudson, obtained another bay horse, a 
match to the first one, and, by the use of the same tactics 
as before, made his escape before the thick-headed British 
or Hessians could do more than fire a few random shots. 

Another incident, of a darker nature, is related (as is 
also the foregoing) by the " Sexagenary," and well attested 

by the older residents of Salem. A 31 r. M , formerly 

well known in that town, a Scotchman by birth, but a very 
rabid Whig, crossed the Hudson with a companion, in a 
canoe, to see what they could discover. They crawled cau- 
tiously up the western bank, peeped over the top, and saw 
a young man in the uniform of a Tory regiment unloading 

a cart, a short distance away. It was the son of Mr. M , 

who, notwithstanding his father's strong Whig principles, 
had espoused the c;iui-e of the king. 

" Now," muttered M to his companion, " that's my 

own son, Hugliey, but I'm dom'd, for a' that, if I sill not 
gie him a shot." 

And accordingly, to the horror of his companion, he ac- 



tually rested his musket on the bank, took deliberate aim, 
and fired. The youth, however, had heard the talking, 
and sprang around to the other side of the cart just as the 
gun went ofi'. The bullet lodged in a felloe of one of the 
cart-wheels. A guard which was near by immediately hur- 
ried to the spot, and the two men were obliged to take to 
their canoe, and make the best of their way, amid a storm 
of musketry, across the river. They escaped with their 
lives, but the unnatural father received a bullet in his 
shoulder. He lived in Salem till his death, at a very ad- 
vanced age, and there is no account of his having ever 
manifested any regret for his deliberate attempt again.st tlie 
life of his son. 

But this guerrilla warfare across the Hudson soon ceased ; 
for, on the 17th of October, General Burgoyne, unable to 
advance or retreat with his army in column, and without 
sufficient enterprise to scatter his men and direct such as 
could escape to rendezvous at Ticonderoga, surrendered his 
entire force to General Gates. In the subsequent move- 
ments of the captured troops. Colonel Williams, of the 
Charlotte county militia, was directed to supervise the re- 
moval of the British hospital to Boston. 

Immediately after the surrender the roads of Charlotte 
county were alive with bands of New England militia, re- 
turning to their homes in triumph ; knowing that for the 
present the tide of war was averted from that section, and 
many of them believing that the combat was virtually de- 
cided in favor of America. 

Most of the Whigs of Charlotte county, also, who had 
left their residences on account of the enemy's advance, 
now returned and resumed their wonted avocations. There 
was a great increase of Whiggery, too. Those wlio had 
been lukewarm or undecided suddenly discovered that the 
patriot cause was the cause of justice, righteousness, and 
the heaviest battalions. But those unlucky persons who 
had openly espoused the king's cause were glad in their 
turn to make their escape from the wrath of their old 
neighbors, and very few of them ever returned to their 
former homes, except as members of marauding bands in- 
tent on the work of destruction and slaughter. 

Nor were the Americans at all disposed to wage war with 
rose-water. Officers styled " commissioners of forfeiture" 
were appointed by the State, and the property of every Tory 
•who had done any overt act in favor of the king, or had 
openly advocated his cause, was promptly seized. Their 
personal property was sold for what it would bring, but for 
the real estate there was very little demand, and most of it 
was not sold until after the close of the war. Some of the 
farms, however, were leased to Whigs who were willing to 
run the risk of being marked out for special vengeance in 
case of another invasion. 

Notwithstanding the surrender of foreign foes and the 
submission or flight of domestic ones, the Whigs of Char- 
lotte county were in a sad plight. All those in tlie north 
part of the county had been driven from their homes just 
before harvest, and many of those in the south part had 
abandoned theirs through well-founded fear of the enemy. 
Glory was a good thing, but as winter approached many of 
the patriotic inhabitants of Charlotte county were at a loss 
where to iret food to last them through the season. 



58 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In the journal of the New York council, which sat in 
the recess of the Legislature for that year, is a petition for 
mercy by twenty-two persons, who state that they are mostly 
emigrants from Ireland, that they have always performed 
military duty when called upon, and that at the retreat 
from Ticonderoga some of them had fought on the Amer- 
ican side. On arriving home they found some of their 
neighbors fleeing to other States, though the latter were 
said to be on the eve of a famine, and to have set guards 
to stop new-comers. The petitioners had neither wagons 
nor money and could not go. While they were building a 
fort at New Perth, by General Schuyler's orders, there 
came a message from General Burgoyne denouncing ven- 
geance on all who did not fly to him for protection. The 
woods were full of Indians, who killed nine persons,* and 
who captured all they found going south. Under these 
circumstances the petitioners declare they fled to the rear 
of Burgoyne's army, where they lived on their own provi- 
sions, and did not take up arms against the Americans. 
Confessing their oifense and surrendering as prisoners, they 
implored the mercy of the council. That body ordered 
that the petitioners should be allowed to remain on their 
farms and should be protected from injury, and the next 
Legislature continued to show them mercy. 

These and others in the same position, however, were 
regarded with great disgust by their thorough-going Whig 
neighbors. They were called " protectioners,"' and it is 
said that in Cambridge the Whigs assembled and gave the 
" protectioners" a thorough flogging. 



CHAPTER XII L 

EEMAINDEK OF THE REVOLUTION. 

Destitution of the People — The Vermont Trouble again — Fort Wil- 
liams — Beating up for Volunteers — A False Alarm — Doing Duty 
by Classes — Court-martialing the Disatfected — Light Punishments 
— Ticonderoga abandoned by the British — First Election under the 
State — Quiet in 1779 — A little more Trouble with Vermont — An- 
other False Alarm — Major Carlcton's Invasion — Surrender of Fort 
Ann — Ravaging of Kingsbury — Colonel Livingston's Ruse — Carle- 
ton's Retreat — Increasing Claims of Vermont — Practical Secession 
— New Hampshire Towns annexed — Intrigues with the British — 
Attempt to annex Charlotte County — Convention at Cambridge — 
The Act of Annexation ado])ted — Copy of the Instrument — Dele- 
gates chosen to the Vermont Legislature — Alarm of the Country 
at these Proceedings — Opposition of the Scotch Settlers and others 
— Continuation of the Intrigue with the British — Meeting of Com- 
missioners at Skenesborough — Mysterious Proceedings — Surrender 
of Cornwallis — Sudden Quiet of the Intriguers — New York autho- 
rity re-established in Charlotte County — Arrest of the Seceders 

Pleas for Mercy — New York disposed to yield Vermont — Declara- 
tion of Peace. 

So great was the devastation committed by the invaders 
that, in the forepart of 1778, numerous petitions for aid 
were sent to the Legislature by the people of Charlotte 
county, and also from Cambridge and Easton. That body 
directed the commissioners of forfeitures to sell two thou- 
sand bushels of wheat, rye, and Indian corn, taken from 

* The petitioners evidently refer to the Allen family : nor can we 
find any contemporary mention of the Barnes family, said by later 
tradition to have been slain on the same day. 



the Tories, to those in need, to be paid for afterwards on 
moderate terms. 

At the same period the old trouble came up in regard to 
the New Hampshire grants. The new State government 
of Vermont was now in full operation, and though its ap- 
plication for admission into the confederacy had been dis- 
missed by Congress, yet it exercised complete jurisdiction 
over all the territory now comprised within the territory 
of that State. New York, however, was naturally unwilling 
to give up so extensive a domain, and in February of this 
year the Legislature passed very liberal resolutions looking 
to a compromise of the difSculties. They admitted that 
the trouble had arisen largely from the exorbitant fees 
charged by the New York authorities, and by the new 
grants made of the royal decision regarding the boundary, 
in which grants servants of the crown were largely inter- 
ested. All these grievances the Legislature promised to 
remedy, but the Vermonters paid no attention to the offxir, 
and adhered to their own independent organization with 
unswerving pertinacity. 

Early in 1778, or possibly late in 1777, another little 
fort was built at New Perth. It was a log block-house 
about twenty feet square, well supplied with loop-holes, and 
surrounded at a considerable distance by a stockade of erect 
logs, after the usual fashion of frontier forts at that day. 
It received the name of " Fort Williams," in honor of the 
energetic young colonel who manifested such unceasing 
activity in the American cause. Besides being colonel of 
militia, he was also county treasurer, or perhaps treasurer 
of the county committee, which still exercised all executive 
functions over the county. 

Fort Williams was garrisoned much of the time by soiue 
of the Charlotte county regiment ; but in March of this 
year, it appears from the Williams papers, there was a 
regiment of Connecticut militia staying there. A draft 
was ordered from the militia in the spring, to fill up the 
Continental army ; but Governor Clinton wrote to Colonel 
Williams, under date of the 13th of April, that the Char- 
lotte county regiment was exempt from the draft, on condi- 
tion of its furnishing men for defense of the frontier, and 
urged him to complete the number designated for the latter 
purpose, which was seventy. 

Even this number it was almost impossible to raise. On 
the 22d of April Williams wrote to Clinton, stating that 
he had called his battalion together and could obtain only 
seventeen volunteers. He expected to get as many more, 
but could not possibly raise seventy. Enough to make 
three companies had moved down the river, and others were 
preparing to go. Of those who remained, the colonel said, 
about half were disaffected to the American cause, and most 
of these he feared would join the enemy. Of these he made 
the brief but pungent reniark, " No quarter will be given 
them." 

The county was almost always in a state of alarm. At 
the date of this letter, Willii^ms' little battalion had been 
called out to repel a threatened invasion ; it having been 
reported that a small party of Americans, who were patrol- 
ing within twelve miles of Ticonderoga, had been driven 
back by five hundred of the enemy, who were supposed to 
be advancing towards the American settlements. It does 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



59 



not appear, however, that any invasion was actually made 
at that time. 

The battalion was divided by its colonel into six classes, 
each being required to do duty a week at a time, until the 
seventy volunteers should be raised. He declared that if 
the militia was kept out more than eight or ten days at a 
time they could not get in their spring crop, and would be 
compelled to leave the county. He was desirous to obtain 
twenty of the required volunteers from Albany county, 
which he thought could be done by giving a lieutenant's 
commission to one Doty, residing in that county. 

On the 23d of March a regimental court-martial was 
held at 'Fort Williams, by order of Colonel Williams, to 
punish those who had been derelict the previous year, 
which created a good deal of excitement. The president 
was Captain (afterwards Major) John Armstrong; associated 
with whom were Captain Edward Long and Lieutenants 

McClary, Robert Stewart, and Alexander Turner. 

Ensign James Stewart was the clerk. Over sixty men were 
arraigned, some for neglecting to turn out when warned, 
some for accepting protection from the enemy, some for 
failing to take their cattle and retire to a safer place when 
so ordered by General Schuyler. Fifty-eight were convicted, 
but their punishments were not very severe, consisting en- 
tirely of fines, ranging from eight shillings (a dollar) up to 
thirt}' pounds. Those who merely failed to appear on muster 
when warned were generally amerced in the former amount. 
Alexander Webster, of Black Creek (Hebron), was lieuten- 
ant-colonel of the regiment at this time, and was also State 
senator. 

The temporary abandonment of Ticonderoga by the Brit- 
ish caused a feeling of more security to prevail in Charlotte 
county, though the thought of the Indian tomahawk still 
caused many a mother and many a child to shudder with 
alarm at every unusual sound. 

On Sept. 8, 1778, took place the first election held 
throughout Charlotte county under the laws of the State of 
New York, and even this was by special enactment, the 
regular election-day having passed. Ninety-six votes were 
cast in Salem, twenty-nine in Kingsbury, twenty-four in 
Skenesboro', twenty-one in Granville, and twenty-eight in 
" Black Brook." This shows a total of only a hundred and 
ninety-eight vot«rs in the county, although there were 
doubtless more ; many people were not extremely anxious 
to exercise the elective franchise when such exercise might 
be considered evidence of rebellion against the king on one 
side or treason to their country on the other. Argyle. 
though a separate district, seems to have held no election 
that year. Another senator was chosen from Salem, and 
one assemblyman was re-elected, but three out of four of 
the latter class of officials were chosen from other parts of 
the county. It will be understood that at that period the 
work of election was much simpler than now, only town- 
officers and members of the Legislature, besides the gov- 
ernor and lieutenant-governor, being thus chosen ; the vast 
number of executive and judicial officers, now selected in 
the same manner, being then appointed by the council of 
appointment. 

The year 1779 passed away with comparatively little ex- 
citement on the northern frontier. Elsewhere the tide of 



conflict rolled to and fro, the American cause suffijring 
great depression, notwithstanding the aid furnished by 
France ; an aid which was slight compared with the ex- 
pectations which had been raised regarding it. From the 
western frontier, too, came news of terrible massacres and 
of the retribution inflicted by Sullivan, but on the banks of 
the Batten Kill, of White creek, and of Black creek the 
scattered inhabitants of Charlotte county planted, sowed, 
and harvested in temporary safety. 

The chief excitement there was in regard to the peren- 
nial question of jurisdiction over Vermont. Some New 
I'ork officers were seized in that State, whereupon Gov- 
ernor Clinton declared he would send an armed force thither 
to release them and defend the rights of his State. Thus 
Charlotte county had the pleasant prospect of foreign inva- 
sion, aided by domestic disaffection, from the north, and of 
civil war raging on the east. The captured officials were, 
however, released by order of the Confederate Congress, 
which also passed a law that neither New Y^oi'k nor Ver- 
mont should exercise jurisdiction over those who did not 
claim to be the subjects of such State. Thus the storm- 
cloud again passed over for the time, but Vermont still cpn- 
tinued to exercise authority over all who resided within the 
territory she claimed, even though they acknowledged the 
authority of New York. 

One of the legislative acts of that year, passed on Feb. 
17, is of considerable importance. It directed the holding 
of county courts and courts of sessions at New Perth (now 
Salem), which has ever since been the county-seat, or one 
of the county-seats, of the county. An act of the previous 
year had directed that the sheriff's mileage should be com- 
puted from the meeting-house at the same place. If there 
were any courts held under the act just mentioned the 
records have been lost or destroyed. 

On April 29, 1780, an American, who had been a pris- 
oner at Montreal and had escaped, reached Skenesboro' with 
the information that extensive preparations were being 
made in Canada for an invasion up Lake Champlain. 
Some other facts corroborated his statement, and a shock 
of alarm quickly rolled through all northern New York. 
The Charlotte county militia were now commanded by 
Colonel Alexander Webster, with Brinton Paine as lieuten- 
ant-colonel, and Joseph McCracken as major. They were 
ordered to be ready for instant action, and Governor Clin- 
ton ordered four regiments, under Colonels Yates, Van 
Schoonhoven, Van Wert, and McCrea, to assemble at Sara- 
toga. Clinton himself, with all the men he could rally in 
Albany and Charlotte counties, hastened to Fort George, 
which he reached in eight days after leaving Kingston. 
He proceeded thence to Ticonderoga and Crown Point, 
and, having satisfied himself that no invasion was to take 
place at that time, returned home. 

The summer passed away with only the usual number of 
small alarms. Several corps of State troops, intermediate 
between militia and regulars, were raised this summer to 
defend the frontiers. A company of these troops, number- 
in"- between fifty and seventy-five men, under Captain Adiel 
Sherwood, of Kingsbury, was stationed at Fort Ann. 

In the forepart of October, Major Christopher Carlcton 
(a nephew of Sir Guy Carlcton), of the Twenty-ninth Brit- 



60 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ish Regiment, with about eight hundred regulars and royal- 
ists and a few Indians, came up Lake Clianiplain with eight 
vessels and twenty-six boats and landed at Skenesboro'. 
Thence he advanced rapidly to Fort Ann, and on Oct. 10 
demanded its surrender. The fort was a rude log block- 
house with a stockade around it. The garrison consisted 
of the company of State troops before mentioned and of a 
few Continentals, the whole making but seventy-five men. 
Though ill .supplied with ammunition, Slierwood at first 
declined to surrender; but, on learning the number of the 
enemy, he yielded himself and his command as prisoners, 
first stipulating for the privilege of sending the women and 
children who were present to their homes. 

On the ninth Captain Sherwood was dining with Colonel 
Henry Livingston, the commander at Fort Edward, being 
on his way to White Creek and not imagining any foe to 
be near. While he was at Fort Edward, however, an order 
arrived from Governor Clinton requiring Livingston and 
Sherwood to endeavor to re-enlist their men for two months 
more. Sherwood returned to Fort Ann for that purpose, 
but that night he sent word to Livingston that the enemy 
was close by. The next morning he was captured, as before 
stated. The same morning two of Livingston's oflncers 
came hurrying in from Kingsbury with the news that the 
enemy was burning and laying waste that district. Liv- 
ingston sent to Colonel McCrea at Saratoga and Colonel 
Webster at Black Creek for their regiments of militia. 

Immediately afterwards some of the frightened inhab- 
itants of Kingsbury came rushing down the hill north of 
Fort Edward, with such household goods as they could 
bring with them, seeking the protection of the post. They 
reported the enemy only four miles away, and the smoke 
of burning houses could plainly be seen from the fort. 
Livingston had but sixty-five men, of whom he sent twenty 
to menace the foe ; but though they remained out through 
the day, they found the marauders too strong to attack. 
After dark four scouts were sent out, who found some of 
the enemy three miles distant. Colonel Livingston then 
ordered a lieutenant and twenty men to assail the camp in 
question, but as he was about to march a terrible outcry 
was heard on the west side of the Hudson, where the 
Indians were yelling, burning, and killing cattle, and the 
detachment was ordered back. Two of the enemy came 
so close that they were fired on from the fort, but without 
efiect. The next day another .scout was sent out, who 
discovered that the main body of the enemy had taken the 
route to Fort George, and the same afternoon that post 
also surrendered to Carleton. 

On the eleventh and twelfth Livingston was reinforced by 
about three hundred militia, but the oificers did not think 
themselves .strong enough to attack the foe. n That day or 
the next Carleton retreated down Lake Champlain. More 
militia came, but Van Rensselaer declares them to have 
been more intent on plundering the public stores left at 
Fort George than on any other service. They were soon 
discharged, and all but thirty of Livingston's men also left, 
declaring that their time had expired. On the sixteenth 
and seventeenth Colonel Livingston learned from his scouts 
that small parties of the enemy had been seen, and on the 
latter day General Schuyler sent a messenger advising the 



evacuation of the post. Livingston accordingly marched 
his men to Saratoga. On the twenty-fourth, having ob- 
tained some reinforcements, he returned'to Fort Edward.* 

Some of our readers mayjiave thought we devoted more 
space to the troubles between New York and Vermont than 
belonged to them in a .strictly local history of Washington 
county. But, in fact, that imbroglio affected even the in- 
ternal affairs of Charlotte county, and in 1781 some very 
curious movements took place in several of the towns of 
that and Albany counties, which have seldom or never been 
treated in national histories, but which might have had a 
serious effect on the welfare of the whole country. 

As has been stated, the county of Charlotte and that 
part of Albany county now included in Wa.shington were 
principally settled by New Englanders, and by Scotch and 
others of foreign birth. The former had almost all adhered 
to the American cause, while many (though by no means all) 
of the latter were friendly to the king. As the Americans 
were most of the time in pos.session of the teriitory in 
question, the New Englanders were largely in the majority 
among the dominant class. 

These had generally sympathized more or less with their 
compatriots who were striving to set up an independent 
government in Vermont. The Vermonters, too, although 
they had openly claimed only to the present east line of 
that State, had kept up a kind of faint half-claim to the 
territory between that line and the Hudson, or even farther 
west, on the ground that it had been included in Skene's 
new province of Ticonderoga, of which they deemed their 
State in some way to be the political heir. 

Bloreover, the ties of State and national authority 
were naturally very loose in those troublous times, and wild 
ideas were afloat as to the right of every little community 
to change its allegiance at will. About the time in ques- 
tion, several townships in New Hampshire, on the east side 
of the Connecticut river, having become dissatisfied with 
the government of that State, had applied to Vermont to 
be received under her jurisdiction. A law was promptly- 
passed by the Legislature of that State authorizing a vote of 
the people on the subject, and a majority having declared 
in favor of the admission, it was dulj' announced that the 
towns in question had become a part of the State of Ver- 
mont. The astonished people of New Hampshire thus saw 
that the very State which they had so strenuously aided to 
create at the expen.se of New York, was disposed to requite 
their assistance by seizing on some of their fairest territory. 

There was still another clement of discord. Although 
the Green Mountain Boys had been decided and nearly 
unanimous in supporting the American cause, they wore 
almo.st as bitterly oppo.sed to the rule of New York as to 
that of Great Britain. This was especially true of the leaders, 
and several of these, especially Ethan Allen and his brother 
Ira, disappointed in their hopes of the admission of Vermont 
into the confederacy as a separate State, were willing at 
least to negotiate with the public enemy. 



* The above account of Carleton 's raid is largely from an autograph 
statement of Colonel Livingston preserved among the family papers 
in Columbia county. A further account of some of the exploits of 
the marauders will be foujjd in the town-history of Kingsbury. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



61 



In the forepart of 1781 all these elements of disturbance 
began to ferment at once. In February the General As- 
sembly of Vermont boldly declared that the territory of 
that State reached to the Hudson river. In March nego- 
tiations were opened by the British commander in Canada 
with Colonel Ethan Allen, who communicated with his 
brother, Major Ira Allen, and others, and many secret 
messages passed back and forth between the paities. The 
Aliens held forth the prospect of neutrality on the part of 
their State, and in May the governor and council sent 
Major Ira to Isle Aux Noix to arrange the terms of an 
armistice with the British commander. The Tory captain, 
Sherwood, and Dr. James Smyth, formerly of Fort Ed- 
ward, were the British agents. 

The intrigue for the annexation of the territory before 
mentioned was going forward at the same time. Not liking 
to rest their claim on no higher authority than the sup- 
posed organization of tlie province of Ticonderoga, the Ver- 
monters also resorted to the secession doctrine. In April 
the Legislature of that State directed that a convention be 
held at Cambridge the following month, compo.scd of dele- 
gates elected by the people of the various districts of Char- 
lotte county and of that part of Albany county lying north 
of the south line of Vermont prolonged to the Hudson, 
which convention should decide whether, and on what 
terms, those districts should be united to the State of Ver- 
mont. 

Delegates were accordingly chosen in many of the dis- 
tricts and patents. Those who remained faithful to New 
York apparently ignored the whole proceeding, so that the 
secessionists had everything their own way in the elections. 
There had, of course, been more or less dissatisfaction with 
the way in which New York enforced her tax laws and 
militia laws, which doubtless bore very hard on the people 
in those disastrous times, and though the seceders were 
mostly New Englanders, and originally determined enemies 
of Great Britain, yet doubtless there were some of them 
who were tired of war, and willing to take advantage of 
the armistice proposed between that country and Vermont. 

The " Union Convention," as it was called, met at Cam- 
bridge on the 9th day of May. The following districts 
and townships were represented: Hoosic, Little Hoosic, 
Scaghticoke, Cambridge, Saratoga (now Easton), Upper 
White Creek (Salem), Black Creek (Hebron), Granville, 
Skenesboro', Fort Edward, and Kingsbury. John Rodgers 
was elected chairman. A committee of the Vermont Legis- 
lature, of which Moses Robinson was chairman and Jonas 
Fay was clerk, was present with authority to accept or 
reject the propositions of the convention. 

At the close of their deliberations an instrument em- 
bodying their acts was drawn up and signed by the chair- 
man of the convention and the committee. This was cer- 
tainly intended to be a very important document, for it 
was designed to accomplish nothing less than the change 
of allegiance of a territory larger than some of the States 
of the republic. It being expected to have such immense 
effect on the people of Washington county, and it being 
also a curious evidence of the views in vogue among a por- 
tion of the people at that period, we here present it to our 
readers entire. It is evident that the convention adopted 



the propositions one by one, and then the committee acted 
on each one. Then the committee made other propositions 
and the convention agreed to them. 

"ARTICLES OF UNION AGREED TO AT CAMBRIDGE, ANNO 
17S1. 
" Proposed by Convention composed of the Representatives from the 
several districts of llosick, Scaghticoke, Cambridge, Saratoga, Upper 
White Creek, Black Creek, Grnnvil, Skcensborough, Kingsbury, Fort 
Edward, Little Hosick, convened at Cambridge aforesaid this 9 May 
1781. and by ad'jt to the 15 of the same, Inclusive. 

" Articlk 1. That the District or Tract of Land lying north of a 
line being extended from the North Line of the Massachusetts to 
Hudson's River, and south of Latitude 4.5, as comprehended in the 
late Jurisdictional Claim by the Legislature of the State of Vermont, 
be considered as part of the State, and the inhabitants as free Citizens. 
Agreed to. 

"2. That the whole of the Military force of the State of Vermont 
(as occasion may require) shall be e.xertcd in onr defense as free 
citizens against any Insurrection, Incursion whatsoever, hut es- 
pecially against the Common Enemy. Agreed to. 

"3. That application be made by the Legislature of the State of 
Vermont to the Congress to be admitted into Union with them as 
soon as Circumstances will permit. Agreed to. 

" 4. That as the People within the aforesaid late Claim have been 
called upon, and paid a Considerable part of the Contenental Tu.xua 
into the Treasury of New York, they shall have credit for the .same 
in case Vermont at some future period should be called upon to pay 
their proportion of money remitted by Congress. 

"Agreed to, provided the services done by Vermont in the present 
war be included. 

" Reply agreed to, provided the expence of the said District in tlic 
present war be likewise included. 

" 5. That all actions depending with the late Claim be transferred 
in the situation they shall be in at the Time of Completing the Union 
to Courts that may be then forthwith erected under the authority of 
Vermont, without costs to the parties other than would have accrued 
had they been terminated in Courts under Jurisdiction of New York. 
Agreed to. 

"6. That the change of Jurisdiction shall not be understood to 
affect or Aleaniate private property. Agreed to. 
" Articles proposed by tiie Legislatur. 

" 1. That the Independence of Vermont be held saered, and no mem- 
ber of the Legislature give his Vote or otherwise use his endeavors 
to obtain any act or Resolution of the Assembly that shall endanger 
the existence. Independence, or well-being of said State, by referring 
its independence to the arbitrament of any power. Agreed to. 

" 2. That whensoever this State becomes united with the American 
States, and there should be any dispute between this and any of the 
United States respecting Boundary Lines, the Legislature of Ver- 
mont will then, as they have ever proposed, submit to Congress or 
such other Tribunal as may be mutually agreed on for the settlement 
of such disputes. Agreed to. 

" The foregoing Articles severally, mutually agreed to by the Con- 
vention and Committee at Cambridge, 15 May, 17S1. 

"John RODGKR.S, Ch. *»/ Conveittiuu. 
"MosKS RoBi.ssox, Ch. Cum. 
"Attest: Jonas Fay, Clk. Cum." 

After the adoption of this instrument, the same conven- 
tion chose delegates to the Vermont Legislature. Two of 
these, Phineas Whiteside and Joseph Caldwell, were from 
Cambridge, in the present county of Washington. One of 
these, at least, actually attended the Legislature, and his 
name is to be found recorded in its proceedings. 

But by this time the ambitious young State began to find 
that she had attempted too much. New Hamp.shire bit- 
terly protested against the attempt to rob her of her river 
towns. New York was ready for war rather than yield any 
more of her soil to those whom many of her people consid- 
ered the outlaws of the Green mountains. All the other 



62 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



States, too, were alarmed at the advocacy of doctrines 
•which, if carried out, would give every county, nay, every 
township, the right of secession from its State, and would 
add triple confusion to the already chaotic condition of 
government brought on by the Revolution. 

A large portion, too, of the people of the territory pro- 
posed to be transferred in such a summary manner made 
most decided opposition to tlie scheme. Especially was 
this true of White Creek (Salem), which was one of the 
most thickly populated towns in the disputed territory, and 
which was still largely inhabited by Scotch. It will be 
remembered that several old Scotch soldiers, who had re- 
ceived lands near the east line of Hebron, had had their 
houses burned and had been otherwise ill-treated by Ethan 
Allen's mob before the Revolution. Some of them were 
still living in White Creek and Black Creek, and all their 
countrymen in those districts, with the usual olannishness 
of their race, had warmly espoused the cause of the injured 
Highlanders, and bitterly detested everything pertaining to 
Vermont. 

These, with the many Americans who did not believe 
they could renounce their allegiance as easily as the Union 
Convention seemed to think, braced those districts firmly 
against the proposed transfer, and the scattered inhabitants 
of other districts to the northward and westward naturally 
followed the example of their powerful neighbors. 

Subdued by the opposition of the other States and of the 
people she would have absorbed, Vermont abated her ex- 
orbitant pretensions. She permitted New Hampshire to 
exercise jurisdiction over all the towns east of the Con- 
necticut, and did not interfere with New York in the 
management of Charlotte and Albany counties. Her 
claims, however, were not formally abandoned until the 
next winter, and perhaps they would again have been urged 
had not the surrender of Yorktown deprived the Aliens 
and Fays of all further opportunity to secure their objects 
by playing off the English and Americans against each 
other. 

The intrigue with the British commander in Canada 
was kept up during the summer of 1781. In September, 
commissioners on both sides met at Skenesboro", and some 
furtlwir progress was made in the negotiations, but nothing 
definite was decided on. The British were willing to 
grant very liberal terms, but the Vermont managers did 
not want to commit themselves beyond redemption. Bitter 
as was the feeling against New York throughout Vermont, 
the leaders were by no means sure of their own people if 
it should become public that they were plotting to separate 
the State entirely from the American cause. 

The British sailed up the lake, retreated, sailed up again. 
The Americans could not understand these mysterious 
manoeuvres. St. Leger was at Ticonderoga, waiting to 
learn the result of the negotiations. October came and 
had mostly passed, and still the diplomatic manceuvring 
was going forward. Suddenly the news of the surrender 
of Cornwallis at Yorktown came flying over the land. The 
people everywhere were almost intoxicated with joy. Alike 
in New York and Vermont bonfires blazed by every road- 
side, and cannons thundered in every village, in honor not 
only of the victory which had been gained, but of the 



liberty and peace which it was believed was assured by it. 
The Vermont intriguers would hardly have dared show 
their heads in their own State if it had been known what 
they were about. The negotiations were quickly sus- 
pended, the British fleet sailed back down the lake, and it 
was many years before it was known what kind of secret 
operations were going on between the Aliens and their 
friends and the British in the summer and fall of 1781. 

Notwithstanding the dawn of peace over the land, the 
people, impoverished by the long war, were in deep distress, 
and in many sections they were unwilling to bear the most 
necessary burdens of government. About the 1st of 
December an insurrection broke out in the northeastern 
towns of Albany county, which certainly extended as far 
north as Sancoick, and may have embraced a part of Cam- 
bridge, though apparently not. It related mostly to the 
performance of militia duty, and soon passed away. 

During the winter the. authority of New York was 
firmly established throughout Charlotte county, and a 
number of those who tried to transfer it to Vermont were 
arrested and lodged in Albany county jail. No effort was 
made to protect them by the authorities of Vermont. In 
fact, on the 24th of February, 1782, the Legislature of that 
State formally relinquished their claim both to the New 
York and the New Hampshire territory which they had 
attempted to bring within their own limits. 

On the 1st of March that portion of the Cambridge 
people which had sanctioned the Vermont movement met 
in convention and reafiirmed their allegiance to New York. 
They appointed a committee, which drew up, signed, and 
forwarded to Governor Clinton a very earnest submission 
on the part of the people, declaring that they had favored 
annexation to Vermont in the hope of averting the horrors 
of British and Indian invasion, expressing regret at their 
course, and asking for mercy from the State. Similar 
documents were forwarded from other districts. 

In March a petition was sent on from inhabitants of 
White Creek, declaring that they had ever been constant 
and faithful subjects of New York, and asking for mercy 
for those who had been led astray and had attempted to 
secede to Vermont. This was signed by Captain John 
Armstrong, John Henry, Edward Savage, John Gray, 
Matthew McWhorter, Robert Pennell, Alexander Turner, 
Pelatiah Fitch, Jr., Joshua Conkey, Thomas Armstrong, 
Robert Boyd, Alexander Kennedy, Samuel McWhorter, 
Thomas Lyon, and Sanford Smith. 

Owing to these representations, and to the fact that 
Vermont had formally released her claim, the prisoners 
were soon discharged. The status of Charlotte county was 
definitely fixed, but the old dispute about the sovereignty 
over Vermont itself was still unsettled. The New York 
authorities, however, had about made up their minds that 
whatever might be the legal aspect of the case, it would be 
impracticable to maintain their jurisdiction over the obsti- 
oate mountaineers who had so long defied them, and were 
desirous to retire from the contest with as little lo.ss of 
dignity as possible. Accordingly, in the spring of 1782, 
they offered to submit the whole question to the Conti- 
nental Congress. 

Kingsbury was organized as a town or township during 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



63 



this year, with the same boundaries which it originally had 
as a patent, and which it still possesses. Though peace 
was not yet declared, the people felt so well satisfied that 
the surrender of Yorktown would result in independence 
that they began to address themselves in earnest to the 
work of rehabilitating their devastated country. In the 
spring of 1783 came the news of the actual declaration of 
peace and the recognition of the independence of America, 
and then the good work went on with still greater speed. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

THE ERA OF DEVELOPMENT. 

Distrust of everything English— Change of Name from Charlotte to 
AVnshington County — Formation of Hartford — Law regarding 
Roads — First Court Kecord under the State — Courts directed to be 
held at Salem and Fort Edward — Adoption of the name "Salem" 
— Law recognizing and defining Towns — Legislative Aid — Preva- 
lence of Dram-Drinking— The First Temper.'vnee Pledge— Wolf- 
and Panther-Bounty — Effective Canceling of Proofs — Settlement 
of the great Vermont Dispute — The Boundary — A List of Super- 
visors — Vermont admitted into the Union — Cambridge and Easton 
annexed to Washington — Struggle for the County-Scat — Super- 
visors fix it at Salem— Courts held a part of the time at Fort Ed- 
ward — The First Academy — Remarkable number of Senators from 
this County — The -Explanation — Military Matters — The First 
Newspaper — Warning to Sabbath-Breakers — The Men who "ran" 
the County — A Quaint Summons — The Northern Inland Lock Navi- 
gation Company — Turning the Judges out of Court — The Punish- 
ment — Changing the County-Seat — Other Contempts — Severe Sen- 
tences — Pillory and Branding-Iron — Prevalence of Counterfeiting 
— The Second Newspaper — The First Successful One — Scarcity of 
Mails — The Post-Boys of Yore — Summoning a Grave-Yard — More 
Military— Election Statistics— The First Turnpike— Dividing the 
Vermont Fund— A Feeble Battalion. 

TuE long and deadly struggle of the Revolution, with 
its accompaniments of invasion, house-burning, and Indian 
outrage, had naturally developed a very bitter feeling among 
the people, especially on the frontiers, against everything of 
English name or origin. Even the name of Queen Char- 
lotte was not agreeable to the inhabitants of Charlotte 
county, whose forms had been devasted by the troops of 
Queen Charlotte's husband. Still more unpleasant was the 
name of Tryon county, derived from the last British gov- 
ernor of New York, to the people of the Mohawk valley, 
where the work of burning and ma.ssacrehad been carried on 
year after year by Tories and Indians in British employ. 

Accordingly, on the second day of April, 1784, the Legis- 
lature passed an act changing the two names just mentioned. 
It was a model of brevity and precision, and, after the 
enacting clause, read as follows : 

" From and after the passage of this act the county of 
Tryon shall be known by the name of Montgomery, and 
the county of Charlotte by the name of Washington." 

Thus the most honored appellation known to Americans 
was conferred upon this county. The name was not as com- 
mon then as now, and we believe this is the oldest " Wash- 
ington county" in the United States, — a venerable patri- 
arch with nearly forty namesakes among counties, besides an 
almost countless host of towns, villages, and post-offices. 

In the year 1784 the township or district of Hartford 



was formed from Westfield (now Fort Ann), and the settle- 
ment of Dresden was begun. 

Settlement was now going on rapidly in all parts of the 
county, and tlie need of roads was constantly felt. The 
first law regarding roads in this county after the Revolu- 
tion was enacted May 4, 1784. It authorized the inhab- 
itants of Charlotte county (and of six others named in the 
act) to elect commissioners in each town at their annual 
town-meetings, to lay out and regulate the highways, and 
also to elect as many overseers of highways (path-masters) 
as there were road-districts in each town. 

A large part of the land in the county had been owned 
by Tories and had been forfeited, by act of the Legis- 
lature. During the war there had been no sale for these 
lands, and they still remained in the possession of the State. 
On the 12th of May, 1784, an act was passed providing 
for the speedy .sale of the lands in question by the com- 
missioners of forfeiture. The commissioner for the east- 
ern district was Alexander Webster, and he began to sell 
forthwith. One of the oldest records in the county clerk's 
office is Colonel Webster's register of the sales of forfeited 
lands. It is headed as follows : 

" Registered for and by the direction of Alexander Web- 
ster, Esquire, commissioner of forfeiture for the eastern dis- 
trict of New York, in pursuance of an act entitled an act 
for the speedy sale of the confiscated and forfeited estates 
within the State, and for other purposes therein mentioned, 
passed the 12th day of May, 1784." 

One of the first records reads as follows : 

" Sold to Seth Sherwood the fee-simple of lot number 
thirty-nine in the Artillery patent, as it is distinguished by 
lot number thirty-nine in the map and field-book of said 
patent (special reference being thereto had), containing two 
hundred and forty-two acres of land, for the sum of four 
hundred and twenty pounds, on the twelfth day of Octo- 
ber, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four ; forfeited 
by the attainder of Philip and Andrew P. Skene, late of 
Skenesborough, esquires." 

No less than a hundred and sixty-two tracts of Skene's 
land were thus sold and registered, every one being declared 
forfeited by the attainder of Philip and Andrew P. Skene. 
Probably the elder gentleman had conveyed the land to the 
younger, in the hope of thus .saving it from forfeiture ; but 
the retribution of the hard-headed old patriots was not to 
be thus eluded. The elder Skene wrote from England to 
Elishama Tozer, of Whitehall, declaring that he had always 
been desirous of promoting the welfare of America, even 
when serving the king ; that he had no tie binding him to 
England, and desiring to learn whether there was any 
chance for him to resume his residence at Skenesborough, 
and regain his forfeited lands. But his efforts in this 
direction were without avail. 

Besides the Skene lands, a hundred and thirty-one tracts 
were registered as forfeited by Oliver DeLancey, ten by Ed- 
ward and Ebenezer Jcssup, three by Jonathan and Daniel 
Jones, three by Michael Hoffnagle, and one by John Tabor 
Kemp, ex-attorney-general. Several tracts, amounting to 
about a thousand acres, had belonged to Donald Fisher, 
husband of the badly-celebrated Betsey Munro. 

The largest number of tracts sold to any one person was 



64 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



to General John Williams, who purchased sixty-five, sit- 
uated in all parts of the county. In a few cases the fee- 
simple was sold, but in most instances the commissioner 
conveyed " the equity of redemption of the rent and re- 
version," the lands havinj:; been originally sold with the 
reservation of a quitrent to the crown. 

Notwithstanding the act of 1779, directing the holding 
of courts in Charlotte county, there is no record of any 
such court until 1786. At that court the first judge was 
Alexander Webster, of Hebron ; the a.ssociatcs were Eben- 
ezer Russell, of Salem, and David Hopkins, of Hebron. 
The justices " of the quorum" were Moses Martin, John 
IMcAlIister, Albert Baker, John Rowan, and Aaron Fuller. 
The clerk was Colonel John McRea. The grand jurors 
were David Brundage, Robert Wil.son, William Graham, 
John Connor, Josiah Farr, Zebulon Fuller, Samuel Wilson, 
and John Gault, of Whitehall ; Samuel Hopkins, of He- 
bron ; Bartholomew Bartlctt, Thomas Collins, David Rood, 
Jonathan Crozier, and John Low, of Salem ; Asa Flint, 
John Sheldon, and Daniel Henderson, of Kingsbury; 
Noah Payn, of Fort Miller; Daniel Curtice, of Granville ; 
Manning Bull and Benjamin Atwater, of Westfield. 

On the 5th of February, 1787, an act was passed re- 
affirming the previous act and re((uinng the courts to be 
held at Salem. This law provided for a court of common 
pleas and general sessions of the peace to be held at that 
village three times each year. Fort Edward, however, to- 
gether with the rest of the western part of the county, ap- 
plied so strong an influence that on the 21st of April fol- 
lowing the law was changed so that one of the three terms 
should be held at the house of Adiel Sherwood, in the vil- 
lage of Fort Edward. 

The name of " Salem" was used in these laws in place of 
those which the people had .so long disputed about — -"White 
Creek and New Perth. The first use of the name now 
adopted — of which we have seen any record — was its appli- 
cation to " Fort Salem" in 1777. It would appear that 
when the inhabitants became tired of their long dispute, 
they agreed to adopt the name of their first fort ; this 
again deriving its name from a Massachusetts town. So 
the New Englanders had a name of their own, after all. 

Up to this period the political organizations subordinate 
to counties had been in a very chaotic state. The names 
of towns, , townships, districts, precincts, and patents had 
been used indiscriminately, and the privileges accorded to 
each were very indefinitely defined. But on the seventh 
day of March, 1788, a law was passed defining the bound- 
aries of all the counties in the State, and also giving the 
limits of the minor divisions under the general name of 
towns. Compilations frequently refer to certain towns as 
having been organized on the day just named, while in fact 
nearly or quite all of them posses.sed political organizations, 
more or less complete, previous to that time. They were rec- 
ognized as towns on that day, their boundaries were defined, 
the designations of district, township, etc., were dropped, 
and their municipal rights and duties, which had previously 
been to a great extent of a special character, were conformed 
to a general law, applicable to the whole State. 

The towns thus recognized in Washington county were 
Salem, Argyle, Hebron, Granville, Hampton, Whitehall, 



Kingsbury, AVestfield (Fort Ann), and Queensbury. In 
Albany county there were the town of Cambridge and the 
east parts of the towns of Saratoga and Stillwater, which 
have since been transferred to Wa.shington. 

How hard was the struggle of the pioneers with the 
wilderness is shown by the fact that, in the winter of 1789, 
an act was passed by the Legislature granting the sum of a 
hundred and twenty pounds to the county of Washington, 
to be divided by the supervisors among the towns " accord- 
ing to their need," and to be refunded by those receiving 
it. The men of that period had more faults than some 
historians are willing to allow, but a disposition to be 
dependent on charity was not one of them, and it must 
have been a very great stress of hardship, probably a failure 
of crops, which made it necessary for the State to unloose 
its purse-strings in their behalf. 

Among those faults, the propensity for absorbing an un- 
conscionable amount of rum and whisky was the mo.st 
prominent. The universal prevalence of dram-drinking and 
the great frequency of absolute drunkenness are attested by 
the evidence alike of tradition and of record. The first 
temperance pledge (if it can be so called) which we have 
found in the county dates back to 1789, and itself fur- 
nishes strong proof of the evil it was de.signed to remedy. 

It was a pledge by Colonel John Williams and others 
not to furnish their harvest hands with more than half a 
pint of rum per day ; that being, in the language of the 
document, '' enough to fit them for labor." 

The first law that we find ofiering a bounty for wild 
beasts in this county was passed in April, 1790. It pro- 
vided that for every wolf or panther, killed in the counties 
of Montgomery and Wa.shington, the sum of ten shillings 
(one dollar and twenty-five cents) should be paid if the 
animal was under a year old, and twenty shillings if it was 
over that age. In the counties east and south of those 
named the bounty was three times as much. 

The tricks that we read of as having been practiced in 
the bounty business in old times could not have been 
carried out under this law without the active assistance of 
a public ofiicial. The Legislatore had evidently had ex- 
perience in the ways of wolf-killers, and provided that each 
seeker for a bounty should take the unskinned head of the 
slain animal to a justice of the peace, who after due ex- 
amination .should proceed to " cancel" it, by cutting off the 
ears ; certainly a very efiicient method of preventiug it 
from ever being used again. He was then required to 
give without charge a certificate, on which the bounty 
could be drawn from the county treasurer. In October 
following, the bounty in the two counties was doubled both 
as to old and young animals. 

During this year (1790) the long contest between New 
York and the people of the " New Hampshire grants" was 
finally settled. The authorities of the former State became 
satisfied that they would never be able to extend their 
jurisdiction over the Green Mountain Boys, and conse- 
quently made a virtue of necessity by yielding what they 
considered their legal rights. Accordingly, on the 6th of 
March, a law was passed ceding to Vermont all claim to 
political jurisdiction and also to ownership of the land 
within that State, and appointing commissioners to meet 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



G5 



with others from Vermont and settle the boundaries 
between the two States. 

Tiie commissioners met in October followinj;, and agreed 
on a boundary beginning at the northeast corner of Massa- 
chusetts and running thence northerly along the western 
bounds of the towns of Pownal, Bennington, Shaftsbury, 
Arlington, Sandgate, Rupert, Wells, and Foultney, as then 
held, to the Poultney river; thence down the middle 
of the deepest channel of Poultney river to East bay ; 
and thence down the middle of East bay and Lake Cham- 
plain to the forty-fifth parallel of north latitude. This 
boundary, from the southwest corner of Saleni north- 
ward to Clinton county, also formed the eastern boundary 
of Washington county. It was also agreed at the same 
time that Vermont should pay to New York the sum of 
thirty thousand dollars, to be divided among those who had 
lost by buying land from New York within the disputed 
territory. This was but a small fraction of the value of 
the lands patented by New Yorkers, but we suppose it 
served as a salve to the wounded dignity of the State. 

Chancing to have met a list of the supervisors of Wash- 
ington county for 1790, we reproduce it here, as it is per- 
haps the only complete list which ha.s come down from the 
last century, most of the early papers of the board having 
been destroyed. It is as follows: Salem, Hamilton McCol- 
lister ; Argyle, William Read ; Queensbury (now in War- 
ren county), William Robards ; Kingsbury, Seth Alden ; 
Westfield (Fort Ann), George Wray ; Whitehall, Cornelius 
Jones ; Hampton, John How ; Granville, Timothy Leonard ; 
Hebron, John Hamilton. 

In ,1791, Vermont was admitted into the Union as a 
State, thus putting the seal of Federal authority on the 
settlement arrived at this year. Washington county thus 
became permanently a border county along all of its enor- 
mous length. In this year also the counties of Rensselaer 
and Saratoga were formed from Albany. By the same act 
the town of Cambridge, comprising also the present towns 
of Jackson and White Creek, was transferred to Washing- 
ton county, and that part of the towns of Saratoga and 
Stillwater lying east of the Hudson was formed into a new 
town, by the name of Easton, and also annexed to Wash- 
ington. We do not know, but we imagine very strongly, 
that these transfers were managed by General John Wil- 
liams, of Salem, then an influential member of the State 
Senate, so as to strengthen the south end of the county, and 
get the county-seat permanently fixed at Salem. 

At all events, that same year a petition was circulated 
asking the Legislature to fix the county-seat permanently 
at Salem, and to authorize the building of a court-house 
and jail at that point, there having been no county build- 
ings previous to that time. Fort Edward and the neigh- 
boring towns of course resisted this movement. At the 
same time many of the Cambridge and Easton people 
who.se local market was at Lansingburg, were anxious to 
be again transferred to Rensselaer county. An act to this 
effect actually passed the Assembly in March, 1791 , but was 
stopped in the Senate, where we again see the influence of 
General Williams. Edward Savage, of Salem (father of 
the celebrated Chief-Justice Savage), was also a senator at 
the same time, and of course opposed to the change. The 
9 



fact of there being two State senators from a thinly-settled 
country town is a very remarkable one, of which more will 
be said flirther on. 

While Salem and Fort Edward were thus struggling for 
the honors of the capital, some of the river people desired 
to have it located at Fort Miller. The Legislature avoided 
a decision by the device so frequently resorted to since 
that time, and at length permanently incorporated in the 
law ; they authorized the board of supervisore to fix the 
locality. The board accordingly met, and located the 
county-seat at Salem. 

The next year Fort Edward made zealous efforts to have 
the vote reconsidered, but in vain. Failing in this, the 
people of that part of the county sought to have two 
county-seats established, and in this they were .so far suc- 
cessful as to obtain the passage of a law that the courts 
should be held as before, a part of the time at Fort Edward. 
No court-house was erected there, however, while in 1792 
an act was passed directing the county to raise money to 
build a court-hou.se and jail at Salem. These structures 
were accordingly begun, but were not completed until about 
four years from that date. 

Togo back a little, we find that in 1791 an institution of 
learning was incorporated, under the name of Salem Wash- 
ington Academy. There had previou.sly been a high school 
kept at Salem (part of the time in Fort Williams), but this 
was the first chartered academy or seminary in the county ; 
in fact, the first north of Albany. There were but five 
academies, then in existence in the State, which have sur- 
vived to the present time. A full account of this vener- 
able institution will be found in the town history of Salem. 

In 1793 another town was added to the Washington 
county list, Hartford being formed from Westfield on the 
12th day of March in that year. 

In the election held in January of the same year there 
were seventeen hundred votes cast for State senator. General 
Williams receiving twelve hundred, which was enough to 
overcome an adverse vote in Saratoga county and leave him 
still a handsome majority. 

And here we would advert to some very curious facts in 
the political history of the county. From 1777 till 1803 
Charlotte or Washington county was invariably repre- 
sented by two members in the State Senate, and almost all 
the time it had three of its citizens in that body. More- 
over, during the period from 1803 to 1826 the county was 
almost always represented by two senators. Since 1826 
it has been obliged to content itself with one senator, and 
of late years only has one from a half to a third of the 
time. 

What is still more remarkable is that during the fii-st- 
naraed period (1777 to 1803) nearly all the senators were 
from the southeast part of the county, and the single town 
of Salem generally had two of its citizens in the Senate. 
The adjoining town of Hebron came next in the senatorial 
roll, while during the whole period in question there were 
but three senators from all the rest of the county. 

Such a phenomenal concentration of political stars seems 
at first very strange, but it is not extremely difficult of ex- 
planation. It arose at first from the fact that the State 
was divided into four districts, each of which elected a cer- 



66 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tain number of senators. Charlotte or Washington county 
belonged to the eastern district, to which were assigned 
three senators by the constitution of 1777. But besides 
Charlotte, the eastern district consisted only of Cumberland 
and Gloucester counties. Now Cumberland and Glouces- 
ter, as well as the eastcin part of Ciiarlotte county, were in 
the New Hampshire grants, which had erected themselves 
into the State of Vermont, and any one who there had un- 
dertaken to vote for a New York senator would have been 
probably sent to jail by the authorities of that State, besides 
being in great danger of a coat of tar and feathers. Con- 
sequently, all the senators allotted to the eastern district 
had to be chosen from Charlotte county. 

Even after the cession of jurisdiction by New York to 
Vermont the situation was unchanged ; for the number of 
senators allotted to a district was fi.xed by the constitution, 
and that constitution was not changed until 1802. Subse- 
quent to 1803, however, a porti(m of this unconscionable 
allowance of senators was allotted to the new counties 
formed out of Washington on the north. 

While the formation of Vermont prevented any senators 
from being chosen from the eastern three-quarters of the 
eastern district, the circumstances of the Revolution practi- 
cally confined the choice to the southwestern third of the re- 
maining quarter. In the northern and northeastern towns 
of what is now Washington county a large proportion of 
the inhabitants, including most of the leaders, were Tories. 
These towns, too, were ravaged by fire and sword during 
the Revolution, and it was a long time after its close before 
they regained sufiicient vigor to take a prominent part iu 
political management. Consequently, Salem and Hebron 
had a very wide scope for the gratification of their political 
ambition. 

The " general training" and the " company training" were 
important institutions of those days, and the leading citi- 
zens were nearly all ambitious of the honors to be derived 
from militia offices. Dr. John Williams, unquestionably 
the first man of the county, was brigadier-general. As the 
militia was then organized, there were no colonels, each 
regiment being under a lieutenant-colonel and two majors. 
In 1793 there were two or more regiments in Washington 
county, the field and staff of the one in the northwestern 
section being as follows : 

Lieutenant-Colonel commanding, Adiel Sherwood ; First 
Major, Peter B. Tear.se ; Second Major, Isaac Hitchcock; 
Surgeon, Zina Hitchcock; "Surgeon's Mate" (now called 
Assistant Surgeon), John Perrigo ; Quartermaster, Charles 
Robinson; Adjutant, J. Adams ; Paymaster, Hugh Preble. 

The first new.spaper in a county is usually considered as 
a landmark of progress, and was much more so in those 
times than now, its establishment being a much harder 
task. Nowadays, Charlotte county would not probably 
have been in existence three weeks before some enterpris- 
ing typo would have started a journal, whether there were 
any inhabitants to read it or not. But it was not until 
1794, twenty-two years after the organization of the county, 
that such an institution was known in Charlotte or Wash- 
ington. It was called the Times or National Courier, and 
was Issued at Salem, on the 18th day of June in that 
year, by George W. Gerrish. Like all papers of that era. 



it was extremely defective in local news, so that we can 
learn little from it regarding the condition of the county. 
Late as it was, it was too early for the times, and after a 
seven-months' struggle with adverse fate it gave up the 
ghost. A more detailed account of this and sub.sequent 
journals will be found elsewhere. 

In this year, the court-house and jail not being completed, 
an act was passed providing for a tax on the county of four 
hundred pounds (one thousand dollars) to finish those 
structures. 

Although, as has been said, drinking and drunkenness 
were more prevalent then than now, yet the feeling against 
the violation of the Sabbath was much stronger than at the 
present time. A public notice was issued on the 6th of 
June, signed by all the judges of the court of common 
pleas, four assistant justices (or justices of the quorum), 
the sheriff, and fourteen, justices of the peace, warning the 
people of their intention to enforce the law for the suppres- 
sion of immorality, and particularly reminding the constables 
of Washington county to arrest and detain all persons 
traveling without necessity on the Lord's day ; and request- 
ing all the good people of the county to aid in the effort to 
enforce the law, " as it has an immediate connection with 
the happiness and prosperity of that community of which 
they are a part." 

The notice was signed by Ebenezer Russell, first judge; 
Alexander Webster, John Williams, Ebenezer Clark, and 
David Hopkins, judges ; Samuel Crossett, Edward Savage, 
and Peter B. Tearse, assistant justices ; Andrew White, 
sheriff; and by the following justices of the peace: John 
M. Killip, William Dougall, Thomas Smith, Thomas Bel- 
lows, John Rowan, Daniel Curtice, Wm. Harkness, John 
Kincaid, Alexander Webster, Jr., Edward Harris, Walter 
Raleigh, Thomas Dennis, John McAllister, and David 
Thomas. Although the people were much more favorable 
to such a movement than they would be at the present 
time, yet it was not carried out without a good deal of diffi- 
culty, and there was much trouble on the subject for many 
years. 

It should be mentioned that the five judges named were 
all (except Clark, of Fort Edward, previously of Salem) 
from the southeastern part of the county, and were the 
same who so long represented Charlotte or Washington 
county in the State Senate. Russell and Williams were 
from Salem, and Webster and Hopkins from Hebron. The 
five men just mentioned, and James and Edward Savage, 
of Saleni, in modern phrase, " ran" the polities of the 
county for about a quarter of a century. 

As an instance of the quaint ways of doing things prev- 
alent in the old times, we may mention a notice sent by a 
magistrate of the county to a delinquent debtor (and re- 
corded by Judge Gibson), which, after a statement of the 
acccount of which payment was desired, concluded with 
the following pertinent quotation from Holy Writ : 

"Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way 
with him, lest at any time he deliver thee to the judge, and the judge 
deliver thee to the officers, and thou be cast into prison. Verily, I 
say unto thee, thou shall by no means come out thence until thou 
hast paid the uttermost farthing." 

At this period an earnest effort was being made to improve 



rilSTORr OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



C7 



the navigation jf Wood creek, and to build a short canal, so 
as to connect the waters of the Hudson with those of Lake 
Champlain. The Northern Inland Lock Navigation Com- 
pany was incorporated for the purpose of performing this 
much-needed work in the same manner actually done by 
the Western Inland Lock Navigation Company in connect- 
ing the waters of the Mohawk river and Oneida lake, General 
Philip Schuyler being the leading spirit in both enterprises. 
General Williams, who had bought the .forfeited estates of 
Major Skene, of Whitehall, was an active member and 
director of the Northern Company. 

The latter company commenced operations, and in June, 
1794, advertised for a contract " for cleaning Halfway brook 
from the present landing-place to its junction with Wood 
creek, and for cleaning Wood creek from the junction afore- 
said to the entrance of the canal at Whitehall." But owing 
to lack of means the company was obliged to stop work, and 
the desired communication wa.s not made until more than 
thirty years later. 

In 1796 a term of court was held, as one had been each 
year for nine years, at the hotel of Adiel Sherwood, at Fort 
Edward. This gentleman, who, it will be remembered, was 
the same who commanded as captain at Fort Ann, in 1780, 
now united the glittering dignity of a lieutenant-colonel of 
militia with the humble duties of a village tavern-keeper. 
The court appears to have been held in his dining-room. 
One day, as the dinner-hour approached. Colonel Sherwood, 
who had perhaps become disgruntled at something the hon- 
orable court had done, abruptly entered the room and per- 
emptorily ordered the judges to vacate it, as he desired to 
have the table set for dinner. 

Judges were important personages then, and, as has 
been stated, the judges of Washington county were its 
most prominent citizens. That, after having been allowed 
to set up their court in a room, they should be thus dicta- 
torially ordered out of it, even by a lieutenant-colonel of 
militia, was almost enough to paralyze them with horror 
and indignation. Sherwood, however, made so much ado 
that the court adjourned for the time being, but at their 
next session they proceeded to make a signal example of 
this irreverent offender. The record reads as follows : 
" Adiel Sherwood, having been guilty of contempt, it is 
ordered that the said Adiel Sherwood be committed to the 
common jail of Washington county for the space of fifteen 
days." 

It is highly probable that this contempt of Colonel Sher- 
wood had au important effect on the county-seat question, for 
three of the insulted judges were then senators, and, although 
the courts had been held at liis house for nine years, at the 
very next session of the Legislature the place of holding 
them was changed to the hotel of Mary Dean, in Sandy 
Hill. The consequence has been that Sandy Hill has been 
a county-seat ever since, and Fort Edward has not. 

Punishments for contempt seem to have been quite com- 
mon along about that period. Another occurred the same 
year. John McMichael, already under indictment, was 
committed during the pleasure of the court, " fur that he, 
in the presence of the court, was guilty of contempt, by 
using indecent, disrespectful, and immoral language, and 
insulting the court." And another person, a little earlier. 



" being charged" with having uttered contemptuous words 
against the court, was ordered to find two sureties for his 
good behavior till the next court, and to stand committed 
until he should do so, which was sufficiently stringent for 
" being charged" with contemptuous words. 

The individual in question was less fortunate than the 
one who was tried at Salem " charged with suspicion of 
horse-stealing," for he was acquitted of the curious crime 
suspicion. 

As a rule the sentences were decidedly severe. The pil- 
lory, the whipping-post, and even the branding-iron were 
recognized instruments in the administration of justice, 
and the two first were the ornaments of every county-seat. 
Thus we find a record of one man, convicted of perjury, 
sentenced to stand in the pillory at Salem one hour, and 
then to be confined in the State's-prison, at hard labor, 
for a long term of years ; of another, sentenced for grand 
larceny, to be taken to the public whipping-po.st, " and that 
he there receive thirty-nine lashes on his bare back, from 
the waist upwards;" and of still another, convicted of coun- 
terfeiting, and condemned " to be branded with the letter 
' C on his left cheek, with a rod-hot iron, and to confine- 
ment at hard labor in the State's-prison for life." 

It would seem that the punishment for counterfeiting 
was excessively severe even as compared with the other 
sentences just mentioned, and enormously so in comparison 
with one for burglary, — " breaking and robbing a store," — 
the guilty person being only fined ten pounds ! Probably, 
however, there were mitigating circumstances in that case, 
and the secret of the severity exercised against counterfeit- 
ing is to be found in the prevalence of that crime. Coun- 
terfeiters were as thick as horse-thieves in Texas, and they 
met with no more mercy. 

It was not generally bank-bills which were counterfeited, 
though doubtless there was some of this done, but silver 
dollars, half-dollars, quarters, etc. ; for the new money of 
America was already in circulation, though accounts were 
commonly kept in pounds, shillings, and pence. Bogus 
silver would seem to be comparatively easy to detect, yet 
there was a great deal of it in circulation eighty years ago, 
and the hills of Washington county and of Vermont fur- 
nished an excellent lurking-place for the lawless manufac- 
turers. 

Hon. John McDonald, whose vigorous memory extends 
back into the hist century, states that the counterfeiters 
were commonly called " two-for-onc men," because they 
were in the habit of trading off two dollars of bogus money 
for one of good. There were bands of them in various 
parts of this county and Vermont, and one of their prin- 
cipal " runways" was at the house of the notorious Betsey 
Fisher (daughter of Rev. Harry Munro), whose own sub. 
sequent trial and conviction for forgery was among the great 
sensations of the day. 

The second newspaper published in the county was issued, 
like its predecessor, at Salem, in May, 1796, and was called 
the Washington Patrol (not Patriot, as has sometimes 
been stated). The patrol was duly represented in an en- 
graving at the head of the paper as pacing his beat to and 
fro, with shouldered musket and fixed bayonet, with the 
Icend, " All is well" issuing from his lips. Beneath was 



68 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the inscription " Watch for the Republic," while above were 
the French words, "io niiit est jinssde" — the night is passed 
— evidently referring to the emergence of the country from 
the darkness of the Revolutionary period, and from the 
confusion preceding the adoption of the Federal constitu- 
tion. 

Notwithstanding this very military and patriotic name 
and frontispiece, and notwitlistanding the literary merits of 
St. John Honeywood, the editor, there was still a lack of 
the sinews of war, and the " Patrol" marched into non- 
entity within less than a year after it entered on the journ- 
alistic war-path. 

It was not until 17!)8, nearly twenty-sis years after the 
organization of the county, that a successful and permanent 
newspaper was established within its boundaries. The 
lucky venture was made by Henry Dodd, and was called the 
Northern Centiitel, which martial name enabled it to ap- 
propriate the old engraved frontispiece of the Patrol. The 
first number was issued at Salem, on the first day of Jan- 
uary, 1798, and since then Washington county has never 
been without a newspaper. 

One good reason why it was so very difficult to support 
a journal in the county was because there were almost no 
post-offices nor mail-routes. Up to 1797 Salem was the only 
post-offiee in the eastern half of the county, supplying with 
mail not only almost all of this county but several towns 
in Vermont. Sandy Hill had no post-office till that year, 
when a mail-route was opened from there to Saratoga. For 
many years after a successful jiaper was established, it was 
delivered to subscribers by post-riders, or post-boys as they 
were commonly called, who traveled on horseback over hill 
and through dale, sounding their horns as they approached 
the residences of their patrons, and being usually met by 
some member of the family, who were the more anxious to 
learn the news from its so seldom reaching them. 

If it was night and no one came to receive the paper, 
after repeated warnings, the post-boy would throw it over 
the fence to await the arising of the inmates in the morning. 

It is related that on one occasion the rider, who was de- 
livering the paper in Cambridge, having absorbed too much 
spiritual consolation at the tavern, halted at the gate of the 
old grave-yard south of that village, and blew his horn for 
some one to come and take his paper. Again and still 
'again, each time louder than before, he repeated the call, 
but finding it still unheeded he threw the paper over into 
the grave-yard, and rode off, saying, " They will find it 
when they get up," which was doubtless true. 

For most of the facts and incidents related in the past 
two or three pages relating to the courts and the press, we 
are indebted to the published articles of Hon. James Gib- 
son, though we have also examined the records bearing on 
the subject. 

Keeping our eyes open for the military, then so import- 
ant an element of country life, we find that in 1799 the 
command of Brigadier-General Williams consisted of the 
regiments of Lieutenant-Colonel King, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Thomas, Lieutenant-Colonel White, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Kane, and Lieutenant-Colonel Lansing. One or two of 
these were probably out of the county, though in these 
days it did not require a very large population to justify 



five regiments of militia. The governor manufactured 
colonels on the slightest provocation. 

At the election that year Washington county, including 
Warren, cast three thousand and thirty-six votes ; of which 
the Republicans, afterwards called Democrats, had a hand- 
some majority. Edward Savage, the most popular Repub- 
lican candidate for the Assembly, received seventeen hun- 
dred and sixty-six votes ; while David Hopkins, the highest 
on the Federal list, had but twelve hundred and seventy. 
The county was almost invariably Republican, or Demo- 
cratic, those being then convertible terms throughout all 
its early history. 

By a law passed in March, 1799, the general manage- 
ment of the roads in the county was vested in three super- 
intendents of highways, appointed by the council of ap- 
pointment. To these superintendents appeals lay from the 
town commissioners. This arrangement, however, lasted 
but a few years, since when the road management has 
been entirely by towns, — -a fact regretted by some, who 
desire the unity secured by the system just mentioned, 
or by the still older one, which vested the entire manage- 
ment in county commissioners. 

Another important movement in regard to highways 
was the beginning of turnpikes. The Northern Turnpike 
Company, the first intended to operate within this county, 
was incorporated on the first day of April, 1799. It 
was designed to build a turnpike from Lansingburg, 
through Cambridge, Salem, and Hebron, to the house of 
Hezekiah Leaving, in the town of Granville ; and among 
its directors were William Hay, Edward Wells, Jr., David 
Long, Martin Van Buskirk, John Williams, and Edward 
Savage. The company immediately went to work, and not 
only built the road to the designated point, but continued 
it northward, through Hampton, to the State line, connect- 
ing with a similar road to Burlington, Vermont. Tlicy 
also built a branch from Salem northeastward to the State 
line, and another from Granville to Whitehall. 

We may mention in passing that the money received 
from Vermont at the settlement of the great dispute was 
divided in 1799 among the New York claimants for dam- 
ages. It would look as if various subterranean influences 
prevailed with public officials almost as much then as now. 
Of the thirty thousand dollars to be distributed. Golds- 
borough Banyar, of Albany, a large landed proprietor in 
Cambridge, as well as in other parts of the State, and one 
of the very provincial officials whose extortions had caused 
a great part of the difficulty, received seven thousand two 
hundred and eighteen dollars, while Charles Hutchins, the 
settler whose lands had been seized and house destroyed by 
Ethan Allen and his companions, received nine dollars and 
ninety-eight cents. The other residents of Washington 
county benefited by the fund were Ebenezer Clarke, thirty- 
seven dollars and forty-two cents; Archibald Campbell, 
forty-nine dollars and ninety-one cents ; and Samuel Stev- 
ens, six hundred and fifty-three dollare and sixty-three 
cents. 

Numerous as were the colonels and captains of the mili- 
tia, their commands were apt to be deficient in men, and still 
more so in e(|uipments. A brigade return of the uniformed 
companies of Washington county militia, for the year 1800, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



69 



shows that Captain Solomon Smith's troop of horse could 
muster but twenty-seven men and fourteen sabres. Captain 
K- Smith's troop had twenty-eight men and seven cartridge- 
boxes; Captain John Doty's light infantry had twenty-five 
soldiers, with fifteen firelocks; while Captain Morrison's 
company had but fifteen members. 

Having now reached the end of the eighteenth century, 
we will pause in our record of current events to take a 
somewhat comprehensive view of Washington county as it 
was at that era. 



CHAPTER XV. 



A GENERAL VIEW. 



Population in 180(1— Increase of Villages— Plight increase of Farms 
— Style of Houses— Principal Industries — Markets- Whisky — 
Methods of Traveling — Wolves and Bears — A Circular Hunt — An 
CNciting Scene — Slaughter of the Foe — Demoralization of the Sur- 
vivors. 

At this time' there were thirty-five thousand inhabitants 
in Washington county, of which probably twenty-five thou- 
sand, or half the present number, were in the territory 
which now goes by that name, and the rest in the present 
Warren county. The increase, however, has been largely 
in the villages, which were then very few and very small. 
The farming population was probably two-thirds or three- 
fourths as large then as now. Tiie amount of land cleared 
was, however, very much less then than now. Mr. John 
IMcDonald estimates it at one-fourth the area now cleared. 
Except in the villages, almost all the houses were of logs, 
and tiie barns of the same material. The inhabitants were 
still mostly of Scotch and New England blood, with a few 
Hudson river Dutchmen intermingled. 

The raising of grain — wheat, oats, and rye — was the prin- 
cipal industry of the farmers, though considerable attention 
was also paid to the rearing of cattle. Of sheep each 
farmer tried to guard a few against the wolves, so that his 
wife or daughters could make the flannel and the " fulled 
cloth" necessary for their own family. 

The main market for exports was at Montreal, by way of 
Lake Champlain, whither were transported not only the 
surj)lus grain of the farmers but large quantities of pot 
and pearl ashes, made from the timber which they were glad 
to get rid of in order to clear tlieir land. Potash, in fact, 
was one of tiie main resources of the pioneers ; for that, 
being easy of transportation in proportion to its value, would 
always bring cash, while grain could sometimes hardly be 
sold lor enough to pay the cost of freight. 

There was also a local market at Lansingburg (for Troy 
was not yet in existence), where small sales and purchases 
were made, especially in the winter, when Lake Champlain 
was closed by ice. Occasionally, too, some old-fashioned 
man would take a sleigh-load of produce or drive a drove 
of cattle overland to Boston, in accordance with the habit 
of a .still earlier day, but this was very seldom. The main 
travel being northward to Montreal and southward to Lan- 
singburg, the three great roads running north and south 
through the county frequently showed in winter a long 
procession of teams going to market with produce and re- 
turning with salt, hardware, and other purchased articles. 



Shout and song enlivened the way, and now and then one 

of the foremost drivers would produce a jug of whisky, re- 
spectfully salute it with upturned lips, and then set it in the 
snow beside the road, where each, as lie passed, would seize 
it, draw his rations, and again deposit the precious utensil 
in the snow. 

The general lic|uor-driiiking proclivities have been men- 
tioned before. It is said that there were from ten to fifteen 
taverns in the town of Salem alone, besides several other 
places where liquor was sold, and a distillery, where a dipper 
always hung beside the still, and where whisky was as free 
as cider at a cider-mill. Doubtless, however, this constant 
drinking, though sufficiently injurious, was not as harmful 
as it would now be, because the drinkers were nearly all 
devoted to hard, out-door, manual labor, and they " worked 
off" a good portion of the liquor so freely imbibed. 

Most of the teams which then drove over the road had 
harnesses with rope traces, harnesses entirely of leather 
being reserved for the aristocracy ; in fact, it was a sign of 
a man's being in pretty good circumstances if he even 
owned a horse-team. Probably a majority of the farmers 
had nothing but oxen, and tho.se who had horses used them 
principally for the road, doing their farm-work with the 
more humble species of team. As for pleasure-carriages, 
single or double, there was hardly one in the county, though 
possibly in two or three villages an old-fashioned chaise 
might have been seen rolling leisurely along on its two 
wheels, beneath the burden of some ponderous couple too 
aged for horseback riding. 

Nearly all the traveling by men on business was done on 
horseback, and the women, too, of the better class, were 
all at home on the side-saddle. Even the one-horse wagon 
was an unknown institution. While the poorer cla.ss of 
farmers went to meeting with their families on ox-carts, one 
of the more " forehanded" ones would on Sunday hitch up 
his horses to his big lumber-wagon, take his wife and .six 
or eight children, perhaps fill up with the family of one of 
his poorer neighbors, and drive off to church with flying 
colors. Sometimes, however, when the family consisted 
only of a young married couple, the man would bestride 
his saddle, the wife would seat herself behind him on a 
pillion, and thus in proper state they would make their 
way to the house of the Lord. 

Toll-bridges were then quite numerous. There was one 
over the Hudson at Sandy Hill, another at Fort Miller, 
and another at Schuylerville ; also one over the Iloosic, 
long known as FJagle bridge. 

The wild animals were still plentiful, especially in the 
northern part of the county. Sheep had to be carefully 
folded for fear of the wolves, and it was not uncommon for 
a bear to scramble into a badly-constructed hog-pen, seize a 
convenient-sized young shote by the back of the neck, and 
trot off with him into the woods, as a cat does with a 
kitten ; always provided that the squeals of the captured 
animal did not bring out the pioneer with his rifle to put 
an end to the ursine exploit. Occasionally, too, the shriek 
of the panther, fiercest of American beasts, was heard at 
the edge of a clearing, when mothei's hastily gathered their 
children together, and shuddered at thought of the terrible 
danger nigh. 



70 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



To get rid of these numerous unpleasant visitors, espe- 
cially the wolves, the people were in the habit of forming 
great circles several miles in extent, and moving steadily 
forward towaids the centre, shooting at every animal they 
saw. Sometimes an unguarded place in the circle per- 
mitted the beasts to escape, but usually there was quite an 
extensive slaughter. One of the last and most successful 
of these circle-hunts was directed against Kingsbury swamp 
in the very first year of this century. As other sections 
had been cleared up and hunted out, the wild animals had 
retreated to this extensive tangled marsh as to their last 
fortress. 

The proper arrangements having been duly made before- 
hand, early one summer morning, when the swamp was 
comparatively dry, the farmers and villagers assembled 
from far and near, armed with rifles, muskets, and fowling- 
pieces, and plentifully provided with ammunition. A cap- 
tain and the necessary subordinates were elected, and a li.st 
of signals and a code of rules were duly promulgated. 
Then, under the direction of the officers, the circle was 
carefully formed, and at a preconcerted signal the men ad- 
vanced into the swamp. IMoving forward as rapidly as the 
tangled undergrowth would permit, they soon began to 
rouse up some of their victims. Deer sprang from their 
lairs, and darted away towards the centre of the covert, 
some falling before the weapons of the hunters, while now 
and then an old buck would make a bold dash through the 
circle, and gain the freedom of the distant hills of Fort 
Ann. 

Still onward pressed the hunters, and at length they 
began to see the gray-backed sheep-eaters, the especial 
object of their search. These, too, retreated toward the 
centre. The circular skirmish-line grew closer. The firing 
was almost incessant, but it was only at long intervals that 
a wolf was slain, when shouts of triumph burst from a 
hundred throats, resembling the scalp-yell which erstwhile 
rose in these same forests over many a human victim. 

Wolves and deer were now intermixed, and for the time 
forgot their mutual antipathy in the common fear of a 
more deadly foe. More and more frequent grew the shots 
of rifle and musket and fowling-piece. More and more 
frequently some of the inclosed animals dashed through 
the circle and made their escape ; more and more common 
became the shouts of triumph over the slain. At length 
the centre is reached amid a grand fusillade of excited 
sportsmen, a frantic scattering of still surviving animals, 
and a tremendous chorus of yells that would have rejoiced 
the heart of Marin or St. Luc de la Corne. 

On counting the slain eleven wolves were found, — a 
most extraordinary yield, — together with deer and other 
smaller animals too numerous or too insignificant for record. 
Many of the wolves which escaped were doubtless wounded, 
and the rest were badly demoralized. In fact, they were 
sick of the country. Most of them made their way to 
join their comrades in the mountains of Dresden and 
Putnam ; and the central and southern portions of the 
county were never afterwards infested by these midnight 
assassins to ' anything like the same extent as before. It 
was by no means uncommon, however, for one of them to 
come down out of the hills, run riot in two or three flocks 



of sheep, slaughtering and sucking the blood of a dozen or 
more, hardly stopping to taste the flesh of the slain, and 
then escaping unharmed to his rocky fastness. Fox®, 
too, frequently killed young lambs as remorselessly as they 
would so many chickens, and, taking it altogether, the 
business of raising sheep in Washington county was a 
decidedl}' precarious one for a considerable time, even in 
the present century. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



1800 TO 1861. 



A Peaceful Era — Greenwich — Another Court-IIouse — Turnpikes- 
Dresden — Fort Ann — The County Clerk's Office — Sheep-raising — 
First Memoirs — An E.vpcnsive Experiment — Frame Houses — War 
of 1S12 — General Apathj— Flax-culture — Premium for Woolen 
Cloth — A Curious Tribunal — Warren County formed — Prospect of 
Invasion — Militia called out — Queer Stories — A Regiment on the 
Lake — News of Victory — White Cr.eek and Jackson — The Champ- 
lain Canal — Its Completion — General Improvement — The Stage- 
Coach Era — Some Distinguished Men — The Wool Business again 
— Population at various Periods — Progress of Improvement — 
Plank-Roads— The First Railroad— Approach of War. 

Wf, have now passed the old Indian period, the Revolu- 
tionary period, and the pioneer period, in the existence of 
Washington county. Henceforth, for sixty years, our steps 
will be along the beaten path of our more prosaic modern 
life, and we can therefore advance with much more rapidity. 
Another thing that will facilitate the progress of this gen- 
eral history is the fact that the town histories, and the 
numerous sketches there given of churches, lodges, manu- 
factures, etc., will give the reader a better idea of the later 
development of the county than any mere general account 
that we could compile. 

On the 4th of March, 1803, the town of Greenwich 
was formed from the southern part of Argyle. The next 
year was marked by the beginning of a court-house at Sandy 
Hill. The law providing for its erection was pas.sed on the 
20th day of March, 1804, and directed that it should be 
built within half a mile of the house of Daniel Cook in 
the town of Kingsbury. It was not completed until 1806. 
It was a plain, rectangular two-story frame building, about 
thirty-five feet by forty, and is still standing, in a fair state 
of preservation, near where it was originally erected. 

During the next few years, the most noticeable improve- 
ment was in regard to the roads ; numerous turnpikes being 
built iu various parts of the county during the first decade 
of this century. The most important was the Waterford 
and Whitehall turnpike. The company was incorporated 
in March, 180G, with a capital of one hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars, and the road was built soon after. It was 
sixty miles long, and crossed the Hudson into this county 
at Fort Miller, running thence by way of Fort Edward 
and Fort Ann to Whitehall. Other turnpikes of the period 
were the " Whitehall and Granville," the " Whitehall and 
Fair Haven," the " Mitchell and Shaftsbury," and the 
"East Salem." All have ceased to take toll except the 
Whitehall and Granville. 

On the 28th of February, 1806, the long, mountainous 
peninsula lying between Lake Champlaiu and Lake George 



HISTOHY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



71 



was severed from Westfield and formed into a new town, 
to which was very properly given the name of the sturdy 
warrior who had so often coasted along its shores and trav- 
ersed with wary steps its rock-bound ridges. The town of 
Putnam, as then organized, contained not only the territory 
wliich now bears that name, but also the present town of 
Dresden. 

With even greater appropriatcne.ss, on the sixth day of 
April, 1808, the unmeaning name of We.stfield was changed 
for the historic one of Fort Ann. It is only to be regretted 
that the same law did not provide some condign punishment 
for every reckless mortal who should dare to spell the name 
derived from Queen Anne in any other way than A, double 
n, e; but it did not, and time has now sanctified our fore- 
fathers' blunder, probably beyond the hope of remedy. 

Notwith.standing, or rather becau.se, there were twocounty- 
seats, the county clerk's office had not been located at either 
one of them. In fact, after it left Salem it had been kept 
wherever the county clerk happened to reside. But in 1806 
an end was put to its peregrinations, by a law which located 
it permanently " within one-half mile of the house of Peleg 
Bragg, in the town of Argylc ;" the person named being 
a noted tavern-keeper of that period and locality. Peleg 
Bragg has long since passed away, but the county clerk's 
office of Washington county is still kept within half a mile 
of the point where his house stood in 180G. 

We now turn -our attention to a branch of agricultural 
industry which up to this period had been little regarded, 
but which has since become one of the most important in 
the county ; we refer to the raising of sheep. For the facts 
relating to this subject we are indebted to Dr. Fiteh's ad- 
mirable " Survey of Washington County." Throughout 
the last century, as already stated, the farmers raised only 
sheep enough to supply their families with home-made 
clothing, — and they thought themselves lucky if they could 
circumvent the wolves with sufficient shrewdness to do that. 
The few that were raised were long-legged animals with 
light, coarse fleeces, and were inveterate rovers over hill and 
dale. Their principal good quality was the hardiness with 
which they withstood the severities and changes of this 
variant climate. 

But during the first years of this century the wolves 
were pretty well thinned out, and at the same time a few 
manufactures began to spring up in this country, aflPording 
a market for wool, while through the efforts of Chancellor 
Livingston a beginning was made in the importation of fine- 
wooled sheep. The first cross of the common sheep of the 
country was with an English variety, which produced a great 
improvement, the fleece being heavier than that of either 
parent, and the mutton being more plentiful and of equally 
good quality. The change, too, immediately obliterated the 
roving propensities of the common breed. 

The first merino sheep iu Washington county were 
brought into the present town of White Creek (then Cam- 
bridge) in 1809. The next year a flock was begun in 
Salem, and the great value set on these wonderful exotics 
is shown by a contract made between Alexander McNish, 
of that town, and Piobert Prince, a merchant of New York. 
By that contract, in consideration of Mr. I'rince's furnish- 
ing a merino buck and two ewes, Mr. McNish agreed to 



furnish a hundred common ewes, and bear the whole ex- 
pense of keeping and taking care of the flock for seven 
years ; the common ewes to be divided equally at the end 
of the first year, the buck lambs and wool to be equally 
divided every year, and the flock to be equally divided at 
the end of the seven years. Still it was not strange that 
Mr. Prince wanted a pretty good bargain, since his three 
merinos cost him eighteen hundred dollars. . 

There was a strong prejudice against the new-comers 
among many of the old-fashioned farmers. It was feared 
that they would cause a great degeneration of the hardy 
native sheep, and one of Mr. McNi.sh's neighboi-s threat- 
ened to shoot that gentleman's merino buck, if ever found 
trespassing on the threatcner's land. In fact there was some 
reason for the fears so decidedly expressed, for the half-grade 
lambs died by the score, so that from a hundred ewes Mr. 
McNish only saved sixteen lambs the first year. It required 
many expensive and care-burdened years to acclimate the 
merino sheep in the United States, but when once the task 
was accomplished the benefits were immense. Further 
reference will be made to the wool-growing interests of Wash- 
ington county. 

By 1812 frame houses were rapidly taking the place of 
log ones on all the principal roads, and the landscape was 
widely assuming the characteristics of civilization. In June 
of that year war was declared between the United States 
and Great Britain ; but so completely had the condition of 
Washington and the adjoining counties been changed, that 
whereas they had once formed the great war-path and battle- 
ground of the continent, they now scarcely felt the shock 
of the conflict. A few of the young men enlisted in the 
regular or volunteer service, and a few more were occasion- 
ally called to the frontier in the militia ; but there was 
neither the intense interest caused by the actual presence 
of foreign and savage foemen, as in the Revolution, nor 
the grand enthusiasm which inspired the loyal North 
during the late struggle for the existence of the nation. 
The War of 1812 was a dreary, dragging, driveling con- 
test, marked alike by the extreme apathy of the people 
and the extraordinary imbecility of the administration. 
Occasional bodies of troops were seen marching northward 
over the old war-path, but no considerable armies. 

But while the military history of Washington county 
in the War of 1812 was very slight, that contest had 
a marked effect on its industrial progress. Flax, like wool, 
had previously been produced only in small quantities, such 
as could be manufactured by the " little wheel" and the 
loom of each family ; every farmer usually sowing a few 
square rods. In May, 1812, when the country was pr(?- 
paring for the war which was declared the next month, 
and when prices were rising in consequence, Mr. James 
Whiteside, of Candjridge, sowed three acres in flax. All 
his neighbors were astonished, and predicted that the labor 
of raising and dressing it would be so great as to more 
than use up any price which could be obtained. 

But the value still continued to rise, and tlie dressed 
flax was sold for eighteen and three-fourths cents per 
pound. As this gave a handsome profit, several of Mr. 
Whiteside's neighbors embarked in the same business, and 
flax-raising soon became an important industry in the 



72 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



southern part of Washington county. Even when prices 
went down after the war it was still found profitable, and 
attained a magnitude of no slight importance. 

The woolen manufacture also continued to flourish. 
Under a State law of the period a premium of forty dollars 
wa.s paid in 1813 to Scott Woodworth, of Cambridge, for 
the best woolen cloth made in the county, and another of 
thirty-five dollars to Adam Cleveland, of Salem, for the 
second best. The next year the first premium was carried 
off by Alexander McNish, and the second by Reuben 
Wheeler, both of Salem. The law vested the power of 
awarding the prizes in the judges of the common pleas in 
each county ; rather a curious tribunal, we should now 
think, to perform such a duty. It sliould be remembered, 
however, that at that time the "judges" were nearly all 
farmers, bu.siness men, etc., and perhaps as competent to 
decide on the value of woolen cloth as any other five men 
in the county. 

On the 12th day of March, 181.S, the county of Warren 
was erected. This reduced the area of Washington county 
to the limits which it has ever since retained. It also 
brought the eastern county-seat, at Sandy Hill, within a 
mile of the county line ; but, as the court-house was al- 
ready built, the location has been able to hold its ground 
against all rivals ever since. 

In August, 1814, there was a genuine excitement in re- 
gard to the war, and the militia were ordered out en masse 
to resist the threatened invasion by General Sir George 
Provost, by way of Plattsburg. As has previously been 
stated, we were a very military people in the sense of hav- 
ing numerous regiments of militia throughout the country. 
There were three or four in this county alone. These 
were all called out ; and all responded, so far as to turn out 
with a greater or less number of men, and turn their faces 
towards Plattsburg. There are .some queer stories told, 
however, regarding their movements, which tend to show 
that the .so-often vaunted .superiority of "the good old 
times" did not extend to military valor. Tradition stoutly 
asserts that one battalion occupied twelve days in marching 
from its place of organization to Whitehall ; but that, on 
hearing there that the battle had been fought, it only took 
them one day to march back again. Of an eminent general 
of the period it is said that he mistook the stern for the 
prow of his vessel, and went the wrong way on Lake 
Ciiamplain, when he heard the cannon at Plattsburg. It 
must be said, however, that not only were the militia 
freshly drawn from their fields, entirely unversed in war, 
but that they were often unprovided with arms or ammu- 
nition, without which it would be difiicult for any one to 
fight.. 

One of the regiments from the eastern part of the county 
was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel John McClary, of 
Salem (there being no colonel of militia at that time); but 
Major William Root, of Hebron, was the ofiicer in actual 
command when it was called out. It rendezvoused at West 
Hebron, marched thence to Sandy Hill, and thence to 
Whitehall. The latter point was the general rendezvous 
for all this section of the country, as it had also been for 
McDonough's fleet. 

The regiment just mentioned, of whose movements we 



happen to know from Hon. John McDonald, who was a 
member of it (or, rather, who went with it of his own 
accord, although exempt by law from service on account of 
his being a student in an incorporated acaderayl, sailed 
from Whitehall in two sloops just before the battle of 
I'lattsburg. Jlr. jMoDonough says he does not believe 
there were six eflFective muskets in the regiment. 

The arrangement was for them to go to the arsenal at 
Burlington, Vt., and receive arms, and thence to Platt.s- 
burg, to meet the enemy. But just before reaching the 
former place, and while still twelve or fifteen miles south 
of Plattsburg, the thunder of cannon was heard booming 
over the wave. Crash after crash, broadside responded to 
broadside, and the raw recruits began to feel as if they 
didn't know whether they were in such a very great hurry 
to get their arms or not. After a brief but evidently 
furious combat, the warlike sounds ceased, and then the 
soldiers on board the sloops were in a tremor of anxiety 
to know which side was victorious. If the British had 
conquered there was nothing for the American vessels on 
the lake to do but to make their way southward with all 
possible speed. 

But after a short time a light vessel came flying up the 
lake with all sails set, and horsemen went galloping along 
the shores bearing the news that once again the flag of the 
self-styled mistress of the seas had been lowered before the 
upstart Yankee bunting. In every war in which America 
has been engaged her sailors have invariably covered them- 
selves with glory, and in the War of 1812 they employed 
for that purpose about all the glory there was in the market, 
leaving very little of that splendid raiment for the use of 
the forces on land. 

Immediately after the defeat of the British fleet, the 
army of Sir George Provost retreated to Canada, and so 
the militia were allowed to return home and relieve the 
minds of anxious women and children, to whom the 
thought of British invasion still brought up the old idea 
of brutal Hessians and murderous Indians, on their mission 
of devastation and butchery. 

Just after the close of the war, on the 17th of April, 
1815, the town of White Creek was formed from the east 
side of Cambridge, thus becoming the southeastern town 
of the county. Its appellation is derived from the stream 
of that name, which forms its western boundary ; but as has 
been said, it has caused considerable trouble among students 
of the early history of the county, who have confounded 
it with the old " White Creek," which for nearly a hun- 
dred years has gone by the name of Salem. 

Jackson was also formed from Cambridge about the 
same time, lying in a narrow strip between Cambridge and 
White Creek on the south, and Salem on the north. Its 
name, of course, was derived from the hero whose exploit 
at New Orleans was one of the few redeeming features of 
the War of 1812. 

Immediately after the close of that war, a very vigorous 
eflbrt was made to improve the means of transportation in 
this State, by the opening of canals along the main lines of 
travel and freightage. In fact some movements had been 
made in that direction before the war, but were abandoned 
at the commencement of hostilities. On the return of peace, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



73 



however, the desire for a system of canals awoke with re- 
newed energy, and under the zealous leadership of De Witt 
Clinton it soon found voice in legislative enactments. 

One of the very first canals provided for by law — stand- 
ing on an equality in respect to time with the Erie and the 
Oswego — was the ChauipUiin canal ; the law for the con- 
.struction of which was passed in the forepart of the year 
1817. Its peaceful course followed the same route which 
had so often been followed by hostile armies, and which 
was selected, though not used, by the Northern Inland 
Lock Navigation Company. Beginning at the Erie canal, 
near Cohoes, the line crossed the Mohawk, pa.ssed up the 
west side of the Hudson to Schuylcrville ; thence crossed 
into Washington county by means of a dam seven hun- 
dred feet long ; thence followed the eastern bank of the 
river to Fort Edward. There it left the river and ran 
northwestward over a ridge into the valley of Wood creek, 
down which it ran (part of the time in the bed of the 
creek) to Whitehall, where it united with Lake Champlain. 
The work was begun on the 10th day of June, 1818. 

As in the case of nearly every other new improvement, 
many were frightened at the idea of a canal. It would 
take all the freight business, they said, and what would be- 
come of the hundreds of men who gained a livelihood during 
the winter by drawing produce to market and drawing 
freight back ? And, besides, when all the horses were taken 
off the road the price of oats would go down to zero, half- 
ruining the farmers. But, in spite of these and other 
similar forebodings, the canal was pushed vigorously for- 
ward. As first constructed it included eleven miles of 
slack-water navigation on the Hudson, — three miles below 
and eight miles above Fort Miller, — with a short canal, con- 
taining two locks, around the falls at that place. For the 
distance above specified the tow-path ran along the eastern 
bank of the river. 

On the 10th of September, 1823, the whole work was 
completed ; this being two years before the completion of 
the Erie canal, and the Champlain being the first canal of 
any length finished in the State. A large increase of busi- 
ness immediately followed ; the teamsters found pl(?nty to 
do in drawing freight to and from the canal, and the farmers 
were not ruined by the fall of oats. 

At this period (say 1820) a large majority of the log 
liouses of twenty years before had been replaced by small 
frame houses, generally unpainted, though on the by-roads 
many a log cabin sheltered a hardy family beneath its 
humble roof. The ordinary farm-house of the period, of 
which some specimens still remain, was a square " story 
and a lialf" or two-story building, standing broadside to 
the road, with a " stack of chimneys" in the middle and a 
kitchen in the rear. Probably about half the land was 
cleared up at this time ; nearly all the valleys and level 
places being brought into a state of cultivation, while a 
large portion of the hill-land was still covered by the pri- 
meval forest. 

The farmers still n de to church in their lumber-wagons, 
and the doctors invariably visited their patients on horse- 
back. Hon. E. MeJIurray, of Salem, informs us that even 
as late as 1820 there were not more than four or five one- 
hor.sc, four-wheeled vehicles in that town, and a few chaises. 
10 



There was still a great deal of home-manufacturing. Not 
only were fulled-eloth and flannel, tow-cloth and linen, 
made in nearly every Airm-house, but hats, caps, and shoes 
were made in every little village to an extent now unknown. 

The main roads (especially the great northern turnjiike 
through Cambridge, Salem, etc., and the road along the 
east bank of the Hudson) were now more than ever crowded 
with teams, fijrming an almost endless procession. These, 
too, were the days of the stage-coach. Every daj', over 
the two great roads, the big yellow carriages went swinging 
along with every seat filled, while the driver's horn re- 
sounded merrily over the hills, and the children ran lo the 
door to see the stage pass by with as much interest as their 
parents had manifested in childhood at the approach of the 
occasional post-rider, and with much more interest than is 
shown by the youth of to-day as they watch the long train 
of cars which the screaming, snorting locomotive drags over 
the plain. 

We have mentioned befiire the remarkable number of 
State senators hailing from Washington county during the 
first thirty or forty years of its existence. The prominence 
of the county was by no means confined to that ofiice, as will 
be seen by reference to the civil list in the latter part of 
this general history. It will be seen by such reference 
that, from 1795 to 1843, Washington had a member 
of Congress twenty-two out of twenty-six terms, besides 
furnishing the incumbents of several important State offices. 

Most of them are left to be mentioned in their respective 
towns. In 1823, however, a citizen of this county was ap- 
pointed to one of the two highest judicial offices in the State. 
We refer to Hon. John Savage, a native and resident of 
Salem, who held the office of chief-justice of the Supreme 
Court from 1823 to 1837; that being before the court 
of appeals, when the chief-justice had no rival in judicial 
rank except the chancellor. Previous to being appointed 
chief-justice Mr. Savage had for two years been comptroller 
of the State. 

In this connection wc may mention that a still more dis- 
tinguished jurist, who but a few years since left the bench 
of the Supreme Court of the United States, Hon. Samuel 
Nelson, was also a native of Washington county (town of 
Hebron), and received his education at Salem Academy, 
though he attained his celebrity while residing in another 
part of the State. 

Hon. Henry C. Martindale, of Sandy Hill, who ei:tered 
Congress in 1823, was likewise a gentleman of decided 
prominence in the councils of the State and nation. lie 
held a seat in Congress for four terms, that being the longest 
time that any one man has represented this county in the 
national legislature. It was an evidence of very marked 
abilities and popularity in the recipient of the honor, as it is 
very seldom that the people of any congressional district, 
at least in the North, choose to be represented for eight 
years by the same person. 

In 1822 the town of South Bay was formed from Put- 
nam, on the 15th of March. The name, however, did not 
suit, and on the 17th of the succeeding month it was 
changed to Dresden. 

In 1825 the Erie canal was finished, and the people of 
Washington county began to be anxious for still greater 



7-4 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NI]W YORK. 



improvements in transportation. De Witt Clinton, then 
governor, was very willing to" second this desire, which 
chimed with his favorite hobby, and in that year he recom- 
mended to the Legislature that the Hudson should be made 
navigable for steamboats to Fort Edward, and, what is more 
curious, that the Batten Kill should be made passable for 
similar craft to the Vermont line. These projects failed, 
but the Champlain canal was improved by abandoning the 
slackwater navigation, and constructing a channel for boats, 
independent of the river, all the way from opposite Schuy- 
lerville to Fort Edward. This improvement was begun in 
1826 and finished in 1827. 

Meanwhile the production of wool had been .steadily in- 
creasing, and in 1825 Isaac Bishop, of Granville, began 
buying that article to send out of the county, the average 
price that year being fifty-two cents a pound. The business 
continued to increase, and for thirty years wool-raising was 
one of the leading industries of Washington county ; in 
fact it was the leading industry, so far as the obtaining of 
ready money was concerned. Granville, Salem, Cambridge, 
and one or two other points became so favorably known as 
wool-markets that large amounts of the article were brought 
thither to be sold from the State of Vermont and from tlie 
adjoining counties of this State. 

There were, of course, many fluctuations in the price, 
and many were the fortunes lost or made in the business. 
In 1825, as before stated, the highest price was fifty-two 
cents; in 1827 it had fallen to thirty-six cents; in 1831 it 
ranged from sixty to seventy-eight cents for common grades, 
while for the finest merino the price was a dollar a pound. 
In 1835 common wool sold at from forty to sixty-five 
cents per pound, while the best quality brought eighty-three 
cents. Great excitement was manifested at this period, and 
the .streets of the villages before mentioned were thronged 
at the wool-selling period with eager buyers, and many an 
industrious farmer or enterprising speculator thought he was 
about to secure unbounded wealth from the merinos nur- 
tured on the slopes of the Wa.shington County hills. But 
the excitement went down with many others of that inflated 
period, and though wool-growing continued to be an im- 
portant industry, prices never rose so high again until the 
great ascension caused by the war. In 1845, some grades 
went down as low as twenty-five cents. 

Few and brief are the annals of an agricultural county 
in a time of profound peace, after the hardships of early 
settlement have been passed through, and when no great 
public works are going forward. By 1840 the population 
had reached very near its present limit, being then forty-one 
thousand and eighty. In 1850 it was forty-four thousand 
Seven hundred and fifty, and in 18G0 it rose to forty-five 
thousand nine hundred and four. 

Another change came over the appearance of the faim- 
ers' homes. As, during the first quarter of the century, 
the old log houses were nearly all replaced by small red or 
brown frame dwellings, so during the succeeding forty years 
previous to the civil war there was a general change from the 
latter edifices to those of a larger and handsomer class. 
Sometimes the old brown cottage was renovated, repainted, 
and enlarged ; sometimes a new edifice was erected, better 
suited to the wealth and wants of a younger generation. 



The farms, too, were cleared ofiT and improved in divers 
ways, improved cattle as well as sheep were introduced, and 
the whole county showed a marked increase in wealth but 
very little in population. What increase there was, in the 
latter respect, was almost entirely in the villages. 

In 1847 there began what might be called a plank-road 
fever ; it sprang up and spread rapidly over a large part of 
the country. Washington county was as zealous as other 
sections in securing the benefits, more or less, of this new 
aid to transportation. In the course of a few years there 
were built and put in operation the Whitehall and Hamp- 
ton plank-road ; the Fort Edward and Fort Miller plank- 
road ; the Argyle and Fort Edward plank-road, and the 
Hartford and Sandy Hill plank-road. The two last are still 
in operation, which is a larger proportion than is usually 
seen ; all the plank-roads in many counties having been 
worn out and entirely abandoned. 

Up to 1848 there had been no railroad in Washington 
county. The Saratoga and Washington railroad company 
had been incorporated on the 2d of May, 1834, with a 
capital of §600,000, and the company had been fully or- 
ganized on the 20th of April, 1835. But the financial 
crisis of 1830 stopped its operations, and nothing was done 
in this county. The time for the company to complete the 
road was afterwards extended until 1850, and the capital 
stock was increased in 1847 to $850,000. They began 
laying the track in April, 1848, and in December of the 
same year the road was completed to Whitehall. The same 
year a law was passed permitting the company to extend its 
road to the Vermont State line, which was soon after done. 

In February, 1855, a mortgage was foreclosed, the road 
was sold, and in June following the purchasers formed a 
new company, called the Saratoga and Whitehall railroad 
company, which took control of the road. The name of 
the road was changed to correspond with that of the com- 
pany. 

The Troy and Rutland railroad company was organized 
on the 6th of March, 1851. A road was surveyed from 
Hoosic, Rensselaer Co., through the towns of Cambridge 
and Salem, Washington Co., to the village of Salem ; 
work was pushed rapidly forward, and on the 28th of June, 
1852, it was opened for use. It was leased by the Rutland 
and Washington road, running from Salem to Rutland, Vt., 
until 1855, when it was put in the hands of a receiver, and 
run in connection with the Albany Northern. Its .situation 
since the war will be mentioned in the twentieth chapter. 

Thus, engrossed in peaceful avocations and enterprises, the 
people continued the even tenor of their way until, in the 
winter of 1861 and '62, they were startled by the ominous 
niutterings of coming war, rolling up from the south. Angry 
and astonished, they awaited the course of events, scarcely 
believing it possible that the wicked and suicidal attack on 
the life of the nation, which appeared to be imminent, 
could really be nuidc by men in a state of even partial 
sanity. 

When the storm burst on the 14th day of April, 1861, 
the .sons of Washington county responded as promptly to 
the call of their country, and served as valorously in the 
field, as did those of any other in all the land. In the fol- 
lowing pages wo have endeavored to give our readers some 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON' COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



faint idea of the liavdships undergone, and the services per- 
formed, by these gallant defenders of their country. Owing, 
however, to the fact that there was no city nor very lars;e 
yillage to serve as a centre of action, and that the influence 
dyen of a county-seat was divided betwee'n two jjlaces, the 
yoilog men in different parts of the county generally joined 
regiments of which a majority belonged in other counties. 
Among all the thousands of volunteers which Washington 
county sent into the service of the country, there was only 
one distinctively Washington-county regiment. One regi- 
ment had four companies from this county, another three, 
and several had but one company, or part of a company, 
each. This has made it extremely difficult to ascertain 
the flicts regarding the services performed, except in the 
case of the r23d Regiment. In some cases, not a single 
representative could be found remaining in the county 
of a regiment which once contained quite a number of 
Washington-county soldiers ; in other cases, only one or 
two members are left. Under these circumstances, we have 
gathered up the meagre details as best we could ; being 
desirous to do all in our power to give due honor to the 
gallant soldiers of Washington county, and being fortunate 
in having a very complete account of the distinctively 
Washington-county regiment from the pen of its former 
adjutant. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

REGIMENTS EAISED IN 1861. 

The 22d Infantry— The Washington County Companies— A Balti- 
more Mob— The Right of the Whole Line— Second Battle of Bull 
Run — Severe Loss — Death of McCoy, Milliman, Lendrum, and 
Beattie — South Mountain and Antietam — Fredericksburg — Official 
Changes— Chancellorsville— Muster Out— The43d Infantry— Com- 
pany F — The Peninsuliir Campaign — Loss of Half its Number — 
Antietam, Chancellorsville, etc. — A Half-Dozcn return Home — 
The 44th Infantry— Its Services— The S7th Infantry— Company A, 
from Dresden and Putnam — Battles, Losses, and Consolidation — 
The 93d Infantry — Three Companies from Washington Count3- — 
At Yorktown — Capture of Colonel and Major — Acting as Provost 
and Headquarter Guard for a Year and a Half. The Wilderness 
— Great Number Killed and Wounded — The succeeding Battles — 
Before Petersburg — Mustered Out — The 9Gth Infantry — Company 
E, of Washington County— On the Peninsula— Services in North 
Carolina — Desperate Valor at Cold Harbor — The Siege and Tri- 
umph — Provost-Guard until 1866 — Officers of Company E — The 
2d Cavalry — Company A, from Salem — Stationed at Washington 
—The Harris Light Cavalry— Company E, of Fort Edward— Cap- 
ture of Falmouth — Second Bull Run — Kilpatriok's Raid — Br.andy 
Station and Aldie— The Dahlgren Raid— AVilh Sheridan in the 
Valley — Five Forks. 

The first regiment from this section was the 22d New 
York Infantry; of which four companies were raised in 
Washington county, one in Rensselaer, two in Warren, and 
three in Essex. Nearly all the towns in the county were 
represented, but the points of organization of the four com- 
panies were as follows : Co. B, Fort Edward ; Co. D, Cam- 
bridge; Co. G, Whitehall; Co. H, Sandy Hill. 

Early in June, 18G1, the various companies were marched 
to Troy, where, on the sixth day of that month, they were 
organized into the 22d Regiment. Walter Piielps, of War- 
ren county, was the first colonel ; Gordon F. Thomas, of 



Essex, the lieutenant-colonel ; and John McKie, Jr., of 
Cambridge, Washington county, the major. 

The officers rf the Washington -county companies were 
as follows : 

Co. B. — Robert E. McCoy, captain ; Duncan Lendrum, 
first lieutenant; James W. McCoy, second lieutenant. 

Oimpany D. — Henry S. Milliman, captain ; Thomas B. 
Fisk, first lieutenant; Robert Rice, second lieutenant. 

Cumpani/ G. — Edmund Boynton, captain ; succeeded by 
Benjamin G. Mosher before muster; Duncan Cameron, 
first lieutenant. 

Compaitij A. — Thomas J. Strong, captain ; William A. 
Piersons, first lieutenant ; Matthew S. Teller, second lieu- 
tenant. 

In the latter part of July the regiment set out for the 
seat of war. On the 28th of that mouth, while pa.ssing 
through Baltimore, they were attacked by a mob of the 
secessionists of that city. Stones were hurled furiously at 
the column of soldiers, guns and pistols were fired, and one 
of the men of the 22d fell dead, — the first sacrifice of the 
regiment to the spirit of rebellion. The 22d opened a 
return fire, several members of the mob fell wounded, and 
the regiment pas.sed on without further interference. 

The 22d was stationed in Washington at the time of the 
first battle of Bull Run, and crossed to Arlington Heights 
immediately afterwards. During the succeeding autuum 
and winter it was stationed at Upton Heights, being a part 
of the 1st Brigade and 1st Division in the 1st (McDowcH'-s) 
Army Corps. In that brigade the 14th New York (of 
Brooklyn) had the right of the line, and the 22d stood 
next ; so that it was a subject of remark that if all the 
armies of the United States had been drawn up in line — 
extending more than a hundred miles — those two battalions 
would have occupied the extreme right of them all. 

In the spring of 18G2 the 22d marched with the rest 
of McDowell's Corps to Fredericksburg, being the first 
Union troops to enter that city. When Stonewall Jackson 
was operating in the Valley of Virginia, the corps made a 
long and rapid march to Front Royal, only to find that 
ubiquitous warrior far on his way to Richmond. They 
then returned to Fredericksburg, where they remained 
till August. They then marched to Cedar Mountain, and 
returned from there to Rappahannock Station. Thence 
the corps proceeded northward to join Pope, and on the 
29th day of August the 22d was engaged in its first serious 
fight, — the bloody conflict commonly known as the second 
battle of Bull Run. 

The regiment under consideration was in the reserve 
division, and wa.s not engaged on the first day of the battle 
(the 28th), nor on the second day (the 29th) until about 
two hours before sunset. Scarcely had they opened Arc, 
when the foe, having already broken through McDowell's 
line, came pouring in immense numbers upon the right flank 
of the 1st Division, and crushing it up with resistless force. 
The 22d strove desperately, but in vain, to resist the over- 
whelming tide. The dead and wounded fell by the score. 
]jieut.-Col. Thomas was mortally wounded while gallantly 
leading his men. Major McKie was wounded. Capt. 
McCoy, of Co. B, when hard pressed by the enemy, 
might have saved his life by surrendering, but continued 



76 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



to fight on, and soon fell dead upon the field. His body 
was found the next day, pierced with several bullets. 
Capt. MilIiinan,of Co. D, was mortally wounded, and Lieut. 
Fisk, of the same company, was wounded. 

It was not till after sunset that the fighting ceased. 
During those two hours of battle the 22d lost about seventy 
men killed, and had four times as many wounded, besides 
a considerable number taken prisoners. 

The next day the wearied and shattered regiment again 
took part in the conflict, but was not stationed so as to bear 
the brunt of the attack. Many of its members, however, 
were killed or wounded ; among the former being Lieut. 
Lendrum, of Co. B, and Lieut. William S. Beattie, of Co. 
D, and among the latter, Capt. Cameron, of Co. G. and 
Lieut. Teller, of Co. H. 

When all was over the 22d Regiment had only about a 
hundred men for duty. Capt. Strong, who was almost the 
only captain left unharmed, reported fourteen men for 
duty ; and some of the companies had still less. 

From Bull Run the feeble battalion marched with Pope's 
army to Washington, and then, under McClellan, took part 
in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. It did 
not suffer severely, however, losing but a few men in 
killed and wounded at South Mountain, and still less at 
Antietam. 

At this period, Maj. McKie was commissioned as lieu- 
tenant-colonel in place of Col. Thomas, and Capt. Clendon, 
of Warren county, was made major. 

The 22d, strengthened by the addition of recruits and 
by the return of some of its wounded to duty, marched 
with Burnside to Fredericksburg in the mud and snow of 
November and December, 1862. In the battle at that 
place it crossed the Rappahannock river below the town, 
with the rest of the 1st Corps, but was not seriously en- 
gaged, and suffered but slight loss. Lieut.-Col. McKie 
was accidentally wounded at Fredericksburg, and resigned 
his commission in February, 1863, as did Maj. Clendon. 
Capt. T. J. Strong was successively commissioned and mus- 
tered as major and lieutenant-colonel. After Burnside was 
compelled to retreat the 22d remained with the Army of 
the Potomac throughout the winter and early spring. 

In the early days of May, 1863, the depleted battalion, 
with feeble ranks, but with unbroken spirits, again set forth 
(or Fredericksburg, the army being then under the com- 
mand of Gen. Hooker. They again crossed the Rappa- 
hannock, and were under some artillery fire at Chaneel- 
lorsviile; but, as at the previous battle in that vicinity, it 
chanced that they were not in a dangerous position, and 
suffered no injury. 

Shortly after this disastrous conflict, the last of the great 
Confederate victories, the 22d returned home, and was 
mustered out on the 19th of June. Hardly a quarter of 
those who had marched forth under its banners in the early 
summer of 1861 marched homeward in June, 1863. Bat- 
tle and disaster had laid many in the grave. Others had 
been discharged on account of wounds or sickness, and 
some still lingered in rebel prisons. Numerous changes 
had taken place among the officers. James W. McCoy was 
now captain of Co. B ; Capt. and Brev. Maj. M. S. Teller 
was in command of Co. H, with A. Ilalleck Holbrook and 



Marshall A. Duers as lieutenants. Duncan Cameron was 
captain of Co. G, and Lucius E. Wilson was in command 
of Co. D. 

When the war-worn battalion reached Fort Edward, it 
was received with a grand ovation by the excited people. 
A similar reception greeted them at Sandy Hill and Glen's 
Falls ; and then the first companies raised in Washington 
county for the defense of the national life were dismissed 
to their long unvisited homes. 

FORTY-THIRD INFANTRY. 

This regiment was raised in the summer of 1861, in the 
counties of Albany, Montgomery, New York, Otsego, and 
Washington. It was mustered into the United States ser- 
vice from Aug. 20 to Sept. 24, 1861. The only portion 
of the regiment from Washington county was Co. F, 
which was raised at Sandy Hill and vicinity. The first 
ofiicers were James C. Rogers, captain ; Geo. B. Culver, first 
lieutenant; and John W. Wilkinson, second lieutenant. 

After being mustered in, the regiment went to Washington, 
and remained camped in the vicinity of the " Chain Bridge" 
until the spring of 1862. It then proceeded with McClel- 
lan (in Hancock's Brigade) to the Peninsula, and took part 
in all the terrible campaign from Yorktown to the front of 
Richmond and back to Harrison's Landing. AVhen the 
" Seven-Days Fight" began, the 43d was at Mechanics- 
ville, on the extreme right of McClellan's line, where Lee's 
army first struck ; consequently, it had to pass over all the 
ground traversed in that memorable retreat, and partici- 
pated in a large proportion of the battles constituting col- 
lectively the Seven-Days Fight. In this brief period the 
regiment had half of its men killed, or so badly wounded 
as to be left behind and captured, and Co. F suffered in the 
same proportion. So heavy had been the loss that at Har- 
rison's Landing the ten companies were consolidated into 
five, and joined with five new companies from Albany. 
The regiment retained its old number, but Co. F became a 
part of Co. B, Capt. Rogers remaining the commander. 

The 43d next proceeded northward, and, being in 
Franklin's Corps, lay within sound of the guns of the 
second battle of Bull Run, but took no part in the con- 
flict. Thence the corps in question marched into Maryland, 
and the day before Antietam took part in the capture of 
Crampton's Gap from the enemy. At Antietam the 43d 
was on the right of the line, in the corn-field celebrated in 
the accounts of that battle. Company F lost several more 
men in these battles. On the 24th of September, Capt. 
Rogers, having been commissioned major of the 123d New 
York Infantry, resigned his commission, and was succeeded 
by Lieut. Wilkinson, who served as captain until the expi- 
ration of liis term of service, in the autumn of 1864. 

The 43d took little or no part in the battle of Fred- 
ericksburg, but at Chancellorsville, on the 3d of May, 
1863, it suffered severely, — Co. F losing its first lieu- 
tenant, Hugh B. Knickerbocker, and several men slain, 
besides a heavy list of wounded. These repeated losses 
being partially made good by recruits from other counties, 
Co. F could thenceforth hardly be considered as a Wash- 
ington-county company. The regiment was severely en- 
gaged in the battle of Gettysburg, in the great campaign of 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



77 



18G4, in the second battle of Winchester, and was finally 
mustered out on the 27th of June, 1865. Gen. Rogers 
states that he does not believe that half a dozen of the 
original members of Co. F came back to Washington 
county. A few had previously been discharged, a few 
went directly from the army to other localities, but the 
majority, stricken down by battle or disease, slept beneath 
the soil of Virginia. 

THE FORTY-FOURTH INFANTRY. 

This was the regiment known as the " Ellsworth Aveng- 
ers," and intended to be composed of one or two picked 
men from every town in the State. There were between 
twenty and thirty, in all, from Wa.shington county. Among 
them was Edward Northup, of Sandy Hill, who afterwards 
became an officer of the regular army. 

The regiment was mustered into the United States ser- 
vice from Aug. 30 to Oct. 30, 1861. It served three years 
in the Army of the Potomac, taking part in the battles of 
Yorktown, Hanover Court-House, Gaines' Mill, Malvern 
Hill, Second Bull Run, Antictam, Fredericksburg, Chan- 
cellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsyl- 
vania, North Anna, Weldon Railroad, Petersburg, and 
numerous minor engagements. It was mustered out of 
service on the 11th of October, 1864, the veterans and 
recruits being transferred to other regiments. 

THE EIGHTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY. 

This regiment was raised in the autumn of 1861, prin- 
cipally in Brooklyn. Company A, however, was almost 
entirely from the towns of Dresden aTid Putnam in Wash- 
ington county. The regiment conducted itself gallantly 
under the disheartening experiences of the early career of 
the Army of the Potomac, being present at the battles of 
Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, White-Oak Swamp, Malvern 
Hill, and Manassas Junction. So much were its ranks 
depleted by battle and disease that in September, 1862, 
it was found necessary to consolidate it with the 40th 
New York Volunteers, in which it was henceforth merged. 
The 40th afterwards took part in the battles of Fred- 
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Sline Run, Wil- 
derness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and the siege of 
Petersburg. It was not mustered out until June 27, 1865, 
by which time there were very few, indeed, of the old 
Company A remaining in it. 

THE NINETY-THIRD INFANTRY. 

The patriotism of Washington county was not yet ex- 
hausted, and in the autumn of 1861, John S. Crocker, a 
lawyer of Cambridge, took steps to raise another regi- 
ment, to be partly from this county. The regimental ren- 
dezvous was at Albany, and the command was mustered 
there in November of that year, receiving the appellation 
of the 93d New Y'ork Infantry. John S. Crocker was 
colonel ; B. C. Butler, of Warren county, was lieutenant- 
colonel ; IMichael Cassidy, of Albany, was major; and Mavi- 
land GiftbrdjOf Easton, was adjutant. The following were 
the companies from Washington county, with their officers 
and localities : 

CoinpKiii/ G. — Cambridge and vicinity ; Waller S. Gray, 



captain ; -W. V. S. Bcekman, first lieutenant ; Francis S. 
Bailey, second lieutenant. 

Compaiiy F. — Fort Edward and viciMity ; George B. 
Moshier, captain ; John Bailey, first lieutenant ; Silas S. 
Hubbard, .second lieutenant. 

Conipamj 1. — Granville, Argyle, etc. ; Nathan J. John- 
son, captain ; William Randies, fir.st lieutenant; James M. 
Crawlbrd, second lieutenant. 

The 93d remained at Albany until about the 1st of 
April, 1862, when they went to Washington, from which 
point they proceeded under MeClellan to Fortress Jlonroe 
and Yorktown. While engaged in the siege of the latter 
place, Col. Crocker and Maj. Ca.ssidy, having walked a 
short distance outside of the lines, were captured by the 
enemy. 

The regiment marched up the Peninsula with the Army 
of the Potomac, and was slightly engaged at Williams- 
burg, but without loss. Shortly afterwards four companies 
were detached as headquarter-guard for Gen. MeClellan, 
while six companies acted as provost-guard at White Hou.se, 
on Y'ork river. Col. Butler being provost-marshal. 

In the great " Seven Days" fight before Richmond, the 
first-named detachment marched with the headquarters to 
Malvern Hill and Harrison's Landing, while Col. Butler's 
command destroyed the stores at White House, and then 
proceeded by water to the same point. From that time 
until December, 1863, the regiment was employed as head- 
quarter and provost guard in the Army of the Potomac, 
marching and countermarching through Virginia, but es- 
caping the stress of battle. 

About the 1st of January, 1864, seven companies rein- 
listed as veterans and came home on furlough to recruit. 
Col. Crocker had been released from imprisonment and 
resumed command. They returned with replenished ranks 
in February, and were assigned to the 1st Brigade and 
1st Division of the 2d Army Corps (Hancock's). 

The 1st of May, 18G4, the 93d, with the rest of the 
Army of the Potomac, set forth on the long and terri- 
ble march to the Confederate capital. On the 5th of 
May it was severely engaged in the great battle of the 
Wilderness, losing very heavily. Co. F alone lost five 
killed and thirty-two wounded out of fort3'-nine members 
present, only twelve being left uninjured. Other com- 
panies suffered in proportion. Capt. John Bailey, of Co. 
F, was killed. Then followed in rapid succession the 
battles of Spottsylvania, North Anna, and Cold Harbor, in 
all of which the 93d took an active part, suffering severely 
in killed and wounded, though not as heavily as in the 
Wilderness. 

From Cold Harbor the 2d corps crossed the James river, 
and took up its position in front of Petersburg. The 93d 
received two hundred recruits, and from that time till the 
breaking up of the rebellion it remained in that immediate 
vicinity, engaged in the incessant toils and conflicts of that 
fateful period. Col. Crocker was discharged at the expira- 
tion of his term of service, in September, 1864. Maj. 
McConihe was commissioned in his place, but, owing to the 
depleted condition of the regiment, was not mustered. 
Capt. Kincaid lost a leg in August, before Petersburg, and 
was soon af\er discharged. The regiment was engaged in 



78 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



two battles at Deep Bottom, on tho north side of the 
James river, but returned to continue tho conflict around 
Petersburg. In February, 18C5, Lieut. -Col. Butler and 
Maj. McConihe were mustered out, when Adjt. Haviland 
GifTord, of Easton, was commissioned and mustered as 
lieutenant-colonel, and remained in command of the regi- 
ment till the end of its service. He was also commissioned 
as colonel, but for the reason before mentioned could not 
be mustered. J. H. Northup, captain of Co. I, was about 
the same time mustered as major and commissioned as 
lieutenant-colonel ; so that, during the closing portion of 
the regiment's service, both of the field-officeis were from 
W^ashington county, although that county furui.shed but 
three out of the original ten companies. 

When the end came, the 93d was under Sheridan at 
Poplar Spring Church and on the Boydton road, and par- 
ticipated in tho final movements which throttled the hydra 
of rebellion. The regiment was mustered out on the 
29th day of June, 18G5. Few of the original Washington- 
county boys were among the number then dismis.sed to their 
homes. Only one of the original nine line-ofEcers from 
Washington county was mustered out with the regiment. 

THE NINETY-SIXTH INFANTRY. 

This regiment was raised in tho autumn of 1861, prin- 
cipally in Warren, Essex, and Clinton counties. Co. E 
alone was from Washington county, being raised at and 
near Sandy Hill and Fort Edward. Its first officers were 
Hiram Eldridge, captain; A. J. Russell, first lieutenant; 
James S. Cray, second lieutenant. 

The regimental I'endezvous was at Plattsburg, and there 
the 9Gth remained during the winter of 18G1 and '02. 
In March, 1862, it joined the Army of the Potomac 
under the command of Col. Fairman, of New York city. 
It was assigned to Keyes' Corps, under whom they went 
to the Peninsula, taking part in the battles of Wil- 
liamsburg, Fair Oaks, the " Seven Days," and Malvern 
Hill. 

After the la.st-named conflict, the 96th was ordered to 
Suffolk, Virginia, where it was under the command of 
Gen. Peck, and in Gen. Foster's department. It remained 
there for several months, when it formed part of an ex- 
pedition into North Carolina, passing through Kingston 
and Goldsborough, and reaching Newborn, North Carolina, 
in the spring of 1863. It then proceeded to Plymouth 
in that State, which it aided in fortifying, under the 
command of Gen. Wessels, and where it remained another 
year. 

In the .spring of 1864 the regiment was ordered to 
YorKtown. There it was made a part of Gen. Butler's 
newly-organized " Army of the James," and went with it 
to Bermuda Hundred. The last of May it marched from 
that point to join at the White House, on York river, the 
legions of Gen. Grant coming down from the north. 

On the 3d of June, 1864, the 96th took part in the ter- 
rible battle of Cold Harbor, charging again and again with 
dauntless valor up to the' foot of the enemy's intrench- 
ments, only to be again and again hurled back by the rebel 
battalions lying in safety behind their in)pregnable works. 
Out of twelve line-ofiicers present with the regiment on 



this awful day, seven were killed or mortally wounded, one 
of the latter being Capt. James S. Cray, of Co. E. That 
company also had about twenty of its rank and file killed 
and wounded, — nearly half of the number present. 

After Cold Harbor this regiment, with the rest of the 
Grand Army, crossed the James river, and engaged in the 
siege of Petersburg. It remained employed in the weari- 
some and often dangerous duties of that siege until the 3d 
of April, 1865. Then, with thousands of their triumphant 
comrades, the men of the 96th inarched into the desolate 
capital of the Confederacy, — a capital abandoned by the 
government which had so long dwelt there, and set on fire 
by the hands of its own defenders. 

The 96th was one of the few regiments which remained 
in service until 1866. It was on provost duty in Virginia 
during that time, Co. E being stationed at Culpepper, 
Fredericksburg, and Lynchburg. The regiment was mus- 
tered out in the spring of 1866. 

Besides those first named, the following-named gentlemen 
served as ofiicers of Co. E : Erastus Pierce, second lieu- 
tenant ; Alexander McLaughlin, captain, severely wounded 
at the battle of Chapin's Farm, and resigned ; William 
Bridgeford, first lieutenant ; Lucian Wood, first lieutenant ; 
James S. Sharrow, second lieutenant ; James McCarty, 
lieutenant and captain. The latter gentleman had also been 
regimental and acting brigade-quartermaster, and was 
breveted major by the President for gallant and meritorious 
conduct. 

d'epineuil's zouaves (fifty-third infantry). 

In the summer of 1861 Count Lionel J. D'Epineuil 
came from France to New York with the intention of 
raising a brigade of zouave.s — if possible, all Frenchmen — 
to serve in the Union army. He had a new and very 
peculiar drill which he wanted to put in practice, and was 
very zealous in his eflbrts to raise men. He obtained the 
assistance of Monsieur Antoine Renois, of Whitehall, who 
had already recruited a large number of men for the 22d 
Regiment, to raise a regiment of zouaves from northern 
New York and Lower Canada. 

Mons. Renois astablished recruiting-stations at various 
points along Lake Champlain, and obtained a goodly num- 
ber of recruits, forty or fifty being from Whitehall. There 
were not enough for a regiment, however, and on reporting 
in New York in the autumn it was found that the intended 
brigade would hardly make a full regiment, although many 
Germans and those of other nationalities had been en- 
listed. 

In December an order came from the War Department 
to consolidate the detachment into a single regiment and 
send it to the front. Owing to weakness of numbers and 
other causes the regiment was mustered out in the spring 
of 1862. 

the second cavalry. 

A cavalry company was organized at Salem, by Solomon 
W. Russell, Jr., of that place, in September, 1861. The 
members were principally from the town of Salem, but Ar- 
gyle, Cambridge, Easton, Greenwich, Hartford, Hebron, 
Jackson, Kingsbury, Fort x\nn. Fort Edward, and White 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



79 



Creek were also represented. The company was mustered 
at Salem by Col. John S. Crocker, of Cambridge, special 
inspector, September 7, 1861. The company then pro- 
ceeded by railroad to Camp Stronsr, between Troy and 
Lansingburg, the place of general rendezvous, arriving 
there on the 13tb of September, and being the first com- 
pany at that camp. It there became the nucleus of the 
2d Now York Volunteer Cavalry, commonly known as the 
" Black Horse Cavalry," commanded by Col. A. J. Morri- 
son, and was designated as Co. " A." 

Its commissioned officers were as follows : Solomon W. 
Russell, Jr., of Salem, captain ; David E. Cronin, of New 
York city, first lieutenant; William Robertson, of Salem, 
second lieutenant. 

The regiment remained at Camp Strong until its organi- 
zation on the 22d day of November, ISGl. It then pro- 
ceeded to Washington, where it arrived on the 2-lth day of 
November, being stationed at a camp in that city designated 
as Camp Stoneman. The regiment remained at Camp Stone- 
man, performing duty within the defenses of Washington, 
through the winter of 1861 and '62. 

In the spring of 1862 the War Department concluded" 
there was too much cavalry in the field, and this regiment 
was accordingly mustered out of service on the 31st day of 
March. When mustered out, Capt. Russell's company 
consisted of ninety men, all told, — a majority of whom, after 
the reverses of the armies of the Union in 1862 and 
.spring of 1863, again volunteered in various organizations 
and arms of the service. Capt. Russell himself was one of 
those who thus re-entered the army, being detached on the 
staff of his distinguished and lamented relative, Maj.-Gen. 
Russell, also of Washington county, and being commis- 
sioned by the President as brevet major and brevet lieu- 
tenant-colonel for gallant and meritorious service in the 
field. 

THE HARRIS LIGHT CAVALRY. 

On the 7th of August, 1861, a young man named Clar- 
ence Buell came up from Troy to Fort Edward, intent on 
raising a company of horsemen for the " Harris Light 
Cavalry," then being formed, and named after the newly- 
elected U. S. Senator, Hon. Ira Harris. The idea of enter- 
ing the mounted service impre.ssed the young men of Fort 
Edward very fiivorably, and Buell had only to set the ball 
in motion, when it rolled itself. He returned to Troy, 
leaving some of his recruits in charge ; the boys crowded 
in by the score to put down their names, and in two or 
three days the ranks were full. Most of the men were 
from Fort Edward, but there were a few from Kingsbury, 
Fort Ann, Whitehall, and Argyle. 

The company proceeded forthwith to New York city, and 
there the regiment was mustered into the United States 
service on the 14th day of August, 1861. Its colonel was 
Mansfield Davis, and its lieutenant-colonel was a boyish- 
looking young officer, just out of West Point, since known 
to fame as Maj.-Gen. Judson Kilpatrick. The company 
from Washington county was designated as Co. E, with 
the following ofiicers : Clarence Buell. captain ; John Lid- 
die, first lieutenant; Andrew Lowden, second lieutenant. 

Proceeding in the forepart of September to Washington, 
the regiment drew its horses, and camped on Arlington 



Heights throughout the succeeding winter. In tlie spring 
of 1862 it went with Gen. McDowell to Fredericksburg; 
capturing Falmouth after a sharp skirmish, in which it lost 
thirteen men. It remained with McDowell near Fredericks- 
burg until Augu.st, when it marched to Cedar Mountain, 
arriving, however, too late for the battle. At the second 
battle of Bull Run, Col. Kilpatrick charged the enemy with 
two companies, losing heavily in men and horses. The 
regiment was in excellent condition, and covered the retreat 
to Washington with great steadiness. 

After Antietam, the " Harris Light," as it was still 
called (though its official name had been changed to the 
'•Second New York Cavalry," after the muster-out of the 
original Second or " Black Horse" Cavalry), was employed 
as body-guards, etc., until December, when it accompanied . 
Gen. Burnside to Fredericksburg. The brigade-com- 
mander. Gen. Bayard, was killed in that battle, but the 
regiment was not seriously injured. It will be understood, 
by all acquainted with the cavalry service during the late 
war, that that arm was used principally for scouting, skir- 
mishing, and " raiding," and sometimes for attacks on 
cavalry, but was rarely brought into use against the enemy's 
infantry. 

The regiment camped at Belle Plain, a little this .side of 
Fredericksburg, during the winter of 1862 and '63. In 
the spring it took the field, and two days before the battle 
of Chancellorsville it was engaged in a fight with the 
enemy's cavalry at Brandy Station. Immediately afterwards. 
Col. Kilpatrick, with three hundred of the best men in the 
regiment, including about thirty of Co. E, made his cele- 
brated raid to Richmond, the object being to destroy the 
communication in rear of Lee's army. This was done, 
fifteen miles of railroad being destroyed and near two mil- 
lion dollars' worth of property ; but as Lee was victorious at 
Chancellorsville the raid did not have the crippling efiect 
intended. Riding day and night, the three hundred reached 
the unmanned lines in front of Richmond. Col. Kil- 
patrick sent Sergt. Henry McFarland, of Co. E, with two 
men, to reconnoiter, supporting them with a platoon of men. 
Meeting no opposition, they galloped into the works, and 
the sergeant was probably the first armed Union soldier 
within those celebrated lines. The command entered the 
second line of intrenchments, and then turned back, no 
one, of course, having any idea of capturing Richmond with 
three hundred horsemen. Kilpatrick and his men made 
their way to Yorktown, and thence rejoined the main 
army. 

Next, they were engaged in the general cavalry fight at 
Brandy Station, and in the three days' fight near Aldie. 
The latter was remarkable for the imniber of horses slain 
by the enemy's bullets. Over thirty were killed in Co. E 
alone, yet not a man was killed, and only a few wounded. 
The regiment then marched to Gettysburg, where it made 
one charge ; then returned to the vicinity of Culpepper, 
where it remained during the autumn and winter of 1863 
and '64. 

About the 1st of March, 1864, it went on the celebrated 
Dahlgren raid into the vicinity of Richmond. Under the 
command of Sheridan, it accompanied Grant on his grand 
campaign, losing several men in the battle of the Wilder- 



80 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ness, and engaging in numerous skirmishes until the army 
reached the vicinity of Petersburg. Shortly afterwards it 
went on a raid under Gen. Wilson to the line of North 
Carolina. The next move was under Sheridan back into 
the Valley of Virginia. There it was engaged in constant 
skirmishing with Early's army, which was almost annihi- 
lated by Sheridan ; and finally, when the latter brilliant 
officer intercepted the last of the rebel columns at Five 
Forks, the Harris Light Cavalry was still under his imme- 
diate command. It was shortly afterwards mustered out at 
New York city. 

The first captain of Co. E, Capt. Buell, was promoted to 
be colonel of an infantry regiment, and Francis M. Plumb 
was promoted from another company to fill his place. Lieut. 
Lowden was made captain of another company, and George 
E. Milliman, of Fort Edward, promoted to second lieu- 
tenant. 



CHAPTER XVIIL 

THE ONE HUNDKED AND TWENTY-THIRD 
INFANTRY.* 

Deep Feeling on hearing of the Disasters before Richmond — War- 
Meeling at Argyle — Resolution to raise a Washington-County 
Regiment — Its Enlistment and OBBcers — Mustered in as the 123d 
Infantry — Goes to the Front — .Services in the Autumn of 18fi2 — 
" The Mud March"— Winter- Quarters— The Campaign of Chaneel- 
lorsvillc — A Skirmish near Fredericksburg — Death of Lieut.-Col. 
Norton— The Battle of Cliancellorsville— The 123d repulses the 
Enemy— The Supports fall back— The Regiment retreats— Heavy 
Losses — March to Gettysburg — Services there — Pursuit of the 
Enemy — Ordered to the West — Services in Tennessee — The Grand 
Campaign of 1864— Resaca, Cassville, Pumpkin-Vine Creek- 
Col. McDougall mortally wounded— Flanking the Enemy— Pine 
Hill— Kulp's Farm— Capture of Kenesaw— Peach-Tree Creek- 
Entering Atlanta — " The March to the Sea"— Slight Opposition — 
Capture of Savannah— The Campaign of the Carolinas— Passing 
Columbia — Entering North Carolina— Bentonville — Goldsboro' — 
Moccasin Swamp— Raleigh— Off for Homc—Thi^ Grand Review- 
Sherman's Eulogy — Mustered out— List of Officers. 

When it became known that McClellan's campaign be- 
fore Richmond, in June and July, 18G2, had resulted in 
complete disaster. President Lincoln i.ssued a call lor " three 
hundred thousand more." The whole country was greatly 
moved, and all felt that a mighty efi'ort must be put forth 
to save the Union. This county was more deeply impressed 
than ever before. Something must be done ! On the 22d 
of July, a great war-meeting was held at Argyle, and this 
was followed by others in different parts of the county. 
War committees were appointed ; one for the county at 
large and one for each town. 

They began work at once, and it was decided that Wash- 
ington county should raise a regiment of her own. Re- 
cruiting commenced immediately. A camp was established 
at Salem and called Camp Washington. Before the mid- 
dle of August the companies began to assemble, and by the 
22d the regiment was practically full. The companies were 
mustered in as soon as full, and were made up from the 
different towns as follows : 

Co. A, Greenwich ; Co. B, Kingsbury ; Co. C, White- 

« By Rev. Scth C. Carey, foimerly adjutant. 



hall ; Co. D, Fort Ann, Dresden, and Putnam ; Co. E, 
Hartford and Hebron; Co. F, Argyle; Co. G, White 
Creek and Jackson ; Co. H, Salem ; Co. I, Cambridge 
and Easton ; Co. K, Granville and Hampton. 

The following is the roster of the original officers of the 
regiment : 

Field (171(1 Staff. — Colonel, A. L. McDougall ; lieutenant- 
colonel, Franklin Norton; major, James C. Rogers; adju- 
tant, George H. Wallace; surgeon, John Moneypenny ; 
assistant surgeons, Lysander W. Kennedy and Richard S. 
Connelly ; quartermaster, John King ; chaplain, Henry 
Gordon. ' 

Non-commisaioned Staff. — Sergeant-major, Walter F. 
Martin ; quartermaster-sergeant, Charles D. Warner ; com- 
missary-sergeant, Clark Rice ; hospital steward, Seward 
Corning. 

Company A. — Captain, Abram Reynolds ; first lieu- 
tenant, A. T. Mason ; second lieutenant, James C. Shaw. 

Cumpam/ B. — Captain, George W. Warren ; first lieu- 
tenant, J. C. Warren ; second lieutenant, Samuel Burton. 

Company C. — Captain, Adolphus H. Tanner ; first lieu- 
tenant, Walter G. Warner ; second lieutenant, John C. Cor- 
bett. 

Company D. — Captain, John Barron ; first lieutenant, 
Alexander Anderson ; second lieutenant, E. P. Quinn. 

Company E. — Captain, Norman F.Weer; first lieutenant, 
George R. Hall ; second lieutenant, Seth C. Care}-. 

Company F. — Captain, Duncan Robertson ; first lieu- 
tenant, Donald Reid ; second lieutenant, George Robinson. 
Company G. — Captain, Henry Gray; first lieutenant, 
James Hill ; second lieutenant, Charles Archer. 

Company H. — Captain, John S. Crary ; first lieutenant, 
Benjamin Elliott; second lieutenant, Josiah W. Culver. 

Company I. — Captain, Orrin S. Hall ; first lieutenant, 
Marcus Beadle ; second lieutenant, Albert Shiland. 

Comp>any K. — Captain, Henry 0. Wiley ; fir.st lieuten- 
ant, Hiram 0. Warren ; second lieutenant, George W. Baker. 
On the 4th of September, 1862, the regiment was mus- 
tered into the LTnited States service as the 123d New York 
Volunteer Infantry, and the next day was on the way to 
the front. It reached Washington on the 9th, where the 
men received their arms and equipments. The regiment 
was attached to Pauls Brigade, of Casey's Division. It 
moved to Arlington Heights and thence to Frederick, Md., 
and on the 3d of October pitched camp in Pleasant Valley, 
two miles from Harper's Ferry. Here it was assigned to 
the 22d Brigade (Brig.-Gen. Thomas L. Kane), Lst Di- 
vision (Brig.-Geu. A. S. Williams), 12th Corps (Maj.-Gen. 
H. W. Slocum). 

The regiment soon after crossed the Potomac and Shen- 
andoah, and, after guarding the ford on the latter river, 
encamped on the 8th of November in Loudon valley. 
Here the men built winter quarters, but the day after they 
were finished the command was ordered to Fairfax Station, 
a few miles from Alexandria. On the 19th of January, 
1803, the regiment started on what was called the " mud 
march" towards Richmond. The mud was fathomless, re- 
quiring a six-mule team to draw an unloaded wagon out of 
a mud-holo. On reaching Stafford Court-House camp was 
made fur the winter. 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



81 



In the early dawn of Monday, April 27, 1863, with 
eight days' rations in haversacks and knapsacks, and sixty 
rounds of ammunition, the Army of the Potomac started 
on the campaign of Chancellorsville. Crossing the Rappa- 
hannock at Kelly's Ford, and the Rapidan at Germania 
Mills, the 123d struck the plank-road running to Fred- 
ericksburg, and near the " Wilderness Tavern" was fired 
upon by a division of rebel cavalry, being its first experi- 
ence in actual combat. That night the men bivouacked 
near the Chancellorsville House. 

On Friday, May 1, the regiment made a feint toward 
Fredericksburg, to allow the Union forces to secure Banks' 
Ford. Returning to its former position, Co. I was sent out 
on picket. Before our arms were fairly " stacked" .sharp 
skirmishing was heard in the direction taken by Co. I. 
The line advanced rapidly, and found that our skirmi.shers 
had run upon a division of rebel infantry concealed in the 
woods. Co. A was sent to strengthen the skirmish line, 
while the rest of the regiment took position on the edge of 
a bluff. The enemy opened upon us heavily, and as it was 
not desired that we should bring on a general engagement 
we were ordered back ; not, however, till Lieut.-Col. Norton 
had received a fatal wound in the side. That night we 
slept on our arms. 

Most of the next day was spent in building breastworks, 
but at three P.M. we were moved to the front (south) as a 
support to the 3d Corps. We were skirmishing with the 
enemy when we were ordered back, and reached our works 
in time to meet the broken debris of the 11th Corps. 
The enemy had struck their extreme right flank and driven 
them back in great disorder. The pursuers were checked 
by a force of artillery, handled with great skill by Gen. 
Pleasonton, a few cavalry, and a part of the 12th Corps. 
This artillery duel was grandly terrific as darkness came on, 
and night alone put an end to the scene. 

All that night was spent in reforming the lines and build- 
ing rude iutrenchments. The 12th Corps was facing the 
west, with its right resting on the plank-road, while the 
3d Corps extended still farther to the right, and also sup- 
ported the right of the 12th Corps. The 123d was in the 
front line, and in the edge of a wood, while behind us was 
an open field running back to the Chancellorsville House. 
Between our regiment and the plank-road was the 3d 
Maryland Infantry. Behind us were several lines of troops, 
and on the knoll in the rear the artillery was ma.ssed. 

With the early dawn of the Sabbath skirmishing began. 
The infantry were soon engaged, and the artillery opened 
all along the line. Soon the enemy's infantry charged 
down upon us, making the welkin ring with the " rebel 
yell." Again, and again, and again the heavy masses 
charge, but only to be again and again hurled back, as they 
meet the unflinching determination and withering fire of 
our intrenched soldiers. But the hours go by, and it is 
past eight o'clock. The lines begin to fade out in our rear, 
and there is nothing between our right and the plank-road. 
Soon there is nothing on our left, and soon, too, nothing 
can be seen behind us but the artillery. The enemy sweep 
down again and try to turn our right flank. The right 
wing of the regiment swings back, and a volley or two sends 
them staggering to the rear. But a battery is soon planted 
11 



that enfilades our line, and the ammunition is nearly ex- 
hausted. There is no general to give orders, and we must 
be a law unto ourselves. Reluctantly the colonel gave the 
order to fall back, and the regiment obeyed. 

In this fight Second Lieut. John C. Corbett, of Co. C, 
was killed ; First Lieut. Marcus Beadle and Second Lieut. 
Albert Shiland, of Co. I, were badly wounded ; and roll- 
call revealed nearly one hundred and fifty men killed, 
wounded, and mis.sing in this our finst baptism of blood. 

In the afternoon we took position on the extreme left 
of the line near Banks' Ford. At three A..M., May 0, we 
passed out of our works, crossed the Kappahaimock at 
United States Ford, and reached our old camp at sunset. 
The 123d was now attached to the 1st Brigade, Brigadier- 
General J. F. Knipe commanding. 

On the 13th of June, 1863, the campaign of Gettysburg 
began. We passed through Fairfax and Leesburg, crossed 
the Potomac at Edwards' Ferry, and reached Frederick 
City, Md., on the 29th. Thence we passed through 
Taneytown and Littlestown, Pa., and in the afternoon of 
July 1 formed line of battle near AVolf Hill, on the right 
of the Baltimore pike, and within sight of Gettysburg. In 
the morning we took position nearer the cemetery, the 
right of the corps resting on Rock creek, and built strong 
works. Late in the afternoon we were ordered to the rear 
of Round Top, the extreme left of the line, to support our 
forces there, but were soon directed to return. We did 
not, however, reach our former position, but lay on our 
arms all night. 

In the morning of the 3d, part of our brigade, including 
the 123d, was sent to take the works which we had built 
the day before, and which, after we left tiiem, had been 
occupied by the enemy. At noon our regiment charged 
the works, which were taken with but little resistance. 
We had a sharp fight in the afternoon, and at four p.m. 
were ordered to .support our line just at the left of the 
cemetery. We reached that point in time to see the 
broken masses of the retreating enemy sullenly withdrawing 
from the field. In the twilight, as we were retiring to the 
right of our old position, we were fired upon by sharp- 
shooters concealed in McAllister's mill, beyond Rock creek. 
Capt. Norman F. Weer, of Co. E, received a wound in the 
knee, from which he died. After dark we moved to the 
rear of our old position, and lay on our arms all night. 

Saturday morning, July 4, with a few regiments and a 
battery from our division, Maj.-Gcn. Slocuni made a recon- 
naissance around our right, pa.ssing through Gettysburg and 
by the cemetery to our former position. 

On Sunday, at three p.m., we left our bivouac and moved 
out through Littlestown, passing thence through Frederick 
City, over the Catoctin mountains, and across the valley, 
rich in ripening wheat, over South Mountain, and through 
Bakerville, and on the 12th threw up some works just be- 
yond Playfair. On the 14th we.st<jrted again in pursuit of 
the enemy, but after passing near Williamsport, and march- 
ing almost to Falling Waters, we found that Lee had crossed 
the Potomac and again eluded us. The next day we ate 
our noonday lunch on the battle-field of Antietam, and the 
next we halted to draw supplies in Pleasant valley. 

On the lltth we again set forth, crossing the Potomac at 



82 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Harper's Ferry, marching up through Loudon valley, pass- 
ing Snicker's Gap, Upperville, Ashby's Gap, and Piedmont, 
and bivouacking, at eleven p.m. of the 23d, in Manassas 
Gap. At four a.m. the next morning, without breakfast 
(and having had neither dinner nor supper the day before), 
wo were pushed on into the Gap nearly to Linden. Rest- 
ing an hour or two, we were hurried back down the Gap, 
and at midnight bivouacked near White Plains. Thence 
we marched through Thoroughfare Gap, Haymarket, Green- 
wich, Catlett's Station, and Warrenton Junction, reaching 
Kelly's Ford on the 31st of July. We remained near the 
ford till Sept. 16. when we marched to Raccoon Ford on 
the Rapidan. 

On the 24th of September, the 123d was ordered to the 
west to help Geu. Rosecrans. We took cars at Brandy 
Station, passing through Washington, Wheeling, Indianap- 
olis, Louisville, and Nashville to Bridgeport, Ala. Thence 
we returned to Wartrace, chasing mounted guerrillas to Shel- 
byvilie in the night, and then marched through Tullahoma, 
Decherd, and Stevenson to Bridgeport again. Our regiment 
was in charge of that town, which was the base of supplies 
for the army at Chattanooga, and what with camp-guard, 
pieket-duty, railroad-patrol, unloading cars, building steam- 
boats, and running a saw-mill, our hands were quite full. 

The regiment remained there until Jan. 6, 1864, when 
it was transferred to Elk river, midway between Nashville 
and Chattanooga. Co. E was stationed at Estill Springs 
water-tank, to guard the tank and patrol the railroad, and 
Co. F was in a stockade, guarding the trestle-bridge over the 
Elk river. Near the last of the month, Cos. A, E, G, H, 
and K, under command of Col. McDougall, were sent into 
Lincoln Co., Tenn., on a foraging expedition, and to break 
up some bands of guerrillas, being absent about three weeks. 
In March, Co. E had a sliarp encounter with Champ Fer- 
gu.son's guerrillas, and repulsed them handsomely. 
" About this time the 11th and 12th Corps were united 
and called the 20th Corps, under the command of Maj.- 
Gen. Joseph Hooker. The 123d, was now in the 1st Brigade, 
1st Division, 20th Corps, Army of the Cumberland, Maj.- 
Gen. Geo. H. Thomas commanding. Our corps-badge was 
the five-pointed star, red for the 1st Division. 

On the 27th of April, 18G4, we started on the summer 
campaign. Crossing the Cumberland mountains at Uni- 
versity Place, where was to have been the great university 
of the Confederate States, we passed tlirough Bridgeport, 
and around the point of Lookout Mountain, and on the 3d 
of May encamped near Chattanooga. Thence the 20th 
Corps marched over the battle-field of Chickamauga, past 
Gordon's Mills and Cane Springs, and through Nickajack 
Gap to Trickem. Then by an all-night march we hastened 
to Snake Creek Gap, and out to the front of Resaca, Ga. 

On the 15th of May we were heavily engaged with the 
enemy near that place, but the next morning found their 
works deserted. We pushed on through Resaca, but before 
reaching the town saw a train of cars bringing up supplies 
for our army, showing the wonderful promptitude of our 
(juartermaster and commissary departments. Moving on 
across the Coosawattee river, we marched through Calhoun, 
and at ten P.M. of the 18th bivouacked near Cassville. 
Next morning we pushed on towards the town, and later in 



the day the 123d took part in a sharp fight in the outskirts 
of the village. The enemy abandoned their works that 
night. On the 23d we crossed the Etowah river, passing 
thence through Euharlee and Burnt Hickory, and reaching 
Pumpkin-Vine creek at noon of the 25th of May. 

Near that place Gen. Geary, with the 2d Division, 20th 
Corps, ran upon the enemy, with whom he had a sharp en- 
counter. When our division (the 1st) came up it was 
thrown to the front, and was soon pressing the enemy. 
We pushed them about two miles, during which time Col. 
McDougall received a bullet-wound in the leg, from which 
he died at Chattanooga, on the 23d of the succeeding 
month. 

Toward night, as we were in the front line, having driven 
the enemy into their works, they opened upon us with grape 
at short range, and kept up their fire long after dark. Hav- 
ing no artillery the men lay close to the ground, and this 
management, together with their nearness to the rebel works, 
saved them from destruction. In the darkness and rain we 
reformed our line, threw out videttes, and, gathering the 
branches of trees cut down by the enemy's artillery, made 
a rude breastwork. 

Late in the evening some troops came to relieve us. 
Contrary to special warning to be very quiet, the oflicer in 
command, in a loud, pompous tone, gave the order, " right 
dress." Instantly the enemy's guns belched forth and 
swept away the relieving force, who came near carrying us 
with them. But our men quickly and quietly obeyed or- 
ders, and the line was held. At three a.m. next morning 
we were relieved and passed to the rear. This was the 
battle of Pumpkin-Vine Creek, or New Hope Church, in 
which the loss of the 123d was twenty killed and wounded. 

From this time till the 5th of July, when we got our 
first view of Atlanta, we were under fire more or less severe 
every day. 

After the battle of New Hope Church Gen. Sherman's 
army was facing the east, with the left resting on the 
Etowah river, and the right at Dallas. Gradually moving 
to the right, our lines overlapped those of the enemy, and 
compelled them either to weaken their ranks or expose 
their base of supplies and line of retreat. Soon the enemy, 
thus outflanked, evacuated the Allatoona mountains, and 
Gen. Sherman threw a force across the railroad at Big 
Shanty. Then the lines were reformed, facing the south, 
with Lost Mountain on our right and Pine Hill in front of 
our left centre. 

On we went, steadily pushing the enemy before us, and 
having a sharp fight near Pine Hill, where the rebel Gen. 
Polk was killed. Still on we pressed, position after posi- 
tion of elaborately-constructed earthworks, furnished with 
ditches and abatis, being firet stubbornly defended, then 
outflanked, then abandoned, till at length we stood before 
the rugged heights of Kenesaw. 

Here we had a sharp skirmish on the 19th of June, 
and then moved about four miles to the southwest, where 
on the 22d the whole regiment was deployed as skirmishers. 
We were thrown to the front a mile and a half, the right 
being at Kulp's hou.se, with both flanks " in the air," till 
joined on the right by the 23d Corps. We were then 
ordered to extend our line to the left, which again left both 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



83 



flanks exposed. Late in the afternoon the enemy, having 
drawn in their skirmishers, who had annoyed us most of the 
afternoon, advanced upon us in line of battle. Twice they 
were repulsed, but the third time their heavy masses swept 
our light skirmish line to the rear on the double-quick. 
We passed swiftly through our own main line, which in 
the mean time had been fortified, when the enemy rushed 
forward and flung themselves against it, but wore hurled 
back with fearful slaughter. This is called the battle of 
Kulp's Farm, in which the loss of the 123d Wiis four killed, 
twenty-.seven wounded, and seventeen missing. 

Gen. Sherman determined to again abandon his base of 
supplies and, with twenty days' rations in the wagons, strike 
for the Chattahoochie and Atlanta. Everything was in 
readiness at three A.M., on the 3d of July, but before 
starting the pickets reported that the enemy's intreuch- 
ments were abandoned. At six A.M. we were pushing on 
through their works, which we found to be very strong, 
consisting of a well-intrenched skirmish line, two light 
lines behind it, and still back of these a most elaborate 
main line, the parapet being ten feet wide on top, with 
ditch and abatis in front. On the 5th of July we reached 
a range of hills on the north bank of the Chattahoochie, 
from which we had our first view of Atlanta, the Gate City 
of the .south. 

In the afternoon of July 17 we left camp, crossed the 
Chattahoochie near Vinning's Station, and at noon of the 
20th lay just beyond Peach-Tree creek. Between four and 
five o'clock we were startled by rapid firing in front ; our 
pickets came hurrying in, saying that the enemy were close 
upon them. Our line was almost instantly formed, but 
none too soon, for we were hotly engaged before it was 
completed. Five or six times the enemy charged our lines 
with desperate valor, but every time they were disastrously 
repulsed. It was a hand-to-hand fight, without works or 
defenses of any kind. The loss of the 123d was about 
fifty killed and wounded, including Capt. Henry 0. Wiley, 
of Co. K, killed. First Lieut. John H. Daicy, of Co. E, 
mortally wounded, and Adjt. Seth C. Carey, severely 
wounded. The loss in our corps (the 20th) was nineteen 
hundred. 

The next day, after burying the dead, we left the battle- 
field of Peach-Tree Creek, skirmished with the enemy for 
several hours, and at night took a position about two miles 
from Atlanta. Skirmishing and artillery firing were now 
kept up daily. On the 30th of July Capt. Geo. R. Hall, 
of Co. E, advanced our line at daylight, captured the 
enemy's pickets, and established a new line close up to the 
rebel works. Thus we remained until the 25th of August, 
when the regiment moved back to the Chattahoochie and 
fortified the railroad-bridge. On the 2d of September the 
123d, together with a regiment from each of the other 
brigades in the division, made a reconnaissance toward 
Atlanta, and at two P.M. entered the town and occupied 
the works on the east side, thus ending the justly-famous 
campaign of Atlanta, a campaign characterized by Gen. 
Grant, in a letter to Gen. Sherman, as " the most gigantic 
undertaking given to any general in this war." President 
Lin(n)ln, in a letter of thanks to Gen. Sherman, said, "The 
marches, battles, sieges, and other military operations that 



have signalized the campaign, must render it famous in the 
annals of war, and have entitled those who have partici- 
pated therein to the applause and thanks of the nation." 

The usual duties of camp-life followed, to which was 
added the fortification of the city, foraging expeditions, etc. 

On the 12th of October the last train of cars went north 
from Atlanta, and on the 15th began the ever-memorable 
" March to the Sea," in which Gen. Sherman proposed to 
break through the " shell of the rebellion" and demonstrate 
its emptiness. We moved past Storm Mountain, Social 
Circle, and Madison, and on the 2d of November reached 
Milledgeville and crossed the Oconee river. At Buffalo 
creek we had a sharp skirmish with the enemy, who had 
burned the bridges, compelling us to build nine new ones, 
so wide and marshy was the creek. 

We continued on our course week after week, almost 
entirely unopposed, passing through Sandcrsvillc, Davi.s- 
borough, and numerous other unimportant localities, and 
on the 30th of November crossed the Ogechce and biv- 
ouacked at Linnville. We then marched down between the 
Savannah and the Ogechee rivers, through dismal swamps 
and over wretched roads, obliged to build miles of corduroy 
before our trains could pass, and at length, on the 8th of 
December, we bivouacked within sixteen miles of Savan- 
nah. We met the enemy the next morning posted in the 
edge of a swamp, having built two forts for their protec- 
tion and blockaded the roads with fallen trees. Our men, 
liowever, soon drove the feeble rebel forces out of their 
works, capturing considerable ammunition. 

On the 10th we advanced to within four miles of Savan 
nah, and formed our line with the left of the brigade on 
the Savannah river. Here we were shelled by the enemy 
daily, in addition to the usual skirmishing. The food con- 
sisted of rice and poor beef until the 17th of December, 
when we drew rations obtained from the fleet, and received 
the first mail since the 13th of November. On the 21st 
of December we entered the enemy's works, which had 
been evacuated the night before, and camped within a mile 
of the city, thus ending the far-famed " JIarch to the Sea." 

We remained here, performing the usual duties of camp 
life, till Jan. 17, 18G5, when we crossed the Savannah 
river into South Carolina, and camped that night about ten 
miles out. After considerable waiting for supplies in that 
vicinity, on the 4th of February we moved out, through 
rain and mud, and over most wretched roads, to the Coosa- 
hatchie, where we were compelled to build a bridge, and 
on the 8th camped at Beaufort's Bridge. On the 9th we 
marched nipidly to Blackville, and then on the next day to 
the South Edisto, where we made a bridge, cro.ssed, had a 
skirmish, and camped a mile beyond the river. We then 
crossed the North Edisto, piusscd Lexington Court- House, 
and on the IGth camped within four miles of Columbia, the 
capital of South Carolina. 

Crossing the Saluda and Broad rivers above the city, we 
passed through the ruins of Winnsborough, a large town 
which had been burned by the enemy, afterwards crossed 
the Wateree river, marched past Hanging Rock, and on the 
2d of March met the enemy near Chesterfield Court-House, 
driving them through the town and over Thomp.son's 
cre;;k. Then our column pushed forward to the Great 



84 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Pedee river, and on to Cheraw. On the 8th of March we 
crossed into North Carolina, and hastened forward through 
Rockingham to Fayetteville, where we were reviewed by 
Gen. Sherman. 

Crossing the Cape Fear river, we moved steadily for- 
ward, and on the 15th of March occurred the battle of 
Avcrysboro'. This was fought in low, swampy ground, 
the soldiers often standing two feet deep in the water. At 
nine a.m. the 123d was put in position on the right of the 
3d Division, with Co. E as skirmishers, and were soon 
briskly engaged. The enemy attempted to turn the Union 
right, but were repulsed by our regiment. After fighting 
all day, and driving the rebels into their works, Co. E was 
relieved by Co. F, and the regiment bivouacked for the 
night in line of battle. The next morning we found that 
the enemy had retreated, but we could not pursue them, 
as the roads were so bad that they had to be corduroyed 
the most of the way. 

We forded Black river through water four feet deep, and 
continued on our course. On the 19th the battle of Ben- 
tonville was fought. The 123d was held in reserve 
during the day, but in the evening was thrown to the 
front and lay in line of battle all night. Crossing the 
Neuse river, we reached Goldsboro' on the 24th of March, 
and passed in review before Gen. Sherman. The army re- 
mained at Goldsboro' until the 10th of April, learning 
meanwhile the glad tidings of the fall of Richmond. 

At daylight on the 10th of April we again began the 
march, our regiment leading the corps. When four miles 
out from Goldsboro' the enemy appeared in front, and the 
123d was thrown forward as skirmishers. At eleven a.m. 
we reached Bloccasin swamp, a mile wide, with two deep 
streams running through it. The rebels had taken the 
planks from the bridges, and were strongly posted on the 
opposite bank. But the men sprang forward under a heavy 
fire, some wading through water from two to four feet 
deep, while others crossed on the stringers of the bridges, 
and the foe was soon driven in disorder from his works. 
The next night we camped at Smithfield, and on the 12th 
news came of the surrender of Lee. We pushed on, how- 
ever, and the next day camped near Raleigh. Here we 
remained till the surrender of Johnston, when we took up 
our line of march for Washington and home, passing 
through Richmond on the way. 

On the 24th of May, Sherman's army was reviewed at 
Washington by President Johnson and Gen. Grant. Gen. 
Sherman thus speaks of their appearance : 

" It was, in my judgment, the most magnificent army in 
existence, — sixty-five thousand men in .splendid phi/siqve, 
who had just completed a march of nearly two thousand 
miles in a hostile country. . . . The steadiness and firm- 
ness of the tread, the careful dress of the guides, the uni- 
form intervals between the companies, the tattered and 
bullet-riven flags, — all attracted universal notice. For six 
hours and a half that strong tread of the Army of the 
West resounded along Pennsylvania avenue, and when the 
rear of the column had passed by thousands of the spectators 
still lingered to express their sense of confidence in the 
strength of a government which could claim such an army." 

After the review the regiment was camped near Bladens- 



burg till the 8th of June, when they were mustered out of 
the United States service. The next day we started for 
home, passing through Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New 
York to Albany, where we were paid off. 

Thus closed the career of the " Washington County 
Regiment," which could inscribe upon its flag the names 
of more than a score of battles and almost innumerable 
skirmishes, which marched more than three thousand milas, 
and which bore an honorable part in five of the great cam- 
paigns of the war, viz. : the campaign of Chancellorsville, 
the campaign of Gettysburg, the campaign of Atlanta, the 
March to the Sea, and the campaign of the Carolinas. 

The following is a list of oflicers who ceased to belong 
to the regiment, from all causes, before the final muster-out : 

Col. A. L. McDougall; wounded at Pumpkin-Vine Creek, May 25, 
and died at Chattanooga, June 23, 1864. 

Lt.-Col. Franklin Norton ; died of wounds received at Chancellors- 
ville, May 2, 1863. 

Adjt. (tco. H. Wallace; promoted to capt. Co. C, and resigned 
to receive lieutenancy in the regular service. 

Surg. John Moneypcnny; resigned March 19, 1863. 

Asst. Surg. Lysander W. Kennedy; promoted to surg. in 119th N. 
Y. V. I., May 21, 1865. 

Quartermr. John King; resigned Oct. 25, 1862. 

Chaplain Henry Gordon ; resigned April 18, 1803. 

Capt. Abram Reynolds, Co. A ; resigned July 18, 1863. 

Capt. Geo. W. Warren, Co. B; resigned June 10, 1863. 

Ciipt. John Barron, Co. D; dismissed the service, Feb. 22, 1863. 

Capt. Norman F. Weer, Co. E; died of wounds received at Get- 
tysburg. July 3, 1S63. 

Capt. Jno. S. Crary, Co. H ; resigned July 22, 1863. 

Capt. Henry 0. Wiley, Co. K ; killed at Peach-Tree Creek, Ga., 
July 20, 1864. 

First Lt. James C. Warren, Co, B; resigned Jan. 28, 1863. 

First Lt. AV. G. Warner, Co. C ; resigned Feb. 11, 1863. 

First Lt. Benj. Elliott, Co. H; resigned Feb. 4, 1863. 

First Lt. John U. Daicy, Co. E; killed at Peach-Tree Creek, July 
20, 1864. 

Second Lt. Samuel C. Burton, Co. B; resigned Jan. 7, 1863. 

Second Lt. John C. Corbett, Co. C; killed at Chancellorsville, May 
3, 1863. 

Second Lt. Charles Archer, Co. G; resigned Feb. 16, 1863. 

Second Lt. Albert Shilaud, Co. I ; honorably discharged on account 
of wounds received at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 

The following is the roster of oflicers who were mustered 
out with the regiment in June, 1865 : 

Colonel and brevet brigadier-general, James C. Rogers ; lieutenant- 
colonel, A. n. Tanner; major, Henry Gray ; adjutant, Seth C. Carey; 
surgeon, James Chapman ; assistant surgeon, R. fi. Connelly ; quar- 
termaster, A. L. Crawford: chaplain, Myron White. 

Cotupnny A. — Captain, A. T. Mason; first lieutenant, Geo. Robin- 
son ; second lieutenant, Henry M. Bosworth. 

Ciniipaut/ B. — Captain, Jas. C. Shaw; first lieutenant, Wm. W. 
Brown. 

Cnmpnny C, — Captain, Hiram 0. Warren; first lieutenant, George 
Robinson : second lieutenant, Luke H. Carrington. 

C'imjjuiiy D — Captain, Ale.x. Anderson; first lieutenant, E. P 
Quinn ; second lieutenant, Willis Swift. 

Compaiii/ £. — Captain, Geo. R. Hall; first lieutenant, H. P. Wail; 
second lieutenant, Duane M. Hall. 

Comjmny F. — Captain, Duncan Robertson; first lieutenant, Donald 
Reid; second lieutenant, W. F. Martin. 

Cunipfiiii/ G. — Captain, James Hill; first lieutenant, Jerome B. 
Rice; second lieutenant, Wm. G. Warner. 

Cinnpauy H. — Captain, Josiah W. Culver ; first lieutenant, Robt. 
Cruikshank; second lieutenant, Robt. R. Beattie. 

CoiiiptiHy f. — Captain, Orrin S. Hall; first lieutenant, Marcus Bea- 
dle; second lieutenant, David Rogers. 

Company K. — Captain, Geo. W.Baker; first lieutenant, Geo. W. 
Smith; second lieutenant, Judson H. Austin. 



HISTORY OF WASHLNGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



85 



CHAPTER XIX. 

OTHER REGIMENTS. 

The ]2oth IiiCantry — Part of a Company from Easton— Its Services 
— The 169th Infantry — One Company from Sandy Hill and vicin- 
ity — Services and Changes— The First Mounted Rifles— Men from 
Salem and Cambridge— The Kifles at Hluffolk and in the Array of 
the James — Consolidation — Final Muster-out — The Second Vet- 
eran Cavalry — Portions from Washington County — Pleasant Hill — 
Thrf Davidson Raid— Mitchell's Creek— Claiborne— Mobile — Ser- 
vices after the close of the War — The 16th Heavy Artillery — Col. 
Strong authorized to raise a Battalion — Rapid Recruiting — Co. I 
and its Officers — Co. K — The largest Regiment in America— A 
Battalion marches to Bermuda Hundred — An astonished General — 
Services in the Siege of Petersburg and Vicinity — Fort Fisher — 
Cape Fear River — Services of Officers — The End. 

THE ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY. 

This regiment was raised in the summer of 1863, mostly 
in Rensselaer county. Part of a company, however, were 
from Easton, in Washington county. The regiment was 
mustered in on the 29th of August, 1863. They pro- 
ceeded to Virginia, but were not engaged in any serious 
conflict until that of Gettysburg, where their colonel (Geo. 
F. Willard) was killed. The next year they took part in 
the battles of Mine Run, Wilderness, North Anna, and 
Cold Harbor. They then settled down to the siege of 
Petersburg, and were engaged in many of the minor con- 
flicts that signalized the famous siege which finally resulted 
in the fall of Richmond. In the course of service Lewis 
H. Crandell, of Easton, became successively second lieuten- 
ant, first lieutenant, and captain. The regiment was mus- 
tered out on the 5th of June, 1865. 

THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-NINTH INFANTRY. 

Warren B. Coleman, captain, John H. Hughes, first lieu- 
tenant, and Robert O'Connor, second lieutenant, were the 
officers of the single company, raised in Sandy Hill and vi- 
cinity, which represented Washington county in the 169th 
New York Infantry. The rest of the regiment was from 
Rensselaer county. The men were mustered into service from 
the 25th of September to the 6th of October, 1862. In 
1863 they were employed in the siege of Fort Wagner and 
at other points in the Carolinas, but in 1864 they came back 
to Virginia, and took part in the battles of Drury's Bluff, 
Cold Harbor, Dutch Gap, Chapin's Farm, and other conflicts 
around Petersburg and Richmond. They also participated 
in the successful expedition of Gen. Terry against Fort 
Fisher. 

Lieutenant Hughes died Sept. 6, 1863, of wounds re- 
ceived in action. Capt. Coleman resigned in February, 
1863, and was succeeded by Capt. and Brevet Maj. Frank 
W. Tarbell, he in turn being followed on his retirement in 
October, 1864, by Capt. Emory W. Church. The regi- 
ment was mustered out on the 19th day of July, 1865. 

THE FIRST MOUNTED RIFLES. 

Previous to July, 1862, there had been a mounted bat- 
talion known as Wool's Body-Guard. In that month new 
companies were mustered in, and the command raised to a 
regiment, under the name of the 1st New York Mounted 
Rifles. The regiment was principally enlisted in Rensselaer 



county, but there were twenty or thirty men from Salem, 
Cambridge, and vicinity, and Cornelius S. Masten, of Cam- 
bridge, was one of the captains. In July, 1862, the 
" Rifles" went to Suffolk, Va., where they remained until 
August, 1863. Thence they proceeded to Williamsburg, 
where they stayed until the spring of 1864. 

In May of that year the regiment joined the "Army 
of the James," under Gen. Butler, at Bermuda Hundred. 
They remained there and in the immediat« vicinity of 
Petersburg, constantly employed in scouting, picketing, and 
raiding, throughout the siege of that city, and till after the 
surrender of Lee. In July, 1865, the Rifles were consoli- 
dated with the 3d New York Cavalry, the new regiment 
being called the 4tli Provisional Cavalry. This remained 
on duty in Virginia until November, 1865, when it was also 
mustered out of service. 

THE SECOND VETERAN CAVALRY. 

In the summer and autumn of 1863 many ex-soldiers, 
lately discharged from the two-years' regiments, were de- 
sirous of entering a cavalry command. Two regiments 
were accordingly organized out of that material, under the 
name of the 1st and 2d Veteran Cavalry. The latter regi- 
ment contained one full company (D) from Whitehall, com- 
manded by Capt. Thomas F. Allen. Parts of three other 
companies (A, E, and M) were also from Washington 
county. Duncan Cameron, ex-captain of Co. G, of the 22d 
Infantry, was major of the regiment, and Lucius E. Wil- 
son, previously captain of Co. D, of the 22d Inflmtry (af- 
terwards brevet major), was captain of one of the companies 
of the 2d Veteran. 

The regiment proceeded to Washington, and tlience to 
Louisiana, where it joined the Red River expedition of Gen. 
Banks. It took an active part in the battle of Pleasant 
Hill, where Co. D supported Nims' Battery, on the right of 
the Union line, while the remainder of the regiment, on the 
left of the line, charged the enemy and recaptured two 
pieces of artillery which had been taken by them. The 
2d Veteran was on duty in Louisiana during a large part of 
1864. It went with Gen. Davidson on a raid across 
Mississippi to cut the Mobile and Ohio railroad, having 
several small fights, and a pretty severe one at Mitchell's 
creek. In 1865 the regiment made a rapid march to Pen- 
sacola, Fla., having a severe contest on the way with the 
rebel Gen. Clanton, at Claiborne, Ala., and capturing six 
hundred prisoners. 

In March the active honsemen were back at Mobile, and 
were present at the capture of the forts which defended that 
city. During the summer of 1865, after the surrender of 
the Confederate armies, the 2d Veteran was engaged in 
riding through Alabama as a kind of traveling provost- 
guard, keeping order among the newly-conqucrcd secession- 
ists. This regiment was not mustered out until November, 
1865. 

THE SIXTEENTH HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

In the forepart of December, 1863, Thomas J. Strong, of 
Sandy Hill, who had served two years in the 22d Infontry, 
having been mustered out with it as lieutenant-colonel, 
went to Albany to obtain authority to raise a new regiment. 
No new regiments were then being authorized, but Col. 



86 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Strong was favorably recommended to Col. Morrison, of 
New York city, who for near a year had been endeavoring 
to raise a force to be icnown as the l()th New York Heavy 
Artillery. It was intended to consist of twelve companies 
or batteries of a hundred and fifty men each. 

An understanding was soon arrived at between the two 
officers named, and Col. Strong returned to Sandy Hill with 
authority to raise a battalion of four companies for the IGth, 
of which he was to be major. He issued handbills inviting 
recruits, and on the 23d of December opened an office at 
Sandy Hill for the reception of names. Bounties were then 
hi<^, and, besides, there was a large number of young men in 
that vicinity who had been discharged from other regiments 
within a few months, and were already longing for the ex- 
citement of war. They came flocking to the rendezvous by 
scores and hundreds, and by the 5th of January Col. Strong 
had about eight hundred men enlisted, mostly from this 
county. Besides these, officers selected by Col. Strong had 
raised three or four hundred more in neighboring counties. 

Most of the men were taken to Elmira en masse, and 
there formed into companies without much reference to the 
localities from which they came. Co. I, however, was or- 
ganized at Sandy Hill, with the following officers : Captain, 
Henry C. Sherrill ; fir.st lieutenants, Norman S. Kenyou 
and llufus Gardner ; second lieutenants, Charles C. Smith 
and Low Washburn. There was also a detachment of 
twenty or thiity men from Salem and Cambridge, which 
went into Co. K. Thomas B. Fisk, of Shushan, and James 
S. Smart, of Cambridge (now editor of the Washington 
County Post), were first lieutenants. Recruiting also ad- 
vanced apace in other localities, and by the latter part of 
January the regiment was " running over" full. There 
were more companies than were required, and more men in 
each company. The last were mustered in on the 28th of 
January, 18G4. Col. Strong accepted the rank of major. 

Early in the spring the whole command was assembled at 
Gloucester Point, Va., numbering near four thousand men, 
and being the largest regiment ever seen in America. Hun- 
dreds upon hundreds were transferred to other commands, 
and still there remained fourteen companies of two hundred 
men each. The government was not prepared to supply 
them with cannon, and they were mostly armed as infantry. 
They continued in that vicinity until after Grant laid siege 
to Petersburg. In July, 1864, Maj. Strong was ordered 
with six companies, numbering twelve hundred men, to 
Bermuda Hundred. Co. K was one of those detailed for 
the purpose. When the command reached its destination. 
Gen. Birney accosted Maj. Strong, who was riding at the 
head of his twelve hundred men, saying, — 

" What brigade is that?" 

" That is not a brigade, sir," replied the major. 

" Well, it is as large as most of our brigades ; what regi- 
ment is it, then ?" 

" It is not even a regiment, sir." 

" What the deuce is it, then ?" 

" A detachment of six companies, sir." 

The general stared a moment, and then queried again, — 

" Well, what regiment does it belong to, then ?" 

"The IGth New York Heavy Artillery, sir," replied the 
major. 



" Ah ! yes ; I understand now. We have heard about 
them." 

That part of the regiment remained in service in the 
great siege throughout the remainder of the year, taking 
part in numerous conflicts at Dutch Gap Canal, Deep Bot^ 
tom. Signal Hill, and other localities, losing heavily by 
battle and also by disease. Maj. Strong lost a leg. On 
the 16th of September he was appointed lieutenant-colonel 
of the regiment. The rest of the regiment was alsp ac- 
tively engaged in the siege, though at a later date. The 
IGth was so large and was so much broken up, and the 
Washington-county men were so intermingled with those 
of other counties, that it is impracticable to give a de- 
tailed account of their movements. In January, 18G5, a 
detachment, including Co. K, was furnished with cannon, 
and sent to aid in the capture of Fort Fisher, N. C. In 
February they were engaged on Cape Fear river, in the 
same State. In the course of service Lieutenant Fisk 
became captain of Co. K in place of Capt. Otis. He re- 
signed in February, 18G5, and Lieut. Smart was made 
captain in his place, and remained as such until the muster- 
out of the regiment. Capt. Sherrill and Lieuts. Gardner 
and Smith, of Co. I, resigned in the spring of 18G4. First 
Lieut. Kenyon and Lieut. Wa.shburn, who was promoted to 
first lieutenant, were mastered out with the regiment. 
Lieut.-Col. Strong was breveted colonel and brigadier- 
general for gallant and meritorious services in the field. 
The regiment was finally mustered out on the 21st day of 
August, 1865. 



CHAPTER XX. 

PRESENT CONDITION OP THE COUNTY. 

When the existence of the nation was a.ssured by the 
triumph of the Union armies, and the soldiers returned to 
their homes, Washington county returned to the quiet and 
peaceful existence which had before been characteristic of it. 
A few of the villages showed a gradual increase, but the firm- 
ing population has evidently reached its limit, unless there 
shall be some marked change in agricultural systems or in 
modes of life, which shall increase the number of persons 
who can be supported on a given number of acres. 

The wool-growing interest ha.s ceased to hold the pre- 
dominant place which it once maintained among the indus- 
tries of the county, though it is by no means extinct, many 
farmers devoting considerable land and capital to the raising 
of sheep. Potatoes, apples, and the products of the dairy 
have now become the principal resources of the farmer. We 
give below valuable information, compiled from the census 
of 1875, on these and other points of interest. Another 
industry which is rapidly assuming importance is that of 
slate- and marble-quarrying, which is carried on so exten- 
sively in the neighboring portions of Vermont, and which 
bids fair to be a source of considerable revenue in the east- 
ern part of this county, especially in Granville and vicinity. 
Not only roofing-slate, but large quantities of black marble 
have been quarried there, the latter taking a beautiful pol- 
ish and being convertible into valuable mantels, fire-places, 
brackets, and similar articles of domestic use. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NE\V YORK. 



87 



There has been some extension of the railroad facilities 
existing before 1861. Even while war was still raging in 
the land, in the year 1864, a survey was made for a rail- 
road from Johnsonville, on the southern border of the 
county, to Union Village, now called Greenwich. The first 
ground was broken for the Greenwich and Johnsonville 
railroad in 1857, and the road was completed to Greenwich 
in August, 1870. Its length is fourteen miles, running 
through the towns of Cambridge and Easton, and its cost, 
with ef)uipments, was three hundred and thirteen thousand 
dollars. Further details regarding this road are given in 
the town-history of Greenwich. 

The Glen's Falls railroad company was organized in July, 
1867, and a road was soon after built by its authority from 
Fort Edward to Glen's Falls, a distance, as the road runs, 
of five and three-fourths miles. It was immediately leased 
in perpetuity to the Rensselaer and Saratoga railroad com- 
pany, who pay for it as rent the interest on a hundred and 
twenty-five thousand dollars. The Rensselaer and Saratoga 
road itself, however, has since been leased to the Delaware 
and Hudson canal company, which uses it principally lor 
hauling coal and iron to and from the iron mines of north- 
ern New York and the coal mines of Pennsylvania. The 
Troy and Rutland road has also passed into the hands of 
the same corporation, which runs it in connection with the 
Rutland and Washington railroad, running from Salem to 
Rutland, Vt. 

The Delaware and Hudson canal company also procured 
the construction, in 1874-75, of a road called the New 
York and Canada railroad, extending northward from 
Whitehall along the west shore of Lake Champlain to the 
north bounds of the county, and thence northward, connect- 
ing with other roads leading to Montreal. This is also 
managed and " run" by the Delaware and Hudson canal 
company as a part of its great system of coal roads, and 
long trains, laden with iron ore going souCh, or with coal 
going north, may daily be seen thundering along the rocky 
shores where once resounded only the fierce yell of angry 
panthers, the deadlier war-whoop of Indian braves, or the 
triumphant shout of Putnam's rangers. 

The population of Washington county at each census 
from 1790 to 1875 was as follows: In 1790, 14,042; in 
1800, 85,792 (Cambridge and Easton added in 1791); in 
1810, 44,289; in 1814, 36,359 (Warren county taken off 
in 1813); in 1820,38,831; in 1825,39,280; in 1830, 
42,653; in 1835, 39,326; in 1840, 41,080; in 1845, 
40,559; in 1850, 44,750; in 1855, 44,405; in 1860, 
45,904; iu 1865, 46,244; in 1870, 49,568; in 1875, 
48,114. 

The increase of foreign population since 1845 has been 
as follows: In 1845, 2241; in 1850, 6004; in 1855, 
6787; in 1860, 6656; in 1865, 6767; in 1870,8294; 
in 1875,7136. 

Number of colored persons since 1790 : in 1790, 50 ; in 
1800,399; in 1810,3130*; in 1814, 439 ; in 1820,404; 
in 1825,376; in 1830, 393; in 1835, 332; in 1840,272; 
in 1845, 31 1 ; in 1850, 350 ; in 1855, 220 ; in 1800, 261 ; 
in 1865, 303 ; in 1870, 382 ; in 1875, 278. 

* Probablj' a mistake. 



Population by Totong in 1875, showing Native and Foreign, 
Male and Female, Persons of school age, Land-Owners, Voters, 
and those over twenty-one who cannot read nor write.* 



Arpyle 

Caiiiljricige.. 



Easton... 
Fort Ann 
Tort Edw 



JS 










?„ 


f 




s . 

Si 


> 


i 

J. 


s 


■« 


1? 


c 

1 

•a 


i 


& 


& 


& 


a 


& 


5" 


rl 


s 


2,700 


2,347 


353 


1,308 


1,392 


CC8 


485 


10 


:i,2C4 


1,9:11 


xa 


1,155 


1,109 


594 


2:19 


32' 


Vim 


Ofifi 


v.a 


4CG 


333 


2:i0 


112 


411 


■iJM 


2.11(1 


:'.44 


1.2fi2 


1,192 


e&i 


Sll 


89 


■ 11^ 


..1,,'. 




1.7i;(i 


1,088 


975 


.5:i8 


81' 


1 ',1 ■'■ 


1 ■• 




■.'..Mil 


2,510 


1,420 


53:1 


l:« 


, *!.' '1 




■ '1 


■j,(ii;j 


2,028 


1,187 


:i4,'i 


142 






I..11 


l,ir,i 


2,01c 


1,0:10 


(,20 


47 


S74 


7IJU 


1.4 


4411 


428 


205 


125 


31 


1,813 


1,(101 


212 


941 


872 


453 


;<22 


«t 


2,4:17 


2,120 


:il7 


1,21 111 


1,2:11 


C52 


414 


•.'4 








807 
2,24:) 


751 
2,291 


413 
1,317 


177 
CM 


21 

122 


4,f>:i4 


3,737 


797 


041 


r,M 


57 


320 


:!2T 


154 


107 


9 




,^1190 
2,4:10 
4,142 




18C7 


1,840 
1,391 
2,494 


1,081 

736 

1,344 


531 
445 
483 


17 
34 
258 






5,020 


878 


2,52c 


48,114 


40,078 


7136 


24,220 


23,804 


13,188 


6408 


1160 



NUMBER, MATERIAL, 


AND 


VALUE 


OP DWELLINGS. 


Town. 


Frame. 


Brick. 


Stono. 


Log. 


Total. 


Total Value. 


Argyle 


566 


35 


2 


4 


607 


$672,067 


Cambridge.. 


469 


11 






480 


759,865 


Dresden 


}:ib 






9 


144 


88,550 


Easton 


500 


18 


1 




519 


579,125 


Fort Ann 


664 


17 


5 


14 


700 


630,805 


Ft. Edward. 


848 


78 


3 




929 


1,91:5,260 


Granville.... 


753 


50 


2 


i 


806 


971,225 


Greenwich .. 


799 


44 






843 


],. 349,700 


Hampton.... 


177 


8 




1 


186 


159,465 


Hartford .... 


383 


8 


i 




392 


428,610 


Hebron 


529 


6 


2 


1 


538 


489,650 


Jackson 


303 


C 






309 


255,600 


Kingsbury.. 


808 


21 


3 




832 


1,260,731 


Putnam 


112 


3 


7 


4 


126 


90,640 


Salem 


693 


26 




1 


720 


992,291 


White Creek 


582 


17 






599 


954,705 


Whitehall... 


850 


125 


6 




981 


1,820,160 


Total 


9171 


473 


32 


35 


9711 


$13,418,449 



TABLE OF CHURCHES, CHURCH EDIFICES, SITTINGS, MEM- 
BERSHIP, VALUE OF CHURCH PROPERTY, AND AMOUNT 
OF ANNUAL SALARIES. 



Denomination. 


•3 
1' 





c 


s 

i 
a 


C 
p. 
2 
a, 


1 


.- 


18t 

5 

1 

3 
23 

9 

6 

4 
10 

3 

1 
13 


17 
4 
1 
3 

23 
9 
G 
4 

10 
3 
1 

13 


6,682 

1,5,50 

200 

900 

8,780 

3,605 

2,080 

1,260 

4,5.50 

550 

400 

6,9.50 


2,268 
321 
73 
100 

2,635 
89:1 
677 
214 

4,21 iO 
206 
50 

2,529 


$179,200 

24,100 

1.300 

7,500 

178,850 

124,100 

67,5(X) 

31,500 

119,800 

11,100 

2,500 

178,000 


sn.9oo 


ronc-rpirHtioiialiBt 


2,.'>50 




000 






Methodist Episcopal 

riesbyteriiiu 

Protestant Episcopal 


i.5,425 
10,200 
8,800 
2,600 




8,700 


S n 1 Advpntifits 


800 




400 


United Presbyti'iianJ 


13,650 




96 


94 


36.507 


14,065 


?926,250 


472,726 







' This and the succeeding tables arc compiled from the State census 
of 1875. , , „ . , 

t We give the figures a.« they arc in the census, but the official re- 
port of the Washington Union A.ssocialion (Baptist) mentions by 
name twenty-one churches instead of eighteen within the county. 
On this point the report is undoubtedly correct. It also estimates the 
church property at $190,500. , ^.^ 

X In regard to this denomination Washington ranks higher than 
anv other county in the State in every respect except as to value of 
church propertv, in which it is slightly exceeded by New York city. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. 



Acres of improved farm land 

Acres (if unimproved farm land 

Cash valno of farms 

Value of farm buildings other than 

dwellitif^s 

Value of atocli 

Value of farm iini u m. nt- 

Acres plowed . I'- 

Acres in pasture 

Acrea in meadow 

Tons of hay produced, 1874 

Bushels of buckwheat, 1814 

Bushels of Indian corn, 1874 

Bushels of oats 

Bushels of rye 

Bushels uf wheat 

Acres of potatoes 

Bushels of potatoes 

Apple-lrees 

Bushels of apples 

Pounds of niai)le-8ugar 

Fiirm-horses two years old and over 

Value of poultry owned ou farms 

Value of poultry sold, 1874 

Value of eggs sold, 1874 

Number of niilchcows, 1875 

Cows of which milk sent to factory 

Pounds of butter made in families 

Pounds of cheese made in families 

Gallons of milk sold in market 

Number of sheep shorn, 1874 

Pounds clipped 

Sheep killed by dogs, 1874 

Swiue wintered over 

Pounds of pork made on farm 



34G,51S 

126,li48 

?23,86O,102 

S:),087,270 

J2,»10,CG8 

$867,821 

J2,609,IJ9:) 

77,(W5 

13C,4u9 

l(H,32:i 

115,672 

48,785 

361,245 

703,108 

157,143 

7,410 

23,479 

2,468,628 

251,070 

245,426 

21,711 

10.078 

$57,918 

$49,541 

$51,:i4a 

19,586 

5,374 

1,613,209 

150,767 

267,867 

68,641 

353,358 

737 



, 29,005 
6,514 

$2,699,284 

$283,805 

$^68,886 

$93,142 

$282,825 

B,57I 

8,857 

8,412 

8,984 

4,561 

39,155 

71,343 

24,6S7 

735 

2,987 

35<,6IX) 

28,800 

27 ,.525 

243 

1,018 

$6,.590 

$5,740 

$7,672 

1,617 

418 

169,217 



18,875 

.3,110 

81, 792,410 

$251, .3.37 

$168,773 

$75,804 

$172,322 

6,318 

6,249 

4,6.58 

6,795 

2,645 

25,746 

46,493 

14,454 

252 

1,680 

168,060 

17,014 

24,838 



$4,013 

$0,436 

$2,284 

919 



91,875 
2,635 
l,o:)3 
6,840 
30,577 
17 
6.54 



6,382 

22,373 

$217,522 

$:i0,475 

$45,(»6 

$13,613 

$27,650 

669 

3,385 

2,440 

2,.550 



$004 
$411 

$.07 



30,591 

5,944 

12,447,754 

$339,1.35 

$253,113 

$90,098 

$247,834 

8,081 

8,6:5.3 

8,382 

11,250 

5,632 

41,478 

67,094 

25,939 

860 

1,850 

148,.304 

29,225 

39,169 



$6,062 
$6,373 
$4,081 
1,405 



26,822 

26,402 

$1,342,829 

$172,095 

. $210,377 

$53,721 

$116,825 

3,779 

13,:«1 

9,683 

8,884 

6,586 

26,058 

33,222 

1,327 

120 

631 



13,388 

1..504 

tl,018,711 

$117,145 

$103,125 

$:«,o90 

$68,0.38 

2,937 

2,9.53 

4,148 

4,663 

3,546 

16,957 

31,054 

3,808 

361 

504 



51,807 


42,629 


16,667 


5,136 


11,512 


4,674 






7-23 


461 


9:i,678 


$2,889 


$2,131 


$2,367 


$4,469 


$2,411 


1,494 


7:13 


92 


106 


137,381 


57,005 


17,768 


6,885 


90,682 


25,305 


2,819 


2,047 


14,414 


9,95;i 



27,271 

5,691 

$1,654,778 

$210,:i65 

$200..593 

$48,711 

$174,:i82 

5,844 

12,6.56 

7,4:)7 

7,606 

3,354 

19,972 

51,007 

8,932 

3.'50 

2,2;iO 

244,808 

20,021 

19,934 

3,885 

661 



$2,.545 
2,066 
1,447 
S2,:i20 
14,090 
20,961 
2,289 
13,255 
91 
:«18 



AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.— CoHdmierf. 



Acres of improved farm land 

Acres of unimproved farm laud 

Cash value of fai*mB 

Value of farm buildings other thati 

dwellings 

Value of stock 

Yaliie of firm implements 

Gross amount ol sales, 1874 

Acres plowed, 1875 

Acres in pasture 

Acres in meadow 

Tons of hay produced, 1874 

Bushels of buckwheat, 1874 

Bushels of Indian corn, 1874 

Bushels of oats 

Bushels of rye 

Bushels of wheat 

Acres of potatoes 

Bushels of potatoes 

Apple-trees 

Bushels of apples 

Pounds of maple.Bugar 

Farm-horses two years old and over..... 

Value of poultry owned on farms 

Value of poultrvsold, 1874.. 

Value of eggs sold, 1874 

Number of milch-cows, 1875 

Cows of which milk sent to factory 

Pounds of butter made in families 

Ponuds of cheese made in families 

Gallons of milk sold in market 

Nutnberof sheep shorn, 1874 

I'onnds clipped 

Sheep killed by dogs, 1874 

Pounds of pork made on farm 



8,583 

3,09:1 

$535,940 

$77,845 

$82,505 

$14,185 

$64,:i88 

l.:i9.l 

4,446 

2,713 

:i,154 

l,li») 

5,:179 

11,758 

1,878 



49,482 
5,535 
4,002 



$801 

$866 

$l,o:)5 



11,181 

9.54 

6,632 



22,7:J2 

3,284 

$1,218,970 

$145,415 

$165,645 

$70,21 ;i 

$160,267 

4,000 

10,007 

6,540 

6,533 

1,894 

21,975 

39,095 

6,958 

765 

1,645 

17.|,o:i5 

18,418 

13,864 



$2,700 

$2,191 

$4 ,.558 

1,201 

547 

72,.541 

10,:i50 

22,006 

6,728 

31,120 

62 

665 



28,204 

G,"52 

$1,998,100 

$206,925 

$2(]8,o75 

$61,020 

$2:Vi,(>»6 

7,l:U 

12,773 

6,593 

7,714 

3,620 

19,456 

67,080 

9,110 

274 

3,o:io 

347,385 

21,228 

16,576 

4,070 

818 

$4,101 

$3,420 

$:),:121 

1,807 

1,177 

108,007 

7,100 

350 



19,317 

4,260 

H,116,232 

$178,9(X) 

$150,244 

$38,7:!0 

$15.5,623 

4.:i74 

5,846 

4,405 

5,6:i2 

1,199 

24,729 

61,031 

10,007 

100 

1,689 

180,003 

11.148 

10,670 



$:i,(i54 
$2,293 
$1,903 



19,554 

2,939 

$1,516,055 

$170,488 

$167,384 

$59,905 

$162,804 

4,076 

6,9.V! 

8,622 

8,651 

4,326 

26,:)30 

39,616 

2,231 

i:)7 

1,034 

90,105 

12,465 

11,301 

500 

688 

$4,442 

$2,:i74 

$4,300 

l,:i45 

131 

135.4S1 

34,758 

68,780 

2,548 

12,559 

66 

876 



8,626 

10,987 

$379,520 

$67,020 

$78,908 

$10,647 

$41,671 

832 

4,:!62 

3,304 

3,310 

42 

1,674 

14,696 



8,180 
4,680 
2,790 



$.531 
$14:i 
$688 



23,644 

7,100 

$1,642,060 

$219,595 

$183,940 

$.54,890 

$184,0:il 

6,020 

9,112 

5,488 

7,081 

3,041 

20,893 

48,2.59 

7,479 

323 

2,373 

270,121 

13,031 

10,619 

2.646 

666 

$4,761 

$3,168 

$3,894 

1,242 



l:j,7l0 
5,736 
28,346 



21,903 

5,400 

$1,364,475 

$170,395 

$187,339 

$58,62:i 

$123,260 

3,830 

9,175 

7,734 

7,9114 

2,444 

20,717 

35,917 

8,585 

860 
71,475 
13,084 
12,820 



80,218 
9,980 
5,050 
9.646 
51,277 
56 
981 



Number of cheese-factoriei 



unty in 1875, 11. Number of pounds of cheese made in facto 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



89 



CHAPTER XXI. 

GEOLOGY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY.* 

The Taeonic Rocks — The Taconio Theory — E.i!planatory Remark.* — 
The Lake George District — General Geological Sketch of the 
County — Its Geological Position — Granite — Postdam Sandstone — 
Calciferous Sandstone — Chazy Limestone — Trenton or B.ald Moun- 
tain Limestone — Hudson River Slate — Taeonic Slate — Tacnnic 
Sandstone — Sparry Limestone — Magncsian Slate — Rutland Marble 
— Granular Quartz. 

Washington county has been termed "classic ground" 
to geological scientists and amateurs. It is mo.stly under- 
laid by what are termed the Taconic rocks, these being 
the rocks of the Taconic or Taghkaniek mountains, a chain 
of outliers to the Green mountains upon their western side, 
whicli extend along the eastern border of the State from 
Dutchess county north, and, passing into Vermont, are con- 
tinued along the east border of the valley of Lake Cham- 
plain nearly or quite to the Canada line. These Taconic 
rocks are the strata which were originally named by Professor 
Amos Eaton the granular quartz, granular lime-rock, sparry 
lime-rock, and primitive argillite. JMore recently they have 
been termed the quartz-rock or brown sandstone. Stock- 
bridge limestone, magnesian slate, sparry limestone, and 
Taeonic slate. 

Geologists liave differed in opinion, and there ha.s been 
much controversy with regard to these strata, whether they 
were a di.stinct and independent series of rocks, or whether 
they were merely metamorphic or altered rocks, — the Tn- 
conic theory viewing them as being an independent series 
or system placed between the primary or granitic rocks and 
the transition or lower strata of the " New York system," 
thus being older than the latter ; and the metamnrphic the- 
ory regarding them as the lower members of the New York 
system, changed from their normal appearance by the 
agency of heat, by which also nearly all traces of their 
fossils have been burned out and obliterated. 
■ These Taconic rocks are in this county more spread out, 
and occupy a much wider belt of territory than in the 
counties south of this, where they were first examined and 
described. Being thus more expanded and opened to view, 
the discordant opinions respecting them have caused the 
exposures of these rocks at particular localities in this 
county to be visited and studied by a number of the most 
eminent geologists, both of this and foreign lands. 

To render the account of the geology of the county, 
which I here propose to present, more clear to the under- 
standing of readers in general, it will be necessary that 1 
first give a brief preliminary outline of this subject, naming 
the several strata of rocks in the order in which they occur, 
one after another, in pa.ssing across the county. 

The most elevated and mountainous part of the county 
is the district bordering upon Lake George, at the north 
end of the county. We here find ourselves upon the un- 
stratified or granillc rochs which constitute the primitive 
range of northern New York, and which occupy the vast 
wilderness-region that extends from this county northwest 
to the St. Lawrence river. Starting from this point, and 



> By Asa Fitch, M.D. 



traveling across the county in a southeasterly direction, we 
meet .successively with different rocks, as follows: upon 
reaching Wood creek and the Champhiin canal, we find 
resting upon the granite a hard, white sandstone, appearing 
in even, uniform layers, commonly in precipices facing the 
west, and resembling walls of masonry. This is the 7Vs- 
d(im sandslone. Crowning the precipices in which it ap- 
pears, and extt;ndiiig east from them, is a much softer gray 
rock, composed of lime and sand in variable proportions, — 
the calci/critiis smuhfone. As we pass farther east we 
come to a pure limestone, of a leadeii-blue color, very com- 
pact and fine-grained, — the Chazy limenlone. Twelve miles 
distant from this, in the Bald mountain range of hills, 
which skirt the valley of the Hudson along its eiist side, wc 
meet with a stratum of limestone resembling the last, being 
of a blue color, very compact and fine-grained, and yielding 
lime of a superior quality. Standing alone, so widely sep- 
arated from any other stratum of limestone, geologists have 
been much perplexed to determine to which of the strata 
of limestones this pertains, and differed widely with respect 
to it, until a fossil which I discovered in it showed it to be 
the Trenton limestone, thus belonging above the Chazy, in- 
stead of below it, where some had confidently placed it. 
Finally, bordering upon these limestones, and at a distance 
of three to six miles from the granite, we find a black, brit- 
tle shale, the ILulsoa river shite, which is seen everywhere 
in the bank of the river along the west side of the county, 
and extends east some three miles to the Bald mountain 
range of hills. 

From the granite upon which we started wc have thus 
far been passing over rocks of the New York system, which 
successively overlay each other, to this slate, which is the 
uppermost and, geologically, the highest .stratum in the 
county. We next come upon rocks of the Taconic group, 
on which, as we pass ea.stward, we descend from the highest 
to the lowest members of this series. 

Upon the east side of the Bald mountain range of hills, 
and forming these hills in several instances where the lime- 
stone does not occur,, we come upon slate-rocks of great 
variety, but for the most part of a grayish color, and in 
even layers of a firm texture, in which slate-beds of gray 
or Taconic sandstone and blue limestone are of frequent 
occurrence. This is the Taconic slate, the leading rock of 
the county, occupying its eastern half, and underlying about 
three-fifths of its area. In places on the cast border of the 
county, and beyond the State line in Vermont, we find slate 
of a green color and soft in its texture, — this being the 
magnesian slate. And here we come to a pale-blue lime- 
stone, much checked and traversed by veins and seams of 
white calcareous spar, — the sparry limestone. And beyond 
this is a snowy-white limestone, — tlie Stockhridge limestone, 
or Rutland marble, — which comes slightly within the south- 
east corner of the county. Beyond this we reach a white 
or light-brown and vitrified sandstone, — the quartz rock. 
And to this succeed the granite or primary rocks of the 
Green mountain range. 

From this sketch it will bo perceived that this county is 
sitiuited in a trough, as it were, that intervenes between the 
primitive formation of northern New York and that of New 
En-dand. In a direct line, it is here from twenty-five to 



12 



90 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



thirty miles from the primitive rocks of one of these ranges 
to those of the other. Moreover, the strata of this county 
are the lowest palpeozoic rocks known to geologists, — that is, 
they are the lowest of those rocks that contain any organic 
remains. They were deposited when the first species of 
vegetables and animals began to have an existence upon our 
globe. They are admitted on all hands to be sedimentary 
rocks, — that is, they were deposited from water, and consist 
of the sand, mud, and silt that settled from the sea which 
enveloped our world before the dry land was made to appear. 
We now proceed to a more full and particular account of 
each of the strata named in the foregoing cursory view. 



This rock occupies the north end of the county, between 
Lake George and Lake Champlain, underlying nearly all of 
the town of Putnam, the whole of Die.sden, and those parts 
of Fort Ann and Wliitehall which are north of Half-Way 
brook and west of Wood creek. It is a granitic gneissoid 
rock of the same character as in the adjoining counties of 
Warren and Esses, and differs notably from the correspond- 
ing granitic rock of the Green mountains, being nearly des- 
titute of mica, and composed largely of feldspar, which is 
mostly of a gray or reddish color. Hornblende, garnets, and 
magnetic oxide of iron are in some places disseminated so 
largely through the rock that they seem almost entitled to be 
regarded as one of its constituents. From within the bounds 
of this county two valuable minerals are being furnished by 
this rock, viz., iron ore and black-lead. Beds of iron ore 
have been opened at Mount Defiance and Dresden, and there 
is little doubt but that such beds occur in all parts of this 
granitic range, from Ticonderoga to Fort Ann ; but it is 
only in the last of these towns, in the neighborhood of 
Mount Hope furnace, two miles up Furnace brook from the 
head of South bay, that the mines have been worked to any 
large extent. Black-lead (graphite or plumbago) is dissem- 
inated through most parts of this rock, and occurs in abun- 
dance in the north part of Putnam, whence, I am informed, 
is obtained a portion of the " Ticonderoga black-lead," which 
in market has taken the precedence, and has measurably 
superseded the supplies of this mineral from other sources. 

POTSDAM SANDSTONE. 

Wherever we step oft' from the granitic range just con- 
sidered, we come upon one of the hardest and most refrac- 
tory rocks within our knowledge. This is the Potsdam 
sandstone. It is well exhibited all along the valley of 
Wood creek from Whitehall to Fort AnTi, and thence west 
along Half-Way brook to the line of Warren county. At 
Whitehall the stratum has a thickness of two hundred feet 
or more, but becomes thinner toward Fort Ann. It is 
mostly seen in precipices facing the west, and occurs in uni- 
form layers a few inches in thickness, looking like regular 
courses of masonry laid up for the wall of some stupendous 
fortification. In the neighborhood of Winchell's creek and 
Ma.son hollow, deep, narrow delis and defiles occur, bounded 
by perpendicular walls of this rock, sometimes branching 
and running into each other, and having a most .singular 
and romantic aspect, causing the beholder to almost fixncy 
himself among the ruined c;istles and towers of the days of 



old. The rock is a white sandstone, often stained or tinged 
with red, of a harsh texture, and an earthy rather than a 
vitreous a.spect. The lower part of the stratum takes on 
a deep red color, and gradually changes into the gneiss 
rock beneath it, so that it is impossible to tell by which 
name certain specimens should be labeled. At the upper 
part of the stratum the layers become thin and slate like, 
and on the surfiice of these slaty layers occur slightly ele- 
vated ridges, branching and crooked, resembling the roots 
of trees. These are regarded as the relics of a fucoid or 
sea-weed, which is supposed by those who reject the Taconic 
theory to have been, probably, the first species of plant 
that was created in our world. Layers with these remains 
occur in Whitehall, on the west side of Skene's mountain, 
near the .summit. In some places, lower down in the stra- 
tum, the surfaces of the layers are beautifully covered with 
ripple-marks, as regular and perfect as those newly washed 
in the .sand on the sea-shore. The uses to which this stone 
is applied are few. It is so difficult to quarry, in consequence 
of its hardness, and breaks into blocks with such irregular 
sides, as to be valueless for laying a smooth-faced wall or a 
close-jointed pavement. It furnishes the best of fire-stones 
for furnaces and other situations where a high and continu- 
ous heat is maintained. It is considerably employed for 
building purposes in the villages of St. Lawrence county, 
where it abounds (the walls being of the rough "ashlar"' 
style), and is superior to any other stone for wall-fences and 
similar uses. 

CALCIFEROUS SANDSTONE. 

This is a rock intermediate in its position and also in its 
composition between the sandstone below and the limestone 
above it; being, as its name implies, a sandstone in which a 
portion of lime is disseminated. Toward its lower part it 
is nearly a pure siliceous rock, but loses this character nmre 
and more as we proceed upwards ; the transition being so 
gradual that in many localities it is impossible to tell at 
what point this rock ceases and the limestone above it 
begins. Hence the amount of surface which it occupies 
cannot be estimated with any degree of definiteness, though 
it is not extensive. It forms the summit of most of the 
precipices of which the Potsdam sandstone is the base, and, 
like that, it is an even-bedded rock, its layers preserving 
a uniform thickness through long distances. Being so 
nmch softer than the Potsdam, it is readily raised from the 
quarry in square and smooth-faced blocks. Hence for flag- 
ging purposes it is in high repute, and is the most desirable 
stone of which we have any knowledge, its quarries furnish- 
ing slabs and blocks of any thickness and size that may be 
desired. In Kingsbury and Fort Ann several valuable 
quarries are open, and have been extensively worked for 
many years. At the quarry on the canal, north of Dewey's 
bridge, the stratum shows a thickness of about two hundred 
feet.^ 

CIIAZY LIMESTONE. 

At a distance, commonly, of a mile to the east of Wood 
creek and the Champlain canal, the calciferous .sandstone 
is succeeded by the pale-blue or dove-colored Chazy lime- 
stone, which in Fort Ann has a breadth of two or three 
miles, reaching east to the Mettowee or Granville river. 
It occujiies the northwest part of the town of Hartford and 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



91 



the east border of Kingsbury, and. reappearing on the west 
side of the valley of Wood creek, skirting the calcifcrous 
sandstone, it passes through Kingsbury and onward to 
Glen's Falls, changing as it trends westward to a darker 
color, and finally to a jet-black. It is a remarkable and 
most interesting fact that, in tracing this stratum across this 
county, in a distance of ten or twelve miles, as we pass out 
(if the Lake Champlain into the Hudson river valley, it 
becomes altered from the most perfectly-marked Chazy lime- 
stone into eijually well-marked Bird.seye and Trenton lime- 
stones. The Miwhiren nutgna, the fo.ssil shell by which this 
limestone is distinguished, is abundant in the northwest 
part of Granville; its remains usually appearing as a coiled 
mark, elevated and rough, often six inches in diameter, and 
occurring, upon the weather-worn surface of this rock, over 
half an acre in extent. Other peculiar marks may be 
noticed, in some places, upon the surface of the layers of this 
limestone. In the vicinity of Dewey's bridge the lower part 
of this stratum, as well as the calciferous stratum under it, 
exhibits an oolitic structure, or, in other words, is marked 
with a number of concentric rings, like the successive waves 
extending out from where a pebble has been dropped into 
smooth water, the.se circular spots being from an inch to 
over a foot in diameter. In several localities the layers of 
this limestone may be seen with the surface regularly 
marked and checked, as if creases had been cut in it with a 
knife when it was soft. Other layers may be observed with 
the surface covered with indentations, appearing as though, 
when it was in a soft state, loads of cobble-stones had been 
emptied upon it and then picked off, leaving their impres- 
sions crowded all over the face of the rock. In other places 
smaller indentations occur, identical in appearance with 
those made upon soft mud by a shower of rain-drops. 
Portions of this stratum are also much checked and veined 
with white calcareous spar. And in some places the ap- 
pearance is as though the original rock had been wholly 
broken up into irregular fragments of a few inches in size, 
and these fragments had been cemented together again, each 
in its place, by veins of spar. Slabs of this limestone have 
been got out, both in northwest Granville and in White- 
hall, which took on a fine polish, and showed that the stone 
in these places was suitable for being worked as a marble. 
Though much used for underpinning buildings, for wall- 
fences, etc., in the neighborhoods where it occurs, it is for 
burning into quicklime that this stone is most valuable. 
Numerous kilns have been erected at various points upon 
this stratum, many of them being now in operation. Much 
the largest business at this time is conducted by the Keenan 
Lime Company, at the ledge of this rock a half-mile east 
fi'om the canal at Smith's basin. This company has five 
draw-kilns in operation, turning out six hundred barrels of 
lime daily. To the eye the rock here appears much like 
that at Bald mountain, and it probably yields a lime similar 
to that in quality, and superior to the lime of most other 
localities. 

TRENTON OR B.\LD-MOUNTAIN LIMESTONE. 

One of the most valuable and best known deposits of lime- 
stone is at Bald mountain, in the town of Greenwich. This 
mountain is a mile or more in length, and, rising to a height of 



six hundred or seven hundred feet above the level of the sur- 
rounding country, is mostly made up of a blue limestone 
which has been long and widely celebrated for the superior 
excellence of the lime which it yields. As already stated this 
is one of a range of hills which skirt the valley of the Hud- 
son river upon its cast side ; and in these hills, both to the 
north and the south of Bald mountain, this limestone ap- 
pears, through a distance of eight miles, .standing up in 
the midst of the slate-rocks like an island in the sea, there 
being no other lime-rock within twelve miles of this, to aid 
in showing the stratum to which it pertains. It w;is for- 
merly supposed to be wholly destitute of fossils, and its 
lithological characters are quite discordant, it being of a uni- 
form blue color in one place, in another profusely trav- 
ersed by veins of white calcareous spar, and at Bald moun- 
tain being one of the purest of limestones, while two miles 
distant, at Galesville, it is nearly a fourth composed of .silex. 
Geologists have conse((uently been greatly embarrassed with 
this limestone, and have arrived at views very diiFerent and 
conflicting with regard to its age and its correct name. 
Professor Eaton considered the rock at Galesville to be 
calciferous sandstone, and that at Bald mountain metalifer- 
ous or Trenton limestone. Professor Mather thought there 
was no calciferous here, whilst Dr. Emmons regarded it as 
being all calciferous. As fossils would shed the clearest 
light upon this mooted subject, diligent .searches were made 
for them, but without avail. In an excursion made by Dr. 
Emmons, Professor Hall, and myself, over the mountain two 
miles north of Bald mountain, two vestiges of fo.ssils were 
discovered, which we all agreed were too slight and obscure 
for deciding anything, though I su.spect neither of us doubted 
that they were relics of the Maclurea magna. Afterwards, 
when making my agricultural survey of the county for the 
State Agricultural Society, in perfect preservation upon a 
fragment of limestone at the Friends" meeting-house, three 
miles south of Galesville, I discovered the buckler of the 
little trilobite Triiiuclcus coiiceiitricus, a fos.sil belonging to 
the upper layers of the Trenton limestone, and proving this 
beyond doubt to be the equivalent of that stratum. In fol- 
lowing this range of hiils north twenty-five miles, to where 
it is cut across by the IMettowee river, this limestone again 
appears, and at the spot where the Madarea magna occurs 
as uoticcd above, I met with this same fossil and some 
others belonging to the Trenton limestone, these having been 
in close proximity to, and one of them associated with, the 
Maclurea. Some of these fossils have since been found at 
Bald mountain also. And, from the indications stated a few 
lines back, I have no doubt that the Maclurea occurs also, 
two miles north from that mountain. These facts show 
that this limestone at Bald mountain and its vicinity, and at 
the Mettowee river, is the full equivalent of the Chazy, 
Birdseye, and Trenton limestones, and that it is impossible 
here to separate these and regard them as distinct strata. 
The rock at Bald mountain is almost pure carbonate of 
lime, it giving of that substance, on analysis, ninety-six to 
ninety-seven per cent., with but a mere trace of the silex or 
flinty matter which occurs in the lime-rocks of other local- 
ities. Thus it produces one of the richest of what are 
termed " rich limes," and the lime it yields has ever stood 
at the head of the market in our cities. Though many 



92 



HISTORY OF WASHL\GTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



other places furnish iin article of the quality required for 
common uses, such as the making of mortar, manuring of 
land, etc., for all the finer kinds of .stucco work, hard-finish- 
ing, white-washing, etc., the brilliant, snowy whiteness of 
the Bald-mountain lime renders it unrivaled. The kilns at 
this mountain, and at the outlying ledges of rock imme- 
diately around it, had been producing about sixty thousand 
bushels of lime annually some twenty-five years ago, when 
the quantity in a short time was more than doubled by the 
energy with which the business was entered upon and con- 
ducted by Robert L. Lowber, who became proprietor of the 
main quarry. Eleven kilns, of the most approved con- 
struction, were here built by him, with every convenience 
for feeding them and for transporting their produce over 
a down grade, three miles, to the canal. A thrifty post- 
village of upwards of a hundred dwellings grew up at this 
place. Notwithstanding the large quantity that was fur- 
nished, this lime always met with a ready sale, and it is 
supposed that its high repute in our city markets was felt 
by other producers to be injuriously aiTecting their busi- 
ness ; as Mr. Lowber was prevailed upon five years ago to 
sell out his interest here to the Glen's Falls Lime Com- 
pany, since which the making of lime at this place has 
been almost totally .abandoned, and the tidy village has been 
deserted by its inhabitants and is rapidly going to decay. 
The hydraulic limestone at Galesville, from which an excel- 
lent water-lime is obtained, contains .so large a portion of 
silex that we think it must be regarded as pertaining to the 
underlying calciferous sandstone rather than to this Chazy- 
Trenton limestone stratum. Its analysis gives forty-two 
per cent, of lime, with twenty of silica. The Newburg or 
llosendale cement, with which the market at large is so 
abundantly supplied, contains but twenty-five per cent, of 
lime, with fifteen of silica. It also contains twelve per cent, 
of magnesia, of which there is not a half of one per cent, 
in the Galesville stone, which would thus appear to be a more 
pure hydraulic limestone than the former. But masons 
who have worked largely with both these kinds regard them 
as equal in value, merely preferring the Galesville cement 
as being newly ground, and hence hardening more speedily, 
that which is old eventually becoming as hard as the new. 

nUD.SON RIVKll SLATE. 

This slate is well exposed all along the Hudson, from 
Sandy Hill to Schuylerville, and in the banks of the 
streams entering this river. In several places, also, it is 
elevated into ridges which project above the clay soil by 
which it is commonly overlaid. It extends east from the 
river about three miles to the base of the Bald mountain 
range of hills, and is the basis-rock of nearly one-fifth of 
the county. This slate is of a black or blackish color, and 
is generally a shale rather than a slate, breaking and crum- 
bling, when exposed to the air, into small, angular frag- 
ments, forming a slaty gravel. It dissolves into soil more 
readily than most of the other .slates of the county, and 
therefore is not well adapted for wall-fences, nor any of the 
other uses to which stone is usually applied. At most 
places it appears so crushed and broken that it is difiicult 
to determine the direction and amount of its dip. And 
the friction produced by the rubbing and grinding of the 



beds of this rock in contact with e..ch other appears to 
have caused that smooth, glossy, striated surface which 
constitutes what is called " glazed slate. " In .some in- 
stances the heat which this friction has occasioned has 
been so great that it has actually melted a portion of the 
silex contained in the slate, causing it to run into all the 
crevices, filling them, and forming white veins of quartz in 
the rock, the sides of which veins show a striated surface 
similar to that which the glazed slate possesses. The fossil 
by which the slate is known is named Grnjttolithiis pristis. 
It resembles a very narrow blade of grass, having teeth like a 
saw along both its edges. One of the most abundant local- 
ities of this graptolite that is anywhere known is at Baker's 
Falls. Here a thickness of thirty feet or more in the slate 
is .so filled with these impressions that the thinnest layer 
can scarcely be split off without eiposing a surface almo.st 
covered with them. They also occur in Easton, in the bed 
of the brook which enters the Hudson a mile above Van 
Buren's Ferry. Though the general character of this rock 
is that of a brittle shale, exceptions occur in many places, 
particularly toward the upper part of the stratum, where 
it puts on an even lamination, and siliceous layers, some of 
them several inches in thickness, are found, so hard even as 
to form a good fire-stone. A quarry of this kind has been 
worked in Durkeetown, in a moderate uplift of this slate, 
whence the furnaces at Glen's Falls have been supplied 
with fire-stones. These siliceous layers are of a dark 
gray or black color. They correspond with the Frank- 
fort slate of the New York geological reports, and furnish 
specimens which perfectly represent those slates. The shale 
or slaty gravel of this rock, in many road districts, is one 
of the best materials accessible for top-dressing the high- 
ways. In the west part of the county, where the roads 
pass over a stiif clay, every moderate rain makes them slip- 
pery and fatiguing to a horse, and most unpleasant for foot- 
men. On such roads, merely a slight coating of this gravel 
makes a great improvement. And on sandy roads this 
material works wonders, binding the loose sands together 
and forming a firm, hard road-bed. The long stretches of 
deep sand upon the road fiom Schuylerville to Saratoga 
Springs have long been the odium viiitorium, the hatred 
of wayfaring men, until of late successive portions of these 
sands have each year been reclaimed, and now nearly the 
whole distance is changed into one of the best of roads. 

TACONIC SLATE. 

The rocks which we have thus far considered have all 
been members of the New York system, occupying the 
northwest and west parts of the county. We now pass to 
rocks which evidently pertain to the Green mountain range, 
and are New England rather than New York rocks ; and 
hence they have been considered by some of our best geolo- 
gists as having been deposited anterior to them, and as 
forming, as already stated, a distinct series, which has been 
called the Taconic system ; while others suppose that they 
were deposited at the same time, and that they are merely 
New York rocks altered in their appearance by a high 
degree of heat to which they have been at some period 
subjected. Having ascended upon the one series, we now 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



93 



descend upon the other, coming as we do first upon its 
liij;hcst member. 

The Tuconic .slate occupies all of the county to the cast 
of the Bald nmuntaiii range of hills, except some beds of 
■sandstone and limestone of limited extent. It is the basis 
rock of the eastern half of the county. On its west .side, 
where it is near the Hudson river slate, it is dark colored, 
and wherever it is seen in contact with the limestone in that 
direction it is ([uite black. But soon after passing from its 
western border it becomes lighter colored, and over most of 
its extent it is ash-gray, bluish gray, or grayish brown. But 
its color is everywhere putting on a ditt'erent hue, and from 
the different parts of this stratum may be gathered speci- 
mens passing through numberless shades of gray, brown, 
black, blue, green, clay-yellow, purple, and red. Silex is 
everywhere much the largest ingredient in the composition 
of this rock, combined with a fourth to a sixth part of 
alumine, and usually a slight percentage of lime. In places 
where the proportion of silex is less the rock becomes more 
friable, and disintegrates more speedily on exposure to the 
air. In many places, on the other hand, the rock becomes 
almost pure silex, often with its lamination so crushed, so 
pressed together and interwoven as it were, that it is broken 
up with the utmost difficulty. Generally these siliceous 
slates are coarsish-grained and har.sh ; but in some places the 
grains are exceedingly fine and compact, forming the most 
perfect hornstone and chert, as in the precipitous ledge by 
the roadside opposite the burying-grouud at South Gran- 
ville. This rock always exhibits a slaty structure, and its 
lamina; are usually flat and even ; but in many places they 
are much bent, undulated, and distorted. It is generally 
upturned, and dips to the east at an average angle of about 
forty-five degrees. But the amount of slope is everywhere 
changing. In some places it is vertical, in others it is hor- 
izontal. It is rare that this rock breaks and crumbles into 
small angular fragments like the shales which pervade the 
Hudson river slate. Natural seams everywhere occur, 
crossing each other in such a manner as to divide the rock 
into angular blocks of a rhombic form, but with the angles 
of their sides and corners all different. At these seams 
dislocations frc((uently occur, causing an abrupt and total 
change in the character of the rock, so as often to deceive 
and disappoint persons who open quarries. Excellent stone 
may be found at one place, and but a few feet distant, a 
joint and dislocation occurring, a worthless mass of shale 
may present itself, which has been crowded up to the same 
level. These dislocations are numerous. Veins of milky 
((uartz are of frequent occurrence in this slate. Iron pyrites, 
a worthless mineral resembling gold, is disseminated not 
only through this but through all the Taconic rocks. A 
pretty variety of this slate, of a bright red color, occurs in 
a nearly continuous range through the whole length of the 
stratum from Vermont to New Jersey. And, toward the 
east side of this Taconic slate, it in some places takes on 
the appearance of the mica-slate, which occurs fiirther east 
among the Green mountains. The characteristic fossil of 
this Taconic slate is a species of sea-weed, and is named 
Jiulhoi rephis flexuosa. It appears like curved and branch- 
ing marks painted upon the stone, of a black or at least a 
darker shade than its ireneral color. From mv examinations 



of this slate, I long ago became aware that in several places 
in the county good roofing slate could undoubtedly be made 
from it. And thirty years ago, in my "Agricultural Survey 
of the County,' § 210, I made the following statement: 
•' It is singular that no ([uarry of roofing-slate has ever yet 
been opened and worked within this county, particularly 
as so nmch business in this line has been done upon our 
southern border, in the town of Iloosic. There is no doubt 
that in many places slate of as good a quality as that of 
the Hoosic quarries exists within the bounds of this county, 
and that, in time, roofing-slate will be extensively furnished 
from hence." 

Time has signally shown the correctness of what I thus 
.stated. The slate-business has now become one of the 
leading interests of Washington county. In the towns of 
Granville, Hampton, and Salem, twelve quarries are bein" 
worked, some of them quite largely; their products in pros- 
perous years amounting in the aggregate to from two to 
three hundred thousand dollars. The slate here produced 
has acquired a world-wide reputation as being of the very 
best quality. In proof of this it may be stated that, though 
some largo orders received from abroad were recalled in 
consequence of the war between Russia and Turkey, one 
of the Salem slate companies, the Excelsior, the past year 
(1877) sent to foreign countries slate amounting to twelve 
thousand dollars ; the shipments being to England, Ger- 
many, South America, and Australia. In numerous places 
this Taconic slate is quarried in large, smooth tables, mak- 
ing fine flagstones for paving cellar-bottoms, the walks of 
village streets, etc. And for underpinning buildings, and 
all other common uses, it is also resorted to in neighbor- 
hoods where no better material is at hand. 

TACONIC SANDSTO.NE. 

This sandstone constitutes a prominent feature in the 
geology of this district. Its fragments are widely scattered 
through our soils ; and from almost every valley may be seen, 
toward the summit of some of the adjacent hills, jutting 
out from among the bright verdure of the growing gra.ss or 
grain, a naked rock of a grayish-white color, so compact and 
hard that it has withstood the warring elements by which 
the rocks around it have been broken and worn away to a 
lower level than its surface. It is a harsh gray sandstone, 
with a slightly vitreous lustre,'and is everywhere traversed 
with veins or thin slender seams of white quartz, which often 
abound with rook crystals. Its most striking peculiarity is that 
wherever portions of it are covered by the soil and exposed 
to the roots of vegetation, it loses the lime which it contains, 
and hereby its surface becomes changed to a porous and 
friable stone, of a snufT-yellow color commonly, but some- 
times brick-red, the inside of the stone remaining compact 
and unchanged. An analysis of this solid inner part 
showed it to consist of fifty-three per cent, of silica, six of 
peroxide of iron, fifteen of carbonic acid, thirteen of lime, 
and five of magnesia ; while the porous yellow surface of 
the same specimen yielded ninety-one per cent, of silica and 
five and a half of peroxide, with only a trace of the carbo- 
nates of lime and magnesia. This rock often appeai-s as a 
mere bed of limited extent in the slate, or as a layer a few 
inches or a foot (hick. But in places it protrudes from the 



94 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



slate, showing a thickness of one or two hundred feet ; 
and around Summit lake, in Argylc, if there is no duplica- 
ture of the stratum, it has a thickness of several hundred 
feet. It is frequently accompanied by the sparry limestone, 
though in such cases the two rocks are separated by an in- 
tervening mass of shale, some twenty feet or more in thick- 
ness. But in numerous places that rock docs not appear 
with this. Wherever it appears, this sandstone is preferred 
to any other stone in its neighborhood for the walls of 
buildings, and especially of cellars, as it can readily be 
quarried into narrow blocks, to form a double wall, as it is 
termed, which will be frost-proof,- — single walls requiiing 
to be banked on the approach of winter, to prevent the frost 
from penetrating through them. 

SPARRY LIMESTONE. 

This rock is well defined as being a blue or bluish-gray 
limestone, veined and checked with white calcareous spar. 
A limestone of this character appears in insulated masses of 
various sizes at numerous points through the Taconic slate, 
and under the same circumstances as does the sandstone 
just described. Sometimes a limestone boulder, having a 
smoothly-worn surface, is seen imbedded in the slate. Some- 
times thin, even layers of limestone occur alternating with 
the slate. At other times we have a breccia of rounded or 
angular pebbles of limestone cemented together, forming a 
bed in the slate. But it is unneccessary to narrate these 
minor peculiarities further. Portions of the Chazy-Trenton 
limestone, as we have already stated, present this same 
sparry character. It is the upper layers of that rock, or 
is a separate stratum overlying that rock (whichever way 
we wish to consider it) in which these veins of white spar 
chiefly occur. And in this same situation in respect to the 
white granular limestone, namely, overlying it, this sparry 
rook occurs, though extensive beds of it may also be found in 
that rock, even in its lower part, as is seen on the east side 
of the plains in Manchester, Vt. This sparry limestone is 
more coarse-grained and bluL-rh-gray as it approaches the 
Green mountains, and more fine-grained, compact, and 
dove-colored or leadeu-hued as it recedes from them. 
And, extending through this Taconic distiict in broken 
masses among the slate as it does, it appears much like a 
chain, the successive links of which connect the Chazy- 
Trenton limestone on its west side to the granular limestone 
on its east side. 

MAGNESIAN SLATE. 

In traveling east, after we have passed all the most con- 
spicuous exposures of the rocks last considered, we come 
upou this slate, apparently reposing directly upon the white 
limestone next to be spoken of Hence it is not inappro- 
priate to place it in this order, although we do not deem its 
geological place to be beneath the sparry limestone. We 
regard it as being the underlying portion of the Taconic 
slate, and the equivalent, probably, of the black pyritous 
shaley mass, which, upon the west side of this district, we find 
accompanying and alternating with the Tagonic sandstone. 
But on the opposite or east side of this district it presents 
itself as a green or light green isii-gray slate, so .soft that it 
may, in many places, be scratched with the finger-nail and 



carved with a knife like chlorite. It is often profusely 
permeated with veins of milky quartz, which mineral has 
run through it in every direction, like water soaked into a 
sponge. On its east side, where it meets the limestone, it 
presents an even and undisturbed lamination, while on its 
west side, where it approaches the Taconic slate, it is undu- 
lating, twisted, and contorted, often in a most astonishing 
manner. In this county it occupies but a limited space at 
its southeast corner. 

GRANULAR LI.MESTONE OR RUTLAND .MARBLE. 

This white crystalline limestone, from the immense quan- 
tities sent from there to all, even the most distant parts of 
our land, is now everywhere known by the name of Hut- 
land marble. From quarries in other localities it also has 
the name of Stockbridge limestone, Dorset marble, Suther- 
land Falls marble, Arlington stone, etc., and as a variable 
portion of magnesia always enters into its composition, it 
has also been designated magnesian limestone. In much 
of the rock to the south of here the quantity of magnesia 
it contains is so large that it there becomes a friable dolo- 
mite, crumbling into sand upon a few years' exposure to the 
atmosphere. An analysis of Dorset marble gave eighty- 
five per cent, of carbonate of lime, with thirteen of carbo- 
nate of magnesia, which is somewhat less of the latter than 
is usual. The quantity which is quarried along the eastern 
borders of this county, in Vermont, is immense, much the 
largest part of the marble used in the country being from 
this vicinity. The stratum only touches upon the extreme 
southeastern corner of this county the length of a mile. 

GRANULAR QUARTZ. 

Though this rock nowhere occurs in place within the 
borders of this county, it requires to be mentioned, being 
connected as it is with the strata of the county, and dis- 
seminated as its fragments everywhere are, in the form of 
pebbles and cobble-stones, through the drift or gravelly 
soils of the county. It appears all along the east margin 
of the white limestone, and has a light brown or white 
color. Sometimes it occurs bedded in even layers, in clifl's 
and precipices similar to the Potsdam sandstone, from which, 
however, it differs notably by the vitreous, glassy, or grca.sy 
lustre which its surface presents. This is the lowest of the 
Taconic series of rocks, and on passing acro.ss it we come 
upon the gneiss or granite of the main range of the Green 
mountains. 

In conclusion, it may be observed that all the geological 
facts exhibited in this district concur to indicate that, when 
the rocks here wore fiist deposited, the ridge which now 
forms the Green mountains was twice or thrice as distant 
from the Hudson river as it now is. Subsequently a 
period of great disturbance and disruption of the earth oc- 
curred, when it was everywhere convulsed and torn, as if 
lashed and goaded by a hundred earthquakes simulta- 
neously in full play. At that time the Hudson river and 
the Green mountains were crowded towards each other, 
causing the rocks that had previously lain in regular, even, 
horizontal beds to be pressed and pushed together, crush- 
ing, grinding, doubling up, and folding over each other 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



95 



in the most promiscuous and confused manner. Some 
idea of the effects which would be produced by such a 
convulsion may be formed by observing the mode in which 
the ice in our rivers breaks up in the spring of the year, 
when a mass from above becomes so loosened as to com- 
mence moving down the stream against a ma.ss that is still 
firm, causing acre after acre of the thick-ribbed solid ice 
to crack and yield before the tremendous pressure, throw- 
ing huge massive blocks into every possible posture and 
making a perfect chaos where, a half-hour before, all wa.s 
regular, and apparently of enduring strength and firmness. 
Analogous to this seems to have been the operation of that 
force which was once in action, breaking asunder and over- 
turning the strata of solid rocks in this district, causing 
hills and mountains to shoot up, making valleys close 
together here and open out there, and producing such con- 
fusion of the strata as geologists may study upon for cen- 
turies, without being able to unravel and explain the phe- 
nomena presented at some of its localities. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

FREE-MASONEY IN "WASHINGTON COUNTY.* 

Military Lodges — Washington Lodge — Montgomery Lodge — Aurora 
Lodge — Livingston I^odge — Rural Lodge — North Star Lodge — 
Liberty or Granville Lodge — Farmers' Lodge — Ri-sing Sun Lodge 
—Hamilton Lodge— Brothers' Lodge— Social Hall Lodge— Hebron 
Lodge — Argyle Lodge — The Breaking up of Masonry — Re-open- 
ing of Phceni.'i, Granville, and Brothers' Lodges — Establishment of 
Fort Edward, Sandy Hill, Salem, and Cambridge Valley Lodges— 
Argyle and Ashlar Lodges — Royal Arch Masonry — La Fayette 
Chapter — Federal Chapter — Hartford Mark Lodge —Williams 
Chapter— AVashington Chapter- Champlain Chapter— Fort Ed- 
ward Chapter— Sandy Hill Chapter— Hartford Chapter. 

There were no lodges organized or existing- in the terri- 
tory composing the county, till after the Revolutionary 
war, except such as were created or had communications 
within the different regiments stationed here, and which 
were called " military lodges." 

There were many of these, and almost every worthy and 
distinguished officer on the American side wa.s a member 
of one of these lodges. But, as they were e.ssentially 
floating and ephemeral bodies, we know but little of their 
history. 

The first lodge established after the close of the war was 
located at Fort Edward, and was called Washington Lodge, 
A'o. 11; being warranted on the 12th of July, 1785, by 
the M. W. Grand Lodge of Now York, with Colonel Adiel 
Sherwood as Master, John Vernor as Senior Warden, and 
Hugh McAdam as Junior Warden. 

This lodge had a very large membership, composed of 
the leading and influential men of the county, and may be 
called the mother of all the other lodges in this section, 
among which was Montgomery, No. 28, warranted on the 
22d of October, 1791, with John Vernor, who had been 
Senior Warden of Washington Lodge, as Master, Cornelius 



■ By Hon. James Gibson. 



Vanderberg as Senior Warden, and Abraham Livingston 
as Junior Warden. It wtvs located at Stillwater, its 
membership, however, being largely from Wa.shington 
county. 

The .second lodge organized in Washington county 
was Aurora, on the IGth of January, 1793, located at 

Hampton, with General John Williams as Master ; 

Johnson, Senior, and Peter P. French, Junior Wardens. 
This lodge was remarkably successful, and many eminent 
men in the north part of the county were made Ma.sons 
in or affiliated with it. 

The third lodge organized was Liriiiysfoii, No. 2S, for 
which the Grand Lodge granted a warrant on March 6, 
1793, locating it at Kingsbury. 

The leading men in organizing this lodge were John 
Vernor, before mentioned, who was its first Master, John 
Hitchcock, Colonel Matthew Scott, Thomas Bradshaw, and 
the Hon. Zina Hitchcock. 

The fourth lodge organized was Rural L'idge, No. 32, 
warranted on the 4th of September, 1793, with St. John 
Honey wood as Master; Gerritt G. Lansing, of Easton, as 
Senior Warden ; and Andrew White, of Cambridge, as 
Junior Warden. It was located at Cambridge, but was au- 
thorized to hold its communications at Easton until such 
time as suitable accommodations could be provided at 
Cambridge aforesaid. This occurred soon, and the lodge 
was removed to and met thereafter permanently at Cam- 
bridge. 

The fifth lodge was located at Salem, and was warranted 
on Sept. 7, 1796, by the name of North Star Lodge, No. 
51, with the following officers: James Harvey, Master ; 
Alexander J. Turner, Senior Warden ; and Simon Stevens, 
Junior Warden. 

This lodge was probably one of the strongest in the 
character of its membership, if not in numbers, of any in 
the county. Among them were General John Williams, 
St. John Honeywood, Abram Allen, M.D., Hon. Asa 
Fitch, Amherst Wheeler, I]sq., Artemas Robbins, M.D., 
Jared Bostwick, Cornelius Holmes, M.D , William K. 
Adams, Samuel T. Shepherd, Philo Curtis, Jes.<e S. Leigh, 
Adam Jlartin, Hon. John Savage, Roger Crary, Hon. 
John Willard, Thomas Archibald, Henry Mathews, Jamos 

B. GIb.son, Samuel Stevens, Hon. Cornelius L. Allen, and 
others. 

The sixth organized was Liberty Lodge, located at 
Granville, and warranted on Djc. 7, 1796, with the dis- 
tinguished Rev. Salem Town as Master. 

The records of the Grand Lodge show that the officers 
of Liberty lodge, Granville, at its institution in 1796, were 
Zebulon R. Shipherd, Master; William Huggins, S. W. ; 
iand Abram Bishop, J. W. Tiiis lodge surrendered its 
warrant, and a new one was issued, in September, 1806, 
by the name of Granville Lodge, No. 55. On the grant- 
ing of the new charter, Salem Town was madoMaster ; Jolin 

C. Parker, S. W. ; and William Swctland, J. W. 

The seventh lodge warranted was located at Hartford, 
and named Jlerschel Lodge. The warrant was ordered by 
the Grand Lodge on the 3d of December, 1800. 

The eighth lodge authorized was named Farmers Lodge, 
located at Etiston, and warranted Dec. 1, 1802. 



96 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The ninth lodge was named Rising Sun Lodge, war- 
ranted on Sept. 4, 1805, and located at Greenwich. 

The tenth lodge was Hamilton Lodge, located at Queens- 
bury, then in Washington county. The warrant was granted 
the same day as that to Rising Sun Lodge, and afterwards 
the name was changed to Rising Sun Lodge. 

The eleventh lodge was located at Port Ann, the war- 
rant being granted June 4, ISOG, by the name of Brothers' 
Lodge. 

The twelfth lodge was located at Wiiitehall, for which a 
warrant was granted Sept. li, 1800, by the name of Social 
Hall Lodge. 

The thirteenth lodge was located in Hebron, the war- 
rant being granted on May 21, 1813, by the name of 
Hebron Lodge. The petition named for Master William 
Livingston, with Israel Ely for Senior Warden, and Isaac 
Hewitt for Junior Warden. The lodge was instituted 
under the warrant Nov. 4, 1813, but for some reason 
Isaac Hewitt was not installed as Junior Warden, William 
Brewster being elected and installed in his place. This 
lodge had no doubt worked under a dispensation from 
the Grand Jlaster for that purpose, from probably some 
time in November, 1810, up to the time of the granting 
of the warrant ; so that in fact the lodge was at work in 
Hebron for some years before it finally received a warrant. 

The fourteenth lodge was located at Argyle, and its war- 
rant was granted on the 3d of March, 1813, by the name of 
Argyle Lodge. 

All these lodges went down under the fierce persecution 
of the Anti-Masonic war of 1828-32. So bitter and last- 
ing were the consequences of this strife, that more than 
twenty years elapsed before a single lodge-fire was relighted 
in Washington county. 

The first lodge to reopen was that at Whitehall, and 
with eminent propriety, considering the ashes out of which 
it emerged, it was named Plioenlx, Lodge, and bore on 
its newly-issued banner the number by which it had 
been originally designated, — nlnetg-slx. This warrant was 
i.ssued mainly through the influence and exertions of Dan 
S. Wright, M.D., who subsequently became a representa- 
tive man and Mason, wielding a powerful influence in the 
Grand Lodge and over the fraternity. 

The second body of Masons reorganized in the county 
was located at North Granville, and its warrant was issued 
on the 5th of Juno, 1851. It took the place, name, and 
number of the old lodge at that place, and was called Grnu- 
vllle, No. 55. This lodge was subsequently removed to 
Middle Granville, and thence to Granville Corners, where 
it now remains and is in prosperous condition. 

The third lodge reorganized was located at Fort Ann, 
taking the place of Brothers' Lodge, and receiving a war- 
rant June 5, 1851, by the name of Mount Hope Lodge, 
No. 2G0. Mount Hope lodge was formed under dispensa- 
tion of Oscar Coles, then Grand Master, Feb. 12, 1852, to 
the following-named petitioners, viz. : A. Barlow, J. F. 
Coon, J. Sutherland, P. H. Lamb, I. W. B. Murray, Jo- 
seph Bacon, John T. Cox, Asa Root, Jos. Barker, William 
Weller, and Thomas McClure. The.sc were the " charter 
members." The warrant was granted June 14, 1852, the 
following being the officers named in the warrant, viz. : 



John T. Cox, Master; Joseph Bacon, Senior Warden; I. 
W. B. Murray, Junior Warden, 

The fourth establishment of a lodge after the revival was 
by the reopening of one at Fort Edward, on the 3d day of 
June, 1852, by the name of Fort Edward Lodge, No. 
267. 

The fifth was by the granting of a warrant for a lodge 
at Sandy Hill, on the 7th of June, 1855, by the name of 
Sandy Hill Lodge, No. 372. 

The sixth was by the issue of a dispensation, on June 7, 
1855, for a lodge at Salem, by the name of Salem Lodge, 
and this was followed, on the Cth of June, 1856, by the 
issue of a warrant to it as Salem Lodge, No. 391. One 
of the members of this lodge (James Gibson) has been 
elected Grand Master of Masons in this State, 

The seventh was by the issue of a warrant to a lodge in 
Cambridge, on the 8th of June, 1860, by the name of 
Candjridge Valley Jjodge, No. 481. 

The eighth was by the issue of a warrant to a lodge at 
Hartford, June 6, 1861, by the name of Herschel Ijodgc, 
No. 508. 

The ninth was by the i.ssue of a warrant to a lodge at 
Argyle, on the 9th of June, 1865, by the name of Argyle 
Jjodge, No. 567. 

And the tenth, and last, was by the i.ssue of a warrant 
to a lodge at Greenwich, on the 8th of June, 1866, by the 
name of Ashlar Jjodge, No. 584. 

These are all the lodges located in the county of Wash- 
ington for which warrants have been granted by the Grand 
Lodge of New York. 

It should be borne in mind, however, that a Grand 
Master of Masons has always had authority, by issuing a 
dispensation for that purpose, to create a temporary lodge, 
with the power to make Masons and confer the degrees of 
Masonry ; but such bodies were ephemeral, and could only 
last till the next annual General Assembly of Ma.sons, 
when, if a warrant was not ordered, or the Grand Master 
did not renew the dispensation, the lodge would cease to 
exist. The traditions of the existence of Ma.sonry in dif- 
ferent towns probably have arisen, in some cases, from a 
lodge or lodges thus created. 

ROYAL ARCH iMASONRY. 

This branch of the work of masonry existed in the 
county at a very early day, and probably commenced at or 
about the same time with the establishment of lodges of 
Master Masons. The details of its history, at that early 
date, are not readily accessible, and we therefore pass to 
occurrences after the institution of the Grand Chapter 
of the State, which took place at Albany, on the 14th of 
March, 1798, Dc Witt Clinton being the first presiding 
officer. 

On the 3d of January, 1799, this body granted warrants 
to hold lodges of Mark Masters at Granville and Fort 
Edward. 

The dispensation for that at Granville was afterwards 
followed by a warrant, but the one for that at Fort Edward 
was revoked on the 4th of February, 1808. 

The first chapter opened in the county, under a warrant 
from the Grand Chapter of New York, was at Granville, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



97 



and was named De La Fayette Chapter, No. 9, — warrant 
granted Feb. 3, 1801. It had previously been working 
under a dispensation, and Hon. Zi-bulon 11. Shipberd, at 
the same convocation of the Grand Chapter, on returning 
the dispensation obtained the warrant for the chapter, and 
was also elected Grand Scribe of the grand body. (See 
"Proceedings," Vol. I., 16). This chapter continued working 
till, with the other chapters in the county, it ceased to 
operate, about 1832. 

The second chapter was granted a warrant on the 4th 
of February, 1801, and was named Federal Chapter, No. 
10, being at first located at Cambridge. It was removed 
to Salem on the first of February, 1814. This chapter con- 
tinued to work with great prosperity, and from its mem- 
bership two of the grand officere have been elected, — 
Asa Fitch as Grand High Priest, in the years 1826, 1827, 
and 1828, and Ephraiui Allen, Grand Scribe. During the 
furor of anti-masonr}^ the chapter ceased to work, and did 
not resume labor till 1864, when, a dispensation being 
issued, it reopened. On the 8th of February, 1865, a 
warrant was granted, and the chapter is still working. 

The third act to establish a R. A. body in this county 
was the issuing of a dispen.sation in 1807, foi'miug a Mark 
lodge, at Hartford, and on the 2d of February, 1808, a war- 
rant was granted to it by the name of Hartford Mark Lodije, 
No. 45. This lodge continued to work till Feb. 7, 1826, 
when its warrant was returned to the Grand Chapter. 

The fourth was the issuing of a dispensation on the 
28th of April, 1808, to hold a Mark lodge at Glen's Falls, 
followed by the granting of a warrant for such body by tiie 
name of Felicity Mark Lodge, No. 56. This was followed 
by the issue of a warrant for holding a chapter on the 6tli 
of February, 1817, by the name of Glens Ftdls Chapiter, 
No. 55. As this chapter was located in the county of 
AVarrcn, then lately established and taken from Washing- 
ton County, its further history is not given. 

The fifth was the issue of a warrant forming Social 
Friends' Mark Lodge, No. 62, at Whitehall, Feb. 7, 1810. 
On the 2d of February, 1814, a warrant was issued constitu- 
ting this lodge a chapter, by the name of Williams Chapter, 
No. 37. On the 9th of February, 1829, this chapter was 
removed to Hampton, and with other similar bodies in the 
county soon ceased work. 

The sixth was the issue of a warrant to hold a chapter 
in Easton, by the name of Washington Chapter, No. 49, 
on the 8th of February, 1816. On the 3d of February, 
1819, this chapter was removed to Union Village, now the 
village of Greenwich. This chapter continued working till, 
with other chapters of the county, its work ceased. 

The seventh was the issue of a warrant, Feb. 3, 1819, to 
hold a lodge at Fort Ann, by the name of Fort Ann Mark 
Lodge, No. 83. This warrant was revoked Feb. 7, 1823. 

On the 5th of February, 1850, a warrant was issued to 
open a chapter at Whitehall by the name of Champlain 
Chapter, No. 25, which is still at work. 

On the 29th of February, 1860, a dispensation was issued 
to open and hold a chapter at Fort Edward. 

On the 7th of February, 1861, a warrant was issued or- 
ganizing this body by the name of Fort Edward Chapter, 
No. 171, and it is still at work. 
13 



In 1865 a dispensation was issued, opening a chapter at 
Sandy Hill, and on the 6th of February, 1866, it was granted 
a warrant by the name of iSandy Hill Chapter, No. 189. 
It is still at work. 

In 1 865 a dispensation was issued, opening a chapter at 
Hartford, and on the 6th of February, 1866, a warrant 
was granted organizing it into Hartford Chapter, No. 192. 
This, the last of Wa.shington county chapters, is also in 
successful operation. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON 
COUNTY." 

Incorporation — First Meeting— First Members — First Officers — List 
of Presidents — List of Members — Character of the Society — Pro- 
posed Medical School — Testimony on Temperance — Thomas Clark, 
M.D.— General Williams— Dr. P. Fitch— Dr. Tomb— Dr. Proudfit 
— Zina Hitchcock, M.D.— Hon. Asa Fitcli— Dr. Dorr— Hon. J. 

Stevenson — Dr. Corliss— Dr. Holmes — Dr. Axtcll — Dr. A. Allen 

M. Stevenson, M.D.— Dr. P. V. N. Morris— Dr. While— Dr. Gray— 
Dr. P. Smith- Worthy Waters, M.D.— Dr. Long— Dr. Ingcrsoll— 
Dr. Clary- Dr. Bascom— D. S. Wright, M.D.— Dr. Porter— Re- 
marks — Old Time Practice — An old Doctor's Statement, 

The IMcdical Society of the County of Washington was 
incorporated under an act of the Legislature, regulating the 
practice of physic and surgery, pa.ssed on the 4th of April, 
1806. 

The first meeting of the society was held at the court- 
house in Sandy Hill, July 1, 1806. 

(The history of the associated medical profession of the 
county antedates this period, but no records can be found of 
transactions, beyond the dates of certificate of licensure.) 

There were twenty-three members present, and constitut- 
ing the society, viz.: Zina Ilitclicuk, Philip Smith, Andrew 
Proudfit, Isaac Sargent, Leonard Gibbs, A.sa Stover, Cyrus 
Baldwin, William Livingston, Asa Fitch, Abram Allen, 
James Green, Ephraim Allen, Jonathan Mosher, John 
McKinney, Robert Cook, Daniel Hervey, Thomas Patter- 
son, Liberty Branch, Israel P. Baldwin, Artemus Robins, 
Asahel Morris, Penfield Goodell, and Cornelius Holmes. 

The following officers were duly elected : Andrew Proud- 
fit, president; Asa Fitch, vice-president; William Ijiving- 
ston, secretary ; James Green, treasurer. Dr. Philip Smith 
was elected delegate to meet with delegates from other 
counties to form the State Medical Society. 

LIST OF PRESIDENTS. 

Andrew Proudfit (Argyle), 1806; Zina Hitchcock 
(Sandy Hill), 1807 to 1810; Asa Fitch (Salem), 1811 to 
1871 ; Jonathan Dorr (Cambridge), 1818; A.sahel Morris 
(Cambridge), 1819 to 1820; James Stevenson (Cam- 
bridge), 1821 to 1823; Hiram Corliss (Greenwich?), 
1824; Asa Fitch (Salem), 1825 to 1831 ; William Rich- 
ards (Cambridge), 1832; Cornelius Holmes (Greenwich), 
1833; Salmon Axtcl (Fort Ann), 1834 to 1835; Abram 
Allen (Salem), 1836 ; Russel Clark (Sandy Hill), 1837 to 
1S39 ; Matthew Stevenson (Cambridge), 1840; Hiram 
Corliss (Greenwich), 1841 to 1843 ; S. V. N. Morris (Cam- 

» By John Lambert, JLD., Historian of the society. 



98 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



bridge), 1844 to 1845 ; Wm. S. Norton (Fort Edward), 
1846 to 1847: H. C. Gray (Cambridge), 1848 to 1852; 
S. V. N. Morris (Cambridge), 1853 to 18G1 ; C. J. White 
(Hebron), 1862 to 18G3; H. C. Gray (Cambridge), 1864 
to 1865; R. W. Blawis (Fort Miller), 1860; J. C. Sill 
(Argyle), 1867; Alfred J. Long (Whitehall), 1868 to 
1869 ; James Savage (Argyle), 1870 ; Joseph D. Stewart 
(Cambridge), 1871 to 1872; Asa W. Tupper (North Gran- 
ville), 1873 ; John Lambert (Salem), 1874 ; John L. Flint 
(Fort Edward), 1875; Henry Gray (Greenwich), 187G; 
S. B. Irwin (Hebron), 1877. 

The following is a list of the members, arranged according 
to years of admission : 

1807. — Jonathan Dorr, Isaac W. McLeary, Erastus 
Cross, John P. Little, John Collins, Zephaniah Tubbs, 
Jedediah Darrow, Jr., Salmon Dean, James Post, Nathaniel 
Cruikshank, David Long. 

1808.— James Dickson, William Richards, Eli Day, 
John Jackway, Herman Hoffman, Delucena Newcomb, 
Rev. Alex. Denham. 

1810. — Ru!5.sel Clark, Adolphus Freeman. 

1811. — John Thompson. 

1812. — Richard Sill, Reuben Gibson, John Woods, 
Burton Streeter. 

1813. — Benjamin Trumbull, Robert Henderson. 

1814.— William P. Cutter, Archibald McAllister, James 
Scott, Ebenezer Ingersoll, Zebulon Rood, Lemuel Boomer, 
French. 

1815. — James Mallory, Cephas Thompson. 

1817. — Alfred Freeman, James W. Porter, Samuel Stiles, 
Hiram Corliss, Benjamin Walworth, Jacob Vosburgh, Nel- 
son Porter, Nathan Colvin. 

1818.— William Pride, Rufus Whitney, William Hicks, 
Israel Town. 

1819.— William S. Norton, De Garvis, Simeon F. 

Crandell, Philip Van Ness Morris, Charies R. Mosher, 
William K. Scott, Benjamin D. Utter, Thomas M. Bowen. 

1820. — James Stevenson, Matthew Stevenson, James 
Savage, Tarmin. 

1821.— William N. K. McLean, Israel Putnam, Horace 
Smith, Augustus Milford, David McKnight, 

1822.— Worthy Waters, A. W. Robinson, Joseph S. 
Leigh, John Bostwick. 

1823. — George M. Turner, Asa II. Cogswell, James 
Lewis, Laomi Whitcomb, John Clapp. 

1824. — George Gillis, L. G. llarkness, Jonathan Dorr, 
Jr. 

1825. — Lyman H. Sprague, Sumer M. Smith, Salmon 
Axtel, Watson Sumner. 

1826.— John L. Dunlap, Robert M. Stevenson, Thomas 
Haskins, Jr., Otis Spurr. 

1827.— Philander Toby, Rial Wright, Zina A. Haines, 
Herman Rogers. 

1828.— Elijah Pratt, Roderick Row, James M. McNish, 
N. P. Colvin, Elihu Haliday, Daniel Pond, Amasa Allen, 
John M. Bowen, George Allen, Peter Sherwood, Ira C. 
Backus, Joseph W. Richards, Duncan Gillis, David Martin, 
Charies Jones White, John Seari, Alfred Gregory, Wm. 
McLeod, W. Carpenter, Blartin Mason. 

1829.— Benj. F. Cornell. 



1830. — John H. Hopkins, John B. Smith, George Post. 

1831.— Albert Wright, Orange D. Douglass, 

Hale, Asa Fitch, Jr. 

1832.— H. C. Gray, Wm. Stevenson. 

1833.— Benjamin S. King, Dan S. Wright, Frederic 
Wheelock, Jesse Everts, Jr., Eber F. Crandell, John Sar- 
gent, Jr., Marshall Littlefield. 

1834.— Charies De Vol, Kirkland T. Warner, Thomas 
Richards, Matthew R. Ransom, Nelson Munroe. 

1835. — Freeman Hopkins, Joseph Bates, John Steven- 
son, Jr. 

1836.— James D. Stewart, Thompson Burton, Asahel 
Perry. 

1837. — Cyrus Sayles, William Collins, James M. Foster, 
Alexander J. Spencer, Ira Hatch, Athelon Hall. 

1838. — John C. Mack, Henry Gray, Robert McMurray, 
Richard Sill, Jr. 

1839. — Ei-skine G. Clark, Moses A. McNaughton. 

1840.— Hugh P. Proudfit. 

1841. — Asa Hammond, Reuben Blawis, Albert Hon- 
drick, Aaron Goojspeed, Daniel M. Neil. 

1842— Andrew S. Dean,E. W. Carmichael, R. B. New- 
man, Orville Pool Gillman. 

1843. — Hiram J. Ward, David Darwin Dorr. 

1848.— Wm. G. Nelson, William Bullions. 

1849.— Morgan Cole. 

1851. — Warner Cleaveland. 

1853.— Oliver P. Yates. 

1856. — John Lambert. 

1859.— Charies H. Allen, John C. Sill, Theodore C. 
Wallace, James Fonsythe, John J. Flint, James McNeil. 

I860.— B. F. Ketchum, R. S. Connelly, William W. 
Park. 

1861.— William H. Robertson. 

1862.- John E. Crampton, J. H. Madison. 

1863.— George W. Little, 0. M. Bump, Charie.s 0. T. 
Gillman, J. B. Blawi.s. 

1864.— Alfred M. Young. 

1865. — Burr Schermerhorn. 

18G6.— J. E. Comfort. 

1867.— William H. Miller, Edwin Philips, Samuel 
Shuuwvay^ohn Stevenson. 

1868. — Lysander W. Kenneday, William George Ste- 
venson. 

1869. — Asa Tupper, Henry Gray. 

1870.- Daniel S. Smart, A. G. Pierce, Hewit, S. 

B. Irwin. 

1871.— D. D. Brayton, H. Renois, B. R. Ilolcomb, R. 
J. Senton. 

1874.— Asa B. Cook, Isaac Munroe, T. S. Nelson, John 
Knowl.son, William B. Slaynard. 

1875.— David Pierce, John Millington, E. W. Hill. 

1876.— G. L. Tripp, Hinds. 

1877.— Charies M. McLaurie, Z. P. Herbert. 

The medical history of Washington county furni.shes 
many honorable and prominent names not appearing on 
the records of this society as members, but who received 
licenses or diplomas from it. Its members have, from the 
beginning, occupied without challenge an enviable position 
in the profession, and it has never been wanting in men of 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



99 



learning, ability, and reputation. Its annual and semi- 
atuiual meetings were for a long series of years attended 
with interest and punctuality, recusant members being 
pronipted to duty by reprimands and fines. 

This society, from the otiset, has had a clear record in 
sustaining the laws of the State regulating the practice of 
medicine, and it has also enforced with decision the rules 
of medical ethics. Charlatanism has never found shelter 
within its ranks. It entered at an early date into active 
correspondence with other county medical societies in this 
State, and took its full share in the labors and responsi- 
bilities of establishing the medical profession of the State 
of New York upon an honorable and firm foundation. As 
early as 1809 it had under advisement the question of 
a medical school in the county, and beyond doubt it had 
within its membership capable men to fill its chairs. 

The society was instrumental in securing a modification 
of the State law regulating the practice of medicine; and 
also a repeal of that part of the military law which com- 
pelled physicians to do military duty, except in a profes- 
sional capacity. 

In 1829 the association unanimously bore the following 
testimony on the subject of temperance : " That in the 
opinion of this society, the use of ardent spirits is in no 
case necessary for the preservation of health, and rarely to 
the cure of disease." The influence of the society meet- 
ings has always been very decidedly in favor of progressive 
conservatism in practice. The records are remarkably free 
from evidences of cliquism ; and the few cases of discipline 
found necessary seem to have been conducted in a spirit of 
kindness and moderation. 

In making brief biographical sketches of the more prom- 
inent men connected with the medical profession of this 
county, I deem it eminently fitting to refer to such distin- 
guished men as I am able, who were in the field prior to 
the formation of the society. I regret to note that a few 
names worthy of meritorious mention must be omitted, 
because relatives have not responded to frequent requests to 
furni.sh the needed data. 

Rev. Tiio.mas Clark, M.D., took his medical degree at 
the University of Glasgow, Scotland, about 1751. He 
came to Salem in 1765, and was the first and only physi- 
cian until the arrival of Dr. Williams, in 1773 or 1774. 
Dr. Clark evidently possessed rare abilities as a physician 
of the times, and he was often called upon by his parish- 
ioners and others to administer to the wants of the sick 
bodies as well as souls of men. Not unfrequently was he 
called from the pulpit to the bedside in the capacity of a 
jihysician. The department of midwifery was delegated to 
his housekeeper. 

General John Willi.\ms, M.D., was born at Barnsta- 
ble, county of Devonshire, England, in September, 1752; 
and died at Salem, July 22, 1806. 

Of his early life little is known, though he evidently had 
good educational advantages, and improved them well. He 
studied medicine in I is youth, and according to a diploma 
now extant, he walked St. Thomas Hospital, London, one 
year ; he was first surgeon's mate on board an English 
man-of-war. On the 6th of IMay, 1773, he was licensed 
at Edinburgh, for six months, as a traveling phyt^ician, a 



form of medical license quite common in those days. He 
soon came to America and settled in Salem ; as early, cer- 
tainly, as 1774, possibly in 1773. 

His professional services were immediately brought into 
requisition, and his practice soon became extensive and 
lucrative, requiring him to make many long and tedious jour- 
neys on horseback through the almost trackless forest. Many 
are the traditions of his success as a phy.sician, of his skill 
as a surgeon, and of his kindness to the poor. 

His professional as well as patriotic services were 
promptly given to the country in the Revolutionary strug- 
gle. He was engaged at the battles of Bennington, Bemus' 
Heights, Stillwater, and Monmouth, where he proved him- 
self not only an intrepid soldier but a devoted and skilful 
surgeon. Walking over the field at night, after the battle 
of Monmouth, he found his old friend Colonel McCraeken 
among the wounded, his left arm having been carried away 
by a cannon-ball. Taking him in his arms, he carried him 
unassisted to a place of safety, and then successfully ampu- 
tated his arm near the shaulder-joint. 

In evidence of his skill as a surgeon at this early date, 
the following incident is related : Sheriff Abner Stone had 
received a severe blow upon his thigh with a raw hide. 
His limb became greatly swollen, and symptoms of lockjaw 
appeared. His life was despaired of; when General Wil- 
liams, returning from Congress, carefully investigated the 
case, and decided that the trouble must be caused by some 
foreign substance lodged in the tissues of the limb. By a 
bold surgical operation he proved the correctness of his 
opinion and saved his patient. 

Dr. Peletiaii Fitch came from a long line of dis- 
tinguished ancestors, and was born in Norwich, Conn., May 
6, 1722. He received a thorough literary and professional 
education. After practicing medicine twenty-eight years in 
Connecticut, he removed to Vermont, and came thence to 
Salem, about 1780. Though eminently qualified, yet owing 
to his advanced age and the care of a rising family, Dr. 
Fitch did not enter largely upon general practice, but con- 
fined his services to his neighbors and personal friends. He 
was an active compatriot with General Williams, Judge 
Webster, and other distinguished men of that heroic era. 
Dr. Fitch died April 16, 1803. 

Dr. Joseph Tojib wa.s the son of David and Jean Tomb, 
who were among the first settlers of Salem. He studied 
medicine with Dr. Williams, with whom he was in company 
for a short time. He continued to practice in his native 
town of Salem until his death, at the age of thirty-seven 
years, on the first day of January, 1796. 

Andrew Proudfit, the first president of the society, 
was born in Pcqua, Penn. He studied medicine with the 
celebrated Benjamin Rush, and graduated from the medical 
college at Philadelphia. He settled in Argyle about the 
year 1795, where he practiced medicine until 1807, when 
he removed to Troy, N. Y., and engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits. He returned to Argyle in 1818, and resumed his 
profession, in which be continued till his death on the 16th 
of May, 1822. 

Dr. Proudfit was justly esteemed a man of superior edu- 
cation and professional skill. He was a communicant of the 
Presbyterian church. 



100 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ZiNA Hitchcock, M.D., was born in Warren or New 
Milford, Conn., Nov. 6, 1755. He settled in Sandy Hill 
about 1783, soon becoming eminent both as a physician 
and a surgeon. 

He took a lively interest in the stirring political events 
of the day, and at an early period abandoned the active 
duties of his profession to engage in affairs of State. 

Dr. Hitchcock was appointed one of the judges of the 
court of common pleas in 1795, and remained upon the 
bench most of the time during his continuance in the 
county. He was also, as will be seen by the civil list 
elsewhere given, a member of the Assembly four years, and 
of the State Senate no less than ten successive years. He 
was a member of the first board of trustees of Washington 
Academy, and was also one of the first directors of the 
Northern Inland Lock Navigation Company, appointed as 
such in 1792. 

Dr. Hithcock died at Franklin, Ohio, in May, 1832, 
aged seventy-seven years. 

He was a man of more than ordinary abilities, and ex- 
erted an important influence iu Washington county and 
vicinity. 

Hon. A.s.\ Fitch, M.D. — The name of this gentleman 
is one of the most highly respected in the medical history 
of Washington county. 

He was the youngest son of Dr. Peletiah Fitch, and was 
born at Noank, Conn., Nov. 10, 1765. He came to Salem 
at the age of fourteen, and at sixteen served nine months 
as a soldier, guarding the northern frontier, near the close 
of the Revolutionary war. At the end of this service he 
commenced the .study of medicine with his father ; finish- 
ing with Dr. Philip Smith. 

In 1788 the young doctor settled in Duanesburg, Schen- 
ectady county. After a very successful career at that place, 
both as a physician and as the financial agent of Judge 
Duane, he returned to Salem, for family reasons, in 1795, 
and soon secured a very lucrative practice, his ride extend- 
ing over the ground now occupied by four or five physicians, 
although the population was nearly the same then as now. 
During seasons of much sickness his daily charges often 
exceeded one hundred dollars. 

Many students were educated by Dr. Fitch, there being 
almost always from two to six in his oifice, some of whom 
became eminent practitioners. 

In 1797 he received a certificate as a regular practi- 
tioner of medicine from the county court. 

Dr. Fitch was president of the County Medical Society 
from 1811 to 1817, and again from 1825 to 1831 ; and he 
was often called upon to serve as its vice-president or secre- 
tary, and to fill other positions of honor and responsibility 
in the society. 

As a justice of the county court, as a member of Con- 
gress at a critical period of our national history, as a lead- 
ing elder in the first incorporated Presbyterian church, as 
a prominent member of the order of Free Masons, and as 
an active and eminently useful citizen, Dr. Fitch was richly 
deserving of the confidence and esteem so freely accorded 
to him ; but in nothing was he more devoted and deserving 
than in the arduous duties of his professional life. On the 
26th of February, 183-t, the regents of the University of 



New York conferred upon him a well-merited honorary 
degree of M.D. Unfortunately, during the last few years 
of his life, all the faculties of his mind were completely 
obliterated. He died Aug. 24, 1843. 

Jonathan Dorr, M.D., was born Jan. 1, 17G2, in 
the town of Lyme, Conn. Left dependent upon his own 
exertions at an early age, he " worked his way" until he 
came to Salem, and entered the office of Dr. Williams. 
After completing his studies he settled near the village of 
Cambridge, and commenced the practice of medicine, in 
which he continued with eminent success until smitten 
with paralysis, in January, 1826. He died, greatly la- 
mented, on the 2d of April following. 

Dr. Dorr was an indefatigable student and a man of un- 
tiring energy. He was distinguished as a surgeon of rare 
abilities, having probably performed the major operations 
more frequently than any other surgeon of his day in the 
county. In a series of twelve cases of lithotomy, he was 
successful in eleven. 

He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and was 
highly esteemed in the various relations of life. 

Hon. James Stevenson, M.D., the son of a profes- 
sional surgeon, was born in the parish of Kilsyth, Scot- 
land, on the 21st day of July, 1771. He was educated at 
the University of Glasgow, and came to America in 1789. 
He studied medicine with Dr.s. Williams and Tomb, of 
Salem. He settled in Cambridge in 1793, and was admitted 
to practice by a certificate given August 25, 1797, by John 
Williams, M.D., as judge of the court of common pleas. 
Ten years later he became a naturalized citizen. On the 
13th of March, 1827, the degree of M.D. was con- 
ferred upon him by the regents of the University of the 
State. 

Dr. Stevenson acquired an extensive practice, and as a 
consultant was held in very high estimation. He was 
several times elected to the State Legislature, and was 
also supervisor of his own town. 

The subject of this sketch was a devoted Christian, and 
a ruling elder in the Pre.sbyterian church. He was a man 
of undoubted intellectual and professional ability, was a 
diligent literary and scientific student, and possessed what 
was somewhat remarkable at that time, a library of a thou- 
sand volumes. Greatly honored and beloved, he died on 
the 14th of February, 1863, having retained his faculties 
unimpaired until fully ninety-one years of age. 

Hm.\ii Corliss, M.D., of English descent, was born in 
Easton, in this county, in 1793. He studied medicine in 
1812 with Drs. Nathan Thompson and Jonathan Mosher. 
In 1813 he went to New York city, and attended lectures 
at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which in- 
stitution he graduated in March, 1816. 

Dr. Corliss practiced medicine eight years in his native 
town, receiving his license therefor from the County Jledi- 
cal Society in 1817. In 1825 he removed to Union Village 
(Greenwich), where he continued during his long and 
eventful career. He was a short time associated with Dr. 
Cornelius Holmes. 

Dr. Corliss was for more than thirty years a prominent 
member of the State Medical Society, and was one of the 
founders of the American Medical Association. At a meet- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



101 



ing of the former society, a short time prior to his death, 
his absence on account of ilhicss being noted, a special 
salutatory telegram was sent him by the unanimous vote 
of the members. 

Dr. Corliss was a diligent reader of current medical 
literature, having been for many years a regular subscriber 
to from six to nine medical journals. As a surgeon he 
performed many severe operations, and when eighty years 
old he successfully performed lithotomy on a patient who 
was also an octogenarian. 

Dr. Corliss was an active and zealous anti-slavery and 
temperance advocate; a man widely known and highly es- 
teemed. He was the father of the inventor of the world- 
renowned Corliss steam-engine. He died on the 7th of 
September, 1877. 

CoRNEiJUS Holmes, M.D., was born at Plymouth, 
Mass., June 15, 1774. He studied medicine with Dr. 
Graves, of Rupert, Vt., a short time, coming to Salem about 
1800, where he was for two years principal of Washington 
Academy. He completed his studies with Dr. Asa Fitch, 
and was licensed to practice in 1805. He went to Whijiple 
city (Greenwich) in 1808, when it was a mere hamlet, and 
for more than sixty years he discharged the various duties 
incumbent upon him as a phy.sician and citizen with such 
wisdom, fidelity, and kindness as to secure the confidence, 
respect, and affection of the entire community. 

Though a self-educated man. Dr. Holmes was an exten- 
sive reader, and took a deep interest in the establishment 
of schools. After a career of great activity, extending 
through three generations, he died, greatly lamented, on 
the 29th of January, 18G5, at the age of ninety years, in 
the almost perfect po.ssession of his mental faculties, and 
leaving a memory untarnished by a single blot. 

Salmon Axtel, M.D., was born at Wilmington, Vt., 
July 11, 1792. In 1815 he established himself as a phys- 
ician in Fort Ann, where he secured an extensive practice, 
which he retained for more than fifty years. He was a 
member of the Legislature in 1838, and was supervisor of 
his town eight years. He died from paralysis, Nov. 19, 
1869. 

Abram Allen, M.D., was born in Sturbridge, Mass., 
and came to Salem about 1795. Being a man of good 
education and great energy, he soon established himself in 
a prosperous professional business. He became one of the 
leading surgeons of the. county, and was often called upon 
in cases requiring skill and firmne.ss. 

The following case illustrates his characteristics and gave 
him notoriety. He was called to take part in a consulta- 
tion where the patient had received a heavy blow upon the 
head. 

He gave his opinion that the critical condition of the 
patient was caused by the formation of matter within the 
cranium, and proposed trepanning as the only remedy. He 
was not permitted to operate, and a serious personal ani- 
madversion grew out of his relations to the case. 

The patient died, and Dr. Allen resolved to verify his 
diagnosis, if pos.sible. He disinterred the body, cut off the 
head, took it to his office, and there, in the presence of sev- 
eral friends, demonstrated the correctness of his opinion. 
For this act he was arrested and tried, as ho desired to be. 



He took good care to have the court-house filled with spec- 
tators, and he had his case stoutly defended, calling numer- 
ous witnesses. He was fined two hundred and fifty dollars, 
which he paid with great pleasure, regarding the sentence 
iis the best advertisement he could desire, and the money as 
the best investment of his life. From that day he was 
known by the name of " Old Head." He died March 20, 
1845, aged eighty years. 

Russel Clark, M.D., was born in Wallingford, Conn. 
He pursued his preliminary studies in that town, and com- 
pleted his professional education at Philadelphia. He set- 
tled at Sandy Hill about 1809, where he contiuued until 
his death, on the 30th of May, 1849, aged sixty-seven 
years. 

Dr. Clark was a man of fine abilities, and devoted him- 
self with zeal to his profession. He was justly considered 
one of the ablest physicians in northern New York. His 
pi'actice extended over a wide range of country, and he was 
extensively called as a consultant. 

Mattuew Stevenson, M.D., son of Dr. James Steven- 
son, was born at Cambridge, Sept. 9, 1794. He obtained 
a classical education at Union College, studied medicine 
with his father, and graduated at the Medical College of the 
University of New York. 

He practiced his profession several years with his father, 
and then removed to Newburgh, on the Hudson, where he 
spent the remainder of his days. 

Most of his leisure time was devoted to the study of the 
natural sciences, botany being his especial favorite. He 
and his brother. Dr. Wm. Stevenson, collected and arranged 
all the known genera and species of plants in New York, 
and extended their researches as far west as to the Missis- 
sippi. After a long and painful illness, he died in July, 
18G8. 

Philip Van Ness Morris, M.D., was bom at Cam- 
bridge, Dec. 11, 1795; was a graduate of Williams Col- 
lege at eighteen, and studied medicine with his father. Dr. 
Asahel Morris. When twenty-one years of age he com- 
menced the practice of his profession with his father, at 
Buskirk's Bridge, where he continued during life. 

Dr. Morris was a man of simple and industrious habits, 
a bachelor, an intelligent and successful physician, and 
was held in high esteem by the profession and his numer- 
ous acquaintances. He was an earnest Christian philan- 
thropist, a member of the Dutch Reformed church, and a 
liberal donor for benevolent purposes, — for years devoting 
the avails of his Sabbath practice and one-tenth of his 
income to such objects. He died in November, 1864. 

Chas. J. White, M.D., was born at Waterford, Sara- 
toga Co., N. Y., in December, 1803. He studied medi- 
cine with Dr. Worthy Waters, and graduated at the Castle- 
ton Medical College in the class of 1825. He immediately 
entered upon a successful practice in Hebron, where he 
continued through life. 

Dr. White was a man of rare and .splendid gifts, a close 
student, an independent thinker, and a self-reliant practi- 
tioner. In his bearing he was a gentleman of the old 
school. As a Christian he w:\s an earnest advocate of the 
tenets of the Christian or Campbellite church during his 
later years. He died April 24, 1869. 



102 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Henry C. Gray, M.D., the last of the distinguished 
presidents of the society who can be mentioned in the 
limits assigned me, was born in Mason, N. H., Jan. 7, 
1810. Ho received a good education, studied medicine 
with his father, Dr. Henry Gray, and graduated at Dart- 
mouth Medical College, Nov. 21, 1829. 

After practicing a year with Dr. Andrews, of Keene, 
N. H., and another with Dr. Dutton, of Manchester, Vt., 
he established himself at Cambridge, in 1831, and was for 
a year a partner of Dr. Jonathan Dorr, Sr. Subsequently 
to this time and until shortly prior to his death, he enjoyed 
an extensive and lucrative practice, having very early 
received the confidence of the citizens of Cambridge and 
vicinity. 

Nature was most lavish in her physical and mental gifts 
to Dr. Gray. For many years he was the leading surgeon 
in Washington county, and perhaps no physician in the 
county was ever called more frequently in consultation than 
was Dr. Gray. At one time he is said to have been offered 
a professorship in one of the Philadelphia medical colleges. 
Ho was a permanent member of the State and National 
Medical Societies and was often in attendance upon their 
meetings. 

Late in life Dr. Gray became a zealous Christian, as a 
member of the Baptist church, laboring in season and, out 
of season to redeem the time, and taking manifest delight 
in the work. He died instantly on the 10th of March, 
1877. 

Philip Smith, M.D., came from the north of England 
and settled at Buskirk's Bridge. The first notice of his 
being engaged in the practice of medicine is in the year 
1795. 

He "was a member of the Assembly in 1794, 1798, and 
1799, and sheriff of the county from 1796 to 1798. He 
was one of the United States commissioners of taxes for 
Washington county under the act of 1799. 

Dr. Smith was a man of large influence in the public 
affairs of the county, yet ho found time to answer numerous 
calls to attend the sick, and had the reputation of being a 
skillful physician. He died Nov. 9, 1807. 

Col. James Green, M.D., was born in Cambridge, 
N. Y., and studied medicine with Dr. Williams, of Salem. 
In an. advertisement dated March 12, 1798, he notifies the 
people of Salem that he has taken a part of George 
Williams' house, where he intended to practice physic and 
surgery, and added : " He has on hand a supply of brim- 
stone, salts, Hooper's and Anderson's pills, court-plaster, 
and so on." The next week appeared the following bur- 
lesque of Dr. Green's notice : 

"to the rUBLIC. 
"I've lived in Salem, if I remember, 
Four years the tenth of last September, 
Have Hooper's pills of every sort, 
Brimstone, salts, and plaster-court; 
My friends may call, nor fear the cost, 
I've neither conscience or religion lost. 

[Signed] ABUASt Alle.n." 

About the first of the century Dr. Green was settled at 
Argyle. He was colonel of the 118th Regiment of State 
militia in the War of 1812. He was a man of superior 



education, and was held in high estimation as a physician. 
He removed to the western part of the State in 1815 or 
1816. 

William K. Scott, M.D., attended medical lectures 
at Dartmouth in 1807. In January, 1808, he received 
the first license to practice medicine granted by the New 
York State Medical Society. In 1809 he graduated at the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York city. 

He commenced practice the same year at Nassau, Rensse- 
laer county, where he remained until 1818, when he re- 
moved to Argyle. In 1822 he went to Sandy Hill, where 
he successfully practiced his profession until 1835, when 
he removed to Buffalo. Dr. Scott was one of the most 
cultivated and accomplished gentlemen on the roll of the 
society. 

Worthy Waters, M.D., was born in Cambridge, 
N. Y., in 1798. He studied medicine with J. Dorr, Sr., 
and practiced successfully in Salem, Hebron, and Argyle. 
He was a man of eccentric character, but of acknowledged 
skill and success in the profession. He died at Argyle, 
May 29, 1828. 

David Long, M.D., a gentleman of Irish descent, was 
born in Upton, Mass., and studied medicine with his 
brother. Dr. John Long. He came to Hebron about 1785, 
where he continued in practice until 1810. He then re- 
moved to Pembroke, Genesee Co., N. Y., where he died 
about 1810. He was an active, resolute, successful, and 
Christian physician. 

Ebenezer Ingersoll, M.D., was born in Shaftsbury, 
Vt., Feb. 11, 1788, was a graduate of Middlebury College, 
studied medicine with Dr. Pitch, of Salem, and .succeeded 
Dr. Long in Hebron. He was a man of strong mental 
powers, and had an extensive practice, which wore him out 
prematurely. He had many students, and several partners. 

Dr. Ingensoll died May 2, 1825, having for many years 
previously been a member of the Presbyterian church. 

Ephraim Allen, M.D., was born at Sturbridge, in 
1766, and was a graduate of Yale College. He joined his 
brother. Dr. Abram Allen, at Salem, in 1797, and died in 
1815. 

Isaac W. Clary, M.D , the first physician in the town 
of Hartford, was born in Massachusetts, about 1760. He 
settled in Washington county in 1780, and, as it was said, 
" had an extensive horse- and mule-back ride." He was an 
exemplary Christian and a useful physician. He died in 
1823. 

Richard Sill, Sr., was born in Granville, N. Y., in 
1790 ; was a student with Dr. Clary about 1808 ; attended 
medical lectures at Columbia College in 1809, and sub.se- 
quently received an honorary medical diploma from Castle- 
ton College. He succeeded Dr. Clary in practice, and con- 
tinued actively engaged in his profession fully fifty years. 

Dr. Sill was no common man ; of fine, commanding 
presence, possessing a strong and active mind, he held broad 
and comprehensive views of practice. He was a member 
of the Legislature in 1829. He was an earnest Christian, 
of the Congregationalist denomination. He died in July, 
1874, much lamented both by the profession and the laity. 

Ira Bascom, M.D., was a native of Newport, N. H., 
and was born in 1783. He graduated at Middlebury Col- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



103 



lege in the class of 1807, and took high rank as a scholar. 
He studied medicine at Orwell, Vt., where he first practiced. 
He then removed to Granville, N. Y. He was established 
as a physician, at Whitehall, from 1809 to 1814. He died 
at Orwell, Dec. 6, 1820. 

Dr. Bascom was scholarly and gentle in his manners, and 
gained the esteem and confidence of the communities where 
he resided. 

Dan S. Wright, M.D., was born in Shoreham, Vt., 
March 5, 1802. He studied medicine with Dr. Jotham 
Allen, of Middlebury, Vt., and graduated at Castleton in 
the class of 1825. He commenced practice at Westport, 
N. Y^., but removed to Whitehall in 1832, where he con- 
tinued until his death, on the 31st of January, 1867. 

Dr. Wright wa.s a man above medium height, and of 
almost perfect physical organization. He had also marked 
intellectual power ; he observed and reasoned closely ; had 
great decision of character, and unliesitatingly carried his 
conclusions into practice. He was a member of the Assem- 
bly in 1842, and of the State Senate in 1852 and '53. 
. Dr. Wright never shrunk fiom a discharge of any of the 
numerous duties which devolved upon him as a citizen or 
physician. His health was permanently injured while 
attending patients during the prevalence of cholera and ship 
fever. 

NeL!30N Porter, M.D., was born at Fort Ann in 1793. 
He studied medicine with the eminent surgeon, Dr. Valen- 
tine Mott, with whom he remained five years, enjoying the 
hospital privileges afforded by the city of New York. In 
1817 he returned to Fort Ann, established himself in prac- 
tice, and rapidly gained a high reputation as a surgeon. In 
1837 he removed to Whitehall, where he continued until 
his death, in 1852. 

Dr. Porter was an excellent physician, and his reputation 
as a surgeon has never been surpassed in the county. 
During the last eight years of his life, his healtli was such 
that he could only respond to the frequent calls made upon 
him as a consultant. He was a man of splendid presence, 
standing sis feet and three inches high, and weighing in 
his prime three hundred and fifty pounds. He was genial 
and social, had many attached friends, and was universally 
respected and mourned. 

Such, very imperfectly sketched, were some of the ancient 
members of the medical profession of the county of Wash- 
ington ; well may any profession or county be proud 
of such men, and well may the younger members of 
the medical profession emulate such illustrious examples. 
Nothing is hazarded in affirming that few counties in the 
State, if any, can produce a fairer record of professional 
ability or moral worth than does the county of Washington. 
The full record of the society gives a moral and Christian 
history that proudly refutes the oft-repeated slander upon 
the medical profession, — that it fosters infidelity. 

No space is left for the narration of personal incidents, 
nor for an elaborate statement of the principles of practice 
pursued in the early days. On the latter subject, however, 
we quote a few illustrative remarks from the letter of an 
aged, retired physician : " An apprenticeship with a phy- 
sician in those days included a large amount of toil in the 
preparation of pills, plasters, tinctures, ointments, etc. 



The student gradually worked his way into the extraction 
of teeth, bleeding, and minor surgery. I hesitate not to 
affirm, that during the last two years of my pupilage, I 
drew fully a barrel of the vital fluid ! We usually allowed 
it to flow until the patieut said enough, or thought he had 
gotten his money's worth, which was one .shilling cash, or 
two shillings to book it !" 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

AGHICULTUEAL SOCIETIES. 

Organization of First Society — Protection from IIorso-Thicves — First 
Oflicers — A Series of Meetings — The First " Farmers' Holiday" — 
Succeeding Ones— Fair of 182»— Prize for Ladies' Dresses— F.Tir for 
1826— The Plowing Match— Dissolution of the Society- The Pres- 
ent Society — Its Organization — Its First Officers — Its First Fair 
—Fair of 1843— Extension to Two Days— Showing a Subsoil Plow 
— Fairs held in a Tent — Location of Successive Ones — Great Yield 
of Potatoes — Premiums for Silk — Woolen Manufactures — Exten- 
sion to Three Days— The Rebellion- No Fair for Two Years— A 
Permanent Arrangement — Nine Fairs at Salem — Incorj)orntion in 
I860— First Officers After Incorporation— Premiums for Trotting 
Horses — Horace Greeley delivers the Address — Transferred to a 
Point between Sandy Hill and Fort Edward— List of Presidents 
— Present Officers — The Stock-Breeders' Association — Its Objects 
and Organization — The Mettawee Valley Society — The Northern 
New Y'ork Poultry Association — Its Object and Officers. 

THE FIRST AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTO.\ 
COUNTY. 

On the 2d day of December, 1818, four months before 
the passage of any law providing for the establishment of 
county agricultural societies, many of the most prominent 
and enterprising citizens of Washington county met, pur- 
suant to call, at the court-house at Sandy Hill, to consider 
how the interests of agriculture in that county could best 
be promoted. Hon. Asa Fitch, of Salem, father of the em- 
inent gentleman now bearing that name, was the chairman 
of the meeting, and Isaac Bishop, of Granville, was the 
secretary. After due discussion, it was resolved to organ- 
ize a county agricultural society, and Garret AVendell, Zeb- 
ulon R. Shipherd, David Russell, Asa Fitch, Isaac Bishop, 
and Roswell Weston were appointed a committee to pre- 
pare a constitution and by-laws. Hon. Z. R. Shipherd was 
requested to deliver an address at the organization. At an 
adjourned meeting, held at the same place the ensuing Fri- 
day, the committee was directed to report a plan to protect 
the members of the proposed organization from liorse- 
thieves. Of this scheme, however, we find no further 
mention, and it was doubtless found impracticable. 

A further adjournment to the 11th of February, 1819, 
took place, when the meeting was held at the house of 
Joseph Rouse, in the village of Argyle. Wide notice was 
"iven. and a large assemblage of farmers and others gathered 
on the appointed day from various parts of the county. 
An able address was delivered by Mr. Shipherd, his hearers 
responded with every indication of enthusiasm and liber- 
ality, a resolution for the immediate organization of the 
society was promptly carried, a constitution was adopted, 
and more than forty gentlemen put down their names as 
members. 



104 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Hon. Asa Fitch was elected the first president ; Z. R. 
Shipherd, vice-president ; Roswell Weston, corresponding 
secretary ; Thomas N. Clark, treasurer ; Henry C. Martin- 
dale, auditor; and John C. Parker, clerk. Andrew 
Proudfit, M.D., John Reid, David Russell, John Kirkland, 
and Elijah White were appointed a viewing committee. 
The following gentlemen were selected to receive the signa- 
tures of those desiring to become members in their respec- 
tive towns: Jonathan Dorr, of White Creek; David 
McKillip, of Jackson ; Gerritt Wendell, of Cambridge ; 
David Austin, of Hartford ; Daniel JIcDonald, of Hebron ; 
Calvin Smith, of i]aston ; Moses Cowan, of Greenwich ; 
David Russell, of Salem ; Daniel Shipherd, of Argyle ; 
Collins Hitchcock, of Kingsbury ; William A. Moore, of 
Fort Ann ; Timothy Stoughton, of Fort Edward ; Melanc- 
thon Wheeler, of Whitehall ; James Burnett, of Putnam ; 
and Samuel Beaman, of Hampton. Such was the beginning 
of the first Washington county agricultural society. 

In the latter part of September, 1819, the society made 
a special effort to " wake up" the people on the subject of 
agricultural improvement, and a series of meetings were 
held throughout the county, at which addresses on this 
topic were delivered by various members of the society. 
These were held at Taylor's Inn, in Greenwich, at Free- 
man's, in Salem, at Root's, in Hebron, at Reid's, in Gran- 
ville, at Wiswall's, in Whitehall, at Bordwell's, in Kings- 
bury, and Ransom's, in Argyle. No county meeting was 
held that year. 

The first general assemblages were called by the very 
appropriate name of " Farmers' Holiday." They occupied 
but a single day each, and the object .seemed to be full as 
much to have a friendly gathering, and an interchange of 
views,.as to enter into competition over the products of the 
farm. The premium-li.st was necessarily small. 

The first farmers' holiday of which there is any positive 
record was held at the hotel of Major Andrew Freeman, at 
Salem, on the second Tuesday of October, 1822. Officers 
were on hand at eight o'clock, and entries for premiums 
were received till ten. A plowing match came off at 
twelve o'clock sharp, both with oxen and horses, the plow- 
men appearing in white frocks, with spears of wheat in 
their hats. There was an address delivered in a church, 
for the society had neither building nor tent. 

Several successive fairs or farmers' holidays were held 
during the ensuing years, in various parts of the county, 
but their records were not generally preserved ; nor if they 
had been, would they show any very extensive efforts, 
though their antiquity would make them interesting. 

The fair for 1825 was held at Taylor's inn at Union Vil- 
lage (now Greenwich), and, like the others of that period, 
occupied but one day. The badge of membership was a 
spear of wheat and a ribbon. There were only a few prizes 
for tillage, animals, domestic manufactures, and agricultural 
implements, the whole numbering scarcely a hundred. 
Among them was one of five dollars " to the female who 
shall appear in full dress, as far as practicable, of her own 
domestic manufacture." The officers for that year were 
as follows : President, Major John Reid ; Vice-President, 
Alexander Livingston ; Corresponding Secretary, John 
Crary ; Recording Secretary, Gerrett Wendell ; Treasurer, 



Colonel Thomas N. Clark ; Auditor, William K. Adams ; 
Viewing Committee, Aaron Cleveland, Asa Fitch, Robert 
Wilcox (2d), Elijah White, and David Whipple. The 
address was by Joseph Boies, Esq. 

The " fiirmers' holiday" for 1826 was held at the house 
of Joseph Rouse, in Argyle. The president for this year 
was John M. Reid ; the corresponding secretary, John 
Crary. Jesse S. Billings delivered the address. The 
first premium on plowing was awarded to the one who 
could plow an eighth of an acre in the best manner, turn- 
ing a furrow four to five inches wide and nine to eleven 
inches deep, and performing the work in not less than forty- 
five minutes with horses, or sixty minutes with oxen. This 
would not now be considered very fast time. The total 
amount of premiums offered was two hundred and eighty- 
three dollars, less than one-sixth of the amount usually 
disbursed at the present time. 

The State board of agriculture ceased to exist by the 
limitation of the law creating it in 1820, and shortly after- 
wards the Washington county society went down under 
the apathy of the public, as did those of nearly every other 
county in the State. The State Agricultural Society was 
formed in 1832, but it received no aid from the State and 
had little influence in the counties. 

THE PRESENT WASHINGTON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL 
SOCIETY. 

In May, 1841, the Legislature passed an act appropri- 
ating eight thousand dollars annually for the encourage- 
ment of agriculture, seven hundred of which went to the 
State society, and the rest was to be apportioned among 
county societies, in the ratio of the Assembly representa- 
tion from their respective counties. On the 4th day of Au- 
gu.st following, a meeting was held at Argyle, pursuant to 
a call issued by Hon. Edward Dodd, then county clerk. 
Hon. John Crary was chairman, and Asa Fitch, Jr., M.D., 
was secretary. After full discussion, a county society was 
duly organized under the law just alluded to, and a consti- 
tution was adopted, to which those present subscribed their 
names. The following officers were then elected : Presi- 
dent, Henry Holmes, of Greenwich ; Vice-Presidents, John 
Crary, of Salem ; Thomas C. Whiteside, of Cambridge ; 
James Fall, of Fort Anne; and Harvey Brown, of Hart- 
ford ; Corresponding Secretary, John McDonald, of Salem ; 
Treasurer, Ransom Stiles, of Argj'le. 

The first fair of the new society was held at Greenwich, 
Oct. 12, 1841. Notwithstanding the brief time which 
there was for preparation, and for awakening the people, 
the secretary reported that " the display on this occasion 
was in the highest degree creditable and the attendance 
unexpectedly largo." The address was by John McDon- 
ald, Esq., of Salem. As was the case with the previous 
fairs before mentioned, all the business was transacted in 
one day. 

The next fair was held at Salem, when there was a very 
large attendance, and the secretary noted especially the in- 
terest with which the ladies participated in the doings of 
the day. 

In 1843 the fair was held at Argyle, and by this time 
the iutere.st had so increased that the managers devoted 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



105 



two days to the exhibition. The people were so well 
suited with this movement that the time has never been 
reduced. There was an address each day ; the first by 
Ij B. Armstrong, of Kingsbury, and the secoiul by Isaac 
Thompson, of Granville. 

At the next fair, held at Greenwich, a subsoil plow, ex- 
hibited and operated by Mr. McDonald, was the object of 
most especial interest, being an entirely new instrument to 
the greater part of the assemblage. 

From this time till the outbreak of the Rebellion the 
annual fail's were held in various villages of the county. 
A large tent had been procured, and this constituted the 
only shelter from rain or sun during all this period. The 
locations for the successive years were as follows : Salem, 
1845 ; Cambridge, 1846 ; Greenwich, 1847 ; Argyle, 1848 ; 
Whitehall, 184'J ; Argyle, 1850; South Hartford, 1851; 
Greenwich, 1852; Granville, 1853; North White Creek, 
1854; Cambridge, 1855; Greenwich, 1856; Hartford, 
1857; Salem, 1858; Fort Ami, 1859; Cambridge, 1860. 

During this period there was usually a steady increase 
in the prosperity of the society, though there were occa- 
sional complaints of apathy. At the fair of 1848 Daniel 
McDonald produced proof of having raised three hundred 
and ninety-seven and a half bushels of potatoes on an acre 
of ground, the largest yield ever known in the county. 
INIost of them were sold at thirty-two cents per bushel, 
making the gross receipts a hundred and twenty-seven dol- 
lars and twenty cents. The cost of raising them was four- 
teen dollars and sixty-two cents, but that of marketing 
them is not known. The same year James Martin raised 
three hundred and seventy bushels on an acre, and, owing 
to the higher price he received, cleared even more money 
from the same area than Mr. McDonald. The premiums 
this year aggregated only two hundred and sixty dollars 
and twenty-five cents. 

In 1850 the committee on domestic manufactures awarded 
three premiums to Mrs. Elizabeth Gray, of Salem, one for 
a parcel of cocoons, one for a quarter of a pound of reeled 
silk, and one for fifty skeins of sewing-silk. The commit- 
tee gave considerable attention to the subject of silk culture 
in their report, claiming that the soil and climate of Wash- 
ington county were well adapted to this branch of industry. 

In 1852 it was voted to erect buildings and make a per- 
manent location in Argyle, but the vote was rescinded, and 
the society continued its peregrinations for .several years 
more. 

At this time there were twelve woolen manufactories in 
the county, all but one of which were creditably represented 
at the fair. 

The novel feature of the fair at Cambridge in 1855 was 
the ladies' equestrianship, then just coming in fashion at 
such exhibitions. Five prizes were distributed to the pro- 
ficients in this charming art. But the display was consid- 
ered too enchanting, causing the cattle and potatoes to be 
entirely overlooked, and after 1856 no prizes wore ofiered 
for ladies' equestrianship. 

Thus, with varying fortunes, the society continued until 

1860, considerable apathy being manifested during the last 

few years. In the last-named year, however, the time of 

holding the fair was for the first time extended over a period 

14 



of three days. In 1861 the excitement of the war, and 
the fact that so many of the younger farmers had shoul- 
dered their rifles in defence of their country, caused the 
omission of the annual fair for the first time since the foun- 
dation of the society. In 1862 it was again postponed. 

Meanwhile the subject of a permanent location was se- 
riously discussed, and in 1 803 the proper committee made 
a contract with James Gikson, Jam&s McNaugbton, and 
Howe & McNaugbton, on behalf of the people of Salem, by 
which the latter agreed to furnish the ground and erect 
the necessary buildings for the society, on condition that 
the fairs should be held for ten years at that place, counting 
1862. This agreement was duly carried out, the buildings 
were erected at a cost of about two thousand dollars, and 
the first fair under the new system was held at Salem on 
the 9th, 10th, and 11th of September, 1863. Though the 
display of articles was not large yet the attendance was 
such that the receipts amounted to about a thousand dol- 
lars, being a larger sum than had resulted from any pre- 
vious exhibition. 

For the next eight years the fairs were regularly hold at 
Salem, and the wisdom of providing buildings and a per- 
manent location was shown by the great increase in the 
display, the attendance, and the receipts. 

On the 25th of March, 1865, the society was duly in- 
corporated under the law of 1855, by the name of "The 
Washington County Agricultural Society," to which all 
of the property was transferred by a resolution of the un- 
incorporated society. The corporators named in the cer- 
tificate were Bernard Blair, Samuel W. Crosby, John W. 
Eddy, James Gibson, John A. McFarland, S. S. Crandell, 
Hugh R. Cowan, Thomas Stevenson, James McNaugbton, 
John Howe, John II. McFarland, Ebenezer Beattie, Asa 
Fitch, William A. Russell, and William M. Holmes. 

It was provided that the property and business of the 
society should be controlled by a boai'd of managers, con- 
sisting of the president, first vice-president, secretary, 
treasurer, and six directors. The first officers of the society, 
after its incorporation, were as follows : President, Ralph 
Richards, of Hampton ; Vice-Presidents, Bernard Blair, 
of Salem ; Berry Long, of Cambridge ; B. J. Lawrence, 
of Fort Ann; E. Hopkins, Jr., of Granville; Alexander 
Barkley, of Argyle ; E. McMurray, of Salem ; Recording 
Secretary, S. S. Crandall, of Salem ; Assistant Secretary, 
J. A. McFarland, of Salem ; Corresponding Secretary, 
Milo Ingalsbee, of Hartford ; Treasurer, William M. Holmes, 
of Greenwich. The same year the buildings of the society 
were considerably enlarged. 

In 1867 the exhibition was for the first time kept open 
four days. For the first time, too, premiums were offered 
for the fastest trotting horses. Horace Greeley delivered 
the address. At the fair of 1870, the number of entries 
was nearly three thousand, while the total receipts were 
over three thousand dollars. 

The advantage of having good buildings was now ad- 
mitted by all, and, when the term for which the fair had 
been located at Salem expired, the board of managere lo- 
cated it for the next ten years at a point between the vil- 
lages of Sandy Hill and Fort Edward ; the consideration 
being that the inhabitants of tho.se villages and the vicinity 



106 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



should furnish and fit up a lot of twenty-five acres, and 
pay a bonus of two thousand five hundred dollars to the 
society. The first fliir on the new grounds was held in 
September, 1872, and since then the annual exhibitions 
have been regularly held there up to the present time, with 
Constantly increasing prosperity. 

LIST or PRESIDENTS. 

Henry Holmes, Greenwich, 1841 ; John Savage, Salem, 
1842 ; Edward Long, Cambridge, 1843 ; David Sill, Hart- 
ford, 1844 ; John McDonald, Salem, 1843 ; Ahira Eldridge, 
White Creek, 1840; General Orviile Clark, Sandy Hill, 
1847; Asa Fitch, Salem, 1848; John H. Boyd, White- 
hall, 1849 ; James Farr, Fort Ann, 1850 ; Harvey Brown, 
Hartford, 1851; John M. Steven.son, Cambridge, 1852; 
Milo Ingalsbee, Hartford, 185:^; Leroy Mowry, Greenwich, 
1854; Peter Hill, Jackson, 1855; James Savage, Argyle, 
1856; Henry W. Beckwith, Granville, 1857; James S. 
McDonald, Salem, 1858 ; Hosea B. Farr, Fort Ann, 1859 ; 
Truman A. Fuller, White Creek, 18G0 ; Otis Dillingham, 
Granville, 1861 ; William M. Holme.s, Greenwich, 1862- 
63 ; Rev. E. H. Newton, Cambridge, 1864 ; Ralph Rich- 
ards, Hampton, 1865; George N. Bates, Granville, 1866; 
S. W. Crosby, Cambridge, 1867 ; J. M. Williams, Salem 
(resigned and I. V. Baker, Jr., elected), 1868; I. V. 
Baker, Jr., Fort Ann, 1869; Berry Long, Cambridge, 
1870-71 ; Deliverance Rogers, Granville, 1872 ; Milo 
Ingalsbee, Hartford, 1873 ; Edwin B. Nash, Fort Edward, 
1874; Edward S. Coy, Hebron, 1875; Zenas P. Buggies, 
Fort Edward, 1876 ; Leonard W. Cronkhite, Sandy Hill, 
1877. 

The following are the present ofiicers : John M. Barnett, 
Fort Ann, president ; Alexander Barkley, Argyle, first 
vice-president ; E. H. Crocker, Sandy Hill, recording sec- 
retary ; F. B. Davis, Fort Edward, corresponding secretary ; 
Asahel R. Wing, Fort Edward, treasurer ; Samuel W. Cros- 
by, Cambridge, William M. Holmes, Greenwich, Milo In- 
galsbee, Hartford, and Granville M. Ingalsbee, Sandy Hill, 
counsellors; John R. Willett, Hebron, M. T. C. Day, 
Granville, George Shannon, Argyle, John Hall, Fort Ann, 
James Lytle, Hartford, and Lewis Potter, Easton, direc- 
tors. The board of managers is composed of the fore- 
going officers and the five last ex-presidents, viz., Edwin 
B. Nash, Fort Edward', Edward L. Coy, Hebron ; Milo 
Ingalsbee, Hartford; Z. P. Ruggles, Fort Edward, and L. 
W. Cronkhite, Sandy Hill. 

stock-breeders' association of WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

This society was organized on the 20tli day of February, 
1816. Its object was and is to preserve records of pedi- 
gree, sales of stock, etc., and to increase the interest in the 
culture and breeding of fine stock of all kinds, by the means 
of lectures, speeches, discussions, etc., at the various meet- 
ings of the association. Annual meetings are held in Feb- 
ruary each year, and regular meetings are also held quarterly 
and monthly. The officers are a president, vice-president, 
two secretaries, treasurer, sis directors, and an executive 
committee of seventeen — one from each town in the county. 
During its brief existence the association has met with 



marked success, and bids fair to exert a decided and benefi- 
cial influence in aid of the objects it is designed to promote. 

THE METTAWEE TALLEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY 

is a flourishing local institution, which is described in the 
town-history of Granville. 

THE NORTHERN NEW YORK POULTRY ASSOCIATION. 

On the 26th of February, 1878, the admirers of " high 
class poultry,'" mostly in the northern towns of Washing- 
ton county and adjacent parts of Warren county, organized 
the foregoing association, locating its headquarters at Sandy 
Hill. Its object is the improvement of such poultry, the 
advancement of the interests of poultry-breeders, and the 
giving of an annual show, with premiums large enough to 
induce breeders, far and near, to enter their " birds" for 
competition. Its career is still in the future, but those who 
have taken hold of the enterprise have little doubt that it 
will be a complete success. The following officers have 
been chosen for the ensuing year : J. H. Derby, Sandy 
Hill, president ; Leonard Fletcher, Cambridge, David H. 
Rice, Fort Ann, C. M. Ilolley, Glen's Falls, G. W. Little, 
Fort Edward, Hon. Ralph Richards, Hampton, C. K. 
Baker, North Granville, George D. Belden, Poultney, Yt., 
and F. P. Aiken, Greenbush, Rensselaer Co., vice-presi- 
dents ; Charles Witpen, Sandy Hill, secretary; George K. 
Hawlcy, Glen's Falls, recording secretary ; James H. 
Cheeseman, Fort Edward, treasurer ; General T. J. Strong, 
W. B. Clark, William Thomas, Charles Piersons, and Edgar 
Hull, executive committee. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

THE PKESS OF 'WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
JOURN.'VLISM IN SALEM.* 

The first newspaper in Washington county was pub- 
lished in the town of Salem, and there is now before the 
writer one of the first issues. It is lettered and numbered 
" Vol. 1, No. 1," and the following is a copy, in small type, 
of its heading, with its motto, location, etc. : 

" The Times on National Coukier." 
'* May Tve never seek applause from party principles, but always de- 
sire it from public spirit." 
" Salem (State of New York). Printed by George Gerrish. 
'* Three doors south of the Court House. 
"Price, Simjle, id. Per Amnim, 12». 

"Wednesday, 18 June, 1791." 

On the inside of the paper is an address to the people, 
written, as is presumed from certain peculiarities of style 
and quotations, and its motto, by St. John Honeywood, 
at the time a practicing lawyer, residing at Salem. The 
article is in part as follows : 

" For the Coukiek. 
" The citizen's address to his countrymen on the opening of the 
first printing-press in the County of Washington. 
" Qiiis iioiiis luc Itospes? Virg. 

"Salem, IS June, 1794. 
** It is with great satisfaction, I congratulate you, my worthy fel- 
low-citizens, on the establishment of a printing-press in this place. 



■ Contributed by Hon. Jumes Gibson. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



107 



It affords a pleasiag proof of our advancement in population, wealth, 
and respectability, and if it be judiciously conducted and suitably 
encouraged, it cannot fail of promoting very valuiiblc purposes. 
. . . . An industrious citizen, whose objcot is to procure an 
honest subsistence for himself and to deserve well of the public, has 
settled among us ; let us encourage him in his laudable undertaking. 
Let us cherish in his breast that spirit of independence which be- 
comes a man whose business it is to transmit the sentiments of 

freemen We wish to see him, as our printer, rise 

superior to all local and partial considerations, and pursue, as the 
object of his labors, the instruction and happiness of mankind." 

The Times or Courier was probably not su.staincd, for in 
tlie month of January, 1795, but little over seven months 
from his first, Mr. Gerrish issued his hist paper. 

Thus ended the first effort to establish a newspaper in 
tlie county. 

The necessity, however, for the newspaper still existed, 
and the people, having once tasted -the fruits and pleasures 
of reading it, could not long forego that enjoyment. There 
was probably no person living in this village at that time 
who had a stronger appreciation of this public craving, and 
liow to supply it, than St. John Honeywood, who as editor, 
and jointly with William W. Wands as publisher, made 
the second effort to establish a paper here. 

Mr. Honeywood was a finished artist, a gifted poet, and 
a highly-educated scholar. His associate, Mr. Wands, had 
previously, for a time, been the publisher of the American 
Spy, a newspaper printed at Lansingburg. Their first 
paper is now before the writer, and is headed : 

"WASHINGTON PATROL. 
" Salem (Washington County), Wednesday, May 27, ITOfi." 

The mottoes adopted were beautifully appropriate for a 
journal, and are : 

" Nullui9 addictu^ jurare in verba inar/Utri." 
" Impartial and uninfluenced." 

At the head of the paper, and between the words " Wash- 
ington" and " Patrol" is an engraved plate, representing a 
sentinel marching on duty, fully armed and accoutred, and 
carrying his musket, with bayonet attached, at shoulder, 
while from his mouth apparently issue the words : 

"All is well .'" 

In a marginal border to the plate, on the upper side, is 
engraved this sentence : 

'* La unit est paxsce" 

and on the lower side the following one : 

" Watch for the Republic!" 

The introductory address, written by St. John Honey- 
wood, is so beautiful and appropriate, and so faithfully 
presents the duties and properties of journalism, that we 
cannot forbear giving it in full. 

'* INTRODUCTORY ADDRKSS. 

" Too long have vile abuse and party rage, 
Employ'd the Press, and soiled the weekly page, — 
While Truth herself, by partial hands portrayM, 
Half met the light, and half was sunk in shade; 
And was the Press, fair Freedom's gift, designed 
To serve each baser purpose of mankind ? 
To flatter pride, to point the darts of spite. 
To blast the good, and screen the bad from light ? 
Forbid it Heaven ! — A nobler aim be curs 
To mend the heart, to aid the mental powers, 



To show thp world, on one extcnsivo plan, 
All that is good and great and dear to man ; 
The .statesman's plans and counsels to display — 
To point where Glory shapes the Hero's way. 
And while new wonders burst from every clime, 
To mark the unfoldings of eventful Time: 
Thus while our Youth, with sparkling eyes, shall read 
How Patriots conquer, or more nobly bleed. 
Their generous souls may catch the sacred flame, 
And join their country's love to that of fame. 
Co-]tatriots dear ! of every sex and age. 
Whom chance may lead to view this humble page. 
Protect our press— espouse a stranger's part. 
And deign to foster Learning's favorite art; 
With candor read, nor too severely blame — 
Is all we ask, who dare not hope for fame." 
In the editorial summary on public affairs allusion is 
made to the Times or Courier, as previously publLshed in 
Salem, and it is stated that it " was discontinued in Janu- 
ary previous, since which time, although the Albany and 
Lansingburg papers have circulated considerably among 
us, our fellow-citizens have not been in a situation to inform 
themselves of the important events which have engrcssed 
the attention of the world." 

Precisely how long the Patrol was published the writer 
has not been able to ascertain, but it ceased to exist in or 
during the year of its being established, or the succeeding 
year, and thus ended the second effort to publish a local 
newspaper. 

The third effort was made by Henry Dodd, and those 
who recollect his character for pluck and resolution will not 
wonder that the effort was successful. One of his first 
numbers is now before the writer, and contains at its head 
the engraving already described as used in the title to the 
Patrol. The issue is lettered and numbered Vol. 1, No. 1, 
and is dated Monday, Jan. 1, 1798, and its title is North- 
ern Centinel. 

The place of publication, at first, was " in the house for- 
merly occupied by Alexander J. Turner, Esq., opposite 
Mrs. Yale's tavern." 

In his salutatory, addressed " To the Public," Mr. Dodd 
says, " The editor of the Northern Centinel this day re- 
sumes the task which has heretofore been tried by two of 
the profession without success." 

By the exercise of virtues which Mr. Dodd possessed 
in a very marked degree, — those of strict economy, persever- 
in" industry, and untiring care, — he .succeeded where others, 
as we have seen, totally failed. From Jan. 1, 1798, to 
the present day, Salem has never boon without a public 
newspaper printed and published within its borders, except 
for a short time after the Post was taken to White Creek, 
and before the Press was established here in 1850. 

The Centinel became a permanent institution, and was 
continued by Mr. Dodd, in regular weekly numbers, till 
May, 1803, when its publication cea.sed, but it was immedi- 
ately succeeded by the Northern Post, published by the 
firm of Dodd & Rumsey, composed of Henry Dodd and 
David Rumsey, by whom its publication was continued till 
June 6, 1814, when James Stevenson, Jr., was taken into 
the firm, the publishers thereafter being Dodd, Rumsey 
& Stevenson. This continued till December 21 of the 
same year, when the new firm was dissolved by the re- 
tirement of ."Mr. Rum,scy, and Dodd & Stevenson then 



108 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



continued its publication. They subsequently changed the 
name of the paper from the Norlhern Post to the Wash- 
ington County Fust. Prior to November 21, 1831, Ed- 
ward and Henry W. Dodd, both sons of the senior member 
of the firm of Dodd & Stevenson, purchased the print- 
ing apparatus connected with the Post, and continued its 
issue till the death of Henry W. Dodd, which occurred 
on Nov. 6, 183-1, after which it was published by Ed- 
ward Dodd alone for the remainder of the year. But 
he having been elected county clerk in the same fall, his 
intended removal to the clerk's office of the county of 
Washington, then located by law " within one-half mile of 
the house of Peleg Bragg, in the town of Argyle," made a 
change necessary. Negotiations had taken place between 
him and William A. Welles, who was then publishing the 
North l^tar at Whitehall, by which that brilliant luminary 
was absorbed in or consolidated with the Washington 
Connty Post, and on the 7lh of January, 1835, the new 
journal was issued at Salem as the County Post and North 
Star. Thus the Post, which for over thirty years had 
been more or less under the management of the Messrs. 
Dodd, father and sons, passed permanently into other hands, 
and the change was a great one. The Post, as published 
by Edward and Henry W. Dodd, had been conducted with 
exceeding ability, and had shown more of the characteristics 
of the live newspaper than was exhibited by all the other 
journals then published in the county combined. 

The County Post and North Star was published by Mr. 
Wells till May, 1837, when the establishment was pur- 
chased by Thomas G. Wait, who, on the 17th of May, 
1837, issued his first number, resuming the previous name 
of the Washington County Post. He continued the pub- 
lication till November, 1838, when it was purchased by 
James Gibson ; being edited and published by him for 
over two years, and through the presidential canvass of 
1840, known as the " Coon, log cabin, and hard-cider cam- 
paign," when General Harrison was elected over Martin 
Van Buren. 

The establishment was then purchased by William B. 
Harkness, who issued his first paper the first week in 
January, 1841, and continued the publication till the 
last issue in December, 1845. Then, a sale having been 
made by him to F. B. Graham, (he latter, with the first 
week in January, 1846, came before the public as editor 
and proprietor, and continued the publication (for a short 
time alone, and a portion of the time associated with Clark 
V. B. Martin) till 1848, when he became embarrassed, and 
was unable longer to i.ssue the paper, and the Washington 
County Post drew its last breath. The creditois of Mr. 
Graham afterwards sold the press and type to Robert G. 
Young, and in the spring of 1849 he commenced the pub- 
lication of a paper at North White Creek, which he named 
the Washington Connty Post. 

We return to the time when the Post was first published, 
which, as we have seen, was in May, 1803. 

This journal was strongly Federal in its politics, and the 
Democrats of Washington county determined that an anti- 
dote should be issued for this Federal poison. After an 
extremely energetic efl'ort, made by the Hon. Edward 
Savage and his son, John Savage, subsequently comptroller 



and chief-justiee, Hon. Nathan Wilson, and other active 
and leading Democrats, they succeeded in establishing at 
Salem a journal to advocate the principles of that party. 

The Washington Register, as it was named, was first 
issued in October, 1803, by John M. Looker as editor and 
publisher. This journal was also a success, and continued 
to be regularly issued under that name, teaching Demo- 
cratic principles for over twenty-five years. 

These two journals, the Post and Register, for about 
twenty years had no competitors in the county excepting 
an ephemeral journal issued at Cambridge, under the title 
of the Gazette, which had scarcely appeared before the 
public eye ere it ceased to exist. 

They were both conducted with more than ordinary 
ability, and as po/(V('ca? journals, though sometimes exceed- 
ingly bitter, coarse, and harsh toward each other, or distin- 
guished partisans on the other side, yet their influence was 
very great. 

But as neicspapers they would not compare favorably 
with those of the present day. 

The Register was edited and published by Mr. Looker 
till about the year 1805, when it was purchased by John 
P. Reynolds, who, in November, 180G, was appoir)ted one 
of the State printers, which office he continued to hold till 
May 4, 1809, when by law the number was reduced to one, 
and the office located at Albany. 

The Register, while conducted by Mr. Reynolds, was one 
of the best Democratic papers in the State, outside of the 
cities. He tran.sferred it to Timothy Hoskin in December, 
1815, and the first issue in January, 181G, was by Mr. H. 
as editor and publisher. The latter continued it till the 
24th of December, 1818, when he transferred it to James 
B. Gibson, Esq. The next week Mr. Hoskin retired, and 
the succeeding issue, in the first week of January, 1819, 
was by Mr. Gibson, as editor and proprietor. 

In January, 1820, Mr. Gibson materially enlarged the 
Register, and the following notice of this event is extracted 
from the Albany Argus of Feb. 3, 1820 : 



"It is with much pleasure we observe the enlargement of the 
Waahiu(/t(ni lieffititer. This is one of the tirst papers in tlic State of 
New York, and is conducted with a spirit and ability that does the 
highest honor to the head and the heart of Mr. Gibson, the editor." 

In 1822, Mr. Gibson was succeeded by Mr. Beriah Stiles, 
as editor and publisher, who continued the publication till 
the establishment was purchased by the firm of Reynolds 
& Warren, consisting of Linus J. Reynolds and Ansel 
Warren ; the first issue of the Register by them being on 
July 21, 1825. On the 27th of March, 1826, the interest 
of Mr. Warren was purchased by Mr. Reynolds, and the 
paper was subsequently under his sole charge, while he 
remained a resident of Salem. 

The Register, while edited by Mr. Reynolds, was con- 
ducted with more than ordinary ability, and with a courtesy 
and a refinement of manner that have never been excelled 
by any of the editors of this town. 

In the spring of 1827 he removed to Poultney, Vt., where 
for several years he published the Spectator, and it was in 
his office at that place that Horace Greeley learned the 
mechanical part of that profession in which he afterwards 
won such hiu-li distinction. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



109 



The publication of the Register at Salem, after Mr. Rey- 
nolds left, was continued by Mr. Patterson, with Alex. Rob- 
ertson as editor, and its management continued under him 
till, in 1830, the paper ceased to be published. The press 
and types with which it had been printed were removed to 
Union village (now Greenwich), and used by L. Dewey in 
the publication of the Anti-Masonic Champion. 

The Washiiifftoiiian was commenced at Salem in June, 
1842, by Messrs. Wm. B. Harkness and John W. Curtis, 
being printed in the office of the Post, and was continued 
for several months, but went out and left no mark. It was 
published semi-monthly, in quarto form (eight pages to an 
i.ssue), at the low rate of fifty cents a year. It was devoted 
mainly to the advancement of the cause of temperance. 
It was not supported even by those who believed in its doc- 
trines, and, as might have been expected, had but a short 
life, and not a merry one, we presume, to its publishers. 

On the 21.st of May, 1850, Wm. B. Harkness resumed 
the publication of a newspaper at Salem, and named it the 
Salem Press. This was the largest newspaper then or ever 
previously published in the county, and remained such till 
the War of the Rebellion compelled its j)roprietors, from 
the scarcity and high cost of the raw material, to take in 
sail and reduce its extraordinary dimensions. 

Mr. Harkne.ss continued the issuing of the Press until 
Oct. 30, 1855, when the establishment was purchased by 
Mes.srs. Daniel B. and B. ¥. Cole, its politics changed 
to the other side of the house, and it was issued as a Dem- 
ocratic organ. The Messrs. Cole published the /'yess jointly 
until the 25th of October, 1859, when Mr. B. F. Cole 
retiring, its publication was continued by Daniel B. Cole for 
nearly ten years. On the 10th of March, 1869, he trans- 
ferred the establishment to Col. Solomon W. Russell, by 
whom the Press was issued — still advocating Democratic 
principles — until the 25th of December, 1871, when it was 
transferred to Messrs. James Gibson, Jr., and Abner Rob- 
ertson, their first issue coming out with the opening of the 
year 1872, and taking ground in favor of Republican prin- 
ciples. This continued until the last week in June of the 
same year. 

At this time, Mr. Gibson having become a Liberal Re- 
publican and Mr. Robertson holding the views of the 
Republican party, the former purchased Mr. Robertson's 
interest, and conducted the Press as a Liberal Republican 
newspaper till July 16, 1875, when he sold the printing 
establishment to Henry D. Morris, formerly editor of the 
Whitehall Chronicle. It is a noteworthy fact that the 
father and grandfether of James Gibson, Jr., were both 
editors of newspapers in Salem, the former, editor of the 
Post, and the latter of the Register, as has been seen. Mr. 
Morris is still the editor and proprietor of the Press, which, 
ever since he assumed its management, has been devoted to 
the expression of Republican principles. 

On Dec. 8, 1877, Daniel B. Cole, a former editor of the 
Press, issued the initial number of the Salem Weekly Re- 
view. In politics it is Democratic, and is a wcU-conductcd 
newspaper. 

KINGSBURY. 

The Sandy Hill Herald, a Republican journal, edited 
and published by John Dwyer, Esq., on Main street, oppo- 



site the park, is the lineal successor of the Sandy Hill 
Times, the first newspaper of the village, established by 
Adonijah Emmons, in the year 1810, in the interest of the 
Federal party. In 1824 it passed into the hands of James 
Wright, under whom the name was changed to that of The 
Political Herald, and about a year later to The Sandy Hill 
Herald, Democratic ; in which advocacy it continued until 
1865, when its political complexion was changed to that of 
Republican, and continued unchanged to the present time. 

In 1841, having then a circulation of not over four hun- 
dred, it was purchased by E. D. Baker, Esq., who continued 
as its proprietor until 1865, when it was sold to William 
Hammond ; the circulation having then increased to about 
one thousand. In the same year (November) it was pur- 
chased by Brown & Dwyer, under whom it continued until 
1869, when Mr. Dwyer became sole proprietor and editor, 
as at present. The office (Main street, opposite the park), 
presses, type, machinery, stock, and furniture of the estab- 
lishment were all destroyed in the great fire of Oct. 11, 
1876, and the present office of the Herald was at once 
erected on the same site. The paper is now one of the 
leading publications of the county, and is in a very pros- 
perous condition, its circulation being considerably over two 
thousand copies weekly. 

Several other journals have been published in Sandy Hill 
from time to time, none of which are now in existence. 
Among these, the earliest was The Sun, commenced in 
1826 by Mr. Emmons, the first proprietor of The Times. 
This died a natural death after a few years. 

The Temperance Advocate, the first total abstinence 
paper in the United States, was commenced at Sandy Hill, 
by S. P. Hines, in 1832. It was most ably edited, and .soon 
secured the largest circulation of any journal in this region 
of country, — a single subscriber, Mr. Edward C. Delavan, 
taking thirteen hundred copies, paying his subscription 
quarterly in advance. After three or four years this paper 
was removed to New York city, and was there published 
under the patronage of the State Temperance Society, with 
Mr. Hines as editor. 

The Independent Politician, a journal published in the 
interest of Henry Clay, was started by C. J. Haynes & Co. 
(C. J. Haynes and S. P. Hines), in 1832. The terra of 
its existence is not known. 

The Free Press — ^anti-Masonic — was started by A. Em- 
mons in 1832, being printed in the office of the Temper- 
ance Advocate. This was also short-lived. 

CAMBRIDGE. 

The Washington County Post. — A complete history of 
this journal would describe a large part of the journalism 
of Washington county, for it claims the right to trace its 
orin-in back, through an unbroken succession, to the first 
successful newspaper in the county, and the latter was the 
legitimate heir of the goods and chattels of two unsuccess- 
ful predecessors. 

In the preceding article it is shown how the Times or 
NationiU Courier was established there in 1794; how it 
died at the age of seven months ; how it was succeeded 
(doubtless on the same press and type) by the Washington 
Patrol; how this venture also failed in the cour.so of the 



110 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



year, and how on the 1st day of January, 1798, the first 
number of the Northern Ceiitiiicl was issued at Salem by 
Henry DoJd. In 1803 the name was changed to tlje 
Northern Post, which was the origin of the appelktiun 
now in use. 

Above will also be found the various changes of name 
and ownership while the journal remained in Salem, it 
having received the appellation of Waithington County Post 
there, — a name which it luis ever since retained, except 
from January, 1835, till May, 1837, when it was termed 
the County Post and North Star. In 1848 the Post was 
being issued at Salem by F. B. Graham, when that gentle- 
man became pecuniarily embarrassed and suspended publi- 
cation. 

His creditors took possession, removed the office to 
North White Creek, now Cambridge, and sold the estab- 
lishment to Robert G. Young, who issued the first number 
in Cambridge village, March 15, 1849, under the old name, 
— The Washington County Post. Mr. Young continued 
the publication of the Post till Aug. 15, 1851, when ill 
health compelled him to relinquish charge of its columns. 
Edward Gardner then purchased the paper, and became 
sole editor and proprietor. He continued it till April 7, 
1854, when he associated R. K. Crocker with him, and on 
the 14th of July, 1854, he sold out his interest to Mr. 
Crocker. The Post remained under R. K. Crocker's editor- 
ship and management for eleven years. 

On the 17lh of November, 1865, the Post was sold to 
James S. Smart, who was its sole publisher and editor till 
March 1, 1869, when Henry Noble bought an interest and 
became joint publi-sher with Mr. Smart, — Mr. Smart still 
continuing as sole editor. The Post found its first home 
in Cambiidge, in the old Aaron Crosby store. In 1852 it 
was removed to the second floor of a new brick building 
erected by B. P. Crocker, just west of the railroad-track. 
It remained there till Oct. 29, 1875, when it was again re- 




moved, this time to a home of its own, erected by Messrs. 
Smart & Noble on what is known as the Blair lot, a few 
rods west of the railroad. A view of this building is here- 
with given. This building is the first erected in this 
county for the sole use of a newspaper. 

In politics the Post was first Federal, then Whig. For 
a short time it was True American, and now Republican, 



and it is largely due to the influence of the Post that Wash- 
ington county has stood so firmly by those parties. The 
size of the paper when first issued was ten by sixteen ; it is 
now twenty-eight by forty-one. During the major portion 
of its career it has been a well-paying establishment. It 
circulates now three thousand eight hundred copies weekly. 
Of its editors who survive, Hon. Edward Dodd, who may 
justly be called the first journalist the county ever pro- 
duced, is now living at Argyle and retired from business; 
Hon. James Gibson is engaged in the practice of law at 
Salem ; Edward Gardner is the editor of the Hudson County 
Times, published in New Jersey ; Hon. R. K. Crocker is 
practicing law ; Hon. James S. Smart is still editor of the 
Post. Two of the editors of the Post have been members 
of Congress, — Edward Dodd and J. S. Smart ; one a State 
senator, — James Gibson ; and one a member of Assembly, 
— R. K. Crocker. 

WHITEHALL. 

There are at present two weekly newspapers published in 
Whitehall, — The Chronicle (Republican) and The Times 
(Democratic). 

The Whitehall Chronicle wds established June IS, 1840, 
by H. T. Blanchard. It was continued about ten years, 
when the name was changed to The Washington County 
Chronicle, by W. G. Wolcott, then proprietor. In the 
times of Know-Nothingism, the Chronicle was purchased 
by Potter & Abell, who afterwards sold to Henry D. Morris, 
lu the fall of 1864 it wa.s sold by him to John A. Morris 
& Allen Clarke, who continued it till 1866. In September 
of that year it was purchased by W. H. TefFt, and by him 
published until the destruction of its office by fire, in 1870. 
The presses and some other property being recovered with 
but little injury, the paper was revived in the following 
spring as The Washington County Neivs, by Charles 0. 
Smith & Co., who afterwards admitted Stephen Carver, Jr., 
to their firm. In December, 1872, it was again purchased 
by W. H. Tefl't, who changed the name to that of The 
Whitehall Chronicle, and has continued until the present 
time as its editor and proprietor. 

The Whitehall Times is the successor of the American 
Sentinel, which was established by John E. Watkins in 
June, 1855. It was first published under its present name 
in the spring of 1860, by H. T. Blanchard, who the same 
year sold it to W. H. Bodwell & A. D. Vaughan. They, 
in turn, sold to E. E. Davis in the summer of 1861, at 
which time the editorial charge was assumed by Mr. Han- 
son. W. J. Smith became editor from 1862 to 1863, when 
W. G. Ilogan succeeded as editor and proprietor. In 1865 
the paper reverted to E. E. Davis, with George W. Biizee 
as editor. In 1866 it was purchased by Walter J. Don- 
nelly, who continued proprietor and editor till May, 1873, 
when W. A. Wilkins became editor and publisher, as at 
present. The Times has been an official paper of the 
county for the past four years, and is designated ;is such 
for the ensuing year of 1878. Its circulation is eighteen 
hundred, extending through the counties of Washington, 
Essex, and Clinton.'and into western Vermont. 

The journals which in pa.st years have been published 
in Whitehall for longer or shorter time have been as fol- 
lows : The Whitehall Emporium (before mentioned) from 



HISTORY OP AVASHINGTON COUNTV, NEW YORK. 



Ill 



1822 to about 1B28 ; The Whitehall Republican, by J. K. 
Averell, 1832 to 18—; The North Star, by W. A. Wel- 
ler, from 1830 to 1832, and then merged in Washington 
County Post ; The Whitehall Democrat, aXixrioA in 1845, 
and afterwards published by J. B. Wilkins and H. Dudley ; 
The Whitehall Telegraph, a triweekly paper of short dura- 
tion, commenced in 1817 ; and The Whitehallcr, by W. S. 
Southmaid, in 1849. 

FORT EDWARD. 

The Fort Edward Gazette was firSt issued Nov. 10, 
1866, by H. T. Blanchard, who still continues its editor 
and proprietor. In jjolitics it is Democratic. Circulation, 
seven hundred. Office of publication, Bradley's Opera 
House. 

llie Fort Edward Indejyendent was started in January, 
1877, by J. A. Morris, as a newspaper free from party bias. 
In January, 1878, it was sold to the present proprietor and 
editor, James E. Bennett, Esq. Office of publication, Opera 
House block. 

Of journals formerly published in Fort Edward, but now 
defunct, we mention The Fort Edward Institute^Monthli/, 
started in 1856 by William A. Holley; also The Public 
Ledger, which was started in 1854 by H. T. Blanchard, 
and continued by him till 1851. It was then sold to \V. A. 
Holley, who, after two or three years' publication, changed 
it to The Local Observer, which about a year later was 
discontinued. 

GREENWICH. 

Union Village* has been prolific of newspapers ; twelve 
in all having been published there, viz. : The Anti-Masonic. 
Champion, The Banner, The Union Village Courant, 
The Union Village Democrat, The Democratic Champion, 
The Washington County Sentinel, The Union Village Jour- 
nal, The Chamjiion, The Eagle, The Union Village Eagle, 
The UnionVillage Democratic Standard, and the People's 
Journal; all but the latter having been suspended prior to 
1850. The People's Journal has been published uninter- 
ruptedly from its origin, in 1842, by the following publishers : 
John W. Curtis, H. C. Page, C. L. Allen, Jr., W. J. King, 
E. P. Thurston, E. P. & D. P. Thur.ston, C. L. Allen, Jr., 
Corliss & Allen, Meeker & Mandoll, D. W. Mandell, and, 
since Aug. 3, 1876, by H. C. Morehouse, who has enlarged 
the paper to an eight-column sheet. 

GRANVILLE. 

In 1847 the Washington Telegraph was started in Gran- 
ville. It was a five-column four-page paper, edited by Ze- 
bina Ellis. He was a printer from Glen's Falls, to which 
jilaco he returned when, at the end of five or si.>; years, he 
had sold the paper to Marcellus Strong, who changed its 
name to the Granville Telegraph. This continued about 
six years, when it passed into the hands of F. W. Cook. He 
changed its name to The Granville Times, and stopped its 
publication in about one year. He is now a printer in the 
Herald office, Rutland. 

In June, 1849, a printing-office was again opened, and 
the Granville Register started by C. M. Haven, with A. S. 



Burdick, editor. At tlie end of the first year Mr. Burdick 
resigned his position, when Mr. Haven became the editor, 
and continued as such until Sept. 1, 1861. The paper 
was then sold to J. A. Morris of the Whitehall Chronicle, 
who continued its publication till December, 1864, when it 
was suspended. C. M. Haven is now an insurance operator 
in Troy, N. Y. ; A. S. Burdick is a lawyer at Saratoga 
Springs. The Granville News was established two years 
later by W. & H. C. Morehouse, who after two years dis- 
continued it. H. C. Morehouse is now publisher of a 
paper at Greenwich in this county. 

The Granville Reporter was started as a six-column paper 
in September, 1869, by George C. Newman and J. A. Mor- 
ris, who at the end of two months enlarged it to seven col- 
umns. Three months later it became the sole property of 
J. A. Morris, who enlarged it to nine columns, and con- 
tinued it at that size until Jan. 1, 1870, when he enlar-'ed 
it to eight pages of six columns each. The establishment 
was entirely burned the 10th of February, 1873, when so 
much other property was destroyed in Granville. 

This closed the printing business for a time. On the 1st 
of September, 1875, L. McArthur commenced the publi- 
cation of the Granville Sentinel, adopting a new name, as 
his predecessors had done at every change. It has now 
reached the middle of its third volume. It has an excellent 
local correspondence, is a bright, clear, and readable paper, 
and its editorial department is conducted with ability and 
taste. It apparently has before it a long and prosperous 
career. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

■WASHINGTON COUNTY CIVIL LIST. 

Members of Council of Appointment— Acting Governor— Chief Jus- 
tice and Justices of the Supreme Court — Comptroller — >"<tate Treas- 
urer — Inspector of State Prisons — Regents of (ho University — Clerk 
of Court of Appeals — Commissary-General — Canal Commissioner — 
Members of Convention to Ratify Federal Constitution — Members 
of Constitutional Convention of 1801 — Member? of Convention of 
1821— Members of Convention of 1846— Presidential Electors- 
Members of Continental Congress — Members of United States Con- 
gress — First Judges of Common Pleas — County Judges — Special 
County Judges — Surrogates — Special Surrogates — Sheritfs — Assist- 
ant Attorney-General — District Attorneys — County Clerks — County 
Treasurers — Members of Provincial Congress or Legislature — State 
Senators — Members of Assembly — School Commissioners — Justices 
of the Peace. 

MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF APPOINTMENT. 

The following were chosen by the Assembly from among 
the senators, one being selected each year in each of four 
senatorial districts into which the State was divided, from 
1777 till 1822, — no senator being eligible two successive 
years : 

Alexander Webster, of Hebron: appointed Sept. Ifi, 1777. 
Ebeneier Russell, of Salem ; appointed Oct. 17, 1778. 
Ale.tander Webster, of Hebron ; appointed Sept. 11, 1779. 
Ebeuezer Russell, of Salem : appointed Sept. 11, 1780. 
Alexander Webster, of Hebron ; appointed Oct. 2.i, 1781. 
Alexander Webster, of Hebron: appointed Jan. 21, 1784. 
Ebenezer Kusscll, of Salem: appointed Oct. 19, 1784. 
David Hopkins, of Hebron : appointed Jan. 19, 1786. 
Ebenezer Russell, of Salem ; appointed Jan. 18, 1787. 
David Hopkins, of Hebron; appointed Jan. 18, 1788. 
John Williams, of Salem ; appointed Jan. 2, 1789. 



112 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Edward Savage, of Palera ; appointed Jan. lo, 1790. 
Alexander Webster, of Hebron; appointed Jan. 14, 1791. 
Zina Hitchcock, of Kingsbury; appointed Jan. 7, 1794. 
Ebenezer Russell, of Salem; appointed Jan. 7, 1796. 
Ebenezer Clark, of Argyle; appointed Jan. 4, 1799. 
Edward Savage, of Salem ; appointed Jan. 30, 1802. 
Stephen Thorn, of Granville; appointed Jan. 29, 1805. 
Edward Savage, of Salem ; appointed Jan. 28, 1807. 
John McLean, of Granville ; appointed Jan. 30, 1811. 
Koger Skinner, of Kingsbury; appointed Nov. 8, 1820. 

LIEtTTENANT-GOVERNOR AND ACTING-GOVERNOR. 
Nathaniel Pitcher, of Kingsbury; entered on office Jan. 1, 1827; 
after the death of Governor De Witt Clinton, Feb. 28, 1828, Mr. 
Pitcher acted as governor till the close of that year. 

CHIEF JUSTICE OP THE SUPREME COURT. 
John Savage, of Salem; appointed Jan. 29, 1823; held till 1837. 

JUSTICES or THE SUPREME COURT. 
Cornelius L. Allen, of Salem; held from Jan. 1, 1852, to Dec. 31, 1859. 
Joseph Potter, of Whitehall ; term began Jon. 1, 1872. 

CO.MPTROLLER. 
John Savage, of Salem; appointed Feb. 12, 1821 ; held until Jan. 29, 
1823. 

STATE TREASURER. 

David Thomas, of Salem; held from Feb. 5, 180S, to Feb. 8, 1810, 
and again from Feb. 18, 1812, to Feb. 10, 181,3. 

INSPECTOR OF ST.\TE PRISONS. 
Wm. A. Russell, of Salem; held from Jan. 1, 1856, to Dec. 31, 1858. 

REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITT. 

{HoliUngfor life.) 
John Williams,'- of Salem; appointed May 1, 1784. 
John McCrea,* of Argyle (now Fort Edw.ard) ; appointed May 1, 1784. 
Ebenezer Russell, of Salem; appointed April 13, 1787. 
John McLean, Jr., of Salem: appointed April 8, 1835. 
Rev. Isaac Parks, D.D., of Cambridge; appointed April 7, 1857. 

CLERK OP THE COURT OP APPEALS. 

Charles Hughes, of Sandy Hill; held from Jan. I, 1860, to Dec. 31, 
1862. 

COMMISSARY-GENERAL. 

John McLean, of Salem; held from 1801 to 1813. 

CANAL COMMISSIONER. 

Oliver Bascom, of Whitehall; held from Jan. 1, 1869, till death, in 
November, 1869. 

MEMBERS OP CONVENTION WHICH RATIFIED FEDERAL 

CONSTITUTION. 
Albert Baker, of Kingsbury; David Hopkins, of Hebron; John 
Williams, of Salem ; Ichabod Parker, of Granville. 

MEMBERS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OP 1801. 

John Gale, of Easton ; Solomon King, of Cambridge : Thomas Lyon, 
of Whitehall ; Edward Sav.ago, of Salem ; Solomon Smith, of 
Cambridge; John Vernor, of AVarren county. 

MEMBERS OP THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OP 1821. 

Nathaniel Pitcher, of Kingsbury; Melanchthon Wheeler, of White- 
hall; Alexander Livingston, of Greenwich; Wm. Townsend, of 
Hebron. 

MEMBERS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OP 1846. 
Albert L. Baker, of Greenwich ; Edward Dodd, of Argyle. 



* These two were members of the first board, which did not go into 
operation. 



MEMBERS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 

1867. 

Cornelius L. Allen, of Salem ; Adolphus F. Hitchcock, of Kingsbury. 

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. 
St. John Honeywood, of Salem, 1796; Isaac Sargent, of Fort Ann, 
1804; Micajah Pcttit, of Kingsbury, 1808; James Hill, of Cam- 
bridge, 1812; Alexander McNish, of Salem, 1816: John Baker, 
of Kingsbury, 1820; Edward Savage, of Salem, 1824; Peter J. 
H. Meyers, of Whitehall, 1828; John Gale, of Easton, 1832 and 
1836; Josiah Hand, of Kingsbury, 1840 ; John Savage, of Sa- 
lem, 1844; Jamos McKie, of White Creek, 1848; Isaac W. 
Bishop, of Granville, 1852; Cornelius L. Allen, of Salem, 1864. 

MEMBER OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. 

William Duer, of Argyle (now Fort Edward) ; appointed March 29, 
1777; re-appointed May 13, 1777, and again Oct. 3, 1777; held 
until Oct. 17, 1778. 

MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS. 

John Williams, of Salem; held two terms, from March 4, 1795, to 

March 3, 1799. 
David Thomas, of Salem ; held three terms, from March 4, 1803, to 

Feb. 17, 1808 (resigned). 
Nathan Wilson, of Salem ; elected in place of Thomas: held from 

March, 1808, to March 3, 1809. 
Asa Fitch, of Salem ; held from March 4, 1811, to March 3, 1813. 
Nath.aniel Pitcher, of Kingsbury ; held two terms, from March 4, 

1819, to March 3, 1823; and again, one term, from March 4, 

1831, to March 3, 1833. 
Henry C. Miirtindale, of Kingsbury : held four terms, from March 4, 

1823, to March 3, 1831 ; and again, one term, from March 4, 1833, 

to March 2, 1835. 
David Russell, of Salem; held three terms, from March 4, 1835, to 

March 3, 1841. 
Bernard Blair, of Salem ; held from March 4, 1841, to .March 3, 1843. 
■Charles Rogers, of Kingsbury; held from March 4, 1843, to March 

3, 1845. 
Erastus D. Culver, of Greenwich ; held from March 4, 1845, to March 

.3, 1847. 
John H. Boyd, of Whitehall ; held from March 4, 1851, to March 3, 

1853. 
Charles Hughes, of Kingsbury ; held from March 4, 1853, to March 

3, 1S55. 
Edward Dodd, of Argyle; held two terms, from March 4, 1855, to 

March 3, 1859. 
Adolphus H. Tanner, of Whitehall : March 4, 1869, to March 4, 1871. 
Jas. S. Smart, of Cambridge; March 4, 1872, to March 4, 1875. 

FIRST JUDGES OP THE COMMON PLEAS. 

Philip Schuyler, of Albany county; appointed for the county of 
Charlotte, by the royal governor, Sept. 8, 1773. 

William Duer, of Argyle (now Fort Edward); appointed by the pro- 
vincial convention, Jlay 8, 1777 ; re-appointed by the council of 
appointment, after the formation of the State, Jan. 30, 1778 ; de- 
clined or resigned. 

Ebenezer Russell, of Salem; appointed March 17, 1778. 

Ebenezer Clark, of Argyle ; appointed March 12, 1800. 

Anthony I. Blanchard, of Salem; appointed March 12, 1810. 

John P. Wendell, of Cambridge; appointed Feb. 5, 1823. 

Roswcll Weston, of Kingsbury ; appointed April 25, 1825. 

John Willard, of Salem; appointed Feb. 13, 1833. 

John McLean, Jr., of Salem; appointed March 18, 1835. 

COUNTY JUDGES, ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE. 

Martin Lee, of Granville: held from June, 1847, to Dec. 31, 1851. 
James Gibson, of Salem : from Jan. 1, 1852, to Dee. 31, 1855. 
A. Dallas Wait, of Fort Edward ; from Jan. 1, 1856, to Dec. 31, 1859. 
Oscar F. Thompson, of Granville : from Jan. 1, 1860, to Deo. 31, 1863 
Joseph Potter, of Whitehall; from Jan. 1, 1864, to Deo. 31, 1871. 
A. Dallas Wait, Fort Edward; term (six years) began Jan. 1, 1872; 
re-elected in 1877. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



113 



SPECIAL COUNTY JUDGES. 
Oscar F. Thompson, of Granville; held from Jan. 1, 1856, to Deo. 31, 

1S59. 
Henry Gibson, of Whitehall ; heM from Jan. 1, 1860, to Dee. 31, 1SG3. 
Royal C. Betts, of Granville; terra began Jan. 1, 1SG4. 
Samuel Thomas, of Granville; term began Jan. 1, 1S71. 
0. L. Allen, Jr., of Salem ; term began Jan. 1, 1875. 

SURROGATES. 

Patrick Smith, of Fort Edward; appointed by royal governor, Jan. 

28, 1775. 
Ebenezer Clark, of Argylo; appointed by council of appointment, 

March 13, 1778. 
Edward Savage, of Salem ; appointed March 21, 1783. 
Melanchthon Woolsey, of Plattsburg, Clinton county ; appointed Juno 

23, 1786. 
Edward Savage, of Salem; appointed March 13, 1787. 
Isaac Sargent, of Fort .\nn ; appointed Feb. 16, 180S. 
Edward Savage, of Salem; appointed Feb. 9, 1810. 
Isaae Sargent, of Fort Ann; appointed Feb. 8, 1811. 
Nathaniel Pitcher, of Kingsbury ; appointed M.arch 24, 1812. 
Edward Savage, of Salem ; appointed March 5, 1813. 
Henry C. Martind.ale, of Kingsbury; appointed July 8, 1816. 
Calvin Smith, of Easton : appointed July 3, 1819. 
Leonard Gibbs, of Granville; appointed Feb. 21, 1821. 
Samuel Standish, Jr., of Granville; appointed by governor and 

Senate, Jan. 13, 1824. 
John Willard, of Salem ; appointed Feb. 7, 1832. 
Alexander Robertson, of Salem; appointed Jan. 10, 1837. 
John C. Parker, of Granville; appointed Jan. 15, 1S41. 
Luther Waite, of Kingsbury; appointed Jan. 27, 1S45. 
Joseph Boies, of Greenwich ; elected by the people, June, 1847 ; held 

till Dec. 1, 1851. 
David A. Boies, of Greenwich; held from Jan. 1, 1852, to Deo. 31, 

1855. 
Marinus Fairchild, of Salem; held from Jan. 1, 1856, to Dec. 31, 

1859. 
tJrias G. Paris, of Kingsbury; held two terms, from Jan. 1, 1860, to 

Dec. 31, 1867. 
J.ames J. Lowrie, of Greenwich ; held from Jan. 1, 1868, to Dec. 31, 

1871. 
Lonson Frazer, of Salem ; began Jan. 1, 1S72, for term of six years ; 

re-elected in 1877 

SPECIAL SURROGATES. 
John H. Boyd, of Whitehall; held from Jan. 1, 1857, to Dec. 31, 

1859. 
Leonard Wells, of Cambridge; held two terms, from Jan. 1, 1860, to 

Dec. 31, 1865. 
Daniel M. Westfall, of Cambridge ; held from Jan. 1, 1866, to Dec. 

31, 1872. 
Leonard Fletcher, of Cambridge; term began Jan. 1, 1873 ; re-elected. 

SHERIFFS. 
Philip P. Lansingh, of ; appointed by the royal governor, Oct. 

12, 1772. 
Jonathan Parker, of Granville; appointed Nov. 12, 1774. 
Edward Savage, of Salem; appointed by the provincial convention. 

May 8, 1777; re-appointed by the council of appointment after 

the organization of the State, Jan. 4, 1778. 
Joshua Conkey, of Salem ; appointed March 22, 1781. 
Hamilton McCoUister, of Salem; appointed March 28, 1785. 
Peter B. Tearse, of Argyle (now Fort Edward) ; appointed Fob. 24, 

1789. 
Andrew White, of Cambridge; appointed Feb. 18, 1793. 
Philip Smith, of Cambridge; appointed Sept. 30, 1796. 
Abncr Stone, of Salem; appointed Feb. 22, 1798. 
Nathan Wilson, of Salem; appointed Feb. 12, 1802. 
David Woods, of Granville; appointed March 13, 1806. 
Simon Stevens, Jr., of Easton; appointed Fob. 16, 1810. 
John Doty, of Fort Ann; appointed Feb. 8, 1811. 
Wadsworth Bull, of Granville; appointed March 5, 1813. 
John Doty, of Fort Ann ; appointed Feb. 13, 1819. 
John Gale, of Easton; appointed Feb. 12,1821; ro-electcd by people 

to hold three years from Jan. 1, 1823. 

15 



Wm. McFarland, of Salem; term began Jan. 1, 1826. 
Warren F. Hitchcock, of Whitehall; term began Jan. 1, 1829. 
Darius Sherrill, of Kingsbury ; term began Jan. 1, 1832. 
Benj. Ferris, of Kingsbury ; term beg.an Jan. 1, 1S35. 
Philander C. Hitehoook, of Whitehall ; term began Jan. 1, 1S3S. 
Leonard Wells, of Cambridge; term began Jan. 1, 1841. 
Horace Stowell, of Whitehall ; term began Jan. 1, 1844. 
Daniel T. Payne, of Fort Edward; term began Jan. 1, 1847. 
William A. Russell, of Salem ; term began Jan. 1, 1850. 
James R. Gandall, of Fort Edward; term began Jan. 1, 1853. 
Hugh R. Cowan, of Cambridge; term began Jan. 1, 1856. 
Oliff Abell, of Whitehall; term began Jan. 1, 1859. 
Benj. F. MeNitt, of White Creek; term began Jan. 1, 1862. 
Dennis P. Nye, of Whitehall ; term began Jan. 1, 1865. 
James C. Shaw, of Salem ; term began Jan. 1, 1868. 

Orrin S. Hall, of ; term began Jan. 1, 1871. 

John Larmon, of White Creek; term began Jan. 1, 1874. 
George W. Baker, of Granville; term began Jan. 1, 1877. 

ASSISTANT ATTORNEY-GENERAL.* 

Anthony I. Blanchard, of Salem; appointed March 12, I79C. 
DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. f 

Anthony I. Blanchard, of Salem; appointed August, 1801. 

John Russell, of Salem ; appointed April 8, 1S03. 

John Savage, of Salem : appoin(ed April 5, 1806. 

Roger Skinner, of Kingsbury; appointed June 7, 1811. 

John Savage, of Salem ; appointed Aug. 11, 1812. 

David Russell, of Salem ; appointed March 23, 1813. 

Jesse L. Billings, of Salem ; appointed Feb. 13, 1815. 

John Savage, of Salem; appointed June 11, 1818. J 

Jesse L. Billings, of Salem ; appointed June 5, 1820. 

Henry C. Martindale, of Kingsbury; appointed B'cb. 24, 1821. 

Leonard Gibbs, of Granville; appointed 1828. 

Cornelius L. Allen, of Salem ; appointed 1836. 

Charles F. Ing,alls, of Greenwich ; appointed 1843. 

Henry B. Northup, of Kingsbury ; elected by the people, June, 1847- 

Joseph Potter, of Whitehall; term began Jan. I, 1851; rc-eleetcd. 

Archibald L. McDougall, of Salem; term began Jan. 1, 1857; re- 
elected and resigned in September, 1862. 

Joseph Potter, of Whitehall ; appointed Sept. 23, 1862. 

A. Dallas Wait, of Fort Edward; elected; term began Jan. 1, 1863 ; 
re-eleeted. 

Royal C. Belts, of Granville ; term began Jan. 1, 1869 ; re-elected. 

Samuel Thomas, of Granville; term began Jan. 1, 1875. 

Marinus Fairchild, of Salem; term began Jan. 1, 1878. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

Patrick Smith, of Argyle ; appointed by royal governor, Sept. 8, 1773. 

Ebenezer Clarke, of Salem ; appointed by provincial convention, May 
8, 1777. 

John MeCrea, of Salem ; appointed by the council of .appointment, 
April 16, 1785. 

St. John Honey wood, of Salem ; appointed Feb. 24, 1797. 

Gerritt L. Wendell, of Cambridge; appointed Cot. 9, 1798. 

Daniel Shipherd, of Argyle; appointed April 7, 1806. 

John Cr.ary, of Salem ; appointed Feb. 27, 1807. 

Daniel Shipherd, of Argyle ; appointed Feb. 8, 1808. 

Matthew D. Danvers, of Argylo; appointed Feb. 24, 1821 ; re-elected 
by the people, term beginning Jan. 1, 1823. 

Jesse S. Leigh, of Argyle; elected; term beginning Jan. 1, 1826; 
twice re-elected. 

Edward Dodd, of Salem; term began Jan. 1, 1835; twice re-elected. 

Henry Shipherd, of Argylo; term began Jan. 1, 1844; re-electod two 
terms. 

Nathaniel B. Milliman, of Kingsbury; term began Jan. 1, 1853; 
re-elected. 

Philander C. Hitchcock, of Argylo; term began Jan. 1, 1859; re- 
elected three times. 

William H. Kincaid, Kingsbury; term began Jan. 1, 1871; re- 
elected. 

Charles W. Taylor, Argyle; term began Jan. 1, 1877. 



» Corresponding to district attorney. 

t For district composed of Washington and four other counties. 

J For Washington county alone. 



114 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



COUNTY TREASURERS. 
When this oiBcer was appointed by the board of super- 
■vi-sors, Ebenezer Russell was county treasurer for about 
forty years. Since the treasurer was elected by the people, 
the following gentlemen have held the oiEce, begiuniug at 
the specified dates: 

Calvin L. Parker, of Hartford; term began Jan. 1, 1847. 

EtlwardBulkley, of Granville; term began Jan. 1, 1850; re-elected. 

John M. Barrett, of Fort Ann; term began Jan. 1, 185fi. 

John King, of Salem ; term began Jan. 1, 1859. 

Nelson G. Moor, of Greenwich; term began Jan. 1, 1862; re-elected. 

Samuel W. Crosby, Cambridge; term began Jan. 1, 1868. 

Asahel R. Wing, Fort Edward; term began 1S71. 

James M. Northup, Hartford; term began Jan. 1, 1874; re-elected. 

MEMBERS or THE PROVINCIAL CONGRESS OR LEGIS- 
LATURE. 

{lielicccn ilhsolution of Culi,„!,d Asr.embly ,„„l funmiHo,, ../ ,S7ft(c 

ff„,cn„„e,„.) 
Archibald Camitbell, of Cambridge (now Jackson), 1775. 
"William Marsh, of Vermont, 1775. 
George Smith, of Fort Edward, 1775-77. 
David Watkins, of Kingsbury, 1775. 
John Williams, of Salem, 1775-77. 
William Malcolm, of New York city, represented Charlotte Co., 

1776. 
Alexander Webster, of Hebron, 1776-77. 
William Duer, of Argyle (now Fort Edward), 1776-77.; 

STATE SENATORS. 

William Duer, of Argyle (now Fort Edward) ; elected in summer of 

1777; held one year. 
John Williams, of Salem ; elected in summer of 1777 : held two years. 
Alexander Webster, Hebron ; elected in summer of 1777; held two 

terms of four years each. 
Ebenezer Russell, of Salem; elected in summer of 1778; held four 

years. 
Elishama Tozer, of Skenesborongh (now Whitehall) ; elected in 

summer of 1779 ; held one year. 
John Williams, of S.alcm ; elected in 1783; held three terms, of four 

years each. 
Ebenezer Russell, of Salem ; elected in 1784; held four years. 
David Hopkins, of Hebron ; elected in 1786; held four 3-ears. 
Edward Savage, of Salem ; elected in 1788 ; held four years. 
Zina Hitchcock, of Kingsbury ; elected in 17013 ; held ten years. 
Ebenezer Russell, of Salem ; elected in 1795 ; held two terms of four 

years each. 
Ebenezer Clark, of Argyle ; elected in 1796; hold six yeai-s. 
James S.iT.age, of Salem ; elected in 1796 ; held two years. 
Edward Savage, of Salem ; elected in 1801 ; served six years. 
Stephen Thorn, of Gr.inville; elected in 1804; held four years. 
John McLean, of Cambridge (now Jackson) ; elected in 1807; held 

four years. 
David Hopkins, of Hebron : elected in 1S09 ; held four years. 
Gerritt Wendell, of Cambridge ; elected in 1812; held three years. 
Allen Hascall. 

Roger Skinner, of Kingsbury ; elected in 1817 ; heM four years. 
David Shipherd, of Argyle; elected in 1821 ; served one year; term 

closed by constitution of 1821. 
Melanchthon Wheeler, of Whitehall; served two years, beginning 

Jan. 1, 1823. 
Slephen Thorn, of Granville; served three years, beginning Jan. 1, 

1823. 
John Crary, of Sal-em ; served four years from J.in. 1. 1825. 
John McLean, Jr., of Salem; served four years from Jan. I, 1829. 
Isaac W. Bishop, of Granville; served from Jan. 1, 1834, to resigna- 
tion. May 22, 1836. 
John McLean, of Jaekson ; elected in place of Bishop ; served till 

Dec. 31, 1837. 
Martin Lee, of Granville ; served four years from Jan. 1, 1838. 
Qrville Clark, of Kingsbury ; served four years from Jan. 1, 1844. 



Dan S. Wright, of Whitehall ; served term of two years (under t 

stitution of 1847), beginning Jan. 1, 1852. 
Justin A. Smith, of Whitehall; term began Jan. 1, 1856. 
Ralph Richards, of Hampton ; term began Jan. 1, 1862. 
James Gibson, of Salem ; term began Jan. 1, 1866. 
Isaac V. Baker, Jr., of Fort Ann; term began Jan. 1, 1871. 
Charles Hughes, of Kingsbury; term began Jan. 1, 1878. 

MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY. 
John Barnes, of Salem, 1777-78. 
Ebenezer Clark, of Salem, 1777-78. 
John Rowan, of Salem, 1777-78. 
Ebenezer Russell, of Salem, 1777-78. 
Albert Baker, of Kingsbury, 1778-80. 
David Hopkins, of Hebron, 1778 to 1785, inclusive. 
Elishama Tozer,. of Whitehall, 1778-79. 
John Grover, of Granville, 1779-80. 
Noah Payn, of Argyle (now Fort Edward), 1779-80. 
Hamilton McCoIlister, of Salem, 1780 to 1784, inclusive. 
Matthew McWhorter, of Salem, 1780-82. 
John Williams, of Salem, 1781-82. 
Benjamin Baker, of Kingsbury, 17S2-S3. 
Joseph McCraeken, of Salem, 1782-83. 
Edward Savage, of Salem, 1784-85. 

Adiel Sherwood, of Argyle (now Fort Edward), 17S4-S5. 
Albert Baker, of Kingsbury, 1786-86. 
Joseph MeCrackeu, of Salem, 1786. 
Ichabod Parker, of Granville, 1786-87. 
Peter B. Tearse, of Argyle (now Fort Edward), 17SC to 1789, 

elusive. 
Adam Martin, of Salem, 17S7. 
Edward Savage, of Salem, 1787-89. 
Alexander Webster of Hebron, 1788-89. 
Joseph MeCracken, of Salem, 1788-89. 
John Rowan, of Salem, 1789-91. 

Zina Hitchcock, of Kingsbury, 1789 to 1793, inclusive. 
Daniel Curtice, of Granville, 1791-93. 
Thomas Converse, of Kingsbury, 1791. 
John Conger, of Cambridge, 1792. 
David Hopkins, of Hebron, 1792-93. 
William Whiteside, of Cambridge, 1794. 
Bcnj. Colvin, of Cambridge, 1794. 
Philip Smith, of Baston, 1794. 
David Thomas, of Salem, 1794. 
Samuel Beman, Jr., of Hampton, 1795. 
David Hopkins, of Hebron, 1795-96. 
Edward Savage, of Salem, 1795 to 1801, inclusive. 
Thomas Smith, of Hebron, 1796. 
Timothy Leonard, of Granville, 1796-97. 
Anthony I. Blanch vrd, of Salem, 1796-97. 
Gcrrit G. Lansing, of Easton, 1796-97. 
Daniel Mason, of Hartford, 1796-98. 
An.irew White, of Cambridge, 1790-97. 
Charles Kane, of Fort Ann, 1798-99. 
Reuben Pride, of Cambridge, 1798. 
Thomas Smith, of Hebron, 1798. 
Melanehthon Wheeler, of Whitehall, 1798. 
Seth Crocker, of Argyle (now Fort Edward), 1798-99. 
David Hopkins, of Hebron, 1798-99. 
Philip Smith, of Easton, 1798-99. 
David Thomas, of Salem, 1798-99. 
Mieajah Pcttit, of Kingsbury, 1800. 
Isaac Sargent, of Fort Ann, 1800. 
Benjamin Colvin, of Cambridge, 1800. 
David Hopkins, of Hebron, 1800-1. 
Gcrrit G. Lansing, of Easton, 1800-1. 
Timothy Leonard, of Granville, 1800-1. 
William McAuIey, of Cambridge (now Jackson), 1800-1. 
Alexander Cowen, of Argyle, 1802-3. 
Jason Kellogg, of Hampton, 1S02-3. 
John McLean, of Cambriige (naw Jackson), 1802 to 1806, in 

sivc. 
Mieajah Pettit, of Kingsbury, 1802. 
Isaac S.argent, of Fort Ann, 1802-3. 
David Austin, of llartlbrd, 1803-4. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



115 



William Livingston, of Hebron, 180-1-6. 

Dr. John McKinney, of Hartford, ISO-t. 

Stephen Thorn, of Granville, IS04. 

Isaac Uarloiv, of Whitehall, 1804-5. 

Jason Kellogg, of Hamilton, 1S04-.5. 

.Solomon Smith, of Cambriage, 1S04-5. 

James Starbuck, of Easton, ISO !—:">. 

Isaac Sargent, of Fort Ann, ISO(>. 

Kathanicl Pitcher, of Kingsbury, ISOG. 

Daniel Shiphercl, of Argylc, 1S06. 

I'eleg Bragg, of Argyle, 18U7. 

John Gray, of Salem, IS07. 

James Hill, of Cambridge, ISOT-'J. 

Jason Kellogg, of Hampton, 1807. 

Thomas Cornell, of Easton, 1808. 

Lyman Hall, of Hartford, 1808. 

Henry Matteson, of Hebron, 1808. 

Gideon Taft, of Whitehall, 1808. 

Alexander Livingston, of Greenwich, lSOS-9. 

Roger Skinner, of Kingsbury, ISOS-IO. 

Reuben Whallon, of Argyle, 180S-y. 

John Gale, of Easton, ISIO. 

William Livingstin, of Hebron, 1810. 

John Baker, of Kingsbury, 1811. 

John Richards, of White Creek. 1811. 

Isaac Sargent, of Fort Ann, ISU. 

Reuben Whallon, of Argyle, 1811. 

David Woods, of Granville, 1811. 

Lyman Hall, of Hartford, 1812. 

James Hill, of Cambridge, 1812. 

John Kirtland, of Granville, 1812. 

Alexander Livingston, of Greenwich, 1812. 

John Beebeo, of Cambridge, 1812-13. 

Jason Kellogg, of Hampton, 1812-13. 

Francis McLean, of Cambridge, now Jackson, 1812-13. 

Ebenezer Russell, of Salem, 1812-13. 

Melanchthon Wheeler, of Whitehall, 1812-13. 

Raul Dennis, of Cambridge (now White Creek), ISU. 

Samuel Gordon, of Hartford, 1S14. 

John Richards, of , 1S14-U. 

John Savage, of Salem, 1814. 

Charles Starbuck, of Easton, 1814. 

John White, of Argyle, 1814. 

John Gale, of Easton, 1814-15. 

Henry Matteson, of Hebron, 1814-15. 

Nathaniel Pitcher, of Kingsbury, 1814-15. 

Isaac Sargent, of Fort Ann, 1814-15. 

Michael Harris, of Hartford, 1816. 

John Reid, of Argyle, 181C. 

David Russell, of Salem, 1816. 

James Stevenson, of Cambridge, 1810. 

Ruswell Weston, of Kingsbury, 1816. 

John Gale, of Easton, 1816-17. 

Nathaniel Pitcher, of Kingsbury, 1816-17. 

Isaac Sargent, of Fort Ann, 1816-18, 

David Woods, of Granville, 1816-17. 

Jason Kellogg, of Hampton, 1818. 

Alexander Livingston, of Greenwich, 1818. 

John McLean, Jr., of Salem, 1818. 

William K. Adams, of Salem, 1819. 

John Doty, of Fort Ann, 1810. 

John Gale, of Easton, 1SI9. 

William McFarland, of Salem, 1819. 

David Austin, of Hartford, 1820. 

Peleg Bragg, of Argyle, 1820. 

James Hill, of Cambridge, 1820. 

John Kirtland, of Granville, 1820. 

Wadsworth Boll, of Hartford, 1820-21. 

James Mallory, of Easton, 1820-21. 

John Moss, of Kingslury, 1820-21. 

William Richards, of Cambridge (now White Creek), 1820-21. 

John Baker, of Kingsbury, 1820-21. 

Silas D. Kellogg, of Hampton, 1822. 

James Teft, of Easton, 1822. 

Timothy Eddy, of Fort Edw.ard, 1823. 



John King, of Argyle, 1823. 
Martin Lee, of Granville, 1823. 
James McNaughton, of Cambridge, 1823. 
David Campbell, of Jackson, 1824-25. 
John Crary, of Salem, 1824. 
Silas D. Kellogg, of IlamptoD, 1824. 
Ezra Smith, of Whitehall, 1824-25. 
Lemuel Hastings, of Fort Ann, 1835. 
Samuel Stevens, of Salem, 1825. 
Hiram Cole, of Kingsbury, 1826. 
James Stevenson, of Cambridge, 182G. 
Israel Williams, of Greenwich, 1826. 
David Woods, of Granville, 1S26. 
John McDonald, of Hebron, 1827. 
Peter J. H. Myor.s, of Whitehall, 1S27. 
Samuel Stevens, of Salem, 1827. 
Jonathan Moshcr, of Easton, 1828. 
Henry Thorn, of Fort Ann, 1S2S. 
Henry Whiteside, of Cambridge, 1828. 
John McDonald, of Hebron, 1829. 
Robert McNiel, of Cambridge, 1829. 
Richard Sill, of Hartford, 1829. 
David Russell, of Salem, 18.30. 
Robert AVileox, of Cambridge, 1830. 
David Sill, of Hartford, 1830. 
George W. Jermain, of Cambridge, 1831. 
Henry Thorn, of Fort Ann, 1831. 
William Townsend, of Hebron, 1831. 
Isaac W. Bishop, of Granville, 1832. 
John McDonald, of Hebron, 1S32. 
James Stevenson, of Cambridge, 1832. 
Walter Cornell, of Cambridge, 1833. 
Charles Rogers, of Kingsbury, 1833. 
David Russell, of Salem, 1S3.3. 
Charles F. Ingalls, of Greenwich, 1834. 
Melanchtlion Wheeler, of Whitehall, 1834. 
James Wright, of Kingsbury, 1834. 
Jonathan K. Ilorton, of Greenwich, 1835. 
George MoKie, of Easton, 1835. 
Allen R. Moore, of Granville, 1835. 
Aaron Barker, of Easton, 183R. 
Alexander Robortsoa, of Putnam, 18.3S. 
Stephen L. Viele, of Fort Edward, 1836. 
Joseph W. Richards, of White Creek, 1837. 
Charles Rogers, of King.sbury, 1837. 
Erastus D. Culver, of Greenwich, 1838. 
Reuben Skinner, of Granville, 1841. 
Leonard Gibbs, of Granville, 1833. 
Salmon Axtell, of Fort Ann, 1839. 
Jesse S. Leigh, of Argyle, 1839. 
John U. Boyd, of Whitehall, 1840. 
Anderson Simpson, of Salem, 1840. 
Erastus D. Culver, of Greenwich, 1841- 
Reuben Skinner, of (rreenville, 1841. 
James McKie, Jr., of White Creek, 1842. 
Dan S. Wright, of Whitehall, 1842. 
Anson Bigelow, of Greenwich, 1843. 
James W. Porter, of Hartford, 1843. 
John Barker, of Granville, 1844. 
John W. Proudfit, of Salem, 1841. 
James Rice, of Fort Ann, 1845. 
John Stevenson, of Cambridge, 1845. 
James S. Foster, of Hebron, 1846. 
Lodovicus S. Viele, of Fort Edward, 1846. 
Adolphus F. Hitchcock, of Kingsbury, 1847. 
Samuel McDonald, of Cambridge, 1847. 
Benjamin Crocker, of White Creek, 1848. 
Elisha A. Martin, of Whitehall, 1848. 
Lo Roy Mowry, of Greenwich, 1840. 
Alexander Robertson, of Putnam, 1849. 
David Sill, of Argyle, 1850. 
Calvin Pease, of Putnam, 1850. 
Thomas C. AVhitesidc, of Easton, 1851. 
James Farr, of Fort Ann, 1S5I. 
Elisha Billings, of Jackson, 1852. 



116 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



David Nelson, of Whitehall, 1852. 

Charles R. Ingalls, of Greenwich, 1853. 

Samuel S. Beaman, of Hampton, 1853. 

Ebenezer McMurray, of Salem, 1854. 

George W. Thorn, of Fort Ann, 1854. 

James I. Lowrie, of Greenwich, 1855. 

Justin A. Smith, of 'Whitehall, 1855. 

John S. Crocker, of White Creek, 1856. 

Henry S. Korthuji, of Kingsbury, 185S. 

Anson Ingraham, of Cambridge, 1857. 

Henry AV. Beckwilh, of Granville, 1857. 

Thaddcus H. Walker, of Salem, 1S58. 

Ralph Richards, of Hampton, 1S5S. 

Andrew Thompson, of Easton, 1859. 

James M. Northup, of Hartford, 1859. 

James Savage, of Argyle, ISCO. 

Peletiah Jackw.ay, of Fort Ann, 18G0. 

Peter Hill, of Jackson, 18(51. 

Nicholas M. Catlin, of Kingsbury, 1861. 

George H. Taylor, of Fort Edward, 1802. 

Philip H. Ncher of Hebron, 1862. 

Asa C. Tefft, of Fort Edward, 1863. 

Ervin Hopkins, Jr., of Granville, 18G3. 

R. King Crocker, of White Creek, 18G4. 

Andrew G. Meiklejohn, of Putnam, 1854. 

Alexander Barklcy, of Argyle, 1865-66. 

Sylvester E. Spoor, of Hebron, 1865. 

James C. Rogers, of Kingsbury, 1866. 

Thomas Shiland, of Cambridge, 1867. 

Adolphus F. Hitchcock, of Kingsbury, 1867. 

David Underwood, of Fort Edward, 1868. 

Nathaniel Daily, of Hampton, 1868. 

William J. Perry, of White Creek, 1869. 

Isaac V. Baker, Jr., of Fort Ann, 1869-71. 

Thomas J. Stevenson, of Salem, 1870-71. 

Edward W. Hollister, of Greenwich, 1872-73. 

George W. L. Smith, of Kingsbury, 1872. 

Eleazer Jones, of Granville (died, and William H. Teffl, Whitehall, 

elected in his place), 1873. 
Alexander B. Law, of Salem, 1874-75. 
Emerson E. Davis, of Whitehall, 1874-75. 
Townsend J. Potter, of Fort Edward, 1876-77. 
Henry G. Burleigh, of Whitehall, 1876. 
Isaac V. Baker, Jr., of Fort Ann, 1877. 
Abr.aham Reynolds, of Greenwich, 1878. 
George L. Terry, of Kingsbury, 1878. 

SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. 
First Distrtct.— Earl P. Wright, Robert Gr.aham, David V. S. Qua, 

Abram G. Cochran, Ezra H. Snyder. 
Second Distrct. — John Hall, Charles L. Mason, John C. Earl, 

Thomas 8. Whittemore, Isaac Parks, AVilliam H. Tefft, Ezra H. 

Snyder, E. J. C. AVhittemorc. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
The following are the justices of the peace from the or- 
ganization of the county of Charlotte (afterwards Washing- 
ton), and residing within the limits of Wa.shington county 
giving, as far as possible, the present name of the town : 

APPOINTMENT.S BY ROYAL AUTHORITY. 

Appuiiilfd J Illy 1, 1773. 
William Duer, Fort Edward. 
Philip Skene, Whitehall. 
James Gray, Cambridge. 
Patrick Smith, Fort Edward. 
Ebenezer Clark, Salem; re-appointcd 1795, 1798, 1801, 1807, ISOS, 

1810. 
Robert SncU. 

Alexander McNachtcn, Salem. 
Archibald Campbell, Jackson. 
Philip Embury, Salem. 
John Barnes, Salem. 
Stephen Rogers. 



Ajij^ointcd December 8, 1773. 
Alexander Webster, Hebron ; re-appointed 1786, 1789, 1792, 1795, 1798. 

Appointed March 12, 1774. 
Thomas Green, Cambridge. 

Appointed June 11, 1774. 
Garret Keating, Whitehall. 

ArrOlNTMENTS BY THE STATE OP NEW YORK. 

Appointed June 23, 1786. 
Ebenezer Russell, Siilem; ro-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795, 1798. 
David Hopkins, Hebron; re-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795, 1798, 1801, 

1804, 1807, 1810. 
Moses Martin, Salem; re-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795, 1818. 
Albert Baker, Kingsbury; re-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795. 
John McAllister, Salem; re-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795. 
Aaron Fuller, AVhitehall. 

Samuel Crosset, Hebron; re-appointed 1792, 1798, 1801, 1807. 
Adiel Sherwood, Kingsbury; re-appointcd 1789, 1792. 
Silas Child, Granville. 

John Rowan, Salem; re-appointed 1789,1792, 1795, 1804, 1807, 1808. 
Asaph Cook, Granville; re-appointed 1789, 1792,1795, 1804, 1807, 

1808. 
Gideon Warren, Hampton; rc-appoinfed 1792, 1795. 
William McDougall, Argyle; re-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795. 
Peter B. Tearse, Fort Edward. 

James Randolph, Argyle; re-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795. 
Aljihcus Spencer. 

Ap2>ointed May 5, 1789. 
John Williams, Salem; re-appointed 1792, 1795, 1798. 
Jonathan Foster, Argyle. 
William Keid, Argyle; re-appointed 1792, 1795, 1708, ISOl. 

Appointed A2)ril 6, 1792. 
John Younglove, Cambridge ; re-appointed 1795, 1798. /^ 
Edmund Wells, Jr., Cambridge; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1801. 
Slanton Tefft, Easton; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1804. 
Thomas Dennis, Easton; re-.appointed 1795, 1798, 1804, 1807, 1808, 

ISll. 
John Fish, Granville; re-appointed 1795. 
Setts Sherwood, Fort Edward. 
Medad Harvey, Fort Ann. 
Asahel Hitchcock, Kingsbury. 

Daniel Curtice, Granville; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1801. 
Timothy Leonard, Granville; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1801. 
John McWhorter, Granville ; re-appointcd 1705. 
Daniel Earl, Jr., Whitehall; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1801, 1804, 

1807, 1812. 
Edward Harris, Salem ; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1801, 1804. 
Asahcl Hodge, Hartford; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1801, 1804, 1807, 

1808. 
John MeKillip, Cambridge; re-appointed 1795. 
Jacob Van Valkenburg, Salem; re-appointed 1795. 
Sanford Smith, Cambridge; re-appointed 1795, 1798. 
Samuel Beamau, Hampton; re-appointed 1798, 1801, 1807, 1810,1818, 

1821. 
William Whiteside, Cambridge. 

Thomas Smith, Easton; rc-ajipointed 1798, 1801, 1S04, 1807. 
David Sprague, Greenwich; re-appointed 1705. 
Alexander Webster, Jr., Hebron ; re-appointcd 1795. 
Thomas Bellows, Hebron; rc-appointed 1795, 1798. 
John Hamilton, Hebron ; re-appointed 1795. 
Walter Raleigh, Cambridge; re-appointed 1705, 1798. 

Appointed March 18, 1795. 
Zina Hitchcock, Kingsbury; rc-appointed 1798, 1810. 
Edward Savage, Salem; re-appointed 1798, 1801, 1804, 1807, 1810. 
John Law, Salem; re-appointed 1798, 1801, 1804, 1807, 1808. 
John Conger, Cambridge. 

John Harroun, Cambridge; re-appointed 179S. 
David Long, Hebron; re-appointed 1798. 
John Hitchcock, Hebron ; re-appointed 1798. 
Samuel Harris, Kingsbury; rc-appointed 1798. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



117 



Api>oliilc<l July ], 1798. 
Charles Kane, Fort Ann. 
David Tbornc, Salfm. 
Phineas Hitchcock, Hebron; re-ajipointcd ISOl, 1807, 1808, ISIO, 

1815, 1818. 
Isaac Brinkerhoff, Hebron. 
William McAiiley, Cambridge. 
James Rogers, Fort Edward. 
Albert Baker, Jr., Kingsbury. 

David Thomas, Salem; re-appointcd 1798, 1801, 1804, 1811. 
William Harkness, Salem ; re-appointed 1798. 
Stephen Thorne, Granville; re-appointed 1801, 1804, 1808, 1811. 
Solomon Smith, Granville. 

Walter Martin, Salem; re-appointed 1798, 1801. 
Thomas AVhiteside, Cambridge; rc-appointed 1798, 1801, 181C. 
John Folsom, Argyle; re-appointed 1798. 
Manning Bull, Hartford. 

John Kincaid, Hampton ; rc-appointed 1798, 1801. 
Philip Smith, Easton. 

Micajah Pctlit, Kingsbury; rc-appointed 1801, 1808, 1811. 
Anthony I. Blanohard, Salem; re-appointcd 1810, 1811. 
Daniel Mason, Hartford ; re-appointed 1798. 

Alexander Cowan, Argyle; re-a]]pointcd 1798, 1801, ISOG, 1807,1815. 
Israel Lamb, Granville; re-appointed 1801, 1804. 
Phineas Freeman, Kingsbury. 
Ozias Coleman, Fort Ann. 
Gurdon Johnson, Granville. 
Matthew Ogden, Argyle. 

John White, Argyle; rc-appointed 1811, 1815. 
Simeon Stevens, Jr., Argyle; re-ai)iiointe(l 1801, 1804. 
John McLean, Cambridge; re-appointed ISOl, 1804, 1807, 1808, 1811, 

1815, 1818. 
Jonathan Harris, Kingsbury. 
Austin Underbill, Hartford; re-appointed 1801. 
David Austin, Hartford; re-appointed 1801, 1804, 1807, ISOS. 
Melanchthon Wheeler, Whitehall ; re-appointed 1807. 
Isaac Harlow, Whitehall; re-appointed 1801, 1804, 1807, 1808, 1811, 

1815. 
Sanford Smith, Cambridge. 
Jason Kellogg, Hampton; re-appointcd 1801, 1804, 1807, 1808, 1811, 

1815. 

Appohital July, ISOl. 
John Ball, Hampton. 
Joseph Wells, Easton. 

Appuinled A mjuKt 22, 1801. 
Asa Fitch, Salem; re-appointed 1804, 1810, 1815, 1818, 1821. 
John Gray, Jr., S.alem; re-appointed 1804, 1807, 1808, 1811, 1815. 
Robert Stewart, Salem; re-appointcd 1804, 1807, 1814. 
Wm. Livingston, Hebron; re-appointed 1804, 1807, ISll, 1S15. 
James Wilson, Hebron; re-appointed 1804, 1807, 1808, 1811. 
Henry Mattison, Hebron; re-appointcd 1807, 1808, 1811, 1815. 
Wm. Porter, Hebron; re-appointed 1804, 1809, 1811. 
Wm. Johnson, Whitehall; re-appointed 1805, 1811, 1815, 1818. 
Alexander Cruikshank, Whitehall; re-appointed 1804. 
Jabez Burrows, Hartford. 

Edward Riggs, Argyle; re-appointed 1804, 1807, 1808, 1815. 
Robert Perrigo, Jr., Argyle; re-appointed 1S04, ISIO. 
James Green, Argyle; re-appointed 1804, 1807, 1811, 1815. 
George Jackway, Argyle; re-appointed 1804, 1807, 1815. 
Lyman Hall, Argyle; rc-appointed 1804, 1807,1808, 1811, 1812, 1819. 
Martin Van Buskirk, Cambridge; 1804, 1807, 1808. 
Hczekiah King, Cambridge; rc-appointcd 1804, 1808, 1811. 
James Irvine, Cambridge; re-appointed 1804, 1807, 1808,_1811, 1815, 

1818. 
Ebenezer Dwinnell, Cambridge; re-appointed 1807. 
Jonas Earl, Granville. 
Ebenezer Gould, Granville. 

Caleb Baker, Kingsbury ; rc-appointed 1804, 1807, 1811. 
John Stewart, Kingsbury. 
Daniel Beadle, Easton; re-nppointed 1804. 
Thomas Cornell, Easton ; re-appointed 1804. 
John McKenny, Easton. 

Appointed May Z, 180.'!. 
Solomon Smith, Greenwich; rc-appointed 1804, 1808,1811. 
Benajah Hill, Granville; rc-appointed 1804, 1808, 1811. 



James Rogers, Argyle; re appointed 1804, 1807. 

Reuben Skinner, Granville; re-appointcd 1804. 

David Shepherd, Easton ; re-appointed 1804. 

Henry Van Schaick, Easton ; rc-appointed 1804, 1812, 1815. 

David Pettys, Easton ; re-appointed 1804. 

Appointed July .1, 1804. 
Hugh Moor, Salem ; re-appointcd 1807, 1808, 1811, 1815. 
Daniel Hopkins, Salem; rc-appointed 1808. 
John Munson, Jr., Salem; rc-appointed 1807, 1808, 1811, 1815. 
Martin Van Duzen, Whitehall; re-appointcd 1808. 
Aaron Norton, Hartford. 

Joseph West, Hartford; re-appointcd 1808, 1811. 
Judah Thompson, Fort Ann. 
Nathan Hopkins, Salem; re-appointed ISO". 
Doty Collamer, Kingsbury; re-appointcd 1808, 1812. 
Wm. McCoy, Argyle; re-appointed 1807, 1808, 1811, 1815. 
Moses Carey, Argyle; re-appointed 1807, 1808, 1811, 1815. 
Wm. C. McLean, Argyle. 
Jonathan Sprague, Greenwich; ro-appointed 1807, 1808, 1811, 1815, 

1818, 1821. 
Alexander Livingston, Greenwich; rc-appointed 1807, 1808. 181 1, 

1815. 
Jesse Fairchild, Cambridge; re-appointed 1807, 1808. 
Joseph Stewart, Cambridge; ro-appointed 1807, 1808, InII, Ibli, 

1818. 
Solomon King, Cambridge ; re-appointcd 1807. 
Joseph Younglove, Cambridge. 

John Kirtland, Grtinvillc; rc-appointed 1807, 1808, 1811, 1815. 
Cornelius Whitney, Granville; re-appointcd 1807. 
Amos GoulJ, Granville; rc-appointed 1807, 1808, 1811, 1815. 
Samuel Hoopes, Hampton; re-appointed 1811. 
John Stewart, Kingsbury; re-appointed 1815. 
Nathaniel Pitcher, Kingsbury; re-appointed 1806, 1807, 1808, 1811. 

Ai>2>oinled April 8, 1805. 
Simon Do Ridder, Easton; re-appointed 1807i 1810, 1817. 
James Hill, Cambridge; re-appointed 1807, 1811. 
Solomon Dean, Cambridge; re-appointed 1808, 1811, 1815, 1818, 1821. 
Jonathan Wood, Hartford; re-appointed 1815, 1818. 
John White, Argyle; re-appointed 1808, 1814, 1815. 
Abraham Case, Hebron. 
David Root, Hampton. 

Appointed Mivvli 1.3, I80G. 
Reuben Wh.allon, Argyle; rc-appointcd 1807, 1811. 
Collins Hitchcock, Kingsbury; rc-appointed 1807. 
James Burnett, Putnam ; re-appointed 1807, 1808, 1809, 1811, 1815, 

1818, 1821. 
N.ath.inicI Porter, Easton; re-appointed 1807, 1808. 
Timothy Case, Granville. 

Aj,/;,inlcd M„rcli 30, 1807. 
Samuel Hough, Granville; re-appointed 1808, 1811. 

Appuinled April 3, 1807. 
Henry Adams, Hampton. 
Cornelius Holmes, Salem. 

Appointed June 10, )S07. 
Snyder Stevens, Cambridge. 
Thomas Cowcll, Easton. 
Moses Rice, Salem. 
David Russell, Salem. 
Henry Rico, Hebron. 
Shubael Simmons, AVhilehall. 

Nathaniel Cruikshank, AVhitchall; re-appointed 1809. 
Pliny Adams, Hampton. 

Samuel Hooker, Hampton: reappointed 1808, 1815, 1818. 
Samuel Underbill, Hartford; re apjiointcd 1808. 
Aaron Austin, Hartford. 

Jonathan Wood, Hartford; reappointed 1808, 1811. 
Jonathan Leigh, Argyle; rc-aiipointed 1810, 1813. 
John P. Raker, Greenwich. 
Artemas Bobbins, Greenwich. 
Roswcll Weston, Kingsbury. 



118 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



William Hill, Cambridge. 
Baiijamin Smith, Camljridgo; 
David Simpson, Cambridge. 
Obadiah Brown, Cambridge. 



-appointed ISII. 



Aj,p„intol Jiuw 10, 1S07. 



Eliud Smith, Granville. 
Joseph Tower, (iranville. 
Nathan Kogers, Easton. 
Richard Rogers, Easton. 
Daniel Shepherd, Easton ; 



inted ISOS, ISIO 



i-appointcd 181 1, 1815, 1818, 1821. 



Appointed Fv.bni(ir,j 1 Ij, 1808. 

Nathan Wilscm, Salom; re-appointod 1811. 
Gideon Taft, Whitchnll; re-appointed ISII. 
Leonard Gibbs, Granville: re-appointed ISII, ISIS. 
Alexander Simpson, Jr., Salem ; re-appointed 1811, 1815. 
James MuFarland, Jr., Salem. 

Amherst Wheeler, Salem; re-appointed 1811, 181,% 1818. 
John Baker, Fort Ann ; rc-appoinled 1815. 
Jesse L. Billings, Salem. 
Ezra Holmes, Salem. 
Wm. Raymond, Jr., Granville 
Rial Tracy, Granville. 
Benjamin Hill, Granville. 
Roger Skinner, Kingsbury. 

Collins Hitchcock, Kingsbury; rc-ajipointcd 1811, 1819, 1821. 
Wm. C. McLean, Cambridge; re-appointed 1811. 
■ Beniamin Smith, Cambridge; re-appointed 1811. 
Benjamin Brownell, Easton; re-appointed 1811. 

Appuhited Fvhniurij 10, 1808. 

James Tcfft, Easton ; re-appointed ISll. 

James Kenyon, Easton. 

John P. Webb, Ilartl'ord ; re-appointed 1811. 

Isaac Crocker, Argyle: re-appointed 1811. 

.Alexander McDougall, Argyle; re-appointcJ 1811, 1815. 

Samuel Hatch, AVhitehall ; re-appointed 1811. 

Reuben Jones, Whitehall; re-appointed 1811, 1815, 1818. 

Alexander Cruikshank, Whitehall; re-a])pointed 181G. 

Thomas McLean, Greenwich. 

Marmaduke Whipple, Greenwich ; re-appointcd 1811, 1815. 

Joseph Tefft, Greenwich; re-appointed 1811. 

Appointed April 2, 1808. 

Zachariah Sill, Hartford; re-appointed 1811. 

Thomas Gourley, Hebron; re-appointed ISll. 

Wm. Thompson, Easton. 

Calvin Smith, Easton. 

Thomas Eddy, Argyle. 

Zerah Rider, Salem. 

John Hall, Hebron; rc-apjiointeil 1811. 

Appointed Man/, 27, 1809. 
Ebcnezer Blinn, Whitehall. 
John Doty, Fort Ann. 
Wm. Pratt, Greenwich. 



Paul Dennis, Cu 
Pelatiah Bugbce 



Appointed June 5, 1809. 

nhridgc ! re-appointed 1811, 1815. 
Putnam; rc-appoinled 1811. 



Appointed M.oek 20, 1810. 
Wm. Richards, Cambridge. 
John P. Becker, Greenwich. 
William Williams, Salem. 
Theodoras Stevens, Salom. 
John H. Northrop, Hebron. 
Wm. McClellan, Hebron. 
Dennison Darrow, Hebron. 
Caleb West, Granville. 
Orla Hall, Granville. 
Martin Lee, Granville; re-appointed 1815, 1818, 1821. 



Jeremiah Spiccr, Granville. 

James Sntterlee, Hampton. 

Enoch Wright, Whitehall. 

Nathaniel Hall, Whitehall: re-.appointed 1814, 1S15, 181fi, 1818, 1819, 

1821. 
John C. Parker, Hartford, reappointed 1815, 1818, 1821. 
Aaron Ingalsbc, Hartford. 
Thomas N. Clark, Argyle. 
Samuel T. Shepherd, Argyle. 
John Reid, Argyle; re-appointed 18M. 
Andrew Haggart, Argyle. 
Abraham Wright, Argyle. 
Jonathan Moshcr, Argyle. 
John F. Whipple, Greenwich. 
Charles Ingalls, Greenwich. 
Lemuel T. Bush," Fort Ann. 
Duty Saylcs, Cambridge; re-appointed 1816. 
Jacob Holmes, tiranvillc. 
John Thomas, Kingsbury. 

Appointed Febnmrn 20, 181 1. 
George Clark, Fort Ann ; re-ajipointed 1815, 1818, 1821. 
Stephen Easty, Salem. 

Stephen Ransom, Salem ; re-appointed 1815. 
Alexander Mcintosh, Salem. 
Joshua Steel, Salem. 
Calvin Smith, Easton. 
Abraham Wright, Easton. 

Zephaniah Kingsley, Fort Ann; re-appointed 1815. 
Reuben Baker, Fort \nx\. 

Lemuel Hastings, Fort Ann; re-appointcd 1815. 
John Crosby, Fort Ann ; re-ajipuintcd 1S15. 
Liberty Branch, Fort Ann. 
Asahel Hodge, Hartford. 

Samuel Gordon, Hartford; re-appointed 1815. 
Samuel Downs, Hartford. 
Daniel Hopkins, Hebron. 

Amos Smith, Hebron; re-appointcd 1815, 1818, 1821. 
Read Phillips, Kingsbury; re-appointed 1815. 
William Calvin, Kingsbury; re-appointcd 181-4, 1815, 1818. 
Beriah Rogers, Hampton; re-appointcd 1815. 
Edward Riggs, Argyle; re-appointed 1818. 
John F. Gandall, Argyle; re-appointed 1S13, 1815. 
John Robertson, Argyle; re-appointed 1815. 
John McNiel, Argyle. 
John McCoy, Argyle ; rc-nppointed 1815. 
Thomas McLean, Greenwich. 
Araspus Folsom, Greenwich; re-appoiuted 1815. 
Aaron M. Ferine, Greenwich. 
James Vanderwerker, Greenwich. 
Gardner Philips, Greenwich. 
William Pratt, Greenwich. 
Isaac Lacoy, Cambridge. 
Warbam Hastings, Cambridge. 
Abraham F. Vaudenburgh, Cambridge. 

Appointed April 6, 1811. 
Christian Seckrider, Kingsbury. 
Timothy Eddy, Argyle; rc-.appointed 1815, 1818. 

Appointed June 10,1811. 
Pliny Whitcomb, Griinville; rc-appointed 1817. 
Nathaniel Frank, Granville. 
Asa Northam, Granville; re-appointcd 1815. 
Elijah Dexter, Ciimbridgc. 

Appointed Morel, 24, 1812. 
David Woods, Fort Ann. 

App,. inted Jnne Ifi, 1812. 
Gardner McCracken, Fort Ann ; re-appointed 1815. 
Benjamin Copeland, Fort Ann; re-appointed 1815, 1818, 1821. 
Elisha Thornton, Argyle. 
Gerrct II. Van Schaick, Easton. 
Cyril Carpenter, Granville; re-appointed 1815. 
David Campl.iell, Cambridge. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



110 



Appuinted March 25, 1814. 
Abner Stone, Salcm. 
Win. Van Nortwyok, Argyle. 
John Moss, Kingsbury; i-c-appointcd 1815. 
David Doane, Jr., Hartford ; re-appointcd 1818. 
Squire Bartholomew, Whitehall. 
Seth Peck, Hampton. 

Appointed April 16, ISll. 
Clark Rico, Cambridge. 
Jesse S. Leigh, Argylc. 
Daniel Carswell, Argyle. 
Thomas firiffiths, Whitehall. 

Appmiitcd March 3, 1815. 
James Sloan, Kingsbury; re-appointed 1818. 
Throop Barney, Kingsbury. 
Reuben Farr, Fort Ann. 

Luther Wait, Kingsbury ; re-appointed 1818. 
James Nichols, Hampton. 
Samuel Warford. Salem. 
Andrew Martin, Salem; re-appointed 181S. 
Levi Hcrrington, Granville. 
Ezekiel Smith, (iranvillc. 
Reuben Muz2.y, Argyle; re-appointed 1818. 
Wm. Van Nortwick, Argylc; re-appointed 1819. 
Eben Crandall, Greenwich ; re-appointed ISli). 
James McNaughton, Greenwich; re-appoited 1817, 1818. 
Levi Cole, Greenwich. 
Leonard 6. Bragg, Greenwich. 
John Paddock, Greenwich. 
John Wilson, Jr., Hebron. 

Samuel Livingston, Hebron ; re-appointed 1818. 
David Wbeadon, Hebron. 
James Carlisle, Hebron. 
James Hill, Cambridge. 
Oliver Sherman, Cambridge. 
Paul Cornell, Cambridge. 
James Tefft, Easton ; re-appointed ISIS. 
Philander Tobey, Easton; re-appointed 1817, ISIS. 
Calvin Smith, Easton; re-appointed ISIS. 
Rcdford Dennis, Easton. 
James Mallory, Easton ; re-appointed ISIS. 
James S. Tefft, Easton. 
Justin Smith, Whitehall. 
Thomas Lyon, Whitehall. 
Samuel Hatch, Whitehall. 

Appointed April S, 1815. 
Henry C. Martindale, Kingsbury; re-appointed 18IS. 
Solomon Smith, Greenwich. 
James Hill, Cambridge; re-appointed ISIS. 
Wm. C. McLean, Cambridge; re-appointed ISIS. 
Austin Wells, Cambridge. 
Benjamin Smith, Cambridge. 
Abram F. Vandenburgh, Cambridge. 
M'm. R. Adams, Salem. 

Gurdon Bull, Hartford; re-appointed ISIS, 1821. 
Alpheus Underbill, Hartford. 
David McXiel, Argyle. 
Elisha Thompson, Argyle. 

Thomas McLean, Greenwich; re-appointed 18IS. 
George Barney, Whitehall. 
Truman Clark, Putnam. 

Hiram Lawrence; Fort Ann; re-appointed 1821. 
Silas D. Kellogg, Hampton; reappointed ISIS, 1S21. 

Appointed March 1, 181 K. 
James B. Gibson, Salem; re-appointed 1818. 

Appointed March 2C, ISIC. 

John Bliss, Whitch.all. 

Robert Vredcnburgh, Whitehall. 

Dan Foster, Whitehall. 

01)adi.ih Dingmore, Whitehall. 

Wm. Briggs, White Creek; re-appointcd ISIS. 



Appointed Jnhj 8, ISlC. 
John Sprague, Salem. 

Appointed March 5, 1817. 

Ebenezer Kimball. 

David Simpson, Jackson; re-appointed 1818. 

Samuel T. Shepherd, Argyle. 

Franklin Hunter. 

Horace M. F. Smith, Hartford. 

Daniel Mosher, Jr., Cambridge; re-appointcd 1818. 

Hezckiah King. Cambridge. 

Benjamin Deuel, Easton. 

John D. Putuam, White Creek. 

Appointed March 19, 1817. 
Bethuel Church, Jr., Salem; re-appointed 1821. 

Appointed Febrnari/ 18, 1818. 
Lewis Shearer, Greenwich; re-appoiuted 1821. 
Josiah Sheldon, Easton. 
David Chase. 

Appointed April 24, ISIS. 

William Butlerfield, Putnam. 

John Bliss, Whitehall. 

Ransom Harlow, Whitehall; re-a]ipointed 1821. 

Hiram Lawrence, Fort Ann. 

lliram Cole, Kingsbury. 

Timothy Stougbton, Fort Edward. 

Warren Bell, Fort Edward. 

Stephen L. Velio, Fort Edward. 

David Sill, Argyle. 

Beriah Rogers, Hampton; re-appointed 1821. 

Nathan Smith, Hebron; re-appointed IS2I. 

Jedcdiah Darrow, .Tr., Hebron; re-appointed 1821. 

Richard Sill, Hartford. 

David Oatnian, Hartford; re-appointcd 1821. 

Seneca G. Bragg, Greenwich. 

David Campbell, Jackson. 

Oliver Sherman, Cambridge. 

Austin Wells, White Creek; rc-appointcd IS2I. 

John Willard, Salem. 

Appointed April 1.3, 1819. 
Lemuel IIasting,s, Fort Ann; rc-appointed 1822. 

Appointed JnljS, 1S19. 
David Congdon, Putnam. 
Jacob Viele, Cambridge. 

Appuinted Fehrnary 17, 1820. 
Alexander McLaughlan, Putnam. 
Daniel Adams, Hampton. 
Eliud Manvillc, Whitehall. 
Samuel T. Tanner, Granville. 
Joseph Boies, Greenwich. 

Appointed April 1, 1S20. 
Samuel Hubbard, Argyle. 

Appointed FehrHaru 2\, I82I. 
.Tohn Baker, Fort Ann. 
John L. Wendell, Cambridge. 
Alexander McLaughlan, Putnam. 
Daly Allen, Putnam. 
Robert Easton, Putnam. 
William II. Parker, Whitehall. 
Micah G. Bigelow, Whitehall. 
William Miller, Hampton. 
Elisha M. Forbes, Fort Ann. 
James Ilawley, Hartford. 
Archibald Hay, Hartford. 
Luther Wait, Kingsbury. 
Nathan P. Colvin, Kingsbury. 
Alexander McDougal, Argyle. 
Constant Storrs, Argyle. 
Benjamin Clapp, Argylc. 
William KciJ, Jr., Argylc. 



120 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Timothy Eddy, Fort Edward. 

Samuel T. Shepherd, Fort Edward. 

Warren Bell, Fort Edward. 

Amherst Wheeler, Salem. 

Philo Curtis, Salcm. 

Alexander Robertson, Salem. 

Henry Bull, Hebron. 

Abel Wood, Hebron. 

Jonathan Conger, Hebron. 

Wheelock Keith, Hebron. 

Daniel Hatch, Hebron. 

Benjamin F. Skinner, Cambridge. 

Benjamin BrowncII, Cambridge. 

Rufus Pratt, Cambridge. 

Harmon S. Barnum, Cambridge, 

Joseph Stewart, White Creek. 

Augustus King, White Creek. 

William Briggs, White Creek. 

Thomas McLean, Greenwich. 

Enoch Hanks, Greenwich. 

John Davenport, Easton. 

Gideon Cornell, Easton. 

Ebcnezer Norton, Easton. 

James Tefft, Easton. 

Isaac Matthews, Whitehall ; re-appointed 1S22. 

Adonijah Emmons, Kingsbury; re-appointed 1S22. 

Simeon Dennis, Easton ; re-appointed 1S22. 

In 1821 a new constitution was adopted, and the justices, 
■who had before been appointed by the governor and senate, 
were made appointable by the board of supervisors and 
the court of common pleas combined. In 1827 tliey were 
directed to be elected by the people. The names from 
1821 to 1827 are not on record in the county clerk's office. 

ELECTIONS BY THE PEOPLE. 



Benjamin Clapp, 


November, 1S27 


Argyle. 


Theodore Shepherd, 


« « 


" 


William Reid, Jr., 


" " 


" 


John Reid, 


« " 


" 


Henry Shepherd, 


" 1828 


" 


William Reid, Jr., 


" 1S29, 


" 


Josiah Dunton, 


" 1827, 


Cambridge. 


James P. Robertson, 


« u 


" 


Jesse Pratt, 


" " 


" 


Julius Phelps, 


" " 


" 


Robert Marshall, 


" 1828, 


" 


Sidney Wells, 


" 1829, 


" 


Abraham Conklin, 


" 1827, 


Easton. 


John Wright, 


« « 


'< 


Gideon Cornell, 


" " 


" 


Lemuel Simmons, 


" " 


" 


Ebcnezer Norton, 


" 1S2S, 


" 


Martin Mason, 


" 1829, 


" 


Lemuel Hastings, 


1827, 


Fort Ann. 


Amos T. Bush, 


" " 


" 


Benjamin Copeland, 


" " 


" 


John Root, 


" " 


" 


Kingsley M.artin, 


1828, 


" 


Amos T. Bush, 


" 1829, 


" 


Samuel T. Shipherd, 


" 1827, 


Fort Edward 


David Sanders, 


" " 


" 


Timothy Eddy, 


" " 


" 


Timothy Stoughton, 


" " 


" 


Edward Fullerton, 


" 1828, 


" 


Warren Bell, 


" 1829, 


" 


Eloathan Benjamin, 


" 1827, 


Dresden. 


Doty Allen, 


" " 


" 


Palmer Blunt, 


" " 


" 



Jonathan Winn, 
Elnathan Benjamin, 
Jonathan Winn, 
Ralph Barber, 
John C. Parker, 
Esek Fitch, 
Jonathan Todd, 
Boswell Ellsworth, 
Roswell Ellsworth, 
Esek Fitch, 
Charles F. Ingalls, 
Duncan Peterson, 
Thomas McLean, 
Alfred Fisher, 
Thomas McLean, 
Robert Coon, 
Slade D. Brown, 
Luther Mann, 
Curry Maynard, 
Solomon S. Cowan, 
Luther Mann, 
Slade D. Brown, 
Jedediah Darrow, 
Samuel Livingston, 
John Button, 
John Woodward, 
Samuel Livingston, 
John Button, 
Henry Bull, 
John P. Adams, 
Moses Ward, 
William Miller, 
Samuel B. Hooker, 
Ethan Warren, 
John P. Adams, 
Beriah Rogers, 
Constant Clapp, 
Calvin Smith, 
Solomon Dean, 
George W. Robertson, 
Calvin Smith, 
Francis McLean, 
Collins Hitchcock, 
Hiram Colvin, 
John Moss, 
Luther Wait, 
Luther Wait, 
John Moss, 
Henry Mathews, 
John W. Proud fit, 
Aaron Martin, Jr., 
Warren Norton, 
Henry Mathews, 
Aaron Martin, Jr., 
Paul Cornell, 
Harmon S. Barnam, 
Henry Rice, 
Benjamin Crocker, 
Benjamin Crocker, 
Paul Cornell, 
Alexander McLaughlin 
Robert Easton, 
James Blair, 
Anthony D. Welch, 
Abel Comstock, 
Robert Easton, 
Isaac Wood, 
James I. Stevens, 
Ransom Harlow, 
William H. Parker, 
John Boyd, 
James I. Stevens, 



November 1827, Dresden. 
" 1823, " 

" 1829, " 

" 1827, Granville. 



" 1828, " 

" 1829, " 

" 1827, Greenwich. 



" 1828, " 

" 1829, " 

" 1827, Hartford. 



" 1828, " 

" 1829, " 

" 1827, Hebron. 



" 1828, " 

" 1829, " 



1827, Hampto 



1828, 



" 1829, " 

" 1827, Jackson. 



" 1828, " 

" 1829, " 

" 1827, Kingsbury. 



" 1828, " 

" 1829, " 

" 1827, Salem 



" 1828, " 

" 1829, " 

" 1827, White Creek. 



" 1828, " 

" 1829, " 

" 1827, Putnam. 



" 1828, " 

" 1829, " 

" 1827, Whitehall. 



" 1828, " 

" 1829, " 



H I S T O E Y 

OF THE 

VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. 



SALEM. 



LOCATION AND N.\TUR,\L FEATURES. 

Salem is situated upon the east border of the county, 
south of the centre. It is bounded upon the north by 
Hebron, east by Vermont, south by Jackson, west by 
Jackson, Greenwich, and Argyle. It contains thirty-two 
thousand one hundred and eighty acres, or a fraction over 
fifty square miles. Its surface consists of moderately-ele- 
vated ridges, separated by narrow valleys, all extending in 
a northeast and a southwest direction. The hills are usually 
bordered by gradual slopes, and their summits are crowned 
with forests. There is very little waste-land in town. The 
Batten Kill, on the south boundary, and Black, White, 
and Trout creeks arc the principal streams. Lytle's pond, in 
the north part of the town, is a beautiful sheet of water, 
lying in a basin among the hills and surrounded with for- 
ests. The town is drained southwardly by the several 
streams that flow to the Batten Kill. At the east Jenks' 
brook unites with the main stream, a little east of the 
school-house in district No. 22. Next in order is the Cam- 
den creek, formed of two branches, the east and the west. 
This joins the Batt en K ill at a prominent northern bond. 
Steele's brook, a stream of but little importance, flows in, a 
short distance below the village of East Salem. Tracing 
the kill northward from the bend, where it makes nearly a 
right angle at the southernmost point of the town, the small 
stream that forms the outlet of Juniper swamp is the next 
in order. No other tributaries are found until the mouth 
of Black creek is reached, at the west town-line. This 
stream drains more than half of the town, and a large 
portion of the town of Hebron on the north. It has one 
considerable branch from the east, formed of Beaver creek, 
upper White creek, lower White creek, Dry creek, and 
Trout brook. Farther north is the West Beaver brook, 
rising partly in Hebron and draining one of the pleasant 
valleys of Salem. Black creek has some unimportant riv- 
ulets from the west. The outlet of Lytle's pond flows 
nortliward into Hebron before uniting with Black creek. 
McDougall's lake on the west town-line has its outlet 
through Livingston brook. Slate deposits are found in 
the northern part of the town, and a quarry for roofing 
16 



material has been worked to soinc extent. Other natural 
features worthy of mention are the peal marsh, not far 
from the slate quarry, and the Juniper swamp, south uf the 
Centre. 

PATENTS. 

This town consists mostly of the Turner patent of twenty- 
five thousand acres, granted Aug. 7, 1764, to Alexander 
Turner, James Turner, and others. One half of this 
patent, however, became the property of Olivcir De Lancey 
and Peter Du Bois, two government oflicials. These last 
sold their share in 1765 to Rev. Dr. Thom.is Clark, for his 
colony of Scotch and Irish emigrants, at a perpetual rent 
of one shilling per acre. This patent was survej'ed imme- 
diately after it was obtained from the colonial government, 
in 176-t. It was divided into three hundred and four lots, 
and a large lot, covered with splendid pine timber, w;js re- 
served for the common benefit and laid out into .small lots 
for division. Of the three hundred and four lots the full- 
sized ones contained eighty-eight acres each. The arrange- 
ment of the boundary lines, a part of the way on the 
Batten Kill, and also diagonally on the east, gave some frac- 
tional lots, and also some having more than eighty-eight 
acres each. The numbering of the lots, as made in 1764, 
is found on recent township maps, showing very clearly the 
ancient division lines. 

This patent was divided by lot between the New Eng- 
land patentees and Dr. Clark's colony. A record of the 
drawing is not preserved, or at least has not yet been dis- 
covered among the collections of old papers in the town. 
Each party first gave three lots, five hundred and twenty- 
eight acres in all, for religious purposes. Just how the 
drawing w;i8 conducted has not been ascertained in any re- 
cent investigations. Whether each party drew out numbers 
at random alternately until they were all taken, or whether 
the New England men did all the drawing until they had 
obtained their half, is uncertain. No account of trouble or 
litigation over the division has come down to the present 
time, and it is to be inferred that the method adopted for 
the drawing w;is mutually agreed upon and the results sat- 
isfactory. The Now Englanders and the Scotch-Irish were 

121 



122 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



evidently intermingled all over the town, and one writer 
intimates that the rivalry in settlement and cultivation 
tended to develop the town faster than would have been 
the case if they had been a homogeneous people, all of the 
same nationality. 

Besides the Turner patent the town of Salem also 
contains, on the west, lots G7 and 08 of the Argyle pat- 
ent, lying between McDougall's lake and the Ratten 
Kill. At the northeast corner of the town is the Farrant 
Patent, or a portion of it, forming a small triangle. The 
southeast portion of the town, forming a large triangle, with 
the ba.se upon the Batten Kill, consists of Duane's patent 
and Cockburu's patent, with a small .separate tract around 
Jenks' brook, or Chunk's, to give the earlier name. The 
patents of Duane and Cockburn comprise the beautiful 
Camden valley. 

These patents will be more particularly explained under 
the head of Early Settlement in the Camden Valley. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

From the sermon of Rev. Edward P. Spraguo, delivered 
June 4, 1876, we take the following passage, as an excel- 
lent summary of the facts connected with the first settlement 
of Salem : 

" In the spring of 1701, t\vo racn from Pclham, Mass., James Turner 
and Joshua Conkey, visited this county, which they had perhaps 
traversed during the war ju.st before, and selected the flats where the 
pleasant village of Salem now stands as the site of their future resi- 
dence. Going back to Pelham for the winter, they returned the next 
spring, accompanied by Hamilton McColUster, the father of the late 
William MeCoUister, who died in 1S71. These three men, Turner, 
Conkey, and McCollister, were the original settlers of this place, and 
the first also in the entire county. Their lirst cabin (hut, it might as 
proi)erly be called) was erected where the Ondawa House now stands, 
and the stump of a large tree, cut oif as level as possible and left in 
the middle of their cabin, served as their first table. Each of these 
three selected a tract of land for himself, Turner taking that west of 
their cabin, and in the rear of the present academy building ; McCol- 
lister going up the creek, about where the present dam now is, and 
Conkey still a mile farther up the stream. After two summers here, 
with their winters in Pclham, they removed their families in the 
spring of J7G3, transporting their goods through the woods on horse- 
back, and fording or swimming "the streams. They made this place 
henceforth their permanent home. These three families were the first 
actual settlers in the county." 

The claim that this was the first actual settlement in 
Washington county, as well as in the town, can hardly be 
sustained. As we have fully shown in the general history 
of the county, there was a considerable settlement around 
old Fort Saragbtoga, in Easton, twenty years or more before 
the arrival of the pioneers of Salem. That settlement, 
however, has passed so completely out of the knowledge of 
men of later generations, that no one can be expected to be 
aware of it unless he has made a specialty of searching out 
the early history of the county. Salem, however, may con- 
tain the earliest continuous settlement in the county, though 
Cambridge claims to have been actually settled in 17C1, and 
all the accounts declare that in that year Philip Skene es- 
tablished his thirty families in Skene.sborough. These three 
settlements were within a few months of each other, and if 
Conkey and Turner actually built a house and commenced 
operations when they came to look at the land, then Salem 
was probably the first ; if not, then Skenesborough takes the 
lead. It is all a matter of probability at best. 



The best ancient documents throwing light upon the 
names and location of the early settlers of Salem are the 
following schedules, with the certificates attached. The 
first is dated January, 1789, the other about a year later. 

These papers show that the farms there described were 
the property of the signers ten or twelve years earlier, or 
not more than ten or twelve years after the first gen- 
eral settlement of the town, and before very many transfers 
would have taken place. In many eases positive pioneer 
location — 17G4 to 17G8 — is no doubt clearly shown. In a 
few instances the same family names yet appear upon town- 
ship maps on the very farms selected one hundred and ten 
yetirs ago. 

These documents show more than ownership. Actual 
residence is certified to, — residence earlier than the Rur- 
goyne campaign of 1777. These certificates must, however, 
be interpreted with some degree of liberality. The son of 
an early proprietor was permitted, no doubt, to offer " satis- 
factory proof" of his father's residence. An agent or 
hired man or subsequent purchaser might have been per- 
mitted to do so as the legal successor of an original proprietor. 
James Proudfit, coming here in 1783, was no doubt allowed 
to offer proof, not that he himself had been driven off' in 
1777, six years before he came to Salem, but, as pastor and 
tenant of church property, that his predecessor or the agent 
of the church had been obliged to leave. It may be thought 
strange that the two parties, loyalists and Federalists, Tories 
and rebels, could both furnish the same kind of proof, and 
have their titles confirmed, and both be released from (juit- 
rent for the same reason. It will easily be seen that, in a 
certain sense, both coh/i/ furnish the evidence, and no doubt 
conscientiously. The Unionists in arms against the king 
were directli/ driven off by the approach of the Rritish 
army and their allies. The loyalists had been obliged to 
leave indirecl/i/ for the same reason. The incursion of the 
enemy brought on a crisis in which — obliged to choose be- 
tween the rebels and the king, and choosing in favor of the 
latter— they had been compelled to leave. The difficulty 
of the times is illustrated by the story of one settlor whose 
house was visited by a party demanding to know whose 
side he was on. Thinking it a matter of prudence to give 
a cautious answer, he replied, " On the Lord's side." But 
the parties persisting, and asking again whether he was for 
the king, he replied, "Yes, I am for the King of kings." 
Failing to extract a political opinion from him, they left 
him undisturbed in his Scriptural meditations. 

As to the proof required for which quit-rent might be 
discharged and title confirmed, there was no doubt a dispo- 
sition on the part of the State authorities to conciliate and 
therefore harmonize existing difficulties. Men whose worth 
and integrity as citizens were unquestioned had taken sides 
in favor of adhering to the crown, — retaining the allegiance 
of their fathers, — and it was not deemed best to ostracize 
and drive from the country men of that stamp. 

The term " actuaUi/ resided" must also be construed in 
a .somewhat general sense. A man claiming two lots, upon 
one of which he lived and the other a wild, unsettled lot, 
no doubt brought them both in under the same term. 

Subject to these explanations, and interpreting the lan- 
guage of the certificates somewhat liberally, these schedules 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



123 



must be considered a reliable statement of the actual citi- 
zens of this town before and in the Revolutionary war 

1767 to 1777. 

Men of other towns and other patents could not well 
have been included to any great extent in these lists. 

The numbers attached to the names indicate the lots of 
the Turner patent. The acres in the original document 
are omitted hei'e. 



PiiRsesiiora Ntimliers of 

of LhiiiI. the Luts. 

Jolin Armstrong 1 40 iqi 

Thomas Armstrong J "' 

James Armstrong 129 

Wra. Beatty 154 

John Blakely 226, 250 

Bartholomew Bartlett 29i) 

Joseph Bartlett 274 

Wm. Bell 3'J 

Eliz. Boyd 256 

Thomas Boyd 12.^ 

Wm. Boyd 13.3 

Wm. Brown ...219, 220 

John Beatty 146, 221, 220 

John Beatty, Jr 156, 157 

Nathaniel Carswell I to ci le 
* I ry 1, ^ ...52, 51, 45 

Abner Carswell J ' ' 

Joshua Conkey 153. 63 

-Kobert Clark 229 

Benjamin Cleveland 1^ 3 

Palmer Cleveland J! ' 

John Chambers 24 

Thomas CoUancc 247 

Samuel Covenhoven....s„^... 193 

John Conner 295 

James Craig 204 

James Crossett 80 

George Cruikshank 108 

John Duncan 237 

David Edgar 60 

Elisha Fitch 219 

Wm. Feral 36 

James Gault 224 

Jane Gibson 31 

Samuel Gillis 40 

Ebenezer Getty 170 

Alexander Gaiilt 88, S4, 82 

Robert Getty 7 

i"\?'^.Yr \ 11'. 1« 

pJathanicl Gray J ' 

George Gun 167 

Calvin Gault 16 

John Gray, Jr 89 

Robert Gilmore..,. 83 

John F. Gault Ill 

John Harsha 69 

David Hanna 30 

Samuel Hopkins | 13" l^s 

Nathaniel Hopkins] ' 

Allen Hunsden 

James Henderson 152 

William Huggins 133 

John Henry 86 

Richard Hoy 48 

Wm. Hoy 44 

Isaac Linoey 37 

John Lyon 98 

Moses Lemmon 61 

John Livingston 179 

Robert Lowdon 158 

John Lytic 92 

Andrew" Lytic 191 

Thomas Lyon 121 

Edward Long 160, 40 

John McCartor I ,,, 

Samuel MeCarti-r f "- 

James MoFarland 84 

Wiii. M,-CI.Mrv 184 

Jauifs .\Io..r..". 276, 265 

Jolm McJlicbael 59 

"CoIISTV OF 1 

Washington, J *** 
" I do hereby certify that the above-named persons, of the county 
of Washington, have given me satisfactory proof that they actually 
resided on the respective farms named to their names in the division 
of a patent of twenty-five thousand acres of land, originally granted 
to Alexander Turner and twenty-four others on the 7th day of .August, 
1764, ami that on account of the late war they were respectively 



Posspssora Numbirs of 

of Liiiul. tile Lots. 

Joseph McCrackcn, Jr 53 

Hezekiah Murdoch 101 

Hamilton McCollister 190 

Daniel MuNitt 73 

Daniel Mattison 58 

William Moncrief.Jr 32 

William McCov 44 

William Moocrief, Sr 41, 48 

Hugh Muncricf 28 

Ale.-Lander McNish 19 

David Muchelnea 141 

Samuel McCraoken 214 

Robert McMurray 230 

David Matthias..' 44, 60 

Matthew McClaughrey 1 ,- ,<, 
Thomas McClaughrey J -'^' '" 

Andrew McClaughrey 34 

Wm. Matthias 140 

James Moor, Sr 279 

John McMillan 297 

Hugh Moor 278 

Potter McDuugall 220 

Moses Martin I 

Aaron Martin j ^-^ 

Robert Matthias 32 

Joseph Nelson 104 

Thomas Oswald 228, 190 

Robert Orr 127 

James Ramagc 272, 273 

James Rowan 141, 138 

Wm. Rogers 173 

John Rowan, Esq 198 

James Rogers 160 

Andrew Robinson 176 

John Rowan, Jr 194 

Robert Stewart 26 

William Sloan 217 

Edward Savage, Esq 100, 15 

Margaret Savage 99, 18, 6 

Abner Stone 205 

John Steel 6 

James Stewart 95 

Ale.vandiT Stewart 47 

Alexander Simson 11 

James Stevenson 167 

David Scott 102, 109 

Joseph Slaraw 48 

Wm. Smith 198 

Thomas Steel 299 

Abraham Turner 10 

Wm. Thompson 22 

Josej)h Tomb 57 

Alexander Turner 9.3, 22 

Alexander Turner, Jr 50 

Reuben Turner 49 

Jennet Thomas 160, 159 

James Thompson 75 

Joseph WilKson 178 

Nathan Wilison 145, 135 

Patrick Wilison 1 j-j j-j. 

Nathaniel Wilison J ' ' 

Thomas Williams S3 

S.amuel Wilison 76 

David Webb 258 

John Williams 167, 77, 209 

Leonard Webb 235 

Siimucl Wright 196 

Alexander Wright 27 



obliged to quit thoir said farms by the invasion of tho enemy, as 
witness my hand this 24th day of January, 1789. 

" Davib Hopkins, 
" One 0/ Ihc Jiirlget 0/ the Court of Common I'lenn 
fur the County of WuMnglon. 

" Albany, January 24, 1789. 
" I certify that the within is a true copy of a certificate and sched- 
ule signed by David Hopkins, Esq., one of the judges of coinmoa 
pleas for Washington county, and I do further certify tho several 
persons therein named are free from paying all past as well as future 
quit-rents for the number of acres opposite their respective names. 

" PeTEII S. ClIUTKNlUS, 

"State Auditor." 

A year later there is a similar list, as follows : 



Possessors Nultihers of 

or I.utid. the Luta. 

Thorn is Armstrong 122 

Robert Armstrong, Jr 130 

John Armstrong, Jr 42, 43 

John Armstrong 125, 131 

Thomas Beatty ) !i.> 1-. 

William Realty } ''*''' ^^* 

Samuel Beattv 218 

Robert Boyd.'. 192 

John Boyd 128 

Moses Bartlett 234, 238 

Joseph Bartlett 203, 267 

Mo.<es Bartlett, Jr. ) „-„ 

Bartholomew Bartlett, Jr. J ''"^ 

James Clark, Jr 237 

John Cooper 110 

John Crossett 245, 242 

Benjamin Cleveland, Jr 115 

David Cleveland 116 

John Crossett, Jr 66, 67 

Abel Cleveland 106 

Wm. Cruikshank 113, 114 

James Craw 139 

Samuel Covenhoven 282, 183 

Reuben Cheney 98 

Lemuel Clapp ) 3^2 

Stephen Clapp J 

Asa Cleveland 250 

John Crossett.... 134, 144 

Ebenezer Clark 161, 163 

Aimer Dwelly 283 

Silas Estee 243, 248 

Asa Eastey 257 

Pelatiah Fitch, Jr 54 

Wm. Graham, Jr 269 

John Graham 266, 288 

John Graham, Jr 289 

George Guthrie 201 

'John Guthrie 105 

Samuel GarabiU 175 

Joshua Gates 71. 72 

Samuel Gambill 232 

.Tames Gambill 181, 185 

James Gault 210, 211 

William Henderson 20, 26 

Benjamin Harvey 91 

Hugh Henry 74 

James Henderson 154, 159 

James Hopkins 202, 206 

Samuel Hopkins 207 

George Hopkins 203 

Timothy lUth 292 

John llarsha 168, 169 

Allen llunsden 253, 260 

John llunsden 261, 262 

Andrew Jackson 290 

Alexander Kenaday 199, 200 

Joseph Lyon 21 

.Tohn Law 264 

John Law. Jr 263 

John Linnin 149 

Francis Lamon 213 

John Lamon 215 

Samu<d Lamon 116 

Moses Lamon 218 

William Lamon 222 

Thomas Lyon 275, 282 

Samuel Lyon 240 

John MeCleary 217 

JohuM.-Nitt 5 

Moses Martin, Jr. { g- 25 

Martin Dessably J 

Elizabeth McCollister 15, 17. 

Ebenezer Henderson 18, 29. 



Possessors Nunili'^r.-' of 

of I-nu(l. tlie Lots, 

Daniel MoFarlan 1 241 

James McFarland 246, 247 

Henry Matthews 233, 214 

Hugh Hartin 268 

Wm. Matthews. Jr 236 

Matthew McWhortor 162 

John McWhorter 16, 14 

John Mc.VIurray 225 

John .\1oorc 9 

John McAllister 62 

Mary McAllister 63 

Alex. McNitt, Jr 23, 46 

Daniel McClearv 118, ISO 

John McClearv, Jr 119 

John Moor, Jr 78 

John May 188 

John Martin 85 

Alexander McDonald 150 

John -McDonald 264 

James Moor, Jr 249 

Hugh Moor 279, 291 

James Moor 255 

John McCollister ) «f., 

M. Conkey ( ■"" 

Adam Martin, Mill lot. 

ArchibaldMcCoUister 232 

Wm. Moncrief 124 

John McMillan 300, 303 

John McFarland 251, 252 

John Mains 230 or 216, 239 

James Mills 102, 103 

Alexander McDonald 189, 197 

John Nivins 164, 165 

John Nivins, Jr 16« 

Robert Orr 193 

James Proudfit 79 

Robert Penall 94 

Robert Penall, Jr 94 

Hugh Penall 87 

Christopher Page 281, 289 

Abraham Rowan 142 

Wm, Rowan 195 

Stephen Rowan 212 

David Rice 270 

David Rude 273, 271 

Alexander Simson 1, 3 

James Simson 2 

Alexander Simson, Jr 8 

Thomas Steel 254 

Aaron Stone 126 

Aaron Stone, Jr 127 

Henry Smith 283, 284 

Ebenezer Sulley 293 

James Tomb 69 

Wm. Thompson 223, 156 

Wm. Thompson, Jr 157 

David Tomb 66 

John Tomb 65 

.Tames Thompson 81 

James Takles 278, 280 

David Thomas 79,68 

John Williams Turner 55, 56 

Joseph Wright 298 

Alexander Wright 269 

.Toseph Welsh 90 

John AVillson 69, 70 

Samuel Wright 184 

Amas.x Wheeler 287, 288 

Ephraim Wheeler 291, 298 

John Webb 242 

Lewis Williams 82, 96 

Patrick Wilison 172, 174 



124 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



"County op 1 
Washington, J * 
" I do hereby certify that the above-named persons, of the county 
of Washington, have given me satisfactory ])roof that they actually 
resided on the respective farms named to their names in the division 
of the patent of twenty-five thousand acres of land, originally granted 
to Alexander Turner and twenty-four others on the seventh day of 
August, 1764, and that on account of the late war they were respect- 
ively obliged to quit their said farms by the incursions of the enemy, 
as witness my hand this 24th day of December, 1789, 

"Alexander Webstek, 
" One of the Jiulgei ../ the Court of Common Pleas 

for Wuahington Cunnlij." 

"AiiniTou's Office, New York, 
"4th March, 1790. 
"I do hereby certify that the persons mentioned in the foregoing 
certificate are thereby exonerated from paying all past quit-rent for 
the number of acres set opposite their respective names, amounting 
in the whole to twelve thousand three hundred and sixty-seven acres, 
in the before-mentioned patent. 

"PeTEU CURTENll'S, 

"Slate A utlilur." 

This differs from the first certificate by leaving out the 
words " as well as future quit-rents." This may, however, 
be an omission of the town clerk copying the document, 
for it is probable one party who could swear to the same 
thing, would obtain the same terms as the other. 

These schedules comprise one liundred and twenty family 
names; two hundred and eighty-two jn-oprietors. The 
number of faiuilies would be considerably greater than the 
former number, and somewhat less than the latter. 

Of the family names the following ten appear attached 
upon recent township maps to the same lots as their ances- 
tors are certified to have resided upon a hundred years ago: 
Boyd, 123 ; Beattie, 145 ; Carswell, 52 ; Ciuikshank, 108 ; 
McClaughrey, 38; Beattie, 218; Thompson, 223; Hop- 
kins, 206 ; Law, 264; McCleary, 118; Thompson, 156; 
McCleary, 119; Williams, 96. 

In the family notes given at another place it will appear 
that still other families are now upon the homesteads of 
their ancestors. 

Comparing those schedules with the last assessment-roll, 
1877, it appears that the following fifty-seven other names 
of the ante revolutionary families are still found in town, 
and in many cases in the same neighborhoods, and very near 
to the same lots attached to the names in 1789 : Edgar, 
Duncan, Fitch, Craig, Conner, Cleveland, Hanna, McMurray, 
Scott, White, Rogers, Wilson, Steele, Moore, McNitt, 
Brown, McMillan, Clark, McFarland, Martin, Lytic, McAl- 
lister, McNish, Armstrong, Law, Moncrief, Lyon, Nelson, 
McArthur, Gray, Campbell, Bartlett, Conkey, Craig, Gibson, 
Sillis, Lyon, Lytic, McCarter, Moore, Murdock, McNish, 
Robinson, Rice, Stewart, Simpson, Stevenson, Smith, Turner, 
Thomas, Webb, Wright, Clapp, Jackson, Kennedy, McDon- 
ald, Mills. 

In the ca.se of some more common names. Smith, Brown, 
etc., the families of the present may not be descendants of 
the former, and this may be true in other cases, but the 
statement is probably a fair exhibit of the permanence of 
the families. 

It may still further be noticed that this shows fifty-three 
of the old family names to have disappeared from the town, 
but one or two of these are due to a modern change of 
spelling, as McCoUister to McAllister. 



A large number of the fifty-three families are, no doubt, 
represented yet through the descendants of the daughters 
who could tranj-mit the virtves and the property of their 
ancestors, even the old homesteads with all their memories, 
but not the family name. 

We add the following notes re.«ipecting some of the pio- 
neer families who.»e names appear in the various papers 
embodied in this history, viz. : the list of soldiers from the 
rolls of Colonel John AVilliams' Regiment, 1776 to 1777 ; 
list of town officers, 1787 to 1788 ; list of claimants for 
exemption from quit-rent, 1789 ; and some others from early 
church records and miscellaneous soui'ces. 

It is not supposed that these hasty notes arc in every in- 
stance accurate, nor are they in any sense complete, but it 
is hoped they may afford some clue to future writers who 
may desire to compile either public or private history at 
greater length than our limits permit. If errors are found, 
even these may the more surely induce further investigation. 

This brief commentary upon family names will at least 
indicate the wealth of material existing in Salem, and already 
largely gathered by Judge Gibson and Dr. Fitch, well known 
as standard authorities upon this subject. 

And the documents presented here may well induce the 
people to ^»(j«c/((//y su.stain future efforts to place in per- 
manent form not only the interesting annals of early settle- 
ment, the records of social and civil life, but the very 
muniments of title upon which every man's possession of 
his home depends. 

THE TURNER FAMILY.* 

Alexander Turner, of Pelham, Mass., who being the 
first named in the principal grant of lands located in Salem, 
caused the same to be called " Turner's patent," never 
came to Salem to reside, and indeed died shortly after the 
issuing of the grant. 

By his wife, Mary Conkey, had children — Alexander, 
James, Andrew, Daniel, Reuben and Sarah. 

1. Alexander, also a patentee, settled at Salem about 
1765, there remained till 1801, when he removed to 
Homer, N. Y., and there died on the 2d of April, 1835, aged 
ninety years. By his wife, Sarah (Pennell), had twelve 
children born at Salem, viz. : William, Archibald, Mary, 
Sarah, James, Esther, Andrew, who died young, Andrew 
again, Elizabeth, Alexander, Isaac, and Jane. 

2. James Turner, also one of the patentees, settled at 
Salem in 1764, having married Susannah Thomas, by whom 
he had Alexander J., who was the first white male child 
born at Salem, and who married Sarah McCrea, and about 
the year 1800 removed to and settled in St. Lawrence 
county, having a large family, and becoming a man of 
note ; Jeanette, who married General David Thomas, of 
Salem, and their only daughter and child, Jane, married 
George Vail, of Troy; Sarah, who married at Salem, Gen- 
eral Walter Martin, the founder of Blartlnsburg, Lewis 
Co., N. Y. ; James, who married Eleanor Hun.sden, and 
had children, viz. : William W., who settled at Fort Cov- 
ington ; James, long a blacksmith at Salem ; Susannah, 
who married John S. Hunsden, and settled at Shoreham, 

-^ By Hon. James tiibson. 




JUDGE C. L. ALLEN. 



CouNELirs Lassixr Ali.rn was born in Lansingburg, Re 
Co., N. Y., July 17, 1800. He was the eldest son in a family of eight 
children of David Allen and Elizabeth Lansing, the former a native 
of Fairfield. Conn., born Sept. 22, 1773, and a son of David Allen 
and Sarah Hull, of Fairfield, Conn. ; the former born 1743, the latter 
born 1744, and married Nov. 10, 1768. 

The family of Allen is traced through several generations in this 
country, and are lineal descendants of Gideon Allen, a lieutenant of 
the British army during the reign of Queen Anne. 

The latter, Elizabeth Lansing, was eldest daughter of Cornelius 
Lansing and Hester Vanderheyden, and born in Lansingburg, N. V., 
Sept. 1, 1779. Her grandfather on the paternal side, Abraham 
Jacob Lanson (now Lansing), was born in Holland, April 18, 1720. 

His father, David Allen, was a lawyer by profession ; was admitted 
to the bar of the State of Connecticut; removed to Lansingburg, 
N. Y., in the year 1803 ; rapidly rose in his profession ; was member 
of the Assembly of New York State for three terms, and of the 
State Senate for one term of four years, and surrogate of Rensselaer 
county for one term. He died May 11, 1S20. 

Judge Allen spent his minority until he was fifteen years of age at 
home, receiving the advantages of academical instruction. At that 
age, in the year 1815, he entered Princeton College, N. J., taking 
high rank in his class, and graduating from that institution in the 
year 1818, September 30, with the usual honors. The same fall he 
came to Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., and entered the ofiice of Hon. 
David Russell as a student at law, where he remained for three years, 
and was admitted to the practice of the legal profession in the year 
1821, October. He at once entered upon a partnership with Mr. 
Ilussell, which continued for six years, when he formed a partnership 
with Hon. B. Blair. 

In the year 1828, October 1, he married Miss Sarah H. Russell, 
daughter of Hon. David Russell and Alida Lansing, of Salem. She 
was born May 7, 1806. During the six years Judge Allen was in 
partnership with Mr. Blair he was appointed district attorney, which 
ofiice he retained for nine successive years. He was also during this 
time master and examiner in chancery, appointed by the Senate and 
governor of the State, which ofiice he held for some five years, and 
also brigade inspector of the Sixteenth Brigade of the New York 
State Militia for four years. 

Since the close of his partnership with Mr. Blair, Judge Allen has 
remained by himself in the practice of his profession, rapidly rising 



in influence among the people, and held in high esteem by the mem- 
bers of the legal fraternity for his integritj' of purpose in giving 
counsel, his clear and conclusive elucidation of the law, and for 
his ripe judgment and sagacity foreshadowing the results of litigation. 

He has been a member of the board of trustees of Washington 
Academy for over half a century, and president of the same for some 
twenty years, which position he still retains. 

In November, ISol, he was elected justice of the Supreme Court 
for the Fourth Judicial district of New York State, which office he 
held for eight years. Judge Allen, previous to being elected justice 
of the Supreme Court, was active in the political interests aff'ecting 
his county and State; was early in life a member of the old Demo- 
cratic party, and at the time of the breaking out of the late Rebellion 
became an ardent supporter of the Republican party and the preser- 
vation of the Union. 

He has been connected with the Presbyterian society of Salem ever 
since he came to the place, and trustee of that church for over half 
a century. He was one of the organizers of the old Bank of Salem, 
and director and vice-president of the same during its existence, and 
since the organization of the National Bank of Salem, Judge Allen 
has been its president until May, 1878, when his feeble health com- 
pelled him to resign the duties of the oflSce. He was a member of 
the Constitutional Convention of New York State during the session 
of that body for the purpose of amending the constitution. 

Judge Allen has spent a life of activity in his profession, and 
ranked among the foremost members of the bar of the State in his 
day, and is now one of the old landmarks, pointing back to the 
early days of history in the legal profession of Washington county. 

Judge Allen was a man remarkably quick of comprehension. In 
his professional life was very alert to seize upon the weak points of 
his adversary and fortify bis own, and rarely taken by surprise. His 
generosity, and genial, courteous demeanor, not only to the members 
of the legal fraternity, but to all with whom he came in contact, were 
common characteristics of the judge. His marked recuperative 
power as an advocate, when accidentally placed under embarrassment 
in court, was uncommon, and worthy of note in undertaking to write 
a sketch of his life. 

Judge Allen has three surviving children, viz., Cornelius Lansing 
Allen, a graduate of Yale College of the class of '67; was admitted 
to the bar of the State at Schenectady in 1869, and is, in 1S7S, an 
attorney and connselor-at-law in Salem, N. Y.; Alida, and Kate. 



HISTORY OF WASHIOGTOX COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



125 



Vt. '; Eliza, who was brought up in the family of Ebenezer 
Proudfit, and that of his widow, and nian-ied Rev. John 
A. Savage, and Jaw, who married Wesley Piatt. 

James Turner, the first settler at Salem above named, 
died very suddenly at Salem, in February, in the year 
1773. 

JOSHUA CONKEY 

came from Pelham, Mass., to Salem with James Turner 
in 1761, as usually stated. Dr. Fitch does not regard 
this as determined, but considers it safe to state that he 
brought his family in 17()3. He located up the creek 
nearly two miles from the village, on the present Chester 
Billings farm. His children were Richard, who settled in 
Roxbury, Delaware Co., N. Y. ; John, who settled in 
Martinsburg, Lewis Co. ; Elizabeth, who married first 
Amos Saiford, of Salem, and after his death, Daniel Pratt, of 
Lakeville ; Margaret, who married William Miller, and 
moved to Martinsburg; Mary, who married Nathaniel 
Stearns, of Salem ; J]unice, who married Samuel Safibrd 
(brother of Amos), and settled in the vicinity of Caniiilus, 
N.Y. 

Of Rev. Charles Conkey we learn that Richard's chil- 
dren were Joshua, of Salem ; Joel, who died unmarried ; 
John, who went to Western N. Y. ; and daughters, Mrs. 
Covel and Mrs. Wm. Montgomery. 

The children of Joshua, son of Richard, were Mrs. 
Jason Williams, Cambridge ; Mrs. Hiram Lewis, Salem, 
now living in Troy ; Rev. Charles Conkey, Salem ; Thomas, 
who died in Hebron; Nathaniel, now of Sandgate; and 
Daniel, who died in Salem in 1876. 

Silas, a brother of the pioneer, came from Pelham near 
the close of the Revolutionary war and settled at Fitch 
Point, erecting clothing-works ; after about twenty years he 
moved to Martinsburg. Of his children only one settled 
in Salem, Mrs. William Fitch. 

HAMILTON MCCOLLISTER 

came to Salem with Turner and Conkey on their first 
return. If 1761 was the correct date for them, 1762 was 
the year of his arrival. He came as a single man in the 
employ of the others. He located a farm two miles down 
the creek from the village, on the place still owned by his 
descendants. He married a sister of the wife of Joshua 
Conkey. Of his children, two died young; Archibald 
settled in Salem ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Stephen Rowan, of 
Salem; Martha, Mrs. Elijah Mack, of Salem ; John settled 
in Martinsburg; Mary Ann, Mrs. Jesse Mack, of Argyle; 
Hamilton, Jr., moved to Ohio ; Charles settled in White 
Pigeon, Mich. ; William remained on the homestead in 
Salem. 

Judge McCollister, of Chicago, is a grandson of the 
pioneer. 

DR. PELATIAH FITCH 

came from Norwich, Conn., to Groton, Mass.; then to 
Halifax, Vt. ; and from there to Salem in 1779. He 
settled on what is now the present place of H. Flowers, 
known as Milliman's Corners. Of his children, Joseph 
remained in Groton; Chester became a sea-captain, and 
finally settled in the West Indies; Pelatiah, Jr., settled in 
Salem ; Elisha first settled in Salem, and afterwards re- 



moved to Leroy, Genesee Co. ; Benjamin settled in Salem ; 
and Asa in Salem. Of his daughters, Lydia became Mi-s. 
David Henderson, of Salem, afterwards of St. Lawrence 
Co.; Elizabeth, Mrs. Aaron Martin, of Salem. Asa Fitch, 
above mentioned, was a member of Congress, 1811-13, — 
the well-known Dr. Fitch of olden times, — and father of 
the now equally well-known Dr. Asa Fitch, Jr. To the 
latter we are indebted for much valuable assistance in the 
preparation of this town history, and for advice upon diffi- 
cult questions respecting dates, persons, and places. 

THE GIBSON FAMILY OF SALEM. 

John Gibson was a sergeant in the Seventy-seventh 
Regiment of Highlanders, which served in America in 
the French and Indian war. He served through the war, 
and received a certificate of his service from Captain Rob- 
ertson, who commanded the company in which ho was a 
sergeant.* 

He was secretary to the committee of safety of the 
county of Charlotte, now Washington, during the Revo- 
lutionary war;j" and was paymaster of the Rangers in 
said county, commanded by Captain Joshua Conkey. \ 

He received a grant of land for his services in the 
French and Indian war ; but unfortunately the patent was 
located on the " Hampshire grants," and he lost the whole 
of it.§ 

He had a lease of a lot in New Perth from the Rev. Dr. 
Clark, which he held till 178(1. He seems then either to 
have left tlie premises, or been driven therefrom during 
some incur.sion, and never returned, or more jirobably he 
died about 1780, as his wife, Jean Gibson, got the land 
discharged from quit-rent on account of being driven off. || 

He had sons, John, Jr., James, and perhaps Thomas 
and Richard. John and James were both privates in 
Captain Armstrong's company, in Colonel Williams' regi- 
ment of militia, and served at times during the war. 

There was another Gibson family came into the town of 
Salem at a later day. 

James B. Gibson, of English ancestry, born at Johnston, 
near Providence, R. I., and died at Salem, May 10, 1827. 
He was educated at Plainfield Academy, Connecticut, and 
Middlcbury College; admitted as a lawyer in 1806; and 
immediately settled in and commenced the practice of law 
at Salem. He soon after married Margaret, the only 
daughter of Benjamin Townsend, of Hebron, and had 
children, viz. : Frances Ann, who married Jed. P. Clark, 
of Sheldon, Vt., and there died in 1859 ; Horatio, who 
died at Aurora, 111., in 1836; Esther Maria, who married 
Cyrus Stevens, and died in 1836 ; James, who is now a 
practicing lawyer at Salem ; Henry, who became a lawyer, 
settled at AVhitehall, and there died suddenly in 1875; 
William T., who has been largely in the insurance business 
at Indianapolis ; Allen, in the same business at Chicago ; 
and Sarah Margaret, who married Formau IToxie, and re- 
sides in Illinois. 



* 17 New York Land Papers, 71. 

t 2 Journal P. C, 338. 

+ 1 N. Y. Prov. Papers, 174. 

J S^eo return of the survey, IS N. Y. Land Papers, 73. 

11 See Town Records. 



126 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



OTHER PIONEEKS. 

Dr. James Proudfit, the second minister of the Scotch 
church, left eight children : 1st, Dr. Andrew Proudfit, of 
Argyle; 2d, John, a physician, of Norfolk, Va. ; 3d, Dr. 
James, of Philadelphia ; 4th, Dr. Daniel, of New York city ; 
5th, Rev. Alexander, colleague pastor with his father in 
Salem ; 6th, Ebenezer, a merchant, of Saleni ; 7tli, William, 
a farmer, of Saleni ; 8th, Mary, wife of John Reid, merchant, 
of Troy, and afterwards of Whitehall. 

David Tomb, the pioneer and elder in Dr. Clark's church, 
settled on what is now the Smith Barrett place. His sons 
were: 1st, James, who settled on the farm nest south of 
his father ; 2d, John, who inherited the homestead, and 
had an early distillery, finally removing to the vicinity of 
Syracuse ; 3d, Rev. Samuel, pastor of the Presbyterian 
church, Salem ; 4th, Dr. Joseph, of Argylc. 

Dr. Clark, the minister, had two sons, Ebenezer Clark, 
of Argyle, first judge of this county in 1800; Dr. Benja- 
min Clark, who went to South Carolina with his father. A 
daughter, Elizabeth, became Mrs. James Campbell. He 
was a son of Duncan Campbell, first supervisor of Argyle, 
moving afterwards to Greenwich, and finally to Canada. 

Robert Clark, a brother of Dr. Clark, came, it is sup- 
posed, with the colony, and settled on the Stewart farm, 
next south of Deacon James B. Stevenson's. His sons 
were Thomas, a physician, of Argyle, and Robert, also a 
physician, an early resident of Monroe, Mich. 

The pioneers of the Boyd family were three brothers, — 
Thomas, Robert, and John. Thomas settled north of Salem 
village, on the firm now owned by his granddaughter, ]Mrs. 
D. D. McCleaiy. Of his children, William and Robert 
settled in Salem ; John H., a lawyer, at Whitehall. The 
daughters were Mrs. Wm. Chapman, of Franklin county; 
Mrs. James Smart, of Salem ; Mrs. John McAllister, of 
Salem; Mrs. George McMillan, of Argyle. The pioneer 
Robert settled on land adjoining that of Thomas, and left 
two daughters, Catharine and Margaret, the latter becoming 
Mrs. Keracher. John, the third of the pioneer brothers, 
settled where James Moore now lives. There was also in 
town a family of Boyds, distinct from these, one of whom 
was known as John Boyd B., to distinguish him from other 
Johns. Of this family were also Joseph and William. 

The pioneer homestead of the Armstrong family was up 
the turnpike, in the " Bu.shes" district. There were evi- 
dently two, — John and Robert, — and each had a son of the 
same name. 

Benjamin Cleveland, from Rhode Island, came in before 
the Revolution, and settled on the present Solomon Moore 
farm. Of his sons, David and Palmer settled in Pawlet, 
and afterwards went west; Moses, Aaron, and Daniel set- 
tled in Salem, but Moses and Daniel finally went west. 

Job W. Cleveland came .six years later than his brother 
Benjamin, and settled on the farm still in the family. Of 
his son.s, Daniel C. went to Hebron, Job to Wyoming, Ira 
to Ohio, Levi H. remained on the old homestead, now liv- 
ing, and Benjamin, also living, in Salem village. Daughters 
were JMrs. Chester Fernam, of Hebron ; Mrs. Ames Lewis, 
of Rupert; Mrs. Alvin Grey, of Dorset ; Mrs. Elijah Gray, 
of Dorset ; Mrs. Morris Graves, of Salisbury, Vt. ; Mrs. 
Anson Gray, of Dorset. 



Job W., Sr., was a Revolutionary soldier, and was in 
many battles. His son, Benjamin, states that his father 
used to relate that he once heard General Washington ask a 
soldier to move a rail. The man, drawing himself up, re- 
plied, " I am a corporal !" Wa.shington an.swered quietly, 
" Oh, I did not know that," and getting down from his horse, 
immediately moved the rail himself Benjamin Cleveland's 
maternal grandfather, William Clark, was killed at the battle 
of Saratoga. 

Thomas Beaftie came from Ireland, one of Dr. Clark's 
congregation, and settled on the present farm of James 
Smart. Of his sons, John, already married in Ireland, set- 
tled in Salem, David in the Camden valley, Samuel, 
Thomas, Jr., and William, all in Salem ; James died young 
while obtaining an education. One daughter, Jane, became 
Mrs. Riley, went west, later in life returned to Salem, and 
died here. 

John H. Beattie, a grandson of Samuel, is now living in 
Salem. Robert Bsattie, a produce-dealer of Salem, is a 
grandson of Thomas, Jr. Colonel John C. Beattie, an ofiicer 
of Sing-Sing prison, is a grandson of William ; and Samuel, 
a prominent wealthy farmer of Salem, is a grandson of John, 
and resides on a part of John's old homestead. 

Malcolm McNaicyhton was a pioneer of Argyle, coming 
over in the same ship with the McDonalds. His son, Alex- 
ander, came to Saleni at an early day, and exchanged lands 
in Argyle for the farm of John Harsha, the latter removing 
to Argyle. A daughter of Alexander is Mrs. John H. 
Beattie, of Salem. 

John Ilnrslm was a brother (as understood by Ebenezer 
McMurray) of Dr. Clark's elder, who died at Stillwater, 
1765 or '66. 

R'lherl McMurray came in 1774, but was a member in 
Ireland of Dr. Clark's congregation that had come to Salem 
eight years earlier. He settled on what is still known as 
the McMurray farm, two and a half miles south of Salem 
village. Of his children, John settled on the homestead in 
Salem ; Robert, Jr., died young, having marrried a daughter 
of John Whiteside, of Cambridge ; James never married, 
died in 1815, a merchant in Salem ; William, a minister, 
died pastor of Market Street Reformed church. New York, 
in 1835 ; Jane became Mrs. John McCoy, of Argyle; 
Margaret, Mrs. Peter Cruikshank, of Salem ; Nancy, Mrs. 
Thomas Stevenson, of Salem ; Elizabeth and Su.san were 
the first and second wives of Abner Austin. 

Ebenezer McMurray, member of Assembly in 1854, now 
living in Salem, and Dr. Robert McMurray, of New York, 
are sons of John. The latter died at the age of eighty- 
seven, having passed all his life, except the last few months, 
on the farm where he was born. AVilliam McMurray, of New 
York, son of the minister mentioned, was one of the first 
police commissioners of that city under the authority of the 
State, associated with Thomas C. Acton. Robert, a son of 
the Robert who died young, is living on the Whiteside farm 
in Cambridge. 

Ziiccheus Ahoood came from Barre, Mass., about 1804, 
and settled in Salem on the present place of Mrs. McKie. 
He had a large family of children, — Elijah G., Charles, 
Abiathar, Jlrs. Benjamin Cleveland, Cyrus, Anson, Samuel, 
Mrs. Pliny Hall, Mrs. Dr. Turner, and Mrs. T. R. Weston. 



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Residence or E.S . SHERMAN, Salem, WASHiNoroN Co f v: 



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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COlLNTr, NEW YORK. 



127 



Charles was a distinguished inventor, once selling the right 
to use an automatic machine for putting hooks and eyes on 
the papers for thirteen thousand dollars in a single town. 
Anson is also an inventor of note. 

Robert Stetcarf was one of the New England men ; set- 
tled about three miles south of Salem, in what is now 
school district No. 4. Of his children, James settled in 
Putnam ; Robert, not married, a merchant in Greenwich for 
a few years ; William settled adjoining the old homestead, 
and died there ; two daughters, Mrs. Joseph Clark and 
Mrs. Chester Billings, of Salem. The latter is still living. 

Alexuiider Steicart, another pioneer, left two sons, — 
David, of Salem, and James, of St. Lawrence countv ; 
daughters, Mrs. White, of Argylc ; Mrs. Blorcy, of Green- 
wich, and the second wife of Abner Carswell. 

Alexander McNlsh was an early pioneer. His father 
came to this town with him, and died at the age of one 
hundred and four ; remembered as a smart, hale old man. 
He went to town-meeting the last spring before he died, 
and voted. Alexander settled on the farm now owned by 
William McNish, a grandson. His children were William, 
who settled in Salem ; Alexander, Jr., who went west ; 
Dr. McNish, who, after practicing several years in Salem, 
also went west ; Sally, IMrs. Thomas Steele, of Salem ; 
Betsey, Mrs. Alexander Steele. Alexander, Sr., was a 
soldier of the Revolution ; at Schuylerville he was shot 
through the shoulder while, with one or two other bold 
spirits, endeavoring to capture horses from the fields just 
before Burgoyne's headijuarters, on the Schuyler farm. 
When wounded he is said to have been carried over the 
river by John Rowan. 

John Linnlit lived a little northeast of the village. Mrs. 
John H. Beattie states that she has heard her father speak 
of John Linnin and wife coming to the old church, the wife 
riding on the pillion, behind her husband, horseback. 

Joseph McGracken was a soldier of the Revolution. He 
lost an arm at the battle of Monmouth. He is intimately 
connected with the early history of Salem. He left three 
sons, — John, David, and Joseph, — who settled in Salem. 
A daughter became Mrs. Nathan Wilson. 

The pioneer McFarlands consisted of two brothers,— 
James and William, — and with them a nephew, — James. 
Another brother of the first two — Daniel — came somewhat 
later. The elder James was a bachelor. The j'ounger 
James had a large faiuily. Of his children, William, James, 
Jr., John, David, Daniel, and Mitchell settled in Salem. 
The latter never married, and another son, Robert, died 
young. Daughters were Mrs. Win. Steele, BIrs. James B. 
Stevenson, Mrs. William H. Stewart, of Salem, and one 
daughter died young. A son of John — James McFarland 
— is a produce dealer in Salem. A son of James, Jr., 
above is a merchant in Salem. William, the pioneer, is un- 
derstood by James B. Stevenson to have settled about three 
miles south of the village, and one son, William, removed 
to Whitehall. Daniel McFarland, the third of the pioneer 
brothers, had one son, — Wm. McFarland, .sheriff of Wash- 
ington county, elected in 1825, and father of John H. 
McFarland, lawyer, of Salem. Another son of Daniel — 
John — settled in Hebron ; unmarried. One daughter, un- 
married. 



William, John, and Daniel McCleary, three brothers, 
came over with Dr. Clark's colony. William settled just 
over the line in Rupert, on the farm now owned by the 
ftimily of the late Luther Sheldon. John in Hebron, on 
the farm known in late years as the 'Squire James Wilson 
place. Daniel in Salem, on the farm now owned by Wm. 
and D. D. McCleary. The family understand there was 
also a fourth brother, Tiiomas. 

The sons of William were William, Jr , Thomas, and 
another. William, Jr., married a sister of the Mormon 
prophet, Joseph Smith. 

John, the pioneer in Hebron, had one son, Daniel. 

Daniel, the other pioneer, had two sons, — one who died 
in youth, and John, who settled in Salem. Daughters, — 
INIrs. Chatham, Mrs. Joseph Nelson, Mrs. Turquoine, and 
Nancy, unmarried. 

D. D. McCleary, of Salem, is a son of John, grandson 
of Daniel. 

With reference to John Bhdceli/, I'^benezer Murray states 
that Rev. John B. Dales, of I'hiladelphia, is a connection 
of the Blakely family of old times living in Salem. 

John Rowan came with Dr. Clark's colony, and settled 
south of Salem village, on the farm known in late years as 
the Brown farm. One son — Stephen — settled in Salem, 
and kept a hotel on the site of the present depot. His 
wife was a daughter of Hamilton McColIister, and a son is 
Deacon Archibald Rowan, of Argyle. 

John Rowan (2d), another pioneer, known as " Little " 
John, was also here before the Revolution ; was at the bat- 
tle of Bennington. His place was" Rowan Hill." His sons, 
William and Abram. Daughters, Mrs. David Lytic, Mrs. 
Samuel V. Lytic. The two pioneer Johns were cousins. 

James Rowan, brother of " Little" John, was a third 
pioneer. His sons were Stephen, James, Jr., and Abram. 
The latter known as " Big" Abram. 

Stephen became the distinguished Rev. Dr. Rowan, of 
New York. 

Moses Barftelt lived two and a half miles from Shushan, 
on the present farm of Wm. H. Grocsbeck. His sons were 
Moses and Thomas, — perhaps others. 

Thomas lived where Samuel McArthur now resides, in 
Camden valley. 

William Bell was an early pioneer on the present place 
of Robert Shaw. Daughters were Mrs. Wm. McFarland, 
Mrs. David Edgar, Mrs. King, of Argyle, Mrs. Getty, of 
Hebron. 

John Savaye and his sons Edward and James came with 
the New England colony, and were united in the Turner 
patent. They were from Pelham. Edward settled on the 
present Hatch place. James on the place next west. John 
Savage, the father, was a seafiviing man ; had lost one leg 
in the naval service. Edward Savage had one son, John, 
the well-known chief-justice of the State, and one daugh- 
ter, wife of the Rev. Mr. Sweetman, of Saratoga county. 

Of the children of James, Abram settled in Salem ; 
Thomas in Salem, afterwards removed to Argyle. Daugh- 
ters were 3Irs. Edward Riggs, of Argyle, Mrs. Thomas 
Clark, of Argyle, Mrs. Ralph Clark, of Argyle, and Mrs. 
John McMurray, of Salem. A daughter of Ralph Clark 
was the first wife of Schuyler Colfax. 



128 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Dr. James Savage, now of Argyle, i.s a son of Abram, 
and another son was the late Professor Edward Savage, of 
Union College. 

Major Sle.pheii Clopp came from Connecticut before or 
during the Revolutionary war. He was a soldier; won his 
title in the service. His place was the present village of 
Baxterville, and from him it was known a.s Clapp's mills 
for many years, a term that might appropriately have been 
continued to the present time. 

Of his children. Constant settled tlie other side of the 
Kill, in Jackson ; Stephen, Jr., also in Jackson ; Wheeler 
remained at the mills, better known as Colonel Ephraim W. 
Clapp, of the War of 1812, finally removed to Anaquassa- 
cook ; Otis settled in Moriah, Essex county, after being a 
longtime merchant just below South Salem village; Leonard 
H., a merchant of Sulcm village, afterwards removed to 
Pittsford ; Samuel settled in Hebron, kept a tavern ; 
Dwelly now living in Adrian, Michigan. Mrs. Hiram 
Green, daughter of Stephen Clapp, Jr., is the only member 
of the family left in Salem. 

William Mattliews and David Matthews were pioneers 
from Ireland, and settled in the McMurray neighborhood. 
Wm. Matthews and Robert McMurray married sisters. 

David was the father of James M. Matthews, chancellor 
of New York University. 

Samuel Crozier's homestead was a part of the present 
Thomas Steele farm. Of his children, William settled on 
the homestead, and John in Jackson. A daughter was 
Mrs. William Thompson, of Salem. 

Wm. Brown. This name appears in the land certificate 
for No. 219, 220 of the Turner patent. This is just above 
the north end of Cockburn's patent. The name was after- 
wards common farther south in the Camden valley. 

The pioneer, Murtyii, came from Ireland in 1767 or 1768, 
and settled on what is now known as the Smith Brownell 
farm. His name was probably Hugh. He was accident- 
ally killed by the falling of a tree which his two sons were 
chopping. One of his sons, John, removed to New Jersey. 
The other, Hugh, settled in Salem. A granddaughter of the 
younger Hugh, Mrs. Frazier, is a resident of Salem at the 
present time. 

Archibald Gillis settled in Argyle about the time Dr. 
Clark's colony came to Salem. His sons were James, 
Joseph, and John, all of whom settled in Argyle, and one 
daughter, Mrs. Leigh, of Argyle. A son of James now 
resides in Salem. 

Gideon Safford was one of the New England colony. 
He settled on the present farm of Joseph Gillis, in Salem. 
His sons were Chester, Gideon, Nathan, Adin, Thomas, and 
at first settled in Salem ; afterwards scattered somewhat. 
Daughters were 3Irs. John Mclntyre, Mrs. Carswell, Mrs. 
James Turner, Mrs. James Gillis, Mrs. John Bradford, 
Mrs. David Stewart, Mrs. Elias Rhodes. 

John Duncan was an eaily pioneer from Scotland, and, 
according to the account of Miss Jane Duncan, of Salem, 
settled first in Hebron. He had at least two sons ; one died 
on the passage over the ocean. John Duncan, Jr., settled 
in Salem, on the place now owned by David Duncan. John, 
Sr., came with him, and died in Salem. A daughter in 
the original family was Mrs. Mclntyre, of Fort Edward. 



Mathew, Thomas, and Andrew McClaiighrey were three 
brothers, early pioneers. A sister became Mrs. Ebenezer 
Clark. He was cleik of the county of Charlotte, appointed 
May 8, 1777. 

David Thomas was the well-known general of old times, 
proprietor of the Turner farm, or Ondawa House, for many 
years, and father-in-law of George Vaif, the noted agricul- 
turist and stock -grower of Troy. 

John Gray was one of the New England colony from 
Pelham, Mass. He settled in Salem, on what is known 
among the older people as the Harkness place. 

Of his sons, John, Jr., settled in Salem ; Nathaniel also 
in Salem ; later in life removed to western New York ; 
Isaac, in Salem ; one daughter was Mrs. Hulett, of Hartford. 

The children of John, Jr. — William and John — settled 
in Salem. James kept tavern on what is now the John Clark 
place ; afterwards went west ; and another son is Judge 
Hiram Gray, of Elmira. 

Nathaniel Gray, of Camden valley, was a later settler, not 
connected to the preceding family. Of his sons, llossiter 
went west ; Alonzo was a merchant in Salem village for 
many years, and died in 187-4; Curtiss went west; Lyman 
settled in Salem. 

Colonel David Gray, of Camden valley, was of another 
distinct family, as his granddaughter, Mrs. Alonzo Gray, 
supposes. He had a brother, Mathew. Sons of David 
were David, Jr., Levi, William, Clark; daughters, Mrs. 
Hawley, Jlrs. Dr. Holmes, Mrs. Ebenezer Eldridge, Mrs. Dr. 
Wright, of Syracuse. 

Joseph Welsh lived near Salem village in the time of the 
Revolution. It is a story come down in the family, that 
Indians came to their home once and were offered some- 
thing to eat; refusing, they retired, but carried oflF a sheep 
and killed it. 

Ebenezer Russell was from New England, and settled on 
the farm now owned by Warren Burch. Of his children, 
William settled on the homestead ; another son. Dr. Rus- 
sell, of Cooperstown ; a daughter was Mrs. Isaac Powers. 
Ebenezer Russell was a distinguished public man of early 
times, an oflSeer and representative enjoying the confidence 
of the people for a long series of years. 

David Ilanna, one of Dr. Clark's elders, 17G5-1767, 
settled on the farm now owned by Michael Collins. Three 
sons, John, Robert, and David; two daughters, Mrs. 
William Lytic and Mrs. Sproules. John went to St. Law- 
rence county. David to Hebron. Robert remained on the 
homestead. 

William T/iompson, one of Dr. Clark's colony, settled in 
the north part of the town. His sons were William, David, 
and John. 

James Thompson was another pioneer at the .same time, 
and he had one son, James, Jr. 

James Stevenson was from Paisley, Scotland. He came 
to this country just before the ports were closed by the 
opening of the War of the Revolution, the vessel in which 
he sailed being one of the last to make the pa.ssage unmo- 
lested. He settled in Salem, about two miles east of the 
village, on the farm now owned by a grand.son, Thomas S. 
Stevenson. Of his children, James received a classical 
education, became a noted teacher of New Jersey, after- 





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MRS. J. B. STEVENSON. 



THE STEVP]NSON FAMILY. 



This family traces its descent back to the emigrant, James Steven- 
son, who was a native of Paisley, Scotland, and with his wife, Mar- 
garet Brown, came to America, settling in the town of Salem, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., in the year 1774, and just as the blockading of the 
liiirbor at Boston began in the beginning of the Revolutionary war. 
The children who emigrated were James, Jenny, and John, there 
being born to them after arriving in this country two sons, David 
and Thomas. 

Mr. Stevenson was one of the first settlers of the town of Salefti, 
and first took up one lot of eighty-eight acres upon which he settled, 
and on which his grandson, Thomas S. Stevenson, now resides, the 
same hind remaining in the family ever since. His first rude log 
cabin, tlie hardships endured to meet the obstacles of pioneer life, the 
embarrassments and dangers through which the family passed on ac- 
count of the presence of the Indians, would fill a volume, and can 
only be referred to in this sketch ; and although, pecuniarily, the 
family had a sufficient competence to secure the home, yet a home 
in the wilderness, the consequent labor in clearing off the forest, estab- 
lishment of school, church, and other kindred interests, required effort 
and resolution characteristic of the ancestry, and in which the grand- 
children are still largely interested. 

Mr. Stevenson and wife were united as members of the Presbyterian 
church established by Dr. Clark in 1765, at Salem, and he was prom- 
inent in the councils of that body; he was an elder in the church 
for many years previous to his death, which occurred in the year 
179S, his wife dying in the year 171*9. 

Of this family of children, James graduated in Columbia College, 
under Dr. Wilson; married Hannah Johnson, of Morristown, N. J., 
by whom he had six children; spent his life as a teacher, and was 
an instructor of wide repute, having been principal of the academies 
of Eli/abethtown and Morristown, N. J. Subsequently going to New 
Brunswick, he was principal of the academy there for some seven 
years, when he came to Salem about the year 1812 and took charge 
of the Washington Academy, which he conducted for some fifteen 
years, and afterwards was at the head of the schools at Canandaigua. 
The balance of his life was spent as a private instructor. He died, at 
the advanced age of eighty-two years, in the year 1843. 

John was a farmer the most part of his life; spent his early life in 
the county of his adoption, but subsequently moved to Steuben county, 
where he died, at the advanced age of ninety years, in the year ISfifi. 

Jenny married George Telford ; resided in the town of Argyle until 
her death. 

David was never married ; lived on the homestead, and died, a 
young man, about the year 1S12. 

Thomas remained on the home^ead ; spent his life as a farmer ; 
was an elder of the Scotch Presbyterian church at Salem for forty- 
five years, being elected and ordained to that office in 1S09, ten years 
after the decease of his father. Elder Thomas Stevenson was a man 
of God, of cultivated intellect and sound Judgment, and one whose 
whole deportment was characterized by simplicity and godly sin- 
cerity. It was frequently said of him, " Behold an Israelite in whom 
there is no guile." He died Feb. 11, 1854, aged seventy-six years. 

His first wife, Nancy McMurray (married 1800), had two children 
(twins), James Brown and Bobert McMurray. She died January, 
1802. Robert M. was educated for a physician, receiving his educa- 



tion at Washington Academy and Castleton, Vt. Practiced his pro- 
fession at Salem for several years, and died at the age of thirty-four 
years. He was a man of much skill and prominence in his profession. 

For his second wife he married Miss Mary Steele, daughter of 
Thomas Steele, of Salem, about the year 1S02, by whom he had two 
children, Thomas Steele and David ; the latter died at the age of eight 
years. Mrs. Stevenson died, at the age of seventy-seven years, 
March 22, 1856. 

James Brown Stevenson was born Dec. 28, 1801 : spent his early 
life on the old farm and at the district school, receiving the advantages 
of the academy at Salem. He at the age of twenty began teaching 
winters, which he followed for some five years. At the age of twenty- 
five he married Miss Martha, youngest daughter of Captain James 
McFarland and Margaret Matthews, of Salem. She was born Aug. 
29, 1807 ; was a woman of purity of life, retiring in her ways, an ex- 
emplary Christian, and received the respect of all who knew her. 
She died Aug. 29, 1855. 

Mr. Stevenson has followed the occupation of a farmer in the town 
of Salem, and by industry and economy secured a sufficient com- 
petence to place him beyond the apprehension of want. About the 
year 1829 he became a member of the chui-cb of his ancestors : shortly 
afterwards was elected and ordained elder of the church, and still 
retains that office. Elder Stevenson is a plain, unassuming man, 
possessed of that integrity of character that graces manhood and 
makes life valuable to others. He has never taken a very active part 
in politics : was first a AA^'hig, but is now a Republican. 

He has had four children ; the eldest died in infancy. Thomas re- 
sides on the homestead with bis father ; married Miss Alida, daughter 
of William A. Russell, of Salem. Is a man active in the political 
interests of his town and county, and has for two terms represented 
his assembly district in the Legislature of the State as a Republican. 

Robert M. is a merchant of Salem, of the firm of R. M. Stevenson 
A Co. : has been supervisor of the town of Salem for two terms, and 
is serving his first term as justice of the peace. 

James M. was a graduate of Union College and of Princeton 
Theological Seminary; of the latter, 1864, and installed as pastor of 
the Second Presbyterian church, Jersey City ; but after a very suc- 
cessful pastorate of six years returned home, where he died in 1871. 
AVas married to Miss Isabella Rich, daughter of Elder James Rich, 
of Delaware county. 

Thomas S. Stevenson was born in the year 1S03, December 17 ; has 
spent his boyhood and manhood on the farm first settled by his 
grandfather on coming to this county. In the year 1S40 he married 
Miss Sarah R., daughter of James Stevenson, who was a son of the 
emigrant. They have no children. Characteristic of Mr. Stevenson 
are his unobtrusiveness, self-denial, modest and unostentatious ways. 
He belongs to that class of men who contentedly and quietly move 
in the circles of society, leaving the busy bustle of the world at one 
side. AVith such men our court-houses would be without use, attorneys 
without labor, and society pure. He is a quiet member of the Re- 
publican party, and has been an unswerving standard-bearer of the 
old Whig party. 

Mrs. Stevenson is a lady of rare, good common sense and culture, of 
great decision of character, and retains remarkable activity of body 
and mind now in her seventy-ninth year, having been born in 1799. 




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RES.& Farm of THOMAS S . STEVENSON, Saum, Washington Co.N.Y. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



129 



wards returning to Salem as principal of the academy. 
John settled in Salem, afterwards a merchant in Hebron, 
and then moved to Bath, Steuben county. IJavid died in 
middle life, unmarried. Thomas settled on the homestead, 
and died there. A daughter was Mrs. George Tilford, of 
Argyle. James B., a son of Thomas, resides in Salem, 
south of the village. 

The pioneer families of Wru/hls were from the north of 
Ireland. Mrs. Archibald, a descendant, st^ites that the 
father of two sons, Samuel and Alexander, came over with 
them, bought each a farm, furnished them with teams and 
farming implements, and bidding them for the future to 
succeed or fail by their own eflForts, set sail for the old 
world again, and was lost at sea on the return passage. Of 
the children of Samuel, Samuel, Jr., settled first in Salem, 
afterwards went to Argyle, and finally to Franklin county. 
Moses settled in Franklin county. Joseph went west. 
Alexander settled in Salem. A daughter of the pioneer, 
Alexander, became Mrs. Andrew Marty n. 

William Cniikshank came from Scotland, about the time 
of the emigration of Dr. Clark's congregation. His wife 
was the widow of a brother of Dr. Clark. He purchased 
a large tract of land in the north part of the town. Of his 
sons, Peter settled in Salem, where Peter, Jr., now lives, 
father of Robert Cruiksliank, postmaster of Salem. George 
moved to Ohio. 

Thomas Steele was from the north of Ireland ; was in 
Salem very early. The tradition of the family is that there 
was only one house in Salem village when he came, that of 
James Turner, on the site of the Ondawa House. He set- 
tled on the Shushan road, on a farm now the property of 
Thomas Steele, a grandson. Of his sons, John, born in 
Ireland, settled in Salem. Joshua, in Salem, on the home- 
stead of his father. Daughters were Mrs. Thomas Steven- 
son, Mrs. Andrew McNish, both of Salem, and Mrs. Rich- 
ard Hoy, who went west. A granddaughter of Joshua, 
Mrs. Frazier, resides in Salem village. 

James Getty was an early pioneer in Salem. The old 
homestead was the place known in later years as the Haw- 
ley farm, southeast of the village. Of his children, Ebeu- 
ezer settled in Hebron. Robert, in Lansingburg. Isaac, 
in Salem. A daughter, Mrs. Duncan JIcNaughton, of 
Argyle. Mrs. John J. Beattie, of Salem, is a grand- 
daughter of the pioneer, and daughter of Ebenezer. James 
Getty's certificate of church membership in Ireland is 
preserved among the papers of the family in Hebron. 

John Conner. — This is the same family name as the 
noted school-teacher and conveyancer of the Camden 
valley. 

Thomas Collins was a New England man, — though he 
became an elder in the Scotch church. He was a man of 
sound judgment and lived to a great age. One son was 
Ebenezer. 

John Lain, born in 1743, came from Lisburn, Ireland, 
to America in the summer of 1773. His family consisted 
of liis wife and two children. They sailed from Belfast, 
arriving in New i'^ork after a long and tedious voyage. 

After residing about a year in Albany they moved to 
Salem, and settled on a farm a little north of the present 
village of Shushan, now occupied by Oliver Shedd. In 
17 



November, 1784, he purchased of John JIcFarland, for 
one hundred and eighty pounds, lot 205 of Turner's patent, 
in Salem. He ahso owned for a time a tract of two thou- 
sand acres west of Lake George, the tract bearing his name 
in after-years. 

He was appointed a justice of the peace, and an anecdote 
remains of one of his lawsuits. It was a case of assault 
and battery. Robert Simpson, the constable, with the par- 
ties, came to Mr. Law's, and the case opened with the fol- 
lowing address from the court : " Robert, we must make 
ourselves comfortable while this is going on. Y'ou go 
down cellar and draw a mug of cider, and the lads here 
will cut off some sticks for the fire ; and, lads, you had 
better leave your coats in the house, for it is a thick log. 
We want a back-stick and a fore-stick." The plaintiff and 
defendant, laying ofi' their coats, attacked the wood-pile. 
The next official step : " Robert, set the cider on the hearth, 
and just draw in the latch-string ; the lads uae come in till 
they settle." After the axes had been plied vigorously for 
some time the court, through the door, announced the 
terms: "Lads, ye nae get any cider, nor your coats, nor 
come in, till ye settle." And the order was executed. In 
due time they yielded without appeal, warmed up over the 
cider and the fire, and went home. 

Of the children of John Law. Thomas settled at the 
brick house east of Shushan, now occupied by his descend- 
ants ; Isabella became Mrs. James IMcJMorris, of Jackson ; 
John settled first in New Y^ork, and about 1800, returning 
to Salem on account of the yellow fever in the city, he 
opened a store near what is known as the " Red Grocerj'," 
and passed the rest of his life in Salem, his later years on the 
present farm of John S. Sherman ; Robert I. settled on the 
turnpike near Baxterville, was a merchant, came to Shushan 
in the same business, and afterwards succeeded John Law 
in the store at the " Red Grocery," and died on the present 
place of David Law ; Agnes became Mrs. John Irving, and, 
after Irving's death, Mrs. Wm. Monerief 

The sons of Thomas were Robert T., John T., Thomas, 
Jr., and Alexander B. Wm. Law, now of Shushan, is the 
son of John, and the sons of Robert I. were James, Isaac, 
David, — still living on the homestead, — and Edward, in 
Illinois. 

Belhuel Chnrch, the pioneer at Shushan as early as in 
or before the Revolution, had two sons, — Bethuel, Jr., who 
lived for many years on the old homestead, finally removed 
to Grand Rapids, Michigan ; Leonard Chnrch, a lawyer at 
Shushan, died only a few years since. Of Leonard's chil- 
dren, A. ]M. lives in Troy, and Mrs. Piser, of Shushan, 
and Mrs. Bartlett are daughters. 

Marcns Liddlc, from Scotland, was an early pioneer in 
Argyle. His son Thomas settled in Salem. Of the chil- 
dren of the l-4^er, George and Thomas are still living. 
Leonard 31. Liddle, merchant, is a son of John, recently 
deceased. 

John iVeviit's pioneer place was the farm now owned by 
John H. Beattie. He had one son, — John, Jr. 

Geoiye Gitnn. — The land-certificate indicates that he 
w:is the owner of lot 1G7, in Blind Buck holl&w, in the 
time of the Revolution. The family of that name were 
principally known as engaged in the lumber business around 



130 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Shushan. Two remembered by Wm. Law were Leander 
and William, probably sons of the pioneer. 

Robert Gilmore was the claimant of lot 83, north of 
Fitch's point, in 1789. 

It is known that John Law, Sr., married for liis second 
wife Widow Elizabeth Gilmore, with nine children, but it 
is not certain that these were of the same family. 

The Ihmsdeii family were connected by marriage to the 
Savage family, John Hunsden's wife being a sister of Ed- 
ward and James Savage. 

The Henderson family removed to Pittstown at an early 
day. Wm. Beattie succeeded to the Henderson homestead. 
One of the farms now owned by the sous of Thomas Law 
was called the.Henderson place. There were several names 
amcmg the pioneers of 1777, — James, Ebenezer, and Wil- 
liam. 

The Hopkins name is frequent in the early times — very 
extensively in Hebron. In Salem the fiiniilies were in the 
northeast part of the town, near the Vermont line. 

Richard Hoy married the sister of John and Joshua 
Steele ; moved to Ohio at an early day. The Hoy family 
were mostly in Jackson, near the flax-mill west of JIcLean's 
pond. 

The lands of the J/oncTfV/' family claimed in 1789 were 
in the Upper Black creek district, Nos. 32, 41,48; also 
124 at the peat marsh. A descendant in after-years oc- 
cupied the farm south and adjoining the farm of A. B. 
Law, at Shushan. The pioneers seem to have been Hugh 
and William. Hugh'.s homestead, the present William J. 
Hanna place; and his children, Coburn, John, William 
II., Hugh, Jr., James, Mrs. William Pierce, Mrs. Priudle 
Hebron, and another daughter, Hebron. The pioneer, 
William, had one son, William, Jr. The homestead was 
the present William McKinTiey place. 

Daniel Madison is supposed by Mrs. John H. Beattie 
to have been an early school-teacher. His homestead wa.s 
the AV. Barnsey place. No. 58. 

Alexander McDonald was a pioneer. He owned lot 
150 ; sons were Alexander, Jr., James, Isaac. The first 
was an early teacher. 

Matthew Mc Whorter was a son-iu-law of James Turner. 
His place was lot 162. 

James 3Ioore was an early pioneer, at the southeast 
corner of the town. He had two .sons, James and Hugh. 
The latter lived on the farm now owned by John S. Fos- 
ter, and kept a hotel. A long litigation is spoken of 
between the Moores and the proprietors, Church and others, 
owners of the water-power at Shushan. It is said that the 
two brothers, Hugh and James, were opposed to each 
other in the war times, — one loyalist, the other Federalist. 

The Smiths were very early settlers in the Camden 
valley. William, in 1789, was a claimant on Turner's 
patent for 198, nearly adjoining Cockburn's patent, and 
Henry Smith, for 283 and 284, on the Batten Kill, above 
Baxterville. 

The Simpson family were settlers of Jackson. Robert, 
the constable of John Law's early court, was from that 
side of the kill. Two distinct families were in this section, 
the one Simpson, the other Simson. 

John Livingston, claiming lot 179, John Maines, 239, 



and Benjamin Harvey, in 1789, wore probably Hebron 
men, either then or soon after. The latter became a Bap- 
tist preacher at the age of eighty, preached in the Taber- 
nacle, New York, when he was one hundred and twelve, and 
died in Western New York, at one hundred and fourteen. 

The Dwelly family were at Clapp's mills, and were con- 
nected to the pioneer Clapp. Abner Dwelly wa.s a claim- 
ant, in 1789, with Henry Smith, to lot 283, above Baxter- 
ville, on the kill. The family afterwards settled in Green- 
wich. 

William Graham and John Graham each had a son of 
the same name. They lived north and east of Shushan, 
as will be seen in the certificates ; claimants, in 1789, to 
lots 2G6, 2G9, 288, 289. A sister of the pioneer brothers 
Law, Mary, married a Clark, and her daughter, Elizabeth, 
was the wife of John Graham, Jr. 

Robert I'ennell was an early pioneer in the Camden 
valley. The family all left town before 1815. 

Christopher Page. His homestead was near the " Red 
Grocery," and the family moved away at an early day. 

Andreto Jackson lived in the Black creek district, and 
was connected by marriage to the McNitt family. 

David Rice, a laud claimant for No. 270, just east of 
Shushan, was connected with the Eldridge fiimily, and is 
supposed to have soon after removed to Cambridge. As 
the certificates required satisfactory proof of actual resi- 
dence in the Burgoyne campaign, he must have been 
located liere for a time. 

Daniel Rood's homcfytend was the present farm of Thomas 
Kerslake. A family of the same name lived in after-years 
on the farm now occupied by Archibald Armstrong. 

John McCarters homestead was in Hebron ; Samuel's, 
the farm now owned by John McKeever ; Robert's, the 
present place of William SlcClary. They were three 
brothers, — pioneers. 

J'Jphraim Wheeler was an early settler at Baxterville, 
connected to the Clapp family, a son of the latter, Colonel 
Ephraim W., bearing his name. Two sons were Amherst 
Wheeler and Paul Wheeler. The latter removed to Wis- 
consin. 

Ja)nes Gambill, claiming lot 232, in 178P, George 
Guthrie, 201, and Joseph Nelson, 104, were evidently 
Hebron men either then or soon after. 

The McArthur family were in the Camden valley, near 
the southeast corner of the town, and deseeudants are still 
in that neighborhood. 

Jonathan Barber was an early tavern-keeper at Centre 
Falls, Greenwich. About 1800, James Barber lived on a 
part of the present farm of John Sherman. 

Jolin Dnidap may have been the minister of that name 
in Cambridge. A son of the latter was John L. Dunlap, 
for many years a physician at Shushan. 

Abner CarsiccU's sons were Ira, David P., and Abner, 
Jr. The latter died young. Mre. James McDaniel was a 
daughter. The old homestead was the present Russell 
Smith place. Abner, the pioneer, was a soldier of the 
Revolution, and he had a brother David taken prisoner. 

Nathaniel Carswell was another early settler, a black- 
smith. Of his children, John A. went west, was sheriff of 
Racine county, Wis. ; Nathaniel Jr. also went west. His 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



131 



daughters were Mrs. Adams Lytle, Mrs. John Chamber- 
lain, and one unmarried still living in Hebron. 

Daniel Coon, an orderly sergeant of the Revolution, 
settled on the farm now owned by a great-grandson of the 
same name. His sons were Rufus, Samuel, and John. 
Daughters, ]\Irs. General Wm. Root ; Mrs. Wm. Getty, 
Hebron ; Sarah, married a Merrill, and for a second hus- 
band Stephen Rowan. The present owner of the farm is 
a grandson of Rufus by his son Thomas. 

John McMichacVs homestead was the present John 
Dillon farm. Sons were John and James. 

The McNilt homestead was the present Woodard farm. 
His sons, Daniel, known as the deacon, and Alexander, 
who went west. Daughters, Mrs. Thomas McClaughrey, 
Mrs. Whipple, Mrs. Thompson. Daniel was the father of 
Captain James. 

Alexander Sunsons homestead was the present Barkley 
farm. One son, Alexander Jr. Daughters, Mrs. Jacob 
McEachron, Mrs. David Carswell. 

Thomas Oswald lived in the east j)art of the town. His 
sons, George, James, Thomas, all moved away in early 
years. 

John Morey, a soldier of the Revolution, from Orange 
county, settled in 1785 on the present Chester Martin 
farm. April 1, 1792, changed to the homestead now 
owned by his grandson. Sons, John, Erastus, Matthew, 
Christopher. John went to Camillus, N. Y., Erastus to 
Iowa. Daughters, Mrs. Dratt, Mrs. Dr. James Turner ; 
Thankful and Julianna, unmarried. Tlie present owner is 
a son of Christopher. 

David Edgar was from Scotland, one of Dr. Clark's 
colony, 1765 to 17(57 ; settled on what is known as the 
Gray farm, now owned by B. B. Blair. Sons, D.ivid, Jr., 
Joseph, Robert. The last two went west about 1820 ; tlie 
former to Canada. A daughter was Mrs. James Burnett, 
of Shaftsbury. The latter came to Salem in 1803, and 
was killed in 1805, by being thrown from his horse. He 
had three sons. Andrew and Robert went west. John 
Burnett resides on his father's homestead, at an advanced 
age. His active mind, retentive memory, and clear state- 
ments have been of great assistance in preparing many of 
these notes. 

John McAllister was from Ireland. His homestead was 
the present place of James Ferguson. Of his children, 
Ebenezer, Dr. Archibald, and John, Jr., settled in Salem. 
Daughters, Mrs. Collins Whitehall, Mrs. Wm. McFarland 
(he was known as Yankee Billy), Mrs. Alvin Goodrich, 
Mrs. Ross, of Argjle. 

Thomas Baker, who was in the Revolutionary army, 
settled on the present Owen Smith farm. Sons were Asa- 
hel, Nathaniel, and Thomas, Jr. Daughters, Mrs. Wm. 
II. Moncrief, and there were others who went west. 

C.VMDEN VALLEY. 

In securing the following special items upon this section 
of the town, we arc indebted to the courtesy of David V. 
T. Qua for the use of valuable papei-s in liis poissession and 
copious notes made by him as a member of the town his- 
torical committee, which was appointed in the spring of 
1S7G, consisting of Hon. James Gibson, Dr. Asa Fitch, 



William Law, Esq., Hon. John McDonald, and David V. 
T. Qua. 

Land Grants Inj the King. — May 19, 1770, a. patent fur 
two thousand three hundred acres of land was issued "by 
his majesty. King George the Third, to Bjnjamin Tinnoson, 
Moses Ibbet, Joseph Lawrence, John Watts, John Andrew 
Castroft, John Brodie, Muir Trotter, lati .sergeants, John 
Wesield, late corporal, George Goodshield, late drummer, 
Samuel Baines, William Fisher, John McPherson, Patrick 
Leary, Martin Askill, Timothy Hough, Casper Latlicrraan, 
Godfrey Ilarpest, John Brown, Herman Snow, Peter Li- 
braugh, Stephen Chasey, David Hartshorn, Patrick Mul- 
rany, William Blair, Martin Hcrni.sh, John Welch, George 
Younkers, John Clifford, and Donald Mclnnis, late private 
soldiers of our regiment of foot." 

The land is described as lying adjoining, and ea-st of 
what is known as Alexander Turner's patent, and the 
boundaries are as follows : 

•• Begins at a small beech tree on the west bank of Batten Kill, 
marked D. S. and I. JI., distant thirty-one chains and two rods on 
a course north forty degrees east from a hejniock tree or saplinj; 
standing on the south side of said kill, marked by ArchibaM Camp- 
bell, in .July, 1705, with the letters I. C. for the northeast corn':r of a 
tract of land granted to Ryan .Sebenncrhorn and others, and runs 
from said beech tree north twelve chains and two rols: then west 
forty chains : then north sixty-five chains and sixty-three links ; then 
east forty chains; then north one hundred and twonty-fivo chains and 
eighty-seven links; then west seventy chains to the east bounds of 
Turner's patent; then along the said east bounds of said patent to the 
Batten Kilt ; then up the stream of said kill, as it winds and turns, to 
the beech tree or place of beginning. Containing two thousand three 
hundred acres, with the usual allowance for highways." 

This is the original Carabden tract, and the name Caiub- 
den, in late years written Camden, seems to have been given 
to it either by Duane or the colonial authorities, as the 
name Camden is not among the patentees, nor does there 
seem to be anything in connection with it in this country 
to originate the name. It is an old English name. 

These lands became the property of James Duane in two 
or three years after they were granted by the king. 

May 23, 1770, under authority of Lieutenant-Governor 
Colden, the surveyor-general, Alexander Golden, surveyed 
and laid out for Archibald McFarland, late private soldier 
in his majesty's Sixth Regiment of foot, and John Foy, late 
private soldier in one of his majesty's independent compa- 
nies, a tract of land north of the Batten Kill, adjoining and 
east of the Camden tract, containing one hundred acres, 
with the usual allowance for higliw;iys. 

May 23, 1770, two hundred and fifty acres, north of 
and adjoining this land of Archibald McFarland and John 
Foy, was granted to Ross McCabe. Philip Kihier, late of the 
Eighteenth Regiment, John Swift, and Charles Rams;iy, 
late of the Sixtieth Regiment, and Thomas Eaton, late of 
the Forty-sixth. 

May 23, 1770, one hundred acres of land east of and adjoin- 
ing the lot of two hundred and filly acres described above, 
and extending to the Vermont lino, were granted to Edwjird 
Rogers and Crismus Howell, late private soldiers of hi.s 
majesty's Sixtieth Regiment. 

May 23, 1770, a tract of two hundred acres west of and 
adjoining the McCabe lot of two hundred and fifty, and ex- 
tending to the Turner patent, was surveyed for John Crab- 



132 



HISTOKY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tree, late sergeant in Lis majesty's Thirty-fifth Regi- 
ment. 

June 12, 1775, a tract, containing seven hundred acres 
lying north of the Batten Kill and east of the so-called 
Camden tract of two thousand three hundred acres, and ex- 
tending to the Vermont line, was granted to William Blax- 
well, "gentleman, a reduced deputy commissioner of stores, 
having served in North America during the late war." Also, 
in the same patent to the same William Maxwell, a tract 
of eleven hundred and fifty acres farther north, comprising 
what appears on recent township maps as the north part of 
the Camden valley. 

The first tract of seven hundred acres now constitutes the 
farm of David Law and Almond Sweet, and has passed 
down from the original patentees with few changes. 
Though described as north of the Batten Kill, yet there 
seems, from the original papers in the possession of Wm. 
Law, of Shushan, to have been a small tract patented to 
Munro between the seven hundred acres and the kill. 

The several tracts thus far described constitute the tri- 
angular portion of the town southeast of the great Turner 
patent. There was apparently some interference in these 
grants. The patent to Trotter, and another marked Innis 
on the map, were on the Camden patent of two thousand 
throe hundred acres. This may have been due to the pur- 
chase of soldiers' rights beforehand by the patentees of the 
two thousand throe hundred acres, and therefore no real 
interference. 

As already stated, James Duane purchased in a short 
time the Camden tract, and, according to the subsequent 
papers, he also became the owner of two other small lots, 
one a hundred acres, the other fifty. It is not exactly 
clear where the last two were, but they may have been the 
strip south of the Maxwell patent of seven hundred acres, 
and known as Munro 's. 

The lands acquired by James Duane^ under a leasehold 
tenure, were granted by him, reserving a perpetual annual 
rent of sixpence per acre, to Philip Embury. Tiiis docu- 
ment, written on parchment, is in the possession of BIr. Wil- 
liam Edie, now residing on what was the Philip Embury 
homestead. The lease is dated May 1, 1773. James 
Duane is named as party of the first part. Philip Embury, 
Esq., David Embury, Paul Heck, John Dulmage, Edward 
Carscallon, Peter Sparling, Valentine Detler, Abraham 
Bininger, Peter Miller, and Nathan Hawley, farmers, and 
Elizabeth Hoffman, widow, in trust and for the Uise of her- 
self and her children, all of West Camden, parties of the 
second part. 

The lands are described as in the township of West Cam- 
den, and granted by his majesty in three separate tracts, 
known as 1st lot, 2d lot, and 3d lot. The 1st lot, the 
Camden tract of two thousand three hundred acres ; the 
2d lot, fifty acres ; the 3d lot, two hundred acres, — the last 
two adjoining the Camden patent. 

The rent was payable on the first day of May in each 
year. The grantees, before signing this paper, executed 
an agreement (endorsed upon it) stating the respective 
amounts of land each was to have. Philip Embury, one 
hundred and eighty-seven and one-half acres ; Peter Spar- 
ling, one hundred and eighty-seven and one-half; David 



Embury, three hundred and seventy-five ; Edward Carscal- 
lon, tliree hundred and seventy-five ; Abraham Bininger, 
two hundred and fifty ; Paul Heck, two hundred and fifty ; 
John Dulmage, two hundred ; Elizabeth Hoffman, one 
hundred and seventy-five ; Valentine Detler, three hundred 
and twelve and one-half; Peter Miller, one hundred and 
twenty-five ; Nathan Hawley, having the right of the 
widow Moore, one hundred and nineteen and one-half 

This document posses.ses not only considerable value for 
the purpose of explaining land-titles, but also much of his- 
toric interest, as the principal grantee was the founder and 
apostle of American Methodism ; and his autograph, writ^ 
ten one hundred and five years ago, leads the list of signa- 
tures. Here, too, may be seen the autograph of Abraham 
Bininger, one of the earliest Moravian ministers in the 
United States, and whose descendants were mainly instru- 
mental in sustaining for many years a church of that faith 
in the Camden valley. 

The names of John G. Leake, John Roberts, Jr., John 
Dulmage, and John Embury are appended as witnesses. 
A bond was attached, by which Duane was required to 
give separate conveyances to each of the grantees for their 
respective amounts of land, whenever a map executed at 
the expense of the grantees should be completed. The 
rent of these lands having fallen in arrears, new leases wore 
given, reserving an annual rent of six pounds of wheat 
per acre. 

A memorandum of the names and location of the lessees 
shows quite fully the early settlers of 1796 to 1800 : 

Lots 1, 2, 3 were leased to Peter Switzer, the farm now 
occupied by William Eddie. Lot No. 4 to John Patterson, 
a part of John L. Sherman's present farm. Lots Nos. 5 
and 6 to John Bininger, constituting now portions of the 
farms of John L. Sherman and Edward G. Fleming. No. 
7 to Jacob Patterson, a part of the present Fleming farm. 
Nos. 8 and 9 to IMichael McCabe, now a part of Sidney 
Ru.ssell's farm. No. 10 to Michael McCabe, now a part 
of John L. Sherman's farm. No. 11 to Jacob Patterson, 
now a part of John L. Sherman's farm. No. 12 to John 
Patterson and Jacob Archer, now a part of Samuel Mc- 
Arthur's farm. No. 13 to John Patterson, now a part of 
Abner West's fiirm. Nos. l-t and 15 to James Archer, 
now James Murphy's farm. Nos. 16 and 17 to Robert 
Montgomery, now divided into small wood-lots. No. 18 
to John Mack, now occupied as wood-lots. No. 19 to 
David Patterson, now a wood-lot. No. 20 to Robert Mont- 
gomery, now divided into wood-lots. No. 21 to David 
Gray, now occupied as wood-lots. No. 22 to William 
Cristy, now Ebenezer Austin's farm. Nos. 23, 24, 25, 20 
to James Wier, a part of Mrs. Thomas Liddle's present 
farm. No. 27 to William Cristy, now occupied as wood- 
lots. No. 28 to David George, now a part of William 
Grocsbeck's farm. No. 29 to Robert Montgomery, now 
the farm of Hollis Bruce. Nos. 30 and 31 to David 
Patterson, now portions of the farms of William Austin, 
Elijah Harris, and Ira Robinson. No. 32 to Abraham 
Bininger, now the farm of Freeborn Sweet. No. 33 to 
Robert Montgomery, now a part of Dyer Baldwin's farm. 
No. 34 to Jacob Patterson, now a part of William T. 
Foster's flu-m. No. 35 to James Archer, now belonging 



\ 




General Isaac Bininger was born in the town of Salem, 
Washington Co., N. Y., June 15, 1797. His great-grandfather, 
a Moravian minister, was a native of Switzerland ; left 
that country, with his wife and two children, on account of 
religious persecution, emigrated to America, and while on 
shipboard both the parents died, leaving the two sons, Abra- 
ham and Christopher, to come to the new country as orphans. 

On board the same ship was John Wesley, the founder of 
Methodism, and he was so impressed with the religious devotion 
of the Moravians on shipboard, that he thought he himself 
had never been converted. In possession of the general is 
now a mahogany chair brought over by the brothers, which is 
of historic interest, not only as a relic of over a century and 
a half, but also as having been a seat for the great John Wesley 
on shipboard. 

Of Christopher little is known after the two bi-others came 
to Bethlehem, Pa., where it is certainly known that Abraham 
was educated for the ministry. At the close of his studies he 
went as a missionary to the West Indies, where he had first to 
be sold as a slave before he was allowed to preach the gospel. 
He subsequently returned to Bethlehem, and was .sent out as 
a missionary among the Indians, under William Penn's pro- 
tection. The balance of his life was spent as a missionary, 
until he removed to Camden, Washington county, about the 
year 1764, settled on a farm, where he lived until he died, 
March 8, 1811, aged ninety-one years, leaving four sons, John, 
Joseph, Isaac, and Abraham. 

Isaac, father of the general, was drafted as a soldier in tlie 
Revolutionary war ; went to Whitehall and was taken prisoner 
by the Indians ; was taken to Montreal, and kept for some throe 
years, when he was released through the interposition of his 
brother John, who was in Canada, holding an office under the 
king. During this time the homestead was robbed by tlie 
Tories and Indians of everything of value. Eeturning to 
Camden valley in the year 1787, Nov. 15, Isaac went into 
business as a merchant in a general country store, receiving 
his goods from New York from his brother Abraham, and 
carting them with an ox-team from Lansingburg. He carried 
on this business, together with the manufacture of potash, for 
several years, and in the latter part of his life carried on farm- 
ing on the old homestead. He died July 30, 1827, aged sixty- 
seven years, leaving eleven children, of whom General Binin- 
ger was the eldest son. 





i-ia-r-'dL^ 



Oyu^^/'^ 



""^-^^-O^^ 



General Bininger spent his boyhood days on the farm at 
home. At the age of seventeen he engaged as a clerk in the 
store of Robert K. Law, of Shushan, where he remained for 
some five years, when he bought out Mr. Law's interest in the 
store, and successfully carried on the mercantile business for 
twent\--two years, a part of which time he had a store at 
Eagleville, which he had built and carried on. After the 
close of his career as a merchant, he bought a fixrm in the town 
of Salem, upon which he now resides. 

In politics, General Bininger has always stood an unswerving 
standard-bearer of the Democratic party, and took the front 
rank in the political interests of his vicinity in his day. While 
he was a clerk in the store of Mr. Law he was elected corporal 
of militia, and has been promoted through regular gradations 
of office to the rank of brigadier-general of the Sixteenth 
Brigade, Tenth Division New York Militia, with commission 
by Governor Marcj', dated Sept. 5, 1834, which rank he 
resigned at the end of about seven years, with resignation 
dated Dec. 31, 1840, and signed by Kufus King, adjutant- 
general. 

While a merchant at Shushan he was appointed postmaster, 
which office he held for some fifteen years. In the year 1825, 
Feb. 23, tie married Miss 3Iary, fourth daughter of Rev. Wni. 
McCullar, of Shushan. She was born May 23, 1801, was a 
member of the Baptist church, and an exemplary Christian 
woman in all her ways. She died Feb. 19, 1829. For his 
second wife he married, Oct. 4, 1830, Miss Gloreyanna, third 
daughter of the Honorable Simon Stevens, of Greenwich, 
Washington Co., N. Y. She was born July 13, 1807. 

To tlie General and Mrs. Bininger have been born seven 
children. Three died young, and four sons grew to manhood : 
William (deceased), Henry L. (deceased), Albert I., and 
Abraham. The two surviving sons reside with the general. 
The latter married Miss Maggie Robertson, of Cambridge, this 
county, Jan. 25, 1870. 

William was cut oft' prematurel.v. Had become a very suc- 
cessful merchant at Milwaukee, and his natural business 
ability and good judgment had won for him the very high 
esteem of the best business men with whom he had been 
associated. He died, while home on a vi-sit, at the age of 
twenty-eight years, having been married to Miss Harriet 
Volentine, of Aurora, 111., daughter of Daniel Volentine, for- 
merly of Shushan, Washington county. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



133 



to the estate of Richard West and a part of tlie farm oc- 
cupied by I. Mattison. No. 36 to Robert Montgomery, 
now the farm of John Dwjer. No. 37 to David Patter- 
son, now a part of John Dwyer's farm. No. 38 to John 
Bininger, now a part of John L. Sherman's farm. No. 39 
to John Patterson, a part of John L. Sherman's farm. 
No. 40 to James Archer, now Henry F. Robinson's farm. 
No. 41 to Jacob Patterson, now James Law's farm. No. 
42 to James Potter, now a part of James Blatteson's 
farm. No. 43 to James Archer, now a part of tlie forms 
of James Wallace and James Matteson. No. 44 to Jacob 
Patterson, now a part of William T. Foster's farm. No. 
45 to Robert Montgomery, now a part of Dyer Baldwin's 
farm. No. 4C to Abraham Bininger, now a part of the 
farms of Dyer Baldwin and James Wallace. No. 47 to 
David Patterson, now occupied as a part of the farms of 
James Wallace and Dyer Baldwin. No. 48 to James 
Archer, now part of Henry P. Robinson's farm. No. 4!) 
to Jacob Patterson, now owned by James Law and George 
W. Robinson. No. 50 to John March, parts of which are 
now occupied by James Law, Worden Woodard, William 
T. Foster, and James Wallace. 

We add, also, tlie purchasers of the eleven hundred and 
fifty acres Cockburn patent, by lots : No. 1 , James Weir ; 
No. 2, William Cri.stie ; No. 3, D. Tyrrell ; No. 4, Gideon 
Smith ; No. 5, Hugh Montgomery ; No. 6, Henry Mont- 
gomery ; No. 7, William Cristie ; No. 8, David Gray ; No. 
9, William Henderson; No. 10, Edward Wheeler; No. 11, 
Hugh Montgomery ; No. 12, Henry Montgomery ; No. 13, 
Michael Conly ; No. 14, William Henderson; No. 15, 
David Gray; No. 16, William Henderson; No. 17, David 
Gray ; No. 18, Henry Montgomery ; No. 19, James Wier ; 
No. 20, William Cristie; Nos. 21, I. Freeman; Nos. 22, 
23, Michael Conly ; No. 24, James Wier. 

Upon the seven-hundred-acres tract of the Maxwell 
purchase the CaldwoUs were early settlers, and their de- 
scendants for many years ; Isaac Gerard and Thomas 
Flanders somewhat later ; John Gainer, Thomas McMorris, 
and Almond Sweet. 

Camden VuJley and the South fart of the Toivii — Fam'dij 
Notices and Miscellaneous Items. — Chunks brook, spelled 
Jenkes on the modern maps, takes its name from an old 
Indian who lived on its banks after the advent of the white 
men. This tradition comes down from George Peck, one 
of the earliest surveyors. 

Ebenezer Harris, of Connecticut, came to Camden in 
February, 1788. He traveled on foot, his wife on horse- 
back, bearing an infant six months old. He was the first 
teacher of Jared Sparks, afterwards the well-known historian. 
He taught a pioneer school in the valley for fourteen years, 
and in the same house. He was licensed to preach by 
Bishop A.sbury. At the time that Harris came to Camden 
there were inhabitants enough for a military company. It 
was commanded by Captain Gault. The captain was acci- 
dentally killed at a muster, and a dirge written by Edward 
Harris was sung at the funeral. Tiie latter was the father 
of Rev. Ebenezer Harris. 

Jared Sparks, the future historian, seems to have been 
in the Camden valley undtu' the care of Mrs. Eldridge, and 
to have been the pupil and ward of Ebenezer Harris. 



Tlie first interment in tlie old Camden burying-ground 
was the wife of Piiilip Hoffman, and the next was that of 
Philip Embury, tlie pioneer Metiiodist. 

Among the early settlers of this section may be mentioned 
Colonel David Gray, Nathaniel (iray, Theophiius Ransom, 
George Cloys, Lemuel and Gideon Smith, Noah Taylor, 
Zerah Rider, Silas Boers, Robert Weir, Ebenezer Eldredge, 
Ebenezer Harris, Edward Harris, James Harvey, mercliant, 
William Mitchell, Levi and Jethro Bonney (the latter 
succeeded by John Crocker), Ebenezer Allen, Isaac Binin- 
ger, merchant (whose son Jacob now occupies the old 

homestead), Daniel Squires, Dumphy (succeeded by 

Richard Sutlill'), Andrew McNi-sh (whose descendants now 
occupy the old place), Mr. Gould (who has numerous de- 
.scendants in town), Thomas Shepherd, Zalmun Squires, 
Daniel Clark, Nathaniel Tillotson, Nahum Ward (succeeded 
by James Getty), James Archer, Levi Patterson and 
brothers, James Beebe, Harvey Little, Alexander IMagoon 
and brothers, John Switzer. James Harvey, the merchant, 
kept store in the Camden valley, on the place now occupied 
by Dr. Elijah Harris. He was afterwards a merchant for 
many years at Salem village. 

The following epitaph from the Camden burying-ground 
has so much of historic value, we copy entire : 

"Here repose unto the resurrection of the just the mortal remains 
of the venerable father in Christ, Abraham Bininger, a missionary 
of the United Brethren church (commonly called tlie Moravians), who, 
after serving his Divine master with fidelity, both in the West India 
island of St. John and among the Indians of this country, retired in 
the decline of life to the vale of Camden, where, with patriarchal 
simplicity, he lived in communion with his Redeemer, a pattern of 
Christian holiness to all around, and fell asleep in Jesus, full of tito 
hope of glory, at the age of ninety-one years, two months, and eight 
days. lie was born at Buleich, Canton Zurich, Switzerland, January 
IS, 1720. Departed this life at Camden, March 26, 1811." 

Another : 

" In memory of three children who were burned to death in the 
absence of their parents, Thomas and Margaret Flanders, February 
'i, 1S08. James, eight years old; Thomas, seven; and Laura, five." 

Isaac Bininger, a son of the old minister, was in the 
military service of the United Stjites in 1779 for a month, 
under Captain Levi Stockwell. In October, 1780, he again 
joined the army, in Colonel Sherwood's regiment. At Fort 
Ann he was taken prisoner, carried to Canada, and re- 
mained a prisoner until the close of the war, three years. 

Among the very old inhabitants of the valley were the 
Smiths, Levi and jMattbew. 

Tiic first store at the " Lino" in Camden valley was kept 
by William Bristol, about the year 1835. A post-ofiico 
was established there, called " Line." 

Another early store was Bininger's. Edward Harris also 
kept store in the same building as James Harvey. 

A succession of stores were kept in the house now occu- 
pied by John Sherman. 

Dr. Boies was a physician in the valley about 1815. 

Gainer bridge w;is built by Caleb Orcutt, io 1840. A 
brid;^e was built by Robert Law ten years earlier, on the 
same abutments. Another bridge, a few years earlier than 
that, was placed about four rods above it. Still earlier by 
seven years the bridge had stood a few rods yet farther up 
the stream. The earlier bridges, however, from the first 
settlement down, had all been about thirty-five rods below 



134 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NE-W YORK. 



the Gainer bridge. Over this was the main line from 
western Vermont to Troy. This bridge was very early. 

For thirtj' years or more a tavern was kept near it. 
Early landlords were Asa Hull, Andrew Powers, and, some- 
what later, John Gainer. 

Isaac Merriam, in early times, built a tavern now used as 
a dwelling-house by Sidney Russell. After Merriam, Aaron 
Dean, D.iniel Hobart, Thomas Edie, and Edward Law kept 
the tavern. 

The old " yellow store" was first occupied by John Law, 
about 1800 ; later by Robert R. Law ; and afterwards, about 
1858, by Robert I. Law. 

The bridge at the bend of the Batten Kill, between John 
Sherman's and William Edie's, was one of the earliest iu 
town ; originally built about 1785. It was used down! to 
about 1809. A foot-bridge was kept up some years later. 

The red bridge, a very old landmark, and so common as 
to become the_name of a school district, was the route of 
the old Northern turnpike over the Batten Kill. 

Earlier than this, however, the great line of Montreal 
travel southward passed farther up the valley to the great 
southeastern angle of the stream, and crossed at Bloore's 
bridge, now Foster's. Moore for a long time kept a noted 
tavern there. Another tavern was north on this same route, 
at the present Murphy pl.ice. Still another at the place of 
George Austin, better known to the older people ;is the 
Rowan hill. 

For this entire article upon the Camden valley and the 
south part of the town we arc largely indebted to Wm. Law, 
of Sliushan, who possesses many valuable documents, sur- 
veys, and maps, and who added his personal recollections 
upon many important points. 

Dr. Asa Fitch has courteously furnished the following 
notes upon matters of pioneer interest, as well as further 
family notices in addition to those ah-eady secured : 

On the Argyle patent, lot 68, adjoining Turner's patent, 
first lived Timothy Titus, a blacksmith, having his house 
and shop near the Batten Kill, on the southeast corner of 
the lot. The only other early resident was Silas Conkey, 
a clothier, who, towards the close of the Revolutionary war, 
came from Pelham, Mass., and bought the other lot, 67, 
and occupied a small log house upon it until he erected his 
clothing-works and a dwelling on the north side of the 
creek, nearly upon the east line of lot 68. These two were 
the only early residents in that part of Salem taken from 
the Argyle patent. 

The taverns licensed in 1787 had each been kept many 
years before. The tavern of Thomas & Turner was on 
the site of the present Ondawa House, where James Tur- 
ner kept a public-house from nearly the first settlement of 
the town. The tavern of Adam and Walter Martin was 
in the building which is still standing, and is the present 
residence of Dr. Asa Fitch. The Biningcr tavern was in 
Camden, in the old Biniuger house, which is still standing. 
Dr. Pelatiah Fitch, grandfather of the doctor, opened his 
house at Milliman's corners as a tavern for some years after 
he first came to town. Dr. Fitch supposes these were all 
the taverns iu the earliest years. 

It was by the act of the Legislature passed March 7, 
1788, that the town received the name Salem, — given to 



it, no doubt, by General John Williams, who was then the 
State senator. 

Dr. Clark's colony was scattered around among the inhabi- 
tants of Stillwater during their stay from August, 1704, to 
May, 1707, and also through Schaghticoke ; both the men, 
women, and larger children working wherever they could 
find employment, taking for pay whatever clothing, cooking 
utensils, furniture, or other articles they were going to need 
in their new home, many of them thus obtaining a cow and 
a pig. And for years after they were settled in Salem many 
of the men were accustomed to go back there to work during 
haying and harvesting to obtain things they needed. 

Sheep husbandry had long been a leading pursuit of the 
county, when the opening of the railroads completely revo- 
lutionized our agricultural pursuits ; the culture of potatoes 
becoming so much more remunerative (a single crop often 
e(jualing in value the gi'ound on which it grows) that sheep 
were no longer of any account, and the noted flocks of a 
former d.ay are nearly all extinct. The McNish flock is still 
preserved, in much diminished numbers. 

The first house at Fitch's point, and the first house 
(built of logs) in town, was on the bank of the Batten Kill, 
some eighty rods up the stream from the corner of this and 
the Argyle patent. It was built by one Germond, who also 
had several acres of land cleared and in cultivation, known 
in the neighborhood to this day as the " Jarniun field." 
He took title from Lydius, and on coming to find his title 
worthless he abandoned the place, and went no one knows 
where. When Wm. Blake and George Telford first came 
to this vicinity, August, 1772, they for a time occupied Ger- 
mond's vacated house. 

The leading exports of the town are potatoes, potatoes, 
potatoes, to both the New York and Boston markets. Next 
to this in value is probably butter. Besides agricultural 
products, roofing-slate is exported largely. 

FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Moses Martin, from Stockbridge, Mass., settled at Fitch's 
point about 1708 ; was supervisor, justice of the peace, etc. 
The children were, first, Aaron, a farmer and lumberman, 
of Salem ; second, Miriam, wife of Abner Dwelly, farmer, 
of Greenwich ; third, Triphena, wife of Augustus Angel, 
carpenter and millwright, of Jackson,— removed to Chester, 
Warren Co., N. Y. ; fourth, Moses, Jr., former and justice 
of the peace, of Salem ; fifth, x\dam, saddle- and harness- 
maker, of Salem ; sixth, Anna, wife of Abner Glines, of 
Greenwich, — Fort Miller, Ya. ; seventh, Asa, farmer, of 
Salem ; eighth, Lydia, wife of James McNitt, distiller and 
farmer, of Salem. 

Colonel Adam Martin, of Stockbridge, Mass., an older 
brother of Moses, during the Revolutionary war was a cap- 
tain of one of the Massachusetts companies in the Conti- 
nental army. On its close he removed to Salem, and, in 
company with his son Walter, purchased the grist- and saw- 
mill and farm of Wm. Reid, at Fitch's point, and erected 
the large dwelling-house in which they kept tavern. In 
1795 the}' sold out to Dr. Asa Fitch, and Walter then kept 
store in Salem village ; and having purchased a township 
(Martinsburg) in Lewis county, they removed thither in 
1803. The children of Colonel Adam were, first, Zerinah, 





34^.^/e 4'f'M^o^ 




r CLINTON F. WILSON, Salem, WASHiNcroN Co.NY 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



135 



wife of Silas Conkey ; second, Hon. Walter, above men- 
tioned ; third, Sarah, wife of Chillus Doty, — removed to 
Martinsburg. He was there sheriff and general agent of 
Walter Martin. Their son, James Duane Doty, — born in 
Salem, Nov. 5,1800, — was territorial governor of Wiscon- 
sin, and subsequently of Utah, also superintendent of Indian 
affairs ; fourth, Abigail, wife of Dr. Asa Fitch ; fifth, Eliza- 
beth, wife of Andrew Freeman, landlord, of Salem village. 

William Reid, a skilled millwright from Scotland, in 
1772 erected an excellent grist-mill and a saw-mill at 
Fitch's point, for doing which he received from the propri- 
etors of the town the lot of land which had been reserved 
for that purpose. In 1786 he sold and moved to a mill- 
seat in Argyle, to which town a more particular notice of 
his family belongs. 

John Lytic, one of Dr. Clark's colony, located a mile 
southwest of the village, on the road to Shushan. His chil- 
dren were, first, Elizabeth, wife of James Rowan, of Salem ; 
second, Isaac, of Hebron; third, William, of Lisbon, St. 
Lawrence Co. ; fourth, Rebecca, — Mrs. James Jlills, of 
Argyle; fifth, Esther, — Mrs. Robert Lytic, of Li-sbon ; 
sixtli, Susan, — ^Mrs. Robert Vance, of Hebron ; seventh, 
Jane, — Mrs. Wm. Russell, of Cambridge. 

Andrew Lytle (probably a brother of John), also of 
Dr. Clark's colony, lived west of John, on the place re- 
cently occupied by Hon. David Russell. Children, — 
first, James, of Lisbon ; second, Hannah,— Mrs. Charles 
Nelson, of Lewi-stown, Essex Co. ; third, William, of He- 
bron ; fourth, IMary, — Mrs. Dr. Andrew Proudfit, of Ar- 
gyle; fifth, Andrew, long an inn-keeper on his father's 
place, — finally emigrated to Milwaukee, Wis.; sixth, Mar- 
garet, — Mrs. James McClellan, of Hebron. 

Leonard Webb resided on the present Rich farm, some 
three miles south from the village, and had two sons, — 
John, removed to Pembroke, Genesee Co., and David, to 
the vicinity of Cooperstown, Otsego Co. 

Captain Joseph Slarrow, from Pelham, resided in the 
Perkins neighborhood, near the line of Vermont. His son, 
Jo-seph, was a miller, and his daughter, Betsey, became the 
wife of John Conkey, — removed to Martinsburg. 

James Long resided at the north end of the village, on 
the recent David Johnson farm. His only child, Edward, 
of Salem, was the father of Edward Long, st) many years 
the landlord of the " Checkered Hou.se" in Cambridge. 

James Rogers emigrated from Londonderry, N. H., to 
Baskenridge, N. J., and ten years later, in 1775, to Salem, 
settling in the Blind Buck hollow, next above the Deacon 
Stevenson farm. His sons, Hugh and William, removed 
to Le Ray, Jefferson Co., and James settled in West He- 
bron, on the farm now occupied by his son David. His 
daughters were Jane, — Mrs. John Blair, of Cambridge, 
and afterwards Putnam ; Polly, — Mrs. Deacon Daniel Mc- 
Nitt, of Salem ; Peggy, the wife, first, of Samuel Banner, 
,of Hebron, and, second, of Robert Cox, Pawlet, Vt. ; and 
Sarah, — Mrs. Colonel David Rood, of Hampton. 

William Huggins emigrated from the north of Ireland to 
Penn.sylvania, and thence to Salem, settling on the present 
Odbert farm, two miles north of the village, where he kept 
a public-house. He had three sons and three daughters, 
namely : Sanuul, who resided in Catskill, Rochester, and 



Cohoes ; William, located in Dutchess county, and from thence 
moved west; John, finally settled in Pembroke, Genesee 
Co.; Elizabeth,— Mrs. Robert Stewart, of Salem; Mary, — 
Mrs. James Hammond, moved west; Isabel, — Mrs. James 
Rowan ; Hebron, also moved west. 

Nathan Wilson, from Greenwich, Mass., married Sarah, 
daughter of Colonel Joseph McCracken, and settled in the 
northeast corner of the town ; was sheriff, member of (Jon- 
gress, and county judge. His two sons, Nathan W. and 
Josiah, remained upon the same farm. 

James Gibson, one of Dr. Clark's colony, and no connec- 
tion to the Gibson family now in town, settled near the 
present Bu.shc8 school-house. Ilis son John located on 
the present John Cleveland farm ; was a rank Tory, and was 
driven from town vi et armis. Their father dying, the 
family — James, Andrew, ^Matthew, and Richard — all fol- 
lowed John to Canada. Richard and his mother sub- 
sequently returned to Salem. He remained in town many 
years, and finally went west. 

James Craig, one of Dr. Clark's colony, lived on the 
turnpike, adjoining the line of Hebron. His three sons, 
Joseph, Robert, and John, settled in Hebron. 

Thomas McCrea. of Dr. Clark's colony, took up the lot on 
which Clapp's mills were afterwards built. His children 
were Mary, wife of Deacon Thomas Collins, Salem, and 
Elizabeth and Martha, unn)arried. 

Abner Stone erected the tavern in the South village, 
which continued to be kept long afterwards by McKellip 
and by the Woodwortlis, father and son. Major Stone's 
daughter. Thankful, married James Y. Watson, farmer, of 
Salem, who removed to Wauke.sha, Wi.scon.sin. 

John Clark came from Andover, Mass., at an early day, 
and lived on the hill north of the present Hugh Perry 
place. His children were, first, Isaac, remained in Salem ; 
second, John, moved to Hamburg, Erie Co.; third, Joseph, 
a farmer of Salem and elder in the U. P. church ; fourth, 
Thomas, Kingston, N. Y., hotel-keeper; fifth, James, 
farmer, of Salem ; sixth, Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Seth 
Brown, Salem. 

Thomas Lyon resided in Sandgate and had three sons, 
Thomas, Samuel, and Joseph. 

Several names upon the land-lists of 1780 were prob- 
ably non-residents, or at most only in Salem for a short 
time, sufBcicnt to be included in the certificates. Dr. 
Fitch finds in old papers the names of Samuel Covenhovcn, 
Francis Lammon, James and Jonathan Tackles, Alex. 
Gault, James Crow, and others whom he concludes were in 
town for only a few years, and there remains here no 
record of their families. 

The following memorandum with reference to Philip 
Embury and his associates is furnished by Hon. James 
Gibson, from manuscripts prepared with a view to publica- 
tion by himself at some future date. This is also the case 
with reference to other papers appearing in this history 
from his pen : 

SETTLERS AT CAMDK.V KEFOnE THE REVOLUTIO.NAKY 
WAR. 

Paul Heck, one of the settlers who came to Camden 
with Philip Embury, died at Augusta, Canada West, in 



136 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1792, aged sixty-two years, and is buried in the old " Blue 
church grave-yard" at that place. The venerable Barbara 
Heck outlived her husband, Paul Heck, twelve years, 
dying at the residence of her son Samuel, in the year 1804, 
aged seventy years, and her remains were buried beside 
those of her husband in the old " Blue church grave-yard" 
at Augusta. 

Andrew Embury, Philip Switzcr, Peter Switzer, and 
A'^ale Detlor, associates of Philip Embury in planting a 
colony at Camden, wore all loyalists, and went to Canada 
West soon after the breaking out of the Revolutionary 
war, and settled at and about Augusta. 

John Embury early removed to the city of New York. 
He attained the great age of nearly one hundred years. 

Edward Gainer, who came to Camden valley with Philip 
Embury, and married Catharine Lowe, died at the house 
of his daughter, Elizabeth Buck, on the border of Camden, 
in the year 1846, aged ninety-three years. His wife 
Catharine had previously deceased, on May 2, 1838, in 
the ninety-first year of her age. Both are buried in the 
old grave-yard at West Arlington. 

Catharine, the widow of Philip Embury, married John 
Lawrence, and both died in Augusta, and are buried in 
the old " Blue church grave-yard." « 

Philip Embury, it is well known, came to Camden, and, 
though young in years, was the patriarch of the settlement 
there, — its leader and adviser in all its spiritual and ma- 
terial interests. His early death, in 1773, left his people 
without any one competent to wisely advise and lead them, 
and nearly the whole flock he had lovingly gathered and 
faithfully governed became dispersed, most of them going 
to Canada, and there making for themselves new and per- 
uianent homes, and their places in the vallej' of Camden 
knowing them no more. 

ORGANIZATION — CIVIL HISTORY. 

The town having been settled by so large an emigration 
at once in 1764-65, it is inferred that a precinct or district 
organization of some kind must have been made soon after. 
There are many evidences of this, although the actual 
records of such an organization are not known to be in ex- 
istence. Between 1764 and 1787 was a period of twenty- 
three years, — a period in which the great contest that sepa- 
rated the colonies from England and gave to the United 
States a national existence was begun, fought through, and 
closed. In this same period was the exciting home struggle 
over the New Hampshire grants, that rolled its waves of 
fierce neighborhood dissension up to the very boundaries of 
New Pertli, and endeavored, though in vain, to lead away 
from their allegiance to New York the settlers upon the 
great patent. Questions that involved the title to every 
farm, the safety of every home, the personal allegiance of 
every citizen, were in daily and hourly discussion. The 
very foundations of civil society were shaken by the mighty 
tread of revolution. It is not possible that that period 
could have been passed in a chaotic, unorganized state by 
the intelligent citizens who had established homes for them- 
selves and their families in this valley. Committees of 
safety were to be appointed, roads were to be laid out, taxes 
to be levied, the poor- to be cared for. courts of justice to 



be sustained. All this required meetings and ofi&cers, and 
they must have been held and appointed. The names of 
road commissioners eight years before the first town- 
meeting are on record. That there was also a clerk, and 
that assessors and overseers of the poor were regularly 
elected, is also very certain. Where is the old book ? In 
whose attic is it waiting the grasp of a Fitch or a Gibson 
to be brought to light? 

It is in evidence that the question of submitting to the 
jurisdiction of Vermont actually came up at a town-meeting 
during this period, that it was a severe and hotly-contested 
struggle, and that the friends of New York triumphed by 
a regular lawful decision, though only by a small majority. 
Other proof of this " prehistoric" organization is found in - 
the amount of public business transacted at this point, the 
concerted movements for defense in 1777-78, all the records 
of which indicate a town of considerable population and a 
growing, organized community. 

A list of the oflBcers for those twenty-three years would 
possess much interest. But we cannot hope to give what 
the veteran students of history residing here have failed to 
find. 

Further traces of the district organization prior to 
that of the town appear in the first book. There is on 
record a road-survey, made June 19, 1781, by Joshua 
Conkoy, Robert Pennell, and Alexander Simson, in the 
town of New Perth, extending from Martin's Mills north- 
ward. It is recorded, however, by the first town clerk, 
June 20, 1788. The surveyor was Moses Martin. An- 
other survey, Dec. 12, 1782, was made under the direc- 
tion of Road Commissioners John Armstrong and Nathan 
Morgan. This was a road " extending from Salem to 
Cockburn's patent," the name Salem thus appearing to be 
used regarding the village five years before the organization 
of the town. 

There is also a petition fcir an alteration in the road 
"from David Hopkins' to the place of Mr. Rowan,' bear- 
ing date March 29, 1783, signed by John Hamilton, Da- 
vid Whitney, Joseph Nelson, Wm. Cruikshank, Josiah 
Parish, Sr., Robert Wilson, Joseph Hamilton, Thomas 
Armstrong, James Armstrong, David Gray, Samuel Hop- 
kins, Daniel McCleary, and sworn to before David Hopkins, 
justice of the* peace. 

A road was laid out, Nov. 22, 1782, " from Black Line 
by Mr. Monson's to Martin's Mills," Nathan Morgan, John 
Rowan, John Armstrong; commissioners. 

Still earlier, in 1779, a road was laid out " from Rupert 
to Dr. John Williams'," by Joshua Conkey and Robert 
Penall, commissioners, and Moses Martin, surveyor. 

As touching the Vermont question, it perhaps should 
be added that though this town, by a formal vote, refused 
to act under the jurisdiction of that State, yet White Creek 
district was represented in some way at the celebrated Cam- 
bridge convention, held May 9th to the 15th, 1781. It 
was this convention (hat resolved, in due form, to include 
in the State of Vermont all the district or tract of land 
bounded north by latitude 45°, west by the Hudson river, 
and south by the north line of Massachusetts extended to the 
Hudson. The " Documentary History of New York" (vol. 
iv. page 1004) gives the articles of union agreed upon at 





Samuel Beaty was born where he now resides, in the town of 
Salem, Washington, Co., N. Y., February 25, 1807. 

The Beaty family traces descent to Thomas Beatj, who emigrated 
from Ireland, in the year 1767, October, with his wife and five chil- 
dren, David, Jean, Thomas, Samuel, and William, leaving one son, 
John, who was married, in Ireland. The family settled first in Salem, 
and hence were among the earliest pioneers of this part of Washing- 
ton county. The ancestry were of Scotch descent, and emigrated to 
Ireland on account of religious persecution in Scotland. The great- 
grandfather erected his log-cabin in the wilderness on the lot he had 
taken up, the greater part of which, with the assistance of his boys, he 
cleared. lie lived to be eighty-three years of age, and died where he 
had settled. John, the grandfather, with his wife and daughter, Jane, 
emigrated from Ireland the same year as his father, and, after a voy- 
age of seventeen weeks, first settled in Pennsylvania, where he re- 
mained tor about two years, where he earned money enough, as a 
common laborer, to get to Washington county, town of Salem, where 
he arrived and erected his log shanty in the woods in the year 1769, 
taking up one lot of land. He erected his second log-cabin in the 
year 1772, which, at the time of writing this sketch, 1S7S, is still 
standing, and the property owned by one of the grandchildren, 
Wm. J. The early history of this family in meeting the obstacles of 
settlement in a new country; the slow but sure development from 
scanty means to pecuniary competence and comfortable surroundings ; 
the raising of a large family ; the consequent dread and fear by the 
presence of the Indians and the march of Burgoyne, with incidents 
connected with the embarrassments under which settlers were placed 
at that time, would fill a volume, and can only be briefly referred to 
in this narrative. The result of the labor of the grandfather, in 
buildings and surroundings, are to-day as he left them, except their 
natural decay. John Beaty lived on the spot where he first settled 
during the balance of his life; after his settlement, was a farmer by 
occupation. He received a very limited education from books in his 
youth, but gained by observation and business experience what he 
was wanting in early education. He was a man of unquestioned 
integrity in all his business transactions ; was warmly attached to the 
best interests, building up churches and schools in the town ; was a 
member of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church at Salem, 
established by Dr. Clark in 1765. He died in his seventy-seventh 
year, May 20, 1S17, leaving a wife and nine children (Jane having 
died while young). His wife, whose maiden name was Grizzy MeRa- 
bert, died in the year 1S28, at the age of eighty-two. 

John, father of the subject of this memoir, and eighth child of this 
family, was born in January, 1784. Married for his first wife Mary 
Beaty, by whom he had five children, — Samuel, John, Jane, Mary G., 
and Ebcnczer. The mother of these children was a woman of great 
courage and resolution to-do what she conceived to be right, possess- 
ing great decision of character. She died in 1S35. 



For his second wife he married Agnes McCoy, of Argyle, by 
whom he had one son, William J., who now resides on the old home- 
stead. 

The father spent his life after the year 1818, for the next thirty 
years, as a merchant in Salem village; previous to which, and sub- 
sequently, he was a farmer. Was never solicitous of any notoriety by 
way of political preferment, but was prominent in the councils of the 
church of his choice, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church 
at Salem, in which he was an elder for about thirty years. He died 
at the age of (nearly) seventy, in the year 1853. .The second wife died 
in the year 1867. 

Samuel Beaty spent his minority as a clerk in the store of his 
father at Salem. Was married, in the year 1830, to Hannah D., 
daughter of Judge Rising, of West Rupert, Vt. By this union he has 
two surviving children, — Mary L. and Ebenezer. His wife died May 
II, 1839. For his second wife Mr. Beaty married Lemira S. Har- 
wood, daughter of Perez Harwood, of Bennington, Vt., by whom he 
had one daughter, — Lemira M. The second wife died October 14, 
1844. For his last wife he married Fanny J., daughter of Henry 
Harwood, of Bennington, Vt., by whom he has three surviving 
children, — Abby A., Henry H., and Jenny Bell. The mother of these 
children died November 19, 1873. 

Mr. Beaty has followed the occupation of a farmer, and is ranked 
among the successful agriculturists of the county. 

Mr. Beaty cast his first vote for president of the United States for 
John Quincy Adams. Was a member of the old Whig party, and 
since the organization of the Rejuiblican party has been an ardent 
supporter of its principles until the year 1S72, wlu'ii he became a lib- 
eral and independent voter. It is a fact worlby oC note here that the 
political principles held by the ancestry are still firmly adhered to by 
the great-grandchildren. 

Characteristic of Mr. Beaty are his strong temperance proclivities ; 
his firmness and decision in all matters in which hois interested: his 
indefatigable resolution to carry forward to a successful issue any 
measure receiving his attention; his kindness in his family, and 
sociality with his friends. 

Ebenezer Beaty was born December S, 1819. During his early life 
was a clerk in his father's store at Salem, and subsequently became a 
partner. The latter part of his life was spent as a farmer on the old 
homestead. He was never married. He died January 1, 1S78. His 
portrait, with his brother William J.'s. will be found above a view of 
the old homestead first settled by the grandfather. 

William J. Beaty was born October 26, 1838; occupies and owns 
the old homestead ; married Mrs. Mary Jane, widow of the late Robert 
Hunter (who was a soldier of the war, and deceased), and a daughter of 
John Denison, of Salem. They have three children, — Agnes McCoy, 
Frank, and Fanny J, 




IrrM BY in Cviir. 



Residence or W^ J. BEATY. Salem Washington County New roRK 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



137 



Cambridge between a committee representing the State of 
Vermont and the convention. The convention is there 
stated to be composed of "representatives from the dis- 
tricts of Hoosick, Schaghticoke, Cambridge, Saratoga, Upper 
White Creek, Bhick Creek, Granville, Skeensborough, Kings- 
bury, Fort Edward, and Little Hoosick." The word rep- 
resentatives implies delegates formally chosen. If this was 
the case iu White Creek, it is evident that only a portion 
of the citizens shared in the movement; for when the con- 
test ended by act of Congress, August, 1782, the district 
of White Creek was under no necessity of executing any 
act of submission to New York, because it had not changed 
its allegiance. In the " Documentary History" alluded to 
above (vol. iv. page 1010) is a paper strangely headed by 
the editor " Submission of the People of White Creek to 
New York." We copy it to show that it is not anything 
of the kind : 

" To His Excdlennj George Ctininn, Esquire, and the Hvnnrahle ihe 
Senate and Assembly of the Stale of New York, the petition nf the 
snhacrihp-s most humbly sheweth, — 
"That your petitioners have been, ever since their settling in this 
county, faithful subjects to the State of New York, and notwithstand- 
ing numbers of this county having gone over to Vermont, yet such 
as have shown themselves friends to the common cause, and appear 
to be truly penitent for their misconduct, we would recommend to 
your excellency and the honorable Legislature for pity ; that although 
they have swerved from their allegiance to this State yet they have 
shown themselves to be always in readiness to oppose our enemy. 
We would therefore i-equcst that your excellency and the honorable 
Legislature will take their case into consideration, and restore them 
to their former privileges, and, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. 
"JoHS Armstrong, Joshua Coxkey, 

"Jonx Uesry, Thomas Armstrong, 

"Edward Savage, Robert Boyd, 

"John Gray, Alexander Kennedy, 

"■ Matthew McWhorter, Samuel McWhortek, 
" Robert Pennell, Thomas Lyon, 

"Alexander Turner, Saxford Smith. 

" Pelatiah Fitch, Jr., 
"White Creek, March 5, 17S2." 

A glance will show that the paper is not an act of sub- 
mission, but a petition from those " who had ever since 
their settling in the county been faithful subjects of the 
State of New York," asking lenient treatment for those 
who had swerved from their allegiance. The petitioners 
ask mercy for others, not for themselves. 

It may nevertheless be true that a minority were favor- 
able to the pretensions of Vermont, and that had Ethan 
Allen and his associates been less violent in their proceed- 
ings the minority might have become the majority. But 
the settlers upon the patent of twenty-five thousand acres 
were all holding their farms by a grant from the crown 
through the colonial government of New York ; this title 
was not contested even by the Vermont authorities. Nat- 
urally, the settlers were willing to render allegiance to New 
York, — preferred to do so. Besides, many of the fii-st 
settlers of Salem were men of distinguished public char- 
acter, men of education, statesmen, able to thoroughly 
understand the merits of the pending questions, — and they 
clearly saw, what the documents yet fully prove, that the 
claim of New York to the ichole of Vermont was beyond all 
legal doubt ; that the government of New Hampshire had 
no royal authority to grant to any one an acre of land west 
IS 



of the Connecticut river ; that even the shadow of a shadow 
upon which Bonning Wentworth rested his claim extended 
no farther west than the west line of Massachusetts. 

With the close of the Revolutionary period came the 
appropriate time for more thorough civil organization. The 
loose, informal district government on the one hand, often 
no doubt with indefinite boundaries, and the absolute 
powers of colonial or provincial war committees on the 
other, both passed away. Laws were enacted creating 
towns, strictly defining their boundaries, providing the 
necessary officers, their jurisdiction, and duties. 

From the year 1787 the records are preserved, and the 
succession of town-meetings fully recorded, except that of 
1802. 

In the tables of town officers we have given the name 
of Nathan Wilson as the probable collector for 1802, while 
the supervisor and town clerk are no doubt correct, as they 
are easily determined by other evidence than the minutes of 
the town-meeting. 

The name of the town was the result of a compromise. 
The Seotch-Irish colony desired the place to be called New 
Perth ; the New England men were in favor of White 
Creek. The first mention of the name Salem we find re- 
corded was when the stockade erected in 1777 was called 
" Fort Salem," as mentioned in the general history. From 
the road-reeord before mentioned the name seems to have 
been applied to the village as early as 1782, and when the 
people became tired, after the close of the Revolution, of 
quarreling over " New Perth," they agreed on the same 
name they had adopted for their fort. 

We take the following notes from the town records : 

The first book was bought by James Tomb in New York, 
in the year 1788 ; price, one pound twelve shillings. 

The following is a copy of the minutes of the first town- 
meeting : 

"Salem District. — Town-meeting held at the house of Thomas 
Turner, upon the first Tuesday of April, 17S7, agreeable to a law of 
our Legislature, for the more orderly holding of town-meetings, 
passed the 14th of February, 1787. Before John McCollistcr and 
John Rowan, justices of the peace for the said district. The act 
read. Moderator appointed, John Armstrong; Town Clerk, James 
Tomb J Supervisor, John Rowan j Assistant Supervisor, Adam Mar- 
tin ; Assessors, Nathan Morgan, Abner Carswcll, John Harsba 
Commissioners of Highways, Alexander Gault, Ale.vander McNish 
Alexander McNitt; Pathmasters, Robert Stewart, Hamilton McCol 
lister, Hugh Moncrief, Elisha Fitch, John Morey, William Thompson 
Sr., John Hanna, Uri Brooks, John Beatty, Benjamin Cleveland 
David McCracken, Moses Cleveland, James Gamhill, Timothy Ilcth 
Jcdcdiah Gilbord, .lohn Steel, Noah Barnes, Alexander Turner, Sr. 
David Thomas, Joel Lake, David Webb, Isaac Michael, Abel Cleve 
land, Robert Iluggins, Allen Hunsdon, Jacob Patterson, James 
Henderson, Samuel Safford; Poormasters, Reuben Cluiincy, Nathan 
Morgan; Constable, and probably Collector, Elisha Fitch; Fcnco- 
Viewcrs, James Hopkins, Robert Pennell, Sr., Andrew McNitt. 

" Further voted, that a pound be built, and Major McCracken supcr- 
intcnil the business. That Hamilton McCollislcr, Nathan Morgan 
Robert Pennell, Joseph McCracken, John Lytic, Benjamin Cleveland' 
Moses Martin be a committee to appoint the place where said pound 
is to be built. 

" The committee report the aforesaid pound to he built upon a corner 
of the ministerial lot, belonging to the New England congregation, 
near .lohn Lytlc's. 

" Voted, that lUchard Hoy and John Harsha inspect into the excise 
and fines, and call the justices, supervisors, and poormasters to an 
account respecting the same. 

"Voted, that hogs be shut up or confined so as not to do damage. 



138 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



"Voted, that three men, namely, Hamilton McCoIIistcr, James Ste- 
venson, and James Tomb, write a petition to our Legislature respect- 
ing immorality. 

" Voted, that none of the inhabitants of Salem be found in the 
tavern after nine o'clock at night, except upon necessary business. 

** Voted, that any man who takes a family upon his farm shall return 
the number and names of such family, within forty dayc after their 
arrival, to the poormasters of the district. 

"Voted, that the poormasters settle with David Tomb respecting 
the expenses of Patrick Sloan. Wardens, William McCoy, Robert 
Stewart, Andrew Lytle, Uamilton McCollister, John McCarter, John 
Gray, John McSealon, Aaron Stone, Thomas Collamer." 

It would probably be difficult to pass some of tbese votes 
of 1787 at the town-meeting of the present year (1878). 

1788. — Benjamin Cleveland, John Armstrong, and Hugh 
Moor were appointed assessors ; Alexander Gault, collector; 
Alexander McNish, constable; Aaron Stone, William Mon- 
crief, Sr., and James McFarland, highway commissioners ; 
William McCoy, a poormaster ; Matthew Wborter a fence- 
viewer. The other officers were mostly the same as those 
of the previous year. 

1790. — George Schamp was elected a hog constable. 

At the town-meeting of 1791 it was voted that a com- 
mittee be chosen out of the first and second congregations 
of Salem to superintend the fencing of the grave-yard; 
that Colonel Joseph McCracken and James Tomb carry 
on the above business ; that the expense be a town-charge. 
It was also voted " that every inhabitant of thi^ town shall 
stop travelers that travel unnecessarily upon the Sabbath," 
— a comprehensive warrant surely. 

1792. — Wardens were still chosen by the people. This 
year they were Daniel Mattison, David Carswell, Daniel 
McCleary, Thomas Collins, Walter Martin, William Ilark- 
ness, Moses Martin, Hugh Moor, Stephen Clapp, James 
Tomb, Hamilton McCollister, John Honeywood. 

1793. — Voted a pound to be built, and that twenty-four 
pounds be raised for that purpose ; that one-third of that 
sum belong to Camden. Committee : Alexander Turner, 
Jr., Stephen Clapp, John Gray, Jr., and David Gray. 
That the pound be built between the court-house and the 
white bridge ; if the ground cannot be obtained there, then 
where it can be obtained most conveniently. The Camden 
pound to be built near James Wier's house. Pouudmas- 
ter's fees, fourpence per head for all cattle; one penny a 
head for sheep. 

Here is an estray notice, with a critical description, that 
ought to have left no doubt of identity when found : 

"Broke into the inclosure of the subscriber two sheep some time 
in June, 1794 : one of a (jray culler, the other white, with a croop off 
the top of each car, and short tails. 

"James Cbearv." 

1797. — Voted, " that the pound be moved unto the road 
at the expen,se of the town, and that the assessors purchase 
a place to set it upon." Voted, " that a lane be made to 
the grave-yard at the expense of the town." Voted, " that 
the supervisors and justices give no license to Sabbath- 
breakers." 

1798. — Voted " the sum of ten dollars for the purpose 
of killing crows and blackbirds ;" one shilling for each 
crow, and threepence for each blackbird killed between 
May 12 and July 1. Voted, "that all cattle found on the 
highway within one mile of the court-house, between the 



1st day of December and the 1st day of April, be liable 
to be pounded, and pay the same fees as the law directs in 
other cases, and to pay the same for keeping such cattle as 
the tavern-keepers have." " Cattle" seems to be the nomi- 
native of the verb " pay." 

1801. — The town invested tivcnty dollars in crows and 
blackbirds. 

1804. — Thirty dollars for the same purposes. 

1808. — Joshua Streeter was appointed a leather-sealer, 
to be governed by the laws of the State on that subject. 

The geese had evidently taken some advantage of technical 
defects in previous by-laws, for this year the vote on that 
subject was, " Every goose or gander running at large, 
the owner to forfeit twenty-five cents." 

It is probable the crow-hunters in previous years had 
not observed town-lines as they ought to have done, for 
they are now recjuired to furnish " .satisfactory proof that 
the birds were killed in the town of Salem." 

This was evidently a time of " civil service reform" gen- 
erally, when new and improved laws were brought to bear 
on geese, crows, and tanners. Besides, another vote per- 
emptorily orders " every man to keep his sheep and hogs 
in his own inclosure." 

1809. — The assessors were appointed a committee " to 
call upon the former town clerks for an account of the 
moneys appropriated for the purpose of killing crows and 
blackbirds;" and while the present town clerk was intrusted 
with twenty-five dollars for similar purposes, he was re- 
quired to render " an account to a justice of the peace, the 
same as poormasters." The town fathers evidently sus- 
pected there might be a full-grown African somewhere in 
the brush-fences that the crow-hunters had to climb, or in 
the town clerk's office. 

1810. — One hundred and thirty-nine dollars and eighty- 
six cents was voted for a fence around the burying-ground. 
Families having other burying-grounds were exempted from 
the tax. Building Committee : Thomas Baker, Abner 
Stone, Aaron Martin. Voted, " that five dollars be raised 
by tax of the town, and be appropriated, together with the 
money in Alexander Simson's hands belonging to the town, 
for the purpose of building a stocks for said town, and that 
the supervisor and town clerk superintend the building of 
the same." Voted, " that all fines be collected in the name 
of the supervisor, and the fines go to the use of the poor." 
Voted, that if the supervisor fail of recovering the fines 
the person complaining pay the cost. A sure plan to luake 
complainants careful. 

1811. — A committee was appointed to audit the accounts 
of the committee upon the fence of the burial-ground. The 
sum of four hundred dollars was voted towards finishing 
the academy. 

1813. — It was " Resolred, That the poormasters of this 
town meet on Tuesday next at ten o'clock iu the forenoon 
at the hotel in the village, for the purpose of seeing who 
will take the town paupers the cheapest." 
- 1815. — Having refused to electa pound-keeper in 1814, 
they now voted to repair the pounds once more. It was 
also " Itesolved, That one hundred dollars be raised by tax 
for the purpose of searching for stolen property and the 
thief or thieves, and that the money be paid over to the 




^^^'^'^ 





(^XO<JLC^€^7l. 



cC, 



(2y'im^'l ^^OyU^^^ 



'^■•^^Sfc-'Sfyj^rt-i 




F?ESiD£NCL or JOHN CLtVELAND.5ALrM //^^hington Co N Y 



f?TS *C0 PNlUUJttPHIA.f 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



139 



inspectors of election, and they be appointed a standing 
committee to carry the above resolution into effect." 

1818. — The following certificate of manumission appears 
in the records : 

" Know all men by these presents that I, EJward Savage, master 
and owner of a female slave named Lott, have manumitted and dis- 
charged her the said Lott from her servitude, and do hereby manu- 
mit, discharge, and set free the said Lott. 

" Witness my hand and seal this 27th day of August, 181S. 

"EnwARD Savage." [l.s.] 

This was in pursuance of the act of the Legislature upon 
the subject of .slavery in this State. The birth of slave 
children is occasionally recorded in the town-book, as in 
1809 : " Peter, born of my negro woman named Beck," 
signed Anthony T. Blanchard. Also, in the same family, 
1814 : " Kate, born of my negro slave woman Amy." Also, 
in 1817 : " Cato, born of Amy, a negro woman, his slave." 
Amy seems to have afterwards been manumitted, Nov. 29, 
1820. Sept. 21, 1818, John Savage certifies to the birth, 
on or about the 6th of October, 1817, of "Nan, child of 
Chris, a female slave belonging to this deponent." 

1819. — At a special town-meeting, held November 5, the 
decision of the judges of the court of common pleas in 
the matter of a certain road was taken up for consideration, 
a strong resolution opposing said decision passed, and the 
highway commissioners directed to take steps for a legal ad- 
judication of the matter, the town to defray the expense of 
costs, not to exceed fifty dollars. (See pages 154 and 155, 
first book of town records.) The judges whose decision 
■was thus appealed from were Asa Fitch, Jonathan Wood, 
and Nathaniel Hall. Fifty dollars would be a small .sum 
to attempt a modern lawsuit with in the upper courts. 

1821.- — -AH town officers receiving pay for their services 
were required to report in writing, the report to be read on 
the morning of the town-meeting. Asa Fitch, Aaron Cleve- 
land, John Law, Joshua Steel, and David Russell were ap- 
pointed a committee to consider the expediency of building 
a poor-house. 

1822. — The committee reported in favor of a county 
poor-house, and their action was approved by a majority of 
twenty-eight. 

1825. — There was manumitted, under date of March 8, 
" a certain negro slave called Jock Becker or John Dean, the 
property of Elijah C. Pearl." 

1826. — "Charles, a colored man, now the property of 
Nathan Wilson, Esq.," was manumitted January 11. 

At the town-meeting it was 

" Hesolved, That the town clerk call on William McColIistcr for the 
original field-book and chart of the town of Salem, and that the same 
be deposited in the town clerk's office." 

1832. — Twenty-five dollars were voted to pay for standard 
weights and measures for the use of the town sealer. 

At a special town-meeting, Jan. 28, 1869, C. M. Huff, 
. chairman, five thousand dollars was voted on the part of 
the town towards the erection of a new court-house at Salem. 
A committee of three was appointed to present the said 
action to the board of supervisors, and to apply to the Leg- 
islature for authorizing the same, viz., John H. McFarland, 
S. H. Ru.ssell, and John M. Williams. 

At the annual town-meeting of 1872, James Gibson and 



Robert M. Stephenson were appointed a committee to col- 
lect and remove to the room in the court-house assigned for 
the use of this town, by resolution of the board of super- 
visors of the county of Washington, all the books and 
papers and documents in the town clerk's office, or belonging 
thereto, or to the town, suitably arrange an inventory, and 
classify the same, index and bind any or such parts thereof 
as they shall think proper, and provide suitable cases for 
their safe-keeping and ready examination ; the expenses 
thereof to be a town charge, to be audited by the board of 
auditors, provided the said committee give their services 
free of charjre. 



LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 



1787. 

1788. 
1789. 
1790. 
1791. 
1792. 
179:!. 
1794. 
1795. 



Siiperviiors. 

John llowan. 

Adam Martin. f 

John Rowan. 

James Tomb. 

Hamilfn McAllister. 

John Williams. 



Town Ck-rks. 
James Tomb. 



Collectors. 
Elisha Fitch.* 

Alexander Gault. 
Alex. Turner, Sr. 
John lieattio. 
Benjamin Cleveland. 
John Beattic. 

Alexander McNish. 



Alexander T. Turner. 
David Thomas. 



1798. " " 


" " 


« « 


1799. " " 


" " 


" " 


ISOO. 


" " 


" 


1801. Edward Savage. 


" " 


Nathan Willson. 


1802. 


" " 


" 


isoa. 


" " 


Moses Rice. 


1804. Abner Stone. 


« « 


" " 


180.'). John Savage. 


« « 


Joseph Boyd. 


1806. " 


James Hawlcy. 


" " 


1807. Andrew Lytle. 


James Tomb. 


Jonas Sloan. 


1808. John Gray. 


Alex. Simpson. Jr. 


Paul AVheeler. 


1809. " . " 


D. Matthews, Jr. 


" 


1810. David Woods. 


" " 


Jonas Sloan. 


1811. " 


" " 


" " 


1812. Alexander McNish. 


Henry Matthews. 


James Dobbin. 


1813. John Savage. 


" 


Joshua Streeter. 


1814. John Williams. 


James McXish. 


James Y. Watson. 


181,5. " " 


" 


James I. Sherwood. 


181G. Philo Curtis. 


Henry Mathews. 


" " 


1817. " 


James McNish. 


" " 


1818. John Crary. 


Joseph Hawley. 


" " 


1819. " " 


« /( 


Joshua Streeter. 


1820. " " 


James McNish. 


Adams Lytle. 


1821. James Harvey. 


" , " 


" '■ 


1822. " " 


" " 


" " 


1823. John McMurray. 


" " 


" " 


1824. " 


" " 


« « 


1825. " " 


" " 


" " 


1826. " " 


Henry Matthews. 


li *i 


1827. " " 


" " 


" " 


1828. " 


" " 


" " 


1829. " " 


" " 


Ebenczcr Martin. 


1830. " " 


" " 


" " 


1831. " 


" " 


« " 


1832. " " 


" " 


« <( 


1833. " " 


John AV. I'roudfit. 


" " 


1834. Bernard Blair. 


Alonzo Gray. 


Alvan Robertson. 


1835. " " 


" 


" " 


1836. James B. Stevenson 


" " 


" " 


1837. Aaron Martin, Jr. 


" " 


" " 


1838. 


" " 


" " 


1839. James B. Stevenson 


" " 


Henry Nichols. 


1840. Stephen Ransom. 


Jas. A. McFarland 


Cyrus Atwood. 


« Constable. 




■f Assistant. 



140 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
ISfiO. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



Supcnisors. 
John McMurray. 
Alex. Robertson. 
Marvin Preeman. 
William iMcKie. 
John McNaughton. 



JarvJs Martin. 
Josephus Fitch. 

John R. Lytle. 
Jas. M. Thompson. 
Josephus Fitch. 
Alexander B. Law. 



Town Clerks. Collectors. 

Jas. A. McFarland. Henry Nichols. 
John M. Mai'tin. John C. Beattie. 



Wi 



B. Harkn 



Wm. R. Austin. 
.Jas. A. McFarland. 
Wm. R. Austin. 

Orrin Austin. 



Dirck C. Russell. 
W. McFarland (2d), 

Jas. M. Crawford. 

Orrin Austin. 
James Blashfield. 
John Liddlc. 
Wm. McFarland. 



Jas. M. Thompson. 
James Gibson. 
Robt. M. Stevenson. 

Edward G. Johnson. 
Wm. McFarland. 

Jas. M. Thompson. 
Robert McFarland. 
Smith II. Brownell. 
Daniel B. Cole. 
John Edwards. 



Slockwcll Liddlc. 
Edw'n McNaughton 
Wm. B. Bool. 
E. McNaughton. 

John W. Dobbin. 



Andrew R. Fenton. 



Charles Robinson. 
Alva Wrisht. 



John F. Beers. 
Clark K. Valentine. 
Robt. McFarland. 
John R. Dobbin. 
James L. Martin. 
Clark K. Valentine. 
Edwin M. Pratt. 
Peter Cruikshank. 
Sylvanus Dickinson. 
Lewis Austin. 
Gideon A. Safford. 
Wm. C. Gillis. 
Robert Stewart. 
J. C. McXaughton. 
William R. Boyd. 
McCrca Hedges. 
Wm. I. Cruikshank. 
.Wm. T. Fleming. 
Robt. Cruikshank. 
Robert McFarland. 
Eli Wilson. 
Melvin W. Orcutt. 
David N. Brownell. 
Michael Tierney. 
Edward G. Hcming. 
Gideon A. Safford. 
Wm. J. McCoUum. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1829. 


Henry Mathews. 


1852. 


Alexander B. Law. 




John W. Proudlit. 


1853. 


Aaron Martin. 




Aaron Martin, Jr. 


1854. 


James A. McFarland. 




AVarren Norton. 


1855. 


Charles A. AVhite. 


1830. 


John W. Proudfit. 


1856. 


Alexander B. Law. 


1831. 


Warren Norton. 


1857. 


James H. Fitch. 




William K. Adams. 


1858. 


James A. McFarland. 


1832. 


Warren Norton. 


1859. 


John R. Lytle. 


1S33. 


Aaron Martin, Jr. 




Aaron Martin. 


1834. 


Cyrus Stevens. 


1860. 


Alexander B. Law. 




Andrew Martin. 


1861. 


William B. Bool. 


1835. 


Jesse L. Billings. 




William Robertson. 


1836. 


Andrew Martin. 


18G2. 


« <( 




James A. McFarland. 


1863. 


Ebcnezcr McMurray. 


1837. 


Aaron Martin, Jr. 


1864. 


Alexander B. Law. 




Philo Curtis. 


1865. 


William B. Bool. 


1838. 


James A. McFarland. 


1866. 


William Robertson. 


1839. 


Philo Curtis. 


1867. 


Christopher M. Wolff. 


184,0. 


Anthony C. Saunders. 


1868. 


Alexander B. Law. 


1841. 


Aaron Martin, Jr. 


1869. 


John R. Lytle. 


1842. 


James A. McFarland. 


1870. 


Chester Adams. 


1843. 


William A. Russell. 


1871. 


Daniel T. Steele. 


1844. 


Alexander B. Law. 


1872. 


David Dobbin. 


1845. 


Aaron Martin. 


1873 


C. L. Allen. 


1846. 


James A. McFarland. 




Robert L. Foster. 


1847 


William A. Russell. 


1874 


Robert M. Stevenson. 


1848. 


Alexander B. Law. 


1875 


Leonard C. Piser. 


1849. 


Aaron Martin. 


1876 


James Gibson, Jr. 


1850 


James A. McFarland. 


1877 


C. L. Allen, Jr. 


1851 


Charles Crary. 


1878 


John King. 



VILLAGES. 
SALEM. 

The act incorporating this village was passed by the 
Legislature, April 4, 1803. This described the boundaries 
as " beginning at a stone marked corporation number one, 
standing north two degrees west thirteen rods and fourteen 
links from the northwest corner of George Williams' 
dwelling-house ; thence running west eighty two rods to 
east Beaver brook ; thence southerly along the same to a 
stone marked corporation number two, standing on the west 
bank of said brook, two rods north of the bridge over the 
said brook, on the road leading to the dwelling-house of 
John Gray; thence south eighty-one degrees west twenty- 
eight rods to a stone marked corporation number three ; 
thence south fifty-three degrees oast one hundred and sev- 
enty-one rods and twelve links to the centre of the turn- 
pike-road, in front of the dwelling-house of the late Rev. 
James Proudfit ; thence north fifty-one degrees east two 
hundred and thirty-six rods to a stone marked corporation 
number four ; thence north twenty-two degrees west one 
hundred and eighty rods to the place of beginning." 

The first meeting was held at the court-house, on the 
first Monday in May, 1803, and the following officers duly 
elected : James Harvey, Anthony I. Blanchard, John Rus- 
sell, Robert Pennell, and Moses S. Curtis, trustees; Ebene- 
zer Proudfit, James Hawley, David Carswell, assessors ; 
John Gray, treasurer ; John Streeter, collector ; Thaddeus 
Smith, Nathaniel Carswell, Jr., Seth Brown, firewardens. 

August 12, 1803. — At a meeting of the freeholders and 
inhabitants of the village of Salem, agreeable to previous 
notice duly given, 

Resolved, That the sum of two hundred dollars be raised 
for the purpose of procuring fire implements for the secu- 
rity of the said village. 

1804. — Trustees, John Williams, James Harvey, An- 
thony I. Blanchard, James Rowan, David Carswell ; asses- 
sors, Ebenezer Proudfit, John Savage, Seth Brown ; John 
Gray, treasurer ; John Streeter, collector ; Thaddeus Smith, 
Nathaniel Carswell, and Jo.shua Streeter, firewardens. 

The treasurer was voted fifty cents for compensation, and 
the assessors were voted twelve and a half cents each. 

180.5. — One hundred dollars voted for fire implements. 

1806. — Eighty dollars voted for lighting the streets; 
fifty dollars for hay-seales. 

1810. — One hundred dollars for engine purposes. 

1811. — Three dollars compensation to the late collector; 
two hundred dollars for an engine-house. 

1812.— Three dollars to the collector. 

1814. — One hundred and twenty-five dollars for a public 
market ; one hundred and twenty-five dollars added at a 
special meeting in October, for the same purpose. 

1815. — One hundred dollars for two wells, pumps, and 
miscellaneous expenses. 

1822. — The public market rented for ten dollars and 
fifty cents to William McFenton. 

182G. — Seventy dollars for hay-seales, — rescinded next 
year. 

1814. — One item in the record shows the vigilance of 
the tas-payers. The late assessors, Seth Brown and Henry 



^ 







jYru^ 



BEKNAKD BLAIR 




Bernard Blair was bom in Williamstown, Berkshire Co., 
Mass., May 24, 1801. Of a family of ten children, — seven 
sons and three daughters, — Mr. Blair was third son, and at 
the time of the writing of this sketch, 1878, only his two 
younger brothers, Edwin H. and Henry James, and one 
sister, Sarah Maria, survive. His father, William Blair, 
was also a native of Williamstown, bom Oct. 2, 1765 ; was 
a farmer, and lived on the farm that the grandfather pur- 
chased when he first settled in Massachusetts. This farm 
has been in the family over a century, and was only recently 
sold by the subject of this memoir to his brother, the late 
George T. Blair, of Troy, N. Y. His grandfather, Absolom 
Blair, enlisted in the war for independence, and was a cap- 
tain at the battle of Bennington, and died April 20, 1811. 
His father died May 4, 1842. His mother, Sarah Train, 
was a native of Williamstown, Mass., bom Oct. 15, 1772, 
and died June 26, 1864. 

Mr. Blair spent his boyhood days in the routine of farm 
labor and district schools, and after he attained proper age 
prepared for college under the instrection of a private 
teacher. Entering Williams College at the age of twenty, 
and graduating from that institution in the year 1825, 
having for his classmates men who have taken high rank 
in the nation, such as David Dudley Field, LL.D., the late 
Robert McClellan, and the late David Addison Noble, ex- 
members of Congress. 

During the same year he came to Salem, Washington 
Co., N. Y., and entered the law office of Hon. David Russell 
& Judge Allen, where he remained until the year 1828, 
when he was admitted to practice as arf attorney in the 
Supreme Court of the State. He was subsequently ad- 
mitted as counselor and soUcitor in chancery. In the year 



1828 he formed a partnership with Judge Allen, which 
continued for some twelve years. During this time this 
firm enjoyed, it is said, a large and lucrative practice not 
only in their county, but in the various courts of the State. 

Mr. Blair was an ardent supporter of the old Whig 
party, and from its ranks, in the year 1839, was elected to 
the Twenty-seventh Congress of the United States. 

Since his return he has gradually withdrawn from the 
active duties of his profession, giving his attention more 
particularly to other matters. Upon the organization of the 
Troy and Rutland railroad he was elected president, which 
office he retained until the road was leased to another com- 
pany. He assisted in the organization of the old State 
Bank of Salem, and was a director and its president during 
its existence, and since the organization of the National 
Bank of Salem he has been a director. 

Mr. Blair, in the year 1833, May 23, married Miss 
Charlotte, daughter of Abraham C. Lansing and Sophia 
Gorham, of Lansingburg, N. Y. They have no children. 
Mr. Blair is now seventy-seven years of age, able to review 
the past history of the legal fraternity of Salem for half a 
century, and remembers when it was said, " that the bar of 
Salem had no superior for talent and legal learning in the 
State ;" and as a member of that bar he ranked among the 
first. 

He was one of the board of tmstees of the Washington 
Academy for several years, and has been a trustee of the 
First Incorporated Presbyterian church of Salem since 1846, 
and one of its most liberal supporters. In 1846, Mr. Blair 
received from Middlebury College the honorary degree of 
Master of Arts, the same being conferred upon him by 
Williams College in 1855. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



141 



Whitney, having brought in a bill of one dollar each, for 
services, the action is entered as follows : " On which a 
motion was made that the above persons have the compen- 
sation mentioned," which was accordingly carried almost 
unanimously — in the negative. 

1826. — Trustees authorized to dispose of the public 
market, or remove the same to a suitable place in the 
village. 

1820. — One of the ordinances forbade any person to fire, 
for amtisement or sjwrt, any sort of gun or fire-arms, or 
throw any squib or exhibit any fire-works, in the village 
within the distance of one hundred yards from any church, 
meeting-house, dwelling-house, store-house, or barn. 

In 1803 it was resolved by the board that the seal of 
the corporation be a device of a sheaf of wheat, with the 
words " Common Seal of the Corporation of the Village of 
Salem," and the figures of 1803. 

In 1837 it was resolved that the seal of the corporation 
be " A plain ground with a ring margin, and the letters 
C. S. in the centre, with a star between them, meaning 
' Corporation Seal.' " 

The present seal displays an open safe, with the words 
" Seal of the Corporation of the Village of Salem," bearing 
the date 1803. 

Early in the War of 1861-65, when change was scarce, 
the village corporation issued scrip in certificates of five 
cents, ten cents, and fifteen cents each, which circulated 
freely, and became a matter of great convenience. 

The following is a complete list of presidents, clerks, 
treasurers, and collectors from 1803 to 1878, three-quar- 
ters of a century : 

Presidents. Clerks. 

180.3 James llarvcy. J. Bostwick. 

1804 JiihQ Williams. " " 

1805 " 

1806 .\nth'y J. Blanchaid. " " 

1807 " " " " 

1808 James Harvey. Philo Curtis. 

1809 " 

1810 John Gray. " " 

1811 David D. Gray. " " 

1812 John Gray. " " 

1813 " " " " 

1814 David Wood. " " 

1815 James Nichols. ** ** 

1816 " " " " 

1817 Joseph Hawley. " " 

1818 " •• " " 

1819 " " " " 

1820 " " " " 

1821 James Harvey. " " 

1822 " " " " 

1823 Anth'y J. Blanchard. " " 

1824 John Williams. " " 

1825 John McLean, Jr. " " 

1826 Anth'v J. Blanchard. " " 

1827 JohnWillard. " " 

1828 Cornelius L.Allen. " " 

1829 " " " " 

1830 " " Philo Curtis.* 

1831 " " Henry W. Dodd. 

1832 Maj. Jas. Harvey. " " 

1833 " " C.Stevens. 

1834 Joseph Hawley. •' " 

1835 " " " " 

1836 " " 

1837 John Williams, Jr. James Gihson. 

1838 John Crcary. " " 

1839 " " " 

1840 " " " " 

1841 Henry Mathews. " " 

1842 Alex. Robertson. " " 

1843 Cornelius L. Allen. " " 

1844 Joseph Hawley. " " 

* Probably. 



Presidents. Clerks. 

1S45 Abncr Austin. James Gibson. 

1846 Josenhus Fitch. 

1847 

1848 Oliver Whitcomb. S. B. Shipley. 

1S49 James W. Peters. James Gibson. 

1850 Cornelius L. Allen. " 

1851 " " S. B. Shipley. 

1S52 Josephus Fitch. " " 

1854 David T. Archibald. " " 

1855 " " Charles A. White. 

1856 " " " 

1857 Marinus Fairchild. " 

1858 Timothy Cronin. B. F. Robinson. 

1859 

1860 " 

1861 " " " " 

1862 Ale.\. McDougall. John W. McFarland. 

1863 John Howe. 

1864 " " " 

1865 Matthias Bartlctt. " " 

1866 .lames McNaughton. " " 

1867 " " " " 

1868 " " " " 

1869 Col. .Sol.AV. Russell. George H. Arnott. 

1870 " " " "f 

1871 " " Joseph Oliver. 

1872 " " " ■' 

1873 " " " " 

1874 " " " '•■ 

1875 " " " " 

187li " " " " 

1S77 " " " " 

VILLAGE OFFICERS. 

Treasurers. Collectora. 

1803 John Gray. John Streeler. 

1S04 " " " " 

1805 " " Joshua Strecter. 

1806 Henry Dodd. James Y. Watson. 

1807 " " " 

1808 " " Abner Austin. 

180!) " " " " 

1810 " " " " 

ISII John Kennedy. Joseph Nichols. 

1812 *' '' Joshua Streeter. 

1S13 Henry Dodd. " " 

1814 " " James Y. Watson. 

1815 Henry Matthews. Joseph Nichols. 

1816 Joseph Warlord. James I. Sherwood. 

1817 Henry Matlhews. " " 

1818 " " " " 

1S19 " " Ebcnc7.er Martin. 

1S20 " " " 

1821 Philo Curtiss. David Stewart. 

1822 Abner Austin. Wm. K. Ad.'iras. 

1823 " " AVm. McFarland. 

1824 James McNish. Ebeneacr Martin. 

1825 Cornelius L. Allen. " " 

1826 Ebenczer Martin. Henry Dodd. 

1827 James Harvey. F.benezer Martin. 

1828 " " " 

1829 Joseph Hawley. James 0. Proudfit. 

1830 James Harvey. Hbenezer Martin. 

1831 " " " " 

1832 Joseph Hawley. " " 

1833 " " Abner Austiu. 

1834 John Adams. 

1835 " 

183(i " " Wm. S. Barnard. 

1837 Tames Harvey. " " 

1838 John Adams. Ebencjier Hanks. 

1839 " " Henry Nichols. 

1840 " " Cyrus Atwood. 

1841...!!.." " 

1S42 " " Loraness Clark. 

1S43 " " Cyrus Atwood. 

1S44 " " " " 

1845 " " " 

1840 George Allen. Alva Wright. 

1847 " 

1848 " " " ' 

1849 Archib'd McDougall. John R. Lytle. 

1850 Murray McFarland. Orrin Austin. 

1851 Cyrus Atwood. Wm. W. Hill. 

1852 " " Orrin Austin. 

1853.!!!!! " " " " 

1854 " << « . 

1855 " " W. H. LakiD. 

1856 " " " " 



f Resigned; Joseph Oliver appointed. 



142 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Treasurers. Collectors. 

1857 Orrin Austin. Rufus Fox. 

1858 •' " " 

1859 " " " " 

1860 " " Lewis Herrington. 

1861 " " John S. Crarv. 

1862 " " S. S. Crandafl. 

186.S " " Jno C. McNaughton. 

1864 " " John W. McFarland. 

1865 " 

1866 '• " " " 

1867 Leonard M. Liddle. Christopher M.AVolff. 

1868 " " Edwin McNaughton. 

1869 ** " Sylvanus Dickinson. 

1870 fieorge H. Arnott. A"ndrew J. Hickey. 

1871 Edwin McNaughton. •\«m. J. Cruikshank. 

1872 George H. Arnott. Eli Wilson. 

1873 " " John Howe. 

1874 James W. Tollman. " " 

1875 John J. Ceattie. " " 

1876 " " " 

1877 John W. Dobbin. Jno. C. McNaughton. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT OF .SALEM VILLAGE. 

We are indebted to the courtesy of the author, James 
Gibson, Jr., for permission to use a series of articles upon 
this subject, prepared for the press during the year 1877- 
Connected with the department himself for many years, he 
industriously gathered material so interesting and valuable 
that we regret our limited space prevents giving it entire : 

" Among the powers vested in the village trustees, by 
section three of that charter, was that of making and pub- 
lishing ordinances ' relative to the establishing, regulating, 
and ordering their fire-company, and ordering and procur- 
ing their fire-buckets, fire-utensils, and guarding against 
fire generally.' 

" The first meeting of freeholders and inhabitants under 
the charter wa.s held at the court-house, on the first Mon- 
day of May, 1803. At this time the inhabitants were fully 
awake to the necessity of protection against conflagrations, 
as will be seen by their early action. At the first election 
they chose firewardens. Two months later (Aug. 2, 1803j, 
a special meeting passed the following resolution : 

" ^Resolved, That the sum of two hundred dollars be raised for the 
purpose of procuring fire implements for the security of the said 
village.' 

" It does not appear from the records that anything was 
done by the trustees under the foregoing resolution. It is 
certain that no fire-engine was purchased at that time. On 
May 12, 180-t, the trustees adopted the following resolu- 
tions, and it is fair to presume, as will be seen hereafter, 
that they were making their first expenditure under the 
resolution passed by the inhabitants in 1803 : 

"'Resolved, That six sufficient ladders be procured for the use of the 
trustees of said village, under the direction of Messrs. Ilawley and 
Cirswell, 

" 'Resolved, That twenty-four leather fire-buckets be procured for 
the use of said trustees, under the direction of Messrs. Ilawley and 
Blanchard.' 

" The fire-ladders were soon thereafter purchased, as ap- 
pears from the following resolution adopted May 26, 1804: 

" 'Resolved, That twelve dollars be paid by the treasurer to Thad- 
deus Smith, for four fire-ladders purchased by him for the use of the 
trustees of the village of Salem.' 

"At a meeting held July 31, 1804, the following was 
adopted : 

" 'Resolved, That the fire-buckets be deposited at the stores of James 
Harvey, J. Hawley, and Ebcnezer Proudfit.' 



" It thus appears that the first fire-ladders were ready for 
use on or before May 26, 1804, and the fire-buckets and 
hooks by July 31 of the same year. It will be observed 
that the original fire-apparatus was not very extensive or 
expensive. The ladders cost only twelve dollars, and the 
buckets perhaps but little more. Probably the whole ex- 
pense did not exceed the sum of fifty dollars. 

" It is presumed that the then ' fathers' of the village 
did not consider a fire-engine necessary. They probably 
thought that their facilities for extinguishing fires were 
ample. They had four ladders, a number of buckets, and 
a few hooks. In case of fire, water could be carried in 
buckets from the nearest well, ladders could be hoisted on 
the burning building, and the water thrown on ; and in 
case the building could not be saved, which is quite reason- 
able to believe, it could be torn to pieces by the hooks. It 
may be, however, that Major James Harvey (who, previous 
to coming to this place, was a member of a New York city 
fire-company) owned an engine at this time, which the 
trustees relied on. The writer is informed by the descend- 
ants of Major Harvey that he owned a small fire-engine 
about this time, but they cannot give the year of its deliv- 
ery to him in Salem. 

" On the Gth of October, 1806, the trustees appointed the 
first fire-company. It consisted of only seven members, 
and they were the leading citizens of the village. Its mem- 
bers were Abner Austin, Amasa Allen, William Faulkner, 
Jeremiah Griswold, Sutherland Doty, James B. Gibson, 
Esq., and Colonel John Williams. Was there not a fire- 
engine here in 1806? If there was no engine, why then 
should the trustees appoint a company ? It is inferred that 
there must have been an engine here as early as 1806, 
owned by one or more citizens (probably Major Harvey), 
and that the company in question was appointed for the 
purpose of using it in ca.se of need. The records are silent 
as to who was the first foreman, but it is likely that Colonel 
John Williams was chosen to fill that position. 

"At a meeting of the trustees held Jan. 10, 1810, a 
resolution was adopted to the eifect that the foreman of the 
company present a list of the members. • In pursuance 
thereof the foreman immediately presented the list, which 
was ent€red in the records, and is as follows : James Har- 
vey, Philo Curtis, John Williams, Henry Dodd, David 
Rumsey, William Faulkner, John P. Reynolds, Ebenezer 
Martin, James J. Sherwood, James Nichols, Joseph Nichols, 
William Carson, Samuel Prince, Jr., Jeremiah Griswold, 
Henry D. Beeman, Abner Austin, Amasa Allen, Joseph 
D. Benjamin, Isaac Powers, Jr., and John Kennedy. 

" At this time (January, 1810) Major James Harvey, a 
prominent merchant here, was foreman, but when he joined 
the company, or became foreman, the records fail to disclose. 
He continued to act in that position till March 20, 1810, 
when, as appears by an entry in his journal, he removed to 
Pelham, Westchester Co., N. Y., where he resided till March, 
1819, when he returned to this village. Colonel Williams 
probably succeeded as foreman. An old resident informs 
the writer that in 1814 the company was out on parade and 
inspection, and that Colonel Williams commanded it. 

"On Blay 7, 1811, a meeting of the inhabitants was 
hold, at which the following resolution was adopted : 




Ow.G£Of?GC Allen. 



This gentleman was descended paternally from James 
Allen, who emigrated from or near Wrentham, in county 
Suffolk, England, and in 1639 settled in Dedham, Mass., 
and t>y Anna, his wife, had for his ninth and youngest son, 
Joseph (2), of Rehoboth, who was born June 24, 1652; 
and who had by his wife, Hannah Sabine, of Seekonk, 
Nehemiah, who was their twelfth and youngest child, born 
May 21, 1699 ; and whose fourth son was Jacob (4), born 
February 4, 1734; and whose third son, Ephraim (5), born 
March 10, 1766, graduated in medicine, and married, May 
26, 1793, Miriam, a daughter of General Timothy Newell, 
of Sturbridge, Mass., and whose fifth child by her was 
George (6), the subject of this sketch. He was born in 
Salem, N. Y., January 12, 1806 ; educated at Washington 
Academy while it was under the charge of the Rev. Sidney 
Wilber ; pursued the study of medicine and surgery in the 
office of his uncle, Abram Allen, M.D., and his brother-in- 
law, Archibald McAllister, M.D., who were copartners in 
the practice of medicine, at Salem. 

He attended two courses of lectures at the Medical 
University, Castleton,Vt., but could not graduate, as he was 
not then twenty-one years of age. He returned to Salem, 
and entered at once into the active practice of his profession 
until he attained his majority, and then returned to Castle- 
ton and graduated, December 19, 1827, and became a 
member of the Medical Society of the county of Washing- 
ton. He renewed the practice of medicine at Salem, and 
continued in practice until his death, which occurred 
August 16, 1866, aged sixty years. His wife had died 
previously, — August 4, 1856. 

He was of a family of physicians, for his father and uncle 
were, as we have seen, of that profession ; and his cousin, 
Amasa Allen, M.D., who settled in Granville, was also 
a physician ; and his son, Charles H. Allen, M.D., died in 
the practice of medicine, at Salem, March 1, 1875. 



Dr. George Allen was of more than ordinary ability as a 
surgeon, and as a physician he had no superior in the 
county. His life was devoted to his profession, and no one 
could be more attentive than he was in the performance of 
its duties. As long as life remained in the body he never 
lost all hope, and it was his belief that his patient had 
a right to the services of his physician till his last breath , 
for, while life remained, nature might struggle, and, with 
the aid of the physician, might save; and this possible 
chance, he insisted, ought never to be lost for want of care 
and attention. Another noble quality he had in an eminent 
degree was his cheerful countenance in the presence of his 
patient ; nothing could surprise him out of this, for with 
him it was a duty, and practiced on the same principle as the 
quality before mentioned. For it was his opinion that a 
cloudy, dubious, solemn, or melancholy face should never be 
carried by a physician into the sick-room. He felt bound 
to give the patient every chance for recovery, and he gave 
them not only medicine, but hope ; and whatever he might 
do as to stopping the prescription, he never lost the cheerful 
face, nor the hope of a good result, in the presence of the 
patient. His mode of practice w;»s a revolution from that 
previously had, for bleeding in nearly all cases had been the 
rule previous to his commencing, but in his practice rarely, 
if ever, employed. The doctor's social (pialities were such as 
to endear him to every one with whom he came in contact. 

He married, soon after graduating, Caroline S., daughter 
of Major James Harvey, of Salem, and his wife, Mary 
(Barrows), and had the following children : Charles H., 
who subsequently became a distinguished physician and 
surgeon at Salem ; George, who is a resident of Washington, 
D. C. ; James H., a resident of Cameron, Mo. ; and Caro- 
line, who married Geo. B. McCartie, Esq., for many years 
chief of the bureau of engraving and printing in the 
treasury department at Washington. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NJ]W YORK. 



143 



'" Reuolved, That the trustees of the village of Salem be directed 
forthwith to cause to be raised the sum of two hundred dollars, for 
the purpose of building an engine-house, ftnd the re/tidue to be (tpjtlicd 
hy said trustees to refund the money advanced last year by individuaUj 
towards purehnsing euijine iVo. 1.' 

" At the same meeting it was furtlior 

" * Jiesnlved, Tliat the trustees he authorized to rent a suitable lot 
of ground on which to place an engine-house, which rent shall not 
exceed the sum of ten dollars per aunuru.* 

" The inference to be drawn from tlie foregoing resolu- 
tions, and particularly from the italicised portion of the 
former one, is that the first engine was purchased by private 
subscription, during the year 1810. A brief description 
of it may be of interest. It has iron wheels, eighteen 
inches in diameter ; length of box, five and a half feet ; 
width, twenty-two inches ; depth, fourteen inches. There 
were originally two brakes, — one at each end of the engine, 
— each brake only long enough for five men to work on. 
It had a brass air-chamber which extended some five or six 
inches above its top. The fire-buckets were used in feeding 
it with water. Having no suction-pipe, it could not be fed 
from wells or reservoirs like modern engines. 

" Persons unacquainted with the power of such an engine 
would naturally say that it could throw water but a very 
short distance. Such was not the case, as will be seen by 
the following facts: In July, 1871, when the engine was 
over .sixty years old, some of the village boys organized a 
company, and bought the " old tub," as they called it, for 
a few dollars, and shortly after, these boys took the " tub" 
out and threw a distance of one hundred and twelve feet. 
Under the old .system here, in case of fire, the inhabitants 
would form in two lines extending from the engine to the 
nearest well. Those forming one line would pass from 
hand to hand the buckets filled with water to supply the 
engine, and the other line would return the empty buckets 
to the well. 

"The trustees, on May 17, 1820, adopted an ordinance, 
the interest of which consists in the fact that, so far as is 
known, it shows the style of the first uniform ever worn 
by Salem firemen : 

" ' Be it ordained by the trustees of the village of Salem, that here- 
after every person appointed, or to be appointed, in the company of 
firemen of the said village, shall, within fifteen days after notice of 
such appointment, equip himself with a short coat of blue woolen 
cloth anil a leather hat such as is usually worn by a fireman : and in 
default of such an equipment within the time aforesaid suoh person 
shall be deemed to have refused acceptance of such appointment, and 
be no longer a member of said fire-company.' 

" In March, 1833, a tax of two hundred and fifty dol- 
lars was voted, for the purpose of improving the depart- 
ment and for contingent expenses. In July, 1833, Alonzo 
Gray was appointed to procure an axe for the use of the 
engine-company. This was the first axe ever purchased by 
authority of the trustees, at least for fire purposes. From 
1803, for thirty years firewardens were elected annually; 
and by an ordinance adopted in July, 1833, it was made 
their duty ' to attend strictly at every alarm of fire in 
the village, and to form the lines to carry water to the 
engine with all possible dispatch.' In July of that year 
(1833) a committee was appointed to procure four ladders, 
two twenty-four feet long, and the other two sixteen feet 
in length. At the next meeting the committee reported 



that they had procured the axe and ladders, at an expense 
of nine dollars and forty cents. It appears that the old 
hook-and-ladder department cost about ten dollars. 

" From 1803 to 1835 the enterprise of the residents of 
the village kept pace with its growth, and in the latter year 
many of the citizens were in favor of selling engine No. 1, 
and purchasing one with modern improvements. There 
was, as is apt to be the ca.se, one party who wanted a new 
engine and another party who were satisfied with the old 
one. But finally, pursuant to the request of those who 
wanted to exchange engines, the trustees called a special 
village-meeting, for the purpose of taking the subject into 
consideration, which was held Aug. 15, 1835, and it was 
resolved that it was ' inexpedient' to raise money for that 
purpose at that time. The meeting, however, went so far 
as to appoint John Williams, Jr., John W. Proudfit, and 
John Willard as a committee ' to inquire into the expense 
of a new engine.' But the committee made haste slowly, 
and the subject was dropped for a while. At an adjourned 
special village-meeting, held Jan. 7, 1837, it was resolved 
' that the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars be raised 
by tax, for the purpose of paying for a fire-engine and a 
suitable quantity of hose for the use of said village.' Jan. 
28, 1838, the resolution adopted a year earlier was re- 
scinded, and the following resolution adopted in lieu thereof: 

"' Resolved, That two htindred and fifty dollars be raised . . . for 
the purpose of paying John Williams, Jr., for a fire-engine, /ifieJo- 
fore furnished said rilla.je I,,, him.' 

"At a meeting hold June 25, 1838, the sum of two 
hundred and thirty-one dollars and fifty cents was paid Mr. 
Williams for the engine in question. It seems, therefore, 
that the second engine was purchased of Mr. Williams, or 
loaned by him to the village, in 1837. It was built in his 
manufactory by the Lord brothers, who were considered to 
be the leading mechanics of the day in this section. 

ENGINE-HOUSES, AND WHERE LOCATED. 

" At the time of the purchase of the fire-engine, in 
1810, a building, located on the lot next north of the old 
court-house lot, was secured for its shelter. The engine 
was kept there till 1842, when a new engine-house was 
erected. The subject was brought before the inhabitants 
at a special meeting held in August, 1835, at which Messrs. 
John Williams, Jr., John W. Proudfit, and John Willard 
were appointed a committee to report as to the advisability 
of a change. Nearly two years later (April, 1837) a res- 
olution was adopted to the effect that the engine-house be 
removed to the Salem Hotel lot, provided such removal 
coidd he made without expense to the village. It is inferred 
that the ardor of the advocates for the removal was con- 
siderably dampened by the proviso of the foregoing reso- 
lution, as the subject was dropped and not revived until 
1838. In January, 1838, Major Harvey, Dr. Robert M. 
Stevenson, and Hon. Marinus Faircbild were appointed as 
a committee to fix upon a permanent location ; but the 
change was not made, and in 1840 the old engine-house 
was repaired. This subject received further ventilation in 
May, 1842, when the trustees recommended the erection 
of a new engine-hou.se, and the inhabitants at the annual 



144 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



meeting in that year voted to expend two hundred and fifty 
dollars, less collector's fees, for that purpose. 

" A committee, consisting of John Williams, Jr., Cor- 
nelius L. Allen, and Dr. George Allen, was appointed to 
select a site. The new building was erected by the then 
owners of what is now known as the Salem Hotel, in rear 
of the hotel and fronting on West Broadway, and was leased 
to the village for a term of years. The room was fitted up 
by a committee from the trustees early in 1843, at the ex- 
pense of the village. 

" The company of 18.37 consisted of twenty-three mem- 
bers, as appears by a list presented to the trustees on Sep- 
tember 9 of that year, as follows : John Williams, John 
Adams, James H. Seymour, John Williams, Jr., John Mc- 
Lelland, Jonathan F. Danforth, Taylor Manville, A. M. 
Proudfit, Loraness Clark, Marvin Freeman, William H. 
Reab, Cyrus Stevens, Alonzo Gray, Abner Austin, Thomas 
G. Wait, David Bowen, Harrison Libbey, Abner Austin, 
Jr., William Gunnison, Loughton Lane, Moses Whitney, 
David Rider, Adam W. Freeman. 

" On Aug. 20, 1840, a contract was awarded to George 
R. Lakin to build two fire-wells for seventeen dollars and 
fifty cents each. One of these wells was located in front of 
the old court-hou.se lot, and the other at the junction of 
Main street and Broadway. 

" The second engine was used from 1837 to 1849, and in 
the later year a tax was voted for the purpose of paying for 
a new engine and hose. It was furnished by Samuel Lord 
the same year, and in 1850 he was paid two hundred and 
thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents, leaving due him sixty- 
two dollars and fifty cents, which was soon thereafter paid. 
It is probable that the old engine was turned in towards the 
purchase price of the new one, the old engine and the three 
hundred dollars making the cost of the third machine. 
That engine, like the second, was manufjictured here. 

" In the early days of the department, and down to a very 
recent period, for that matter, there were no fire-bells or 
alarms, and the writer has often wondered how meetings 
were announced, and the company ' warned out' to attend 
fires, etc. The earliest by-laws now in existence are those 
of 1840, and one of the sections gives the method of notify- 
ing members of meetings and alarms of fire. The company 
had, among other officers, one called the ' horn-blower,' 
and his duties are defined as follows : 

" ' It shall be the duty of the horn-blower to blow the horn at least 
ten uiiuutes before the time for each regular meeting, under a penalty 
of fifty cents for each omission ; and immediately on the alarm of 
fire, under the penalty of three dollars for each and every neglect.' 

" There is an ancient expression about ' blowing one's own 
horn,' which has been commonly applied to men who mag- 
nify their own exploits, but the writer was never satisfied 
as to the origin of the expression, until he discovered the 
by-laws to which he has referred. The names of the ' horn- 
blowers' of the Salem fire department ought to be handed 
down to future generations ; but, alas ! the records are lost 
and the golden opportunity has passed, and their names will 
never be disclosed. 

" The two ' great fires,' as they are called, occurred, the 
first in September, and the latter in October, 1840, just one 
month apart. The fire-company at that period was com- 



posed of the following-named persons: John Williams, Jr., 
James H. Seymour, Marvin Freeman, A. M. Proudfit, Wm. 
H. Reab, Loraness Clark, Warren Tanner, W. W. Freeman, 
Alonzo Gray, Wm. McLelland, Cyrus Atwood, David 
Rider, David Bowen, B. F. Robinson, Ebenezer Beaty, 
Rufus Fox, Thomas M. Hopkins, Abner C. Barnard, 
Robert McMurray. 

"The fire-company organized in 1806 continued in un- 
broken existence until 1847, when a petition for a new fire- 
company was presented to the trustees May 1. The peti- 
tion was received and placed on file, but no action was 
taken thereon for several months. On May 7, 1847, a 
petition signed by a number of members of the existing 
company was presented to the trustees, and is as follows : 

" ' To the Tninltea o/ the viUar/e o/ Salem : 

" ' Respectfully showeth that they are members of the present fire- 
company in said village, and are desirous that the same should be 
dissolved, and they fully discharged therefrom. All which they re- 
spectfully submit. 

"'CvRus W. Hall, 
"'Cvnrs Atwood, 
"'A. Grav, 
" ' W. W. Freeman, 
"'OnniN Austin. 
"'Sai.em, May 1, 1847.' 

'■ The petition was ordered on file, and subsequently (June 
2, 1847) the trustees dissolved the existing company and 
constituted those named in the foregoing petition for a new 
fire-company as the fire-company of this village. During 
the years 1848-49, Henry S. Osborn, C. "V. B. Martin, 
John L. Woodin, John J. Steele, John King, David Lid- 
die, David Youlin, Geo. Quackenbush, S. G. Patterson, 
Joseph H. Guild, Murray McFarland, Lewis Herrington, 
and possibly others, were appointed firemen. 

" This company was disbanded in 1856. Its foremen 
were as follows : Josephus Fitch, 1847-49 ; Robert C. Cun- 
ningham, 1850; Abram C. Lansing, 1851-54; Alvin Rus- 
sell) 1855-56. 

'•The company turned out on parade for the last time on 
July 4, 1856, and practically disbanded on that day, but 
was not formally dissolved till Nov. 28 of that year. 

" Old Uinon No. 1.— From July, 1856, to 18G1, to all 
intents and purposes, this village was not protected against 
fire. On Dec. 9, 1861, Messrs. T. C. Cronin, John M. 
Williams, and Geo. Hastings were appointed as a com- 
mittee from the board of trustees, with full power to pur- 
chase a fire-engine and the necessary hose. The committee 
subsequently reported their proceedings, and at a meeting 
held Dec. 18, 1861, the board resolved to purchase Cataract 
Engine, No. 8, of Troy, for eight hundred dollars, and four 
hundred feet of hose for two hundred dollars. The engine 
and hose were purchased and reached here soon thereafter. 

" It appears that Union Engine and Hose-Company No. 1 
was organized previous to Dec. 18, 1861, because at the 
meeting held on that day, it was resolved ' that the ofiicers 
and members of the company lately organized, ai]d called 
Union Company No. 1, be approved.' In September of 
the following year the trustees instructed the village treas- 
urer to borrow six hundred dollars ' for the special purpose 
of purchasing hose for the fire-engine, and digging wells 
and reservoirs.' Under the charter of 1851 the fire-com- 
pany could only have thirty-four members. This being too 






y ^ 

DAnD HAW' LEV. 




David Hawley was bom in the village of Salem, 
Washington Co., N. Y., March 9, 1809. He was only son 
(having one sister, Mrs. Alonzo Gray, of Salem) of Joseph 
Hawley and Sally Gray, the former a native of Bridge- 
port, Conn., and came to this county while a young man, 
spent his life as a merchant in Salem, and died in the year 
1858, aged eighty-three years. The latter was a native of 
Camden, town of Salem, and died in the year 1856. His 
grandfather's name was Woolcot Hawley. 

David Hawley's early life, until he was sixteen, was spent 
at home and as a student in Washington Academy, at 
Salem, where he received such cultivation of intellect as 
gave him ready ability to enter upon a clerkship in his 
father's store, which he continued until he was nineteen, 
when his father gave up business, and the son entered a 
partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Alonzo Gray, which 
continued for a time ; he then caiTied on the business aloue 
successfully until the year 1838, when his health became 
somewhat impaired, and he spent the following ten years 
traveling in different parts of the United States. 

In the year 1830, May 25, he married Miss Katharine 
Matilda, daughter of the late Major James Harvey, of 
Salem. She was born July 11, 1813, and died at the age 
of twenty-three, leaving an only daughter, Mrs. Rev. J. K. 
McLean, of Oakland, California. After the death of his wife 
Mr. Hawley retu-ed from business, and resided elsewhere 
for several years, first in Greenwich and then in Schaghticoke. 

In the year 1848, February 16, he married Miss L. 
J., youngest daughter of the late Col. Bethel Mather, of 
Schaghticoke, who was a native of Torringford, liitchfield 
Co., Conn., and had for his pastor the Rev. Samuel J. 
Mills, father of the first missionary of this country. Her 
mother was Haldah Smith, nf Aiueuia, Dutchess Co., N. Y., 
daughter of Elijah Smith, cousm of John Cotton Smith, 
ex-Governor of New Yurk State. 



To Mr. and Mrs. Hawley have been born two sons: 
Joseph Mather Hawley, graduated from Amherst College, 
June, 1875, and entered thf same year the banking-house 
of C. A. Mather & Co., of Beriin, Wis. ; and Charles D. 
Hawley, spending his minority at school. 

After Mr. Hawley's second marriage he returned to 
Salem, and soon after entered into the grain and commission 
business in partnership with Mr. Cyrus Atwood, which con- 
tinued until his partner's demise; after which time he carried 
on the business aloue until nearly the time of bis death, 
Feb. 5, 1871. 

In January, 1859, he was elected a trustee of the First 
Presbyterian church, filling the vacancy occasioned by the 
death of his father. Ten years later lie became one c^f the 
directors of the National Bank of Salem, both of which 
positions he continufd to hold by successive re-elections until 
his death. Mr. Hawley was a man of activity in business, 
a warm friend to the deserving needy, and many whom he 
befriended will cherish his name in grateful remembrance. 
He possessed fixed integrity of purpose in all his business 
transactions, and was honored and esteemed by all who 
knew him. 

He was never solicitous of any public notoriety by way 
of political preferment ; neither did he shrink from bearing 
his duties as a citizen, and was an unswerving member of 
the Republican parly. Soci^ "y, ho wr« the attractive centre 
not only of his family, but of the business community, and 
his pleasant words cheered the mind of many a despondent 
and sufiering one. While a young man Mr. Hawley was 
interested in military matters, and was paymaster on the 
staff of General McNaughton, in the Sixteenth Brigade, 
Tenth Division N. Y. S. Militia. 

A view of the residence of the late David Hawley will be 
seen on another page of this -,7ork, 7<;)ere his widuw still 
resides, having come there immediately aflcr her marriage. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



145 



small a number for the proper management of the engine 
and hose, the trustees applied to the Legislature, and the 
charter was amended so as to allow sixty members. 

" This company is the lineal descendant of the original 
fire-company, and can fairly inscribe on its engine ' Estab- 
lished in ISOG.' It has at all times since its organization 
(and at no time more than the present) been a credit to 
the village. It would be difficult to find a better managed 
fire-company than this in any village. Its members are 
and always have been thoroughly drilled in their important 
duties, and never since the company was created has it 
failed to do its whole duty. John M. Williams was fore- 
man from its organization to and including 1870, and would 
have been re-elected until now, in all probability, had he 
not positively declined to accept the office. The foremen 
since 1870 have been as follows : Sylvanus Dickinson, 
1871 ; W. J. Toleman and James C. Shaw, 1872; John 
M. Clapp, 1873 ; James Gibson, Jr., 1874 ; John H. 
Thomas, 1875 ; Patrick Congdon, 1S7G. The latter was 
re-elected at the annual meeting for the present calendar 
year. The uniform of the fire-company consists of black 
trowscrs, red shirts, blue caps, and black belts. The hose- 
company connected with this engine was formed at the 
same time as the engine-company. Since its formation the 
following-named have served as foremen : Jos. Kelly, John 
W. McFarland, James A. Brown, S. Watson, Wm. A. 
Connor, and James H. Cooney. At the last annual meet- 
ing Dennis Leary was chosen for the present year. 

" As stated above, the new engine was purchased in ISGl. 
It was placed in a building near the White creek bridge, in 
rear of the present Union engine-house, where it was kept 
till 186G, when the new building was erected. At the 
annual village-meeting held in April, 1865, it was voted 
that the trustees be authorized to purchase or lease a suita- 
ble site for an engine-house, and erect thereon a suitable 
building, the total expense not to exceed three thousand 
dollars. The site selected was on the south side of White 
creek bridge, on Main street. John M. Williams gave the 
use of the necessary land. The building was erected by D. 
B. Parks, and was completed early in 18GG, and accepted 
by the trustees May 19, 1866. It is a fine brick structure, 
containing throe rooms on the upper floor, and one room, 
the size of the building, on the lower floor. 

" Enlargement of the Department. 

" From the time of the incorporation of this village to 
and including the year 1874, the corporation, as has been 
shown, owned but one serviceable fire-engine at any one 
time. Its facilities for extinguishing fires were hardly 
what would naturally be expected for a village situated as 
this is. It is quite probable that no important changes 
would have been made in the department had it not been 
for the unusual number of fires during the year 1874. 
These fires, occurring at short intervals during that year, 
and culminating with the fire at which the Salem Hotel 
barn and other out-buildings were destroyed, and a number 
of dwellings threatened with destruction, attracted public 
attention to the insufficiency of the existing fire depart- 
ment. 

" A special meeting was held at Academy Hall Dec. 2, 
10 



1874. At that meeting Messrs. John H. Thomas, F. 
Kegler, B. F. Bancroft, C. H. Allen, S. W. Russell, and 
Ira Broughton were appointed a committee to report as to 
the cost of a steam fire-engine, additional hose, and other 
necessary apparatus. 

" The meeting adjourned to Dec. 9, 1874, at which the 
above-named committee presented a report. The questions 
involved were debated, and the following resolution was 
almost unanimously adopted : 

" ■ Ucmheil, That the trustees of the villugo of Salem be and they 
are hereby authorized and instructed tu purchase on the credit of 
said village a steam fire-engine, ladders, truck, hose, reel, and other 
apparatus, including one thousand feet of hose, suitable for the fire 
department, not to exceed the sum of four thousand five hundred 
dollars.' 

" Jlessrs. Fred. Kegler, B. F. Bancroft, John M. Williams, 
and John W. Thomas were appointed as purchasing com- 
mittee. The trustees were further authorized to raise and 
expend five hundred dollars for fire-wells, so that the total 
amount voted to be raised was five thousand dollars. The 
meeting was largely attended, and was quite harmonious. 
In pursuance of the terms of a resolution adopted thereat, 
the trustees subsequently applied to the Legislature for 
authority to raise five thousand dollars in one annual pay- 
ment, and an enabling act was passed April 24, 1875, for 
that purpose, and the tax was collected the same year ; so 
that this village does not now owe a cent on account of its 
fire department. 

" The committee purchased a steamer of IMessrs. Clapp 
& Jones, of Hudson, N. Y., which reached this villaire 
Feb. 3, 1875. It weighs three thousand seven hundred 
pounds, is strongly and handsomely built, and highly 
finished. John M. Williams, Esq., who has been spoken 
of as the long-time foreman of Union Engine-Company, 
provided extras for the steamer at his own expense. The 
first trial of the steamer here occurred Feb. 9, 1875. The 
engine was placed in position at the fire-well in front of the 
Press office, one thousand feet of hose were attached, and 
in ten and one-half minutes from the time it was located 
water left the pipe a thousand feet away. The distance 
thrown was two hundred and ten feet, with one hundred 
and forty pounds pressure. The committee purchased one 
thousand feet of hose of Clapp & Jones, and paid four 
thousand dollars for the steamer and hose. On Jan. 16, 
1875, the trustees selected Os-o-mu as its name, that being 
the Indian name of White Creek, and signifying the creek 
of white pebbles. The committee also purchased, for the 
sum of five hundred dollars, a four-wheel hose-cart of 
Button & Co., of Waterford, N. Y. Mr. Williams con- 
tributed a very handsome sum for the purpose of beautify- 
ing it, and it is beyond doubt the handsomest hosc-eart in 
this vicinity. 

" The Os-o-ma Steamer Cumpany was organized by the 
trustees on Jan. 23, 1875, the board accepting the follow- 
ing named as members thereof: George Tcfi"t, E. Ilerrick, 
Dennis Leary, Timothy Quinn, M. Sweeney, George Law- 
rence, James Sweeney, Frederick Linsenbarth, W. W. 
Hill, Wallace Barnes, Anderson Brown, Charles Depaw, 
John Watt, Martin Malthaner, John Toohey, Jr., Daniel 
Garey, Cornelius Shipley, Oliver Copeland, Romanzo 
Spaulding, C. P. Copeland. 



146 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NI-]W YORK. 



" On February 5 following, the company elected the 
following officers : George Tefft, foreman ; L. P. Copeland, 
first-assistant foreman ; W. W. Hill, second-assistant foreman ; 
E. Herrick, engineer ; George Lawrence, assistant engineer ; 
0. J. Copeland, fireman ; Charles J. Fox (who joined after 
its organization), secretary ; Frederick Linsenbarth, treas- 
urer. 

" About the time of its organization, the D. and H. R. 
R. Co. fitted up a room in the roundhouse connected with 
the railroad works, wherein the steamer and the new hose- 
cart have ever since been kept. At the annual election in 
187G, James Sweeney was chosen captain. This company, 
at its organization, was composed mainly of per.sons who 
worked in the railroad shops, and when the shops were 
closed, early in 1876, most of the members left town, and, 
as a result, the company was reduced to such an extent 
that the trustees, in the fall of that year, disbanded it. 
The company formed in its stead consists of all the original 
members who remained in town, and the honorary mem- 
bers ISf Union Engine-Company. Charles Whitcomb was 
elected captain of the new company, and was re-elected. 

"A. M. ^Y<^lles Houk-and- Ladder Company. — The A. M. 
Welles Hook-and-Ladder Company was organized by the 
board of trustees, Jan. 23, 1875, with the following members : 
A.M.Welles, John D. Faxon, George Andrews, E. M. Smith, 
Jerry Costigan, T. C. Gregory, M. L. Roberts, E. R. Smith, 
Addison Getty, John Kelly, Hobert Kelly, John Beattie, 
Charles Linsenbarth, A. Linsenbarth, David Jones. 

'• Its first officers were as follows : A. M. Welles, foreman ; 
E. R. Mandigo, assistant foreman ; David Jones, recording 
secretary ; J. R. Lytic, Jr., financial secretary ; George 
Andrews and E. R. Smith representatives to fire depart- 
ment ; A. C. Lansing, president ; Thomas C. Gregory, vice- 
president. 

" The truck, ladders, etc., were purchased of Trojan Hook- 
and-Ladder Company, No. 3, of Troy, and originally cost 
$1500. It is not known who purchased the same, but it is 
the general impression that A. M. Welles, after whom the 
company is named, paid for this valuable apparatus. The 
truck, etc., arrived here Feb. 23, 1875. Its entire length 
is fifty-five feet, the seven ladders thereon ranging from 
fifteen to forty-five feet in length. There being no suitable 
building in the vilhige which could be obtained for the pui- 
po.se of stowing away the truck, a number of gentlemen, in 
March, 1875, formed an association, with Judge Gibson as 
president, and advanced five hundred dollars to build a suit- 
able building. The contract therefor was awarded to L. P. 
Copeland & Bro. The building was erected on Railroad 
street, and the company took possession thereof April 6, 
1875. The trustees, soon after its completion, leased it for 
a term of fifteen years from the association, at the annual 
rental of thirty-five dollars. The rooms of the hook-and- 
ladder company are fitted up in very handsome style, the 
furniture costing about four hundred dollars. Their uniform 
consists of white trousers, gray shirts, white leather belts, and 
black caps, and cost them over three hundred dollare. The 
members take great interest in their company affairs, and 
have rendered excellent service. It is hoped and believed 
that this company will long maintain its present standard of 
excelleuce. A. M. Welles, who was re-elected fureniau in 



1876, resigned his position soon thereafter, and Edwin S. 
McFarland was chosen to fill vacancy. The latter was re- 
elected for the present year. 

" Mdrion Iluse-Compatij/, iN'b. 2. — This companj'was or- 
ganized by the trustees. May 1, 1875, with the following 
members: A. J. Haggart, John K. Larmon, H. V. Brown, 
Andrew Morri.son, John McCleary, John Murphy, J. Taber, 
C. V. Magee, John Ryan, W. D. Watt, A. G.'Oatley, W. 
II. Ladd, Henry Fox, F. E. Linsenbarth, Owen Farley, L. 
Cooncy, Jr., Paul Pincus, C. M. Keefer, M. Ryan, George 
Lyons, J. N. Kelly, Charles Kelly, John Johnson, John 
Welch. 

" At the election held after their organization, the follow- 
ing named were chosen as officers : A. J. Haggart, foreman ; 
John Jlurphy, fir.st-assistant foreman ; A. G. Oatley, see- 
ond-as.sistant foreman; J. K. Larmon, secretary; H. V. 
Brown, treasurer. 

" They adopted as a company name ' The Marion Ho.se- 
Company,' in honor of the only daughter of John M. Wil- 
liams, Esq. IMiss Williams soon thereafter acknowledged 
the compliment by presenting the company with a beautiful 
silk flag. Their uniform consists of black trousers, gray 
shirts, white belts, and black leather caps. At their annual 
election in 1876, John Murphy was chosen foreman, and 
at the last election A. J. Haggart was then chosen for the 
present year. They have done good service in the past, 
and no doubt will do equally well in the future. Seventy 
years ago the department had a membership of only seven, 
while, at the present time, it has over one hundred and 
twenty-five. 

" C/ii(if (tnd Assistant Engineers. — Although the village 
charter of 1851 provided for the election of chief engineer 
and assistant engineer, no persons were elected to these posi- 
tions till January, 1871, when John M. Williams was 
elected to the former office, and John S. Clary to the latter. 
In January, 1872, Mr. Williams was re-elected chief, and 
Sylvanus DickinsoTi was chosen assistant engineer. The 
elections since 1872 have resulted as follows: John A. Mc- 
Farland, chief engineer, 1873 and 1874 ; James McNaugh- 
ton, a.ssistant engineer, 1873 and 1874 ; Frederick Kegler, 
chief engineer, 1875 and 1876 ; Solomon W. Russell, as- 
sistant engineer, 1875 and 1876. 

" The charter of 1830 contains a provision to the effect 
that the freeholders and inhabitants shall, at the animal 
meeting, elect three freeholders as firewardens. Fire- 
wardens were elected under that act till the adoption of the 
charter of 1851. The latter provided that they should be 
appointed by the board of trustees. The following is be- 
lieved to be a correct list of firewardens from 18(»3 to the 
present time: 1803, Thaddcus Smith, Nathaniel Carswcll, 
Jr., Seth Brown ; 1804, Thaddcus Smith, Nathaniel Cars- 
well, Jr., Joshua Streetcr ; 1805, Thaddcus Smith, Nathan- 
iel Carswell, Jr., Soth Brown; 1806, Thaddcus Smith, Na- 
thaniel Carswell, Jr., Robert JMcMurray, Jr.; 1807, Thad- 
dtus Smith, Nathaniel Carswell, Jr., Robert McMurray, Jr. ; 
1808, Thaddcus Smith, David Hall. Robert McMurray, Jr. ; 
1801;l, Thaddcus Smith, Joseph Nichols, Ebenczor iVJarlin ; 

1810, Thaddcus Smith, Joseph Niehols, Ebenczer Marliii ; 

1811, Thaddcus Smith, Jas. J. Sherwood, Wm. Faulkner; 

1812, William Williams, David Woods, Robert Archibald; 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1-47 



1813, William Williams, David D. Gray, Seth Brown; 

1814, no firewardens elected; 1815, William Williams, 
Jason Burgess, Seth Brown; 1816, Henry ^lattliews, Da- 
vid D. Gray, Thaddeus Stevens; 1817, Joseph Smith, Jos- 
eph Warlord, Justin Fariiani ; 1818, James H. Seymour, 
Joseph Nichols, Seth Brown ; 1819, William Williams, 
Alexander Robertson, Andrew Freeman ; 1820, William Wil- 
liams, John McNaughton, Thaddeus Stevens; 1821, Wil- 
liam Williams, John McNaughton, James A. McFarlaiid ; 
1822, William Williams, Joseph Ilawley, William JIcFar- 
land (2d) ; 1823, William Williams, Joseph Hawley, 
James A. McFarland ; 1824, William Williams, William 
McFarland (2), Andrew Freeman; 1825, William Wil- 
liams, John McNaughton, James A. McFarland ; 182(5, 
William Williams, John McNavighton, James A. McFar- 
land ; 1827, Henry Matthews, John McNaughton, Andrew 
Freeman; 1829, John W. Proudfit, John McNaughton, 
James A. McFarland; 1830, Henry Matthews, John BIc- 
Naughton, James A. McFarland; 1831, Joseph Smith, 
John McNaughton; 1832, Joseph Smith, Alonzo Gray; 
1833, Joseph Smith, John Williams, Jr.; 1834, William 
S. Barnard, Lorenzo B. Olmsted; 1835, James A. McFar- 
land, Josephus Fitch; 1836, James A. McFarland, Jose- 
phus Fitch; 1837, James A. McFarland, John Adams; 
1838, James A. McFarland, Benjamin Cleveland; 1839, 
James A. McFarland. Benjamin Cleveland ; 1840, William 
McFarland, Loraness Clark; 1841, Alonzo Gray, Loraness 
Clark; 1842, Alonzo Gray, Rufus Fox; 1843, Alonzo 
Gray, Rufus Fox ; 1844, Josophus Fitch, Cyrus Atwood ; 
1845, Chester Safford, Jr., Cyrus Atwood ; 1846, Hugh 
Smart, Nelson Watson; 1847, Hugh Smart, Nelson Wat- 
son ; 1848, John Liddle, James A. McFarland ; 1849, 
John Liddle, James A. McFarland ; 1850, Cyrus Atwood, 
Alonzo Gray. 

" The following were appointed : 1851 , James A. McFar- 
land, David Hawley ; 1852, Benjamin Cleveland, David 
Lytle; 1853, no appointments ; 1854, Alonzo Gray, Cyrus 
Atwood; 1855, Rufus Fox, Cyrus Atwood; 1856, Rufus 
Fox, Cyrus Atwood ; 1857, Alonzo Gray, William B. Bool ; 
1858, Alonzo Gray, Rufus Fox ; 1859, no appointments, 
Gray and Fox held over; 1860, A. M. Stockwell, L. P. 
Copcland; 1861, A. M. Stockwell, L. P. Copeland ; 1862, 
A. M. Stockwell, L. P. Copeland ; 1863, Alonzo Gray, 
Rufus Fox ; 1864, no appointments, above named held 
over; 1865, Rufus Fox, A. M. Stockwell. 

" There were no appointments from and including 1866 to 
and including 1871, at least the village records show none. 

" 1872, E. G. Atwood, William J. Whitlock. Mr. At- 
wood served for a year or two, and after he resigned 
Mr. Whitlock was the sole warden to and including 1875. 
1876, William Whitlock and John Murphy. Mr. Whit- 
lock's removal from town leaves Mr. Murphy the only 
warden at this time. 

" The first bell ever used for fire purposes in this village 
was placed on the Union engine-house, about the time of its 
completion in 1866. At the present time there are lour 
bells here with a fire-alarm attachment, viz., on the Union 
engine-house, Hook-and-Ladder building, St. Paul's (Epis- 
copal church), and the courl -house. 

I'reaeid Officers of the Firc-Cotiqmnics, 1878. — Union 



Engine and Hose Company No. 1 : John Larnion, foreman ; 
Patrick Congdon, 1st a.ssistant; James W. Toleman, 2d 
assistant ; C. M. Wolff, secretary ; Wm. McFarland, treas- 
urer ; Dennis Leary, foreman hose-company ; Mark Brom- 
ley, assistant; Samuel Baker, 1st pipeman ; Horace P. 
Matthews, 2d pipeman; John Fox, foreman suction-hose; 
Thomas Dolan, assistant; John Ryan, pilot. 

O.snma Steamer-Company: Charles Whitconib, captain; 
L. P. Copeland, 1st a.ssistant ; S. S. Sherman, recording 
secretary; Fred. Linsenbarth, Sr., treasurer ; P]. Herrick, 
engineer ; Wm. D. Watt, assistant ; Mr. Haner, fireman. 

Marion Hose-Company: H. V. Brown, foreman ; Wra. 
Ward, 1st assistant ; John Austin, 2d a.ssistant; John Mc- 
Cleary, secretary ; Daniel Ward, treasurer ; Oliver Cope- 
land, 1st pipeman ; John Toohey, 2d pipeman. 

A. M. Wells Hook-and-Ladder Company: A. C. Lan- 
sing, president ; E S. McFarland, foreman ; George Shan- 
non, assistant; Charles Kellogg, recording secretary; Geo. 
Dickinson, financial secretary; John T. Ryan, treasurer. 



is situated upon the Batten Kill, six miles south of Salem 
village. It has a post-office and a station on the Rutland 
and Washington railroad. It contains two churches, and 
there is another one near, the history of which are' given else- 
where. There is one woolen-factory, a grist-mill, harness- 
shop, five stores, two blacksmith-shops, saw-mill, planing 
and turning works, and three wagon-shops. Shushan is 
the centre of a large and important trade from the towns of 
Jackson and Salem. 

The village is picturesquely situated on the banks of the 
kill ; .some portions very rocky. The water-power and the 
convenience of trade developed the growth of a village at 
this point. The name is not; the result of local choice nor 
of any associations connected with the place. The tradi- 
tion is that the petitioners, having proposed the name of 
South Salem, the post-oflice department objected because 
Salem was already so frequent upon the list of United 
States post-offices, and the august officials at Washitigton 
proceeded to christen the place Shushan, a good Bible 
name and suggestive of royal magnificence. The people 
accepted the situation, and have gracefully borne the name 
ever since. 

The lumbering business here was extensive in early 
times. The heavy pine forests from the plains of Cam- 
bridge, and from the surrounding country in general, were 
manufactured into lumber here, rafted down the kill to 
Centre falls, and then taken overland to the Hudson, and 
floated to Troy. The oldest house in Shushan now stand- 
ing was built by Bethuel Church about the time of the 
Revolution, and it was probably about the earliest dwelling 
at this point. It is now a tenant-house, near the railroad, 
in the extreme north part of the village. Mr. Church 
was one of the original proprietors of the water-power. The 
grist-mill is thought to have been erected by the brothers 
Iluflf before or about the time of the Revolutionary war, 
but passed immediately into the hands of Mr. Church. 
There w;is a mill for cloth-dressing very early, no doubt 
before 1800; about 1830 it developed into a woolen-fac- 
tory. Lot Woodworth was connected with it, and Johnson. 



148 



HISTORY OF WAglllNGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



It is understood there was a store at Shushan about the 
same time or soon after the building of the mills. Wjman 
was a very early merchant, and the old store stood very nearly 
on the site of the present Ilurd & Pratt store. At or near 
this same site were successive merchants, for a long series 
of years, Robert R. Law, Isaac Bininger, David Simpson, 
Mr. Oviatt, Voluntine, Lawrence & Higgins, Henry Cleve- 
land, Congdou & Robinson, and Law & Congdon. The 
Church family held the water-power for fifty or sixty years. 
The grist-mill and woolen-mill arc now owned by Charles 
Lyons, the planing-mill by George AV. llobinson, of Cam- 
bridge, also the saw-mill and wagon shops. Well-known 
physicians of the vill.ige in past years have been Dr. Dun- 
lap, Dr. Gilman, and Dr. Bock. 

EAGI.EVILI.E 

is located upon the Batten Kill, two miles ea.st of Shu.shan. 
It is a thriving business place, the centre of considerable 
bu.siness (though not extensive mercantile trade) from the 
south part of Salem, and from the southern Anaquassacook 
portion of Jackson. The name of the post-ofSce at this 
point is East Salem. The latter name is also given to the 
school district at the southeast corner of the town. The 
post-office was first located at Werriam's store, three miles 
flirther up the kill, where at one time was a place of con- 
siderable trade, but in later years declined. The post-office 
was established there about 1831, and Isaac Merriam was 
the first postmaster, followed by Seth C. Billings, Daniel 
Ilobart, and Edward Law. It was removed to Eagleville 
in 1848, and Isaac Bininger was appointed postmaster. 
In 1850 he was succeeded by George Russell. 

The water-power of the kill is here very valuable, and 
has been considerably improved. A grist-mill was built 
about the time of the Revolution, by the brothers Ruif, 
probably. It was run by Armitage & Stevenson, and the 
property passed through the hands of John and George 
Eussell to the present owners, William C. Cleveland and 
John Keeper. 

A saw-mill was also erected nearly or quite as early, now 
owned by the same parties. 

A woolen-factory was established as early as 1820, and 
that, too, is now owned by Cleveland & Co. A sieve- 
factory existed here for a few years, established by Uriah 
Hanks. 

The woolen-mill has at some periods of its history done 
a very large and prosperous business, averaging from fifteen 
thousand to twenty-five thousand yards of cloth annually. 

There was a select school of some note near Eagleville, 
on the road to Shushan, about twenty -five years ago, estab- 
lished by Henry Barnes. 

CLAPP'S MILLS 

were situated on the Batten Kill, three miles south of Salem 
village. The works there in early times consisted of grist- 
mill and saw-mill, and somewhat later, clotliing-works. 

In later years the water-power has been utilized by the 
Baxter IMarble Blanufacturing works, and from that fact 
has become known as Baxterville. There was a store near 
there on the old turnpike. 



FITCH S POINT 

is a place of very early settlement. The name arises fiom 
the confluence of the Black creek and Batten Kill, and 
also marks the location, for many years, of the Fitch family, 
and the present residence of Dr. Asa Fitch, known through- 
out the State as a distinguished naturalist and entomologist, 
the author of many valuable papers, scientific, historical, 
and agricultural. 

SCHOOLS. 

These were very early established. It will be noticed 
that the delegation of Dr. Clark's congregation that came 
to Salem in the summer of 17(36, to make preparation for 
the removal of the colony from Stillwater, built not only a 
meeting-house and a parsonage, but also a' school-house. 
This pioneer log building stood near the meeting-house on 
the historical ground still marked to this generation by the 
o]d frame meeting-house, the second of Dr. Clark's congi'e- 
gation, — the venerable, weather-painted building, the pic- 
ture of which is given in another place. That was, no 
doubt, the first school-house; for, though the New England 
men had been coming in thickly for a j'ear or two previous, 
and their usual custom was to open a school immediately 
after settlement, yet there is no record of any before 17GG. 
Ten years later, in the midst of the turmoil of war, schools 
were established at several points, though little or no records 
remain. There was a school of some note in the south part 
of the town, in the John T. Law neighborhood, and Master 
Conner was a well-known teacher. A large number of the 
children of the first settlers were taught by him. blaster 
Conner was a conveyancer and writer. 

The town was in no hurry to accept the offers of the 
State under the laws of 1812 and 1813. At the annual 
town-meeting, April 6, 1813, the following resolution was 
passed : 

" lusolrcrl, tliat we reject the raising of money for the school 
fund." 

April 5, 1814, it was also 

" Remhed, that wc will not accept the school money." 

Under the amended act of April 15, 1814, a special 
town-meeting was held Dec. 3, 1814, and there were then 
chosen three school commissioners, Isaac Getty, John Law, 
and Thomas Baker ; three in.spectors, Alexander Proudfit, 
Samuel Tomb, and David Woods. 

At the annual meeting the next spring two inspectors 
were added, James Stevenson, Jr., and David Ilusscll, and 
Isaac Steel chosen commissioner in the place of Thomas 
Baker. During the thirty years of this system the follow- 
ing persons were inspectors for one or more years each : 
John Willard, Jesse L. Billings, John Savage, Seth Brown, 
John JIcLean, Jr., Archibald McAllister, Samuel Stevens, 
William Williams, James B. Gibson, Abram Allen, John 
W. Proudfit, Anthony Blanchard, Ezra S. Sweet, Alexan- 
der Robertson, Cornelius L. Allen, John McNaughton, Ber- 
nard Blair, Cyrus Stevens, Henry W. Dodd, Aaron Martin, 
Jr., Jlarinus Fairchild, George W. Beers, Wm. A. Wells, 
Henry Nichols, James Gibson, George Allen, Thomas G. 
Wait, Henry Barnes, John W. Martin, Thomas M. Hop- 
kins, Wm. B. Lytic, Robert McMurray. 

During the same period the following persons were com- 





'>m-^ 



JOHN A. MoFAELAND. 



The ancestry of the MoFarland family ia traced to the Scottish High- 
land clan Macfarlane, or Pharlan, the only one, with one exception, 
whose descent is from the charters given the ancient Earls of Lennox, 
from whom the clan sprang, and who held possession of their original 
lands for over six hundred years. From the most reliable informa- 
tion at hand, Aluin was the first Earl of Lennox, and died in the year 
1225. The eighth Earl of Lennox died without male issue, and his 
eldest daughter, having married the Duke of Murdook, held the pro- 
prietorship. Upon her death (1395) three families claimed the earl- 
dom, — the Macfarlanes claiming the earldom as heirs male. They 
resisted all other clans, and in the struggle became scattered to 
difl'erent parts of the kingdom. The timely support by the Darnley 
family (some of whose members had married into the clan) restored 
their ancient family estate, and upon the establishment of the Stuarts 
as Earl of Lennox, the clans nnder their patronage became, in 14S8, 
separate and independent. The principal of these was the Macfar- 
lane. From the subject of this sketch the descent is traced back six 
generations to Duncan, the father of .lames, the father of Malcom, 
the father of Daniel, the father of .lohn, the father of Daniel, the 
father of John A. At the time the ohm was separated the ancestors 
settled in the lowlands of Scotland, at Thorn Hill, whence the great- 
grandfather, Daniel, emigrated to America in the year 1785, with his 
wife and one son, John, bom 1764, and are supposed to have settled, 
upon first coming to this country, in the town of Salem. The great- 
grandfather lived for many years in the town of Salem, and was 
there in 1805, but subsequently moved to the town of Argyle, where 
he died at an advanced age. The grandfather was a resident of the 
old town of Cambridge in the earlier part of his life, and followed prin- 
oipally-the occupation of a farmer; but during the latter part of his 
life lived in the town of Jackson, where he died in the year 1847, 
leaving six children, who reached advanced ages of over sixty years, 
all dying between the years 1867 and 1869. Daniel, the eldest of 
these children, and father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 
the year 1793, in the town of Cambridge ; married Miss Jane Shiland, 
of the same town, daughter of Deacon John Shiland, great-grandson 
of John Shiland, who emigrated from Scotland prior to the French 
war: was taken prisoner, with his family, by the Indians in Pennsyl- 
vania, carried to Canada, where they were kept in continement for 
some time ; they were finally released and settled there, but at the close 
of the Revolutionary war returned to Cambridge, N. Y. 

Daniel McFarland spent his life as a farmer mostly in the town of 
Jackson : was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was closely allied to 
the promotion of the best interests of society in his day ; was an 



elder in the Scotch Presbyterian church at Coila, town of Cambridge, 
for many years ; raised a family of five children, viz. : John A., Mar- 
garet, William, Robert, and James, of whom Margaret died in the 
year 1850, at the .age of twenty-four, and Robert died in the year 
1854, at the same age. The father of these children was a man of 
strong decision of character, inheriting from his Scotch ancestry that 
firmness and resolution to do whatever he conceived to be right char- 
acteristic of the people of the mother-land, and instructed and reared 
his children to respect and honor all that makes true manhood and 
secures happiness and longevity. He died at the age of seventy-six, 
in the year 1869. The wife and mother still survives, and in the year 
1878 is in her seventy-ninth year, retaining that vigor of both body 
and mind uncommon to people of that advanced age. 

John A. McFarland was the eldest son ; spent his minority on the 
farm of his father, availing himself only of the advantages of the 
district school ; but so improved these opportunities that he was able 
at the age of eighteen to begin teaching, by which means he secured 
a sufficient competence to prepare for college, which he did in Cam- 
bridge Washington Academy, under Rev. E. H. Newton, D.D., enter- 
ing in the advance course of third term sophomore of Union College, 
graduating from that institution of learning in the year 1848. 

During his college course his health had become considerably im- 
paired, and be went to South Carolina, where he spent some time ; 
but, regaining his health, engaged as a teacher at Parrotsvillc, Tenn., 
where he remained aijout one year. In the fall of 1849 he returned 
north, and was married to Miss Amanda H., daughter of Ransom 
Hawley and Margaret Tice, of Cambridge. 

After his marriage he returned south, and was principal of Wythe- 
viJle Academy for two years, ard from 1856 to 1859 had charge of 
the Rural Seminary at Pembroke, N. Y. His health again failing, 
ho returned to hi.-;" native county, but soon after took charge of 
Washington Academy, at Salcm, Washington Co., N. Y., where he 
has remained, and still remains (1878), with the exception of two 
years, for nineteen successive years. Prof. McFarland, in recounting 
his past history in connection with the last-named institution, is 
enabled to see tho.se who have graduated under his instruction filling 
important positions in the various professions, and ranking among 
the first as attorneys, physicians, clergymen, and business men. His 
natural ability as an instructor has given him rank nraong the most 
successful teachers of the State, and secured for him a reputation 
worthy the emulation of the young men of to-day, who, unassisted, 
must meet the obstacles coincident with self-made men. He has one 
son, Edwin Stanley McFarland, of Salem, N. Y. 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NP^W YOEK. 



149 



niissioners for one or more years' each : Abner Austin, 
D;ivid Matthews, Jr., James McNisli, John Adams, John 
Beatty, John Law, Stephen Ransom, George Stewart, John 
McNaughton, Ebenczer Martin, John McLean, Jr., John 
Wiliard, James A. INIcFarland, James H. Seymour, Seth 
C. Brown, John W. Proudfit, David B. Thompson, Chaun- 
cey S. Ransom, Hugh B. Thompson, Clark K. Estee, Mar- 
vin Freeman, James Steel, Joscphus Fitch, Aaron Martin, 
Jr., David Gray, Wm. A. Ru.s.sell, Wm. T. Foster, James 
Clark, Marvin Freeman, Jolin Burnet, John W. Martin, 
Asa Fitch, Jr. 

The supervision of the scliools by commissioners and 
inspectors was abolished in 1843. Supervision by town 
superintendents followed, and Asa Fitch was elected the 
first superintendent at the town-meeting of 1844. He was 
re-elected in 1845. In 184G, John R. Lytle succeeded to 
the office, and served for six years. Chester S. Murdock 
followed for four years, and in the spring of 1856, David 
V. T. Qua was chosen. He was legislated out by the act 
abolishing the office of town superintendent, and in June 
of that year the schools passed from the control and super- 
vision of the town. Under the wise management of the 
noble men of old, followed by the vigorous work of their 
children, the schools of Salem had made a long and honor- 
able record. The first log school-houses had given place to 
the better buildings of later years. From these liills and 
valleys had gone forth men of education and of culture, to 
wield a powerful influence in every sphere of human 
activity. 

To eijual the grand results from ninety years of town 
management, will require wise action by the administrators 
of the modern system of supervision by assembly districts. 

The firet annual report of Dr. Asa Fitch, town super- 
intendent, is a finely-engrossed document, giving a clear 
view of the condition of the schools for the school years 
184.3 and 1844. From that it appears there were then in 
town 618 children between the ages of five and sixteen, 
that the districts received public money for teachers' wages 
to the amount of $536.60, and there was raised by the 
districts the sum of §680.11. Total paid for salaries of 
teachers, $1216.71. There were 1714 volumes in the dis- 
trict libraries. 

We add that Dr. Fitch, as the first town superintendent, 
carefully defined the boundaries of the districts, re-num- 
bered them, and, in addition, officially recognized the spe- 
cial names by which they are no doubt better known than 
by their numbers. This feature is seldom found in any 
town so complete. 

The special names are derived in several cases from their 
connection with the natural features of the country, as 
Upper Black Creek and Lower Black Creek, Upper White 
Creek and Lower White Creek, Upper Camden and Lower 
Camden, along the valley of the Camden creek. 

West Hebron district is so named because the school- 
house is in the west part of Hebron ; the " Bushes" from 
the woods in that section. 

Upper Turnpike and Lower Turnpike, named from their 
situation north of Salem village along the old Northern 
turnpike, an important route for travel in the early times. 

Perkins Hollow, for many years forming a district with 



a portion of Vermont, but now having a school-house of its 
own, is named from an early family residing there. 

Fitch's Point is named from Fitch's family ; Red Bridge, 
from the bridge of early times by which the old turnpike 
crossed the Batten Kill. 

Juniper Swamp district has an appropriate name, as its 
school-house is near the swamp. 

Blind Buck Hollow perpetuates by its name the old tra- 
dition of the pioneers that a sightless deer had its pasture- 
grounds in that valley, — a tradition that is said to have 
been Avorthy of being embalmed in story and song. 

Stewart's district and Law's retain the names of two 
of the pioneer families. 

Salem, Shushan, and Eagleville districts, are named from 
the villages, and East Salem from its remote eastern location. 

The early condition of the schools is somewhat shown 
by the following incomplete report of the commissioners of 
common schools to the county clerk, Juno 5, 1815 : 



Chiliiren bp- 



SU.OL' 

2C.:i'j 



I5.:i.i 
47.iiy 



Disti 
No. 



The present condition of the schools is to some extent 
shown by the commissioners' aj)portionmeut for March, 

1877: 

„. , . , Cliil.lrc-n lw>- Library For Teachers' 

'^"*""-''- tween JaiiJlO. Moriuy. Wages. 

No. 1 (H $1.9.3 $120.74 

" 2 3t 1.117 95.30 

" 3 62 1.95 129.29 

" 4 34 1.07 92.99 

" 5 19 .fiO 73.11 

" 6 25 .80 84.35 

" 7 51 l.f.l 118.91 

" 8 38 1.20 101.37 

" 9 43 1.35 105.27 

" 10 44 1.39 110.71! 

" 11 99 3.12 IS4.13 

" 12 635 16.85 1194.74 

" 13 52 l.fi4 104.94 

" 14 50 1.56 115.90 

" 15 63 1.99 127.10 

" 16 47 1.48 111.66 

" 17 23 73 85.52 

" 18 36 1.13 97.77 

" 19 32 1.01 95.83 

Total for 1877... $1348 $42.48 $3149.14 

" 1843... S61S $536.60 

About two and one-third times as many children as in 1843, and 
about six tinics as much money received. 

THE WASHINGTON ACADEMY.* 

This venerable institution was commenced as a classical 
school in the year 1780, or perhaps a little earlier, as in 



' By lion. James G'bso 



150 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



that year four persons were prepared for college at this 
school, and subsequently each became distinguished in 
public life. It was organized and taught a number of years 
by the Rev. Thomas Watson, and was continued by the dis- 
tinguished St. John Honeywood, and in the year 1791 
had obtained such standing that it was incorporated by the 
regents of the University of the State as an institution of 
learning by the name of Washington Academy, and was 
the fourth incorporated academy in the State. 

Its first board of trustees was named in its charter, and 
consisted of the following-named persons : Rev. James 
Proudfit, Rev. John Warford, Rev. Cornelius Jones, Rev. 
Samuel Smith, General John Williams, Colonel George 
Wray, Colonel John Thurman, Major Peter B. Tearce, 
Hon. Edmund Wells, John Younglove, John Rowan, Ed- 
ward Savage, Alexander Webster, Daniel Hopkins, Zina 
Hitchcock, John Bradstreet Schuyler, Hamilton McCol- 
listcr, James Stevenson, Hugh Morr, Charles llane, 
Timothy Leonard, Peter P. French, and Joseph Jcnks, 
Esq. 

The first principal of the institution after its incorpora- 
tion was Charles Ingalls, who had graduated at Dartmouth 
College, and who remained its principal for nearly ten years. 

Among the distinguished principals of the institution 
since may be placed first in usefulness James Stevenson, 
who took charge of it in 1811, and remained such about 
six years, having among his pupils Professor Taylor Lewis, 
Hon. Hiram Gray, Lamon G. Harkness, M.D., Rev. George 
W. Bethunc, D.D., Rev. William R. De Witt, D.D., and 
Hon. John McLean, with numerous others. 

The Rev. Sidney Weller became the first principal after 
the construction of the brick academy edifice in 1819 ; was 
succeeded by William Williams, Esq., in 1824, remaining 
six years, and was followed by the Rev. James W. Stewart, 
who remained two years. His successor was Henry Borus, 
in 1833, under whom a success was attained as great as 
under Mr. Stevenson. After him came a number of dif- 
ferent principals, none of whom remained long, till the ap- 
pointment of the present principal, John A. McFarland, in 
1859, and who has remained ever since, except for a time 
while ill from over-labor he relinquished the work, and it 
was placed in charge of William Gorrie, followed by James 
S. Dobbin, who continued until January, 1867, when Pro- 
fessor McFarland, with renewed strength and vigor, resumed 
the charge of the institution, and still remains at its head. 
The succe.ss of this institution has been very great, and the 
pupils from it are numbered by many thousands. 

The academy edifice has lately been very much enlarged 
and fitted up and furnished, under the direction of M. F. 
Cummings, of Troy, as architect, and now readily accom- 
modates the increased number of its pupils. 

It was made a free academy in 1852 to the children of 
all residents of the village of Salem, and has remained such 
ever since. 

It was the first free academy In the State outside of the 
city of New York. But the example it gave has been 
adopted in all parts of the State; and the blessings of a 
free academical education are now within the reach of 
many, who in the olden time would have sought long with- 
out finding any such beneficent result. 



CHURCHES. 

THE UNITED rRE.SBYTERIjVN CHURCH. 

The sketch of this venerable body is taken very largely 
from the historical sermon delivered by Rev. W. A. Mac- 
kenzie, Oct. 29, 1S7G. 

About the middle of the last century, perhaps in the 
year 1747, about two hundred families of Presbyterians in 
and about Monaghan and Ballibay, Ireland, not finding 
themselves edified by those who had been placed over them 
as religious teachers, withdrew from them, refusing to longer 
wait upon their ministrations. These religious teachers 
were trained mostly at Glasgow College, under the influ- 
ence of Professor Simpson, the Arian. The " fathers" 
were afraid to trust them with the pastoral care of their 
families. Accordingly a petition was prepared and for- 
warded to the " Associate Burgher Presbytery of Glas- 
gow," asking that there should be sent to them some one 
to break unto them the bread of eternal life whom they 
would be willing to trust. 

The presbytery then had under its care a young man 
whom it licensed and sent to officiate among this people, 
and on July 3, 1748, he preached among them his first 
sermon, taking as his text Acts xvii. lG-18. That young 
man was the Rev. Thomas Clark, M.D. 

Having completed his studies he was in April, 1748, 
licensed to preach the gospel, and sent to Ireland, to labor 
among the people at Ballibay, Clannanees, and other com- 
munities. Here the young missionary found a wide field 
opened up before him, and wherever he went he preached 
with groat acceptance. 

A subsequent call from Ballibay Dr. Clark accepted, and 
was accordingly, by a committee of the Glasgow presby- 
tery, installed pastor of Ballibay congregation on July 23, 
1751. Here, therefore, we have the date of the organiza- 
tion of this congregation, it being at that time and place 
recognized by synod as a regularly established church. 
This church, as an organized body, is therefore more than 
a century and a quarter old, having now entered its one 
hundred and twenty-eighth year ; its beginning, however, 
dating three years earlier. Dr. Clark being its founder and 
first pastor. 

At Ballibay, Dr. Clark, after his ordination, labored 
most faithfully for thirteen years. 

The path of the congregation thus organized was by no 
means a smooth one. These thirteen years were years of 
trial and persecution. 

It had become known to his persecutors that Dr. Clark 
entertained scruples with regard to the " Oath of Abjura- 
tion," as it Wiis called, as also in regard to the manner of 
taking it, — by " kissing the Bible," — and that he refused 
to tiike it in the manner and form prescribed by law. 
Learning this, his enemies procured a waiTant lor his arrest 
as being disloyal to the king. Jau. 23, 1754, nine months 
after the warrant had been procured, men entered the 
church and arrested Dr. Clark, just as he concluded his 
sermon at New Bliss, — a neighboring station. 

When the congregation understood what the interrup- 
tion meant, he would have been at once rescued from the 
hands of his persecutors; hut this servant of Uod mildly 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



151 



bade them be calm and do no violence or harm to any 
one. 

That night he was kept under guard in a t(tvern, and 
the next day, under a strong guard, taken to Munaghan 
and thrown into the county jail to await his trial. 

Although now within prison walls, yet this man of God 
was not silenced. Week by week he wrote a letter of in- 
struction, of comfort, and of encouragement to the people 
of his charge, which was read to them on the Lord's day 
as they assembled for worship. 

On the 3d of April, about three months after, the judge, 
upon examining the warrant, found it to be defective, and 
ordered hi.s immediate release. 

lie had only a few days of freedom, however. On the 
24th day of this .same month of April a new writ was ob- 
tained against him, upon which he was a second time cast 
into prison. It was now the summer season, and the mem- 
bers of this church came to the prison for divine service 
regularly. So many as the space could accommodate 
gathered about the honored pastor, listened to the words of 
life from his lips, and joined in prayer and praise to God. 
When or how he was relea.sed is not stated. 

The imprisonments to which the arbitary laws of the 
country had subjected him led the people to seek for a new 
home in the wilds of America, — a home where they could 
enjoy their religious sentiments undisturbed. 

Some time previously. Dr. Clark had received from one 
congregation in America a letter, and from another a call, 
each wishing him to come and become its pa.stor. These 
papers were laid before his presbytery, which appointed 
liim to labor one year in America. lie and those who had 
decided to accompany him thereupon made their final ar- 
rangements, and the time was fixed to start for the new 
world beyond the sea. Of the departure and voyage across 
the Atlantic of the.se " Pilgrim Fathers" of Salem, we have 
a brief account in the following devout terms of Dr. 
Clark himself: "May 10, a.d. 17G4, we sailed from 
Nowry. The all-gracious God carried three hundred of 
us safe over the devouring deep in the arms of His mercy ; 
praised be His name, we arrived safe in New York July 
the 28th." 

At New York the colony divided, several families going 
to Cedar Spring and Long Cane, South Carolina; the main 
body of the people, however, and the congregation proper 
coming to Stillwater, where they remained until their re- 
moval here. 

In the spring of 1765, in looking out fur a place fur the 
settlement of his people. Dr. Clark visited this vicinity, and 
in the cabin of James Turner, to a few people gathered 
from the neighborhood, preached the first sermon ever 
preached in the town of Salem. 

With the place he was pleased, at once fixed upon it as 
the future home of his people, and was successful in having 
conveyed to him twelve thousand acres of land wholly free 
of charge for five years, after which there was to be paid 
by him an annual rent of one shilling per acre. 

It was during this summer that the first death occurred 
in the colony or congregation, while hailing at Stillwater. 
It was that of one of the elders, Jainos Harshaw. 

After the return of Dr. Clark from New York, and 



probably late in the autumn of 1765, some of the people 
came here to look at the lands which had been secured, 
with an eye to situations for their future homes. Early 
the following spring. Dr. Clark, with a number of his col- 
ony, came with a view to improvements. Their first work 
was the erection of a log house in which to deposit their 
provisions and baggage, which house served them as a 
place of repose at night, and of protection against the wild 
beasts of the forest. It was also to be the future residence 
of their pastor. At this time, therefore, and in these cir- 
cumstances, the first parsonage was built. Some years 
afterwards it was taken down and a frame building erected 
on the same spot by the congregation, which building con- 
tinued to be the parsonage during the pastorate of Dr. 
Clark's successor, the Rev. James Proudfit. In 176() the 
first church building was erected, the first structure of the 
kind in the county, and in fact in all the region north of 
Albany to the Canada line. It was built of logs such as 
the men could bring together by hand, as they had no 
teams ; the crevices between the logs were filled with clay. 
The floor was the earth ; the roof was of black-ash bark, 
taken from the trees, cut into suitable lengths, and flattened 
by stones being placed upon it while drying ; the seats were 
rough benches made from logs split in halves and placed 
on blocks of wood. The building was some forty feet in 
length, and is said to have been the largest house of the 
kind then to be seen anywhere in the county. In the .same 
year the first school-house was built, after the same fashion 
and as the church had been built. 

Thus coming to their new homes, these fathers erected, 
at the same time with their own dwellings, the church and 
the school-house. There is no questioning the fact that 
they considered the influences going out from these two 
sources the grand essentials in making the wilderness to 
blossom as the rose. 

The next year, 1767, is the era of the general settlement 
of the town. In this year the diflFereut families of the con- 
gregation came from Stillwater and occupied the cabins 
which had been erected the year before. The first family 
that reached here was that of John Lytic, on the 7th day 
of May. Other families came in rapid succession, and near 
the close of the same month services were held in the log 
church. Our congregation, therefore, for the first time, per- 
haps on the last Sabbath of May, 1767, here came together 
to worship God, making this year memorable as that in 
which the regular preaching of the gospel on the Lord's 
day was commenced in this town. From this fact the con- 
gregation is called in its charter of incorporation " The First 
Presbyterian church in Salem," and this is its legal title. 

We would note two interesting facts. The congregation 
was born and nurtured to maturity on the other side of the 
Atlantic, and was transplanted from thence a fullj'-organ- 
ized church, with pastor, elders, and members; and from 
the time the congregation left Ballibay, Ireland, until it 
assembled here in the church referred to, a period of three 
years, there was little if any interruption of the regular 
services. The preaching on the Lord's day and the admin- 
istration of the sacraments were regularly observed on the 
sea and on the land. Like Israel of old, they had the 
clmrili with them, and the wcir.ship of Jehovah in the con- 



152 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



gregation and in the family was regularly kept up. In 
these respects this congregation stands altogether singular. 
The congregation, as we find it in thi.s country, wa.s com- 
posed of Dr. Clark, pastor ; George Oswald, David Tomb, 
William Thompson, William Moncrief, William Wilson, 
Richard Hoy, John Foster, and David Hanna, elders ; and 
some two hundred members, including baptized children, 
which were about one-fourth of the number. Of this 
mcmber.ship no complete list can now be found. 

The first child baptized after the congregation carae here, 
tlie first child baptized in the town, and the first female in- 
fant born here, was Mary Lytic, who afterwards became 
the wife of Dr. Andrew Proudfit, eldest son of Dr. Clark's 
successor. 

Inasmuch as there was at that time no other " Burgher" 
minister in this country. Dr. Clark, believing it to be his 
duty to be in connection with some ecclesiastical body, 
united wilh the Anti-Burglier As.sociate presbytery of 
Pennsylvania, in connection with which this congregation 
continued down to the time of the union between the As- 
sociate and Reformed churches, 17S2, which gave rise to 
the " Associate Reformed ciiurch." 

The log church in which the congregation first wor- 
shiped was most inconvenient. Besides being too small to 
accominodate the worshipers, it was very uncomfortable. 
The house was without a floor or means of heating. It 
was occupied only during the winters and on stormy days 
in the summers. On pleasant days the meetings were held 
in the open air. This church was used as a place of wor- 
ship only about three years. In 1770 was erected beside 
this log church a more commodious and comfortable build- 
ing, which still stands, the most venerable structure, the 
most interesting antiquity, we have in the town. From a 
subscription paper still in existence it appeal's that each 
gave to this cause in proportion to the valuation of his 
property. 

When this church was completed and occupied as a 
house of worship, the old log church was occupied for a 
time by the school, afterwards as a barn, and finally, July 
27, 1777, it was taken down, the larger portion of its 
timbers cut into suitable lengths and used to fortify the 
church of our sister congregation, the New England church 
as it was called, as a place of safety, should a party of the 
savages following in the train of Burgoyne's invading 
arn)y attack the place. The rest of the logs were taken to 
the top of what is known as Mill hill, and laid up into a 
block-house as an outpost to the fort. 

During the time Dr. Clark remained in Salem the 
amount of labor he performed was simply marvelous. No 
other than an iron constitution could have borne it. Until 
the arrival of Dr. John Williams he was the only physi- 
cian in the place. In addition to his care of the church 
he was called to attend the sick ; in addition to this he reg- 
ularly visited Hebron, Argylc, and Cambiidge, preaching, 
and thus prepared the way for the organization of flourish- 
ing congregations. Like Paul, he was abundant in labor.s, 
and like his, his labors were crowned with success. In 
addition to all this, the secular business he had taken upon 
him would have been suflicient to burdtn any one. He 
looked not only after the spiritual interests of his people. 



but also their temporal interests. He seemed to have one 
desire which was controlling, viz., that his people might 
have prosperity. 

The secular business, and especially the collection of the 
rents, for which he had originally become responsible, after 
a time involved him in some trouble, and his pastoral rela- 
tion terminated in the summer of 1782. He made a visit 
south, and after visiting for some time among those of his 
people who had located in South Carolina, he returned to 
Albany, N. Y. Here he remained between two and thi'ee 
years, then went to Abbeville, South Carolina, to labor 
among the people of the colony who had parted from them 
in New York. There he organized the Cedar Spring and 
Long Cane congregations, over which he was installed 
pastor in the year 178G. 

In this charge he labored with great acceptance and re- 
markable success until the time of his death, which oc- 
curred December 2C, 1792. As a servant was pa.ssing his 
room she heard him breathe heavily. Entering, she found 
him in his chair just expiring; on the table before him an 
earnest, able, and most afl^ectionate epistle, addressed to the 
people of his charge whom he had left in Ballibay, Ireland, 
which he had evidently just completed and subscribed, the 
letter closing with these words: " What I do thou knowest 
not now, but thou shalt know hereafter." His dust lies in 
the grave-yard at Cedar Spring, South Carolina. 

We add one anecdote of this venerable patriarch : On 
one occasion he was visiting a family in this vicinity. Dur- 
ing his visit he was asking the different members of the 
family some questions on the subject of religion ; the gen- 
tleman of the house professed not to understand English 
well enough to answer the question asked him. He was 
pa.ssed over. A few days after this man was driving a 
team of oxen along the highway ; for some reason he be- 
gan to swear at the oxen. Dr. Clark was driving along the 
same way, but a little distance behind. Hearing the man 
use profane language, he at once drove alongside of him, 
and calling him by name, he said, " I see, sir, ye ha' learned 
to talk English since I last saw ye, an' it's na' the best o' 
English that ye use, either." 

After the removal of Dr. Clark the church had no 
shepherd for a little over a year, when Rev. James Proud- 
fit accepted the call of the congregation, and was installed 
in October, 1783. To secure his services Elder James 
Steven.son had made the long journey from Salem to Penn- 
sylvania on horseback, and most of the way through an 
unbroken wilderness. 

After Mr. Proudfit's settlement here the population be- 
gan to increase rapidly, from fifty to one hundred persons 
annually settling in the town for a number of years. From 
records we learn that the old meeting-house contained 
thirty pews, and that in the year 1792 the gallery was 
finished, adding five more pews and a number of seats to 
the previous accommodations of the building. The names 
of those owning pews were William McDougal, John 
Williams, Matthew McWhorter, James Tomb, Abner 
Carswell, William McFarland, John McCrea, James Stc- 
veiuson, John Rowan, John Hanna, Jcjhn Tomb, William 
and Peter Cruickshank, John Crozior, Walter Stewart, 
Alex. McNish, John Steele, Andrew Lytle, Samuel Boatty, 





-^x^^-^ 




Residence of the urt HIRAM WALKER Now ownldand occuriio syWILLIS H & JOHN D WALKER 

SALEM WASHINOroN CO N Y 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



153 



William and Samuel Graham, James Armstrong, Joshua 
Steele, Tiionias Boyd, Andrew MeMillan, Alex. Reid. 

Tlie house of worship was still too small for its large con- 
gregation, and it became necessary that a more commodious 
church edifice should be erected. The work was at once 
begun, and in the year 1797 the present church was com- 
pleted, at a cost of four thousand dollars. This sum was 
expended mostly in the purchase of material, a considerable 
portion of the work being done by the people themselves. 
On the ] st of November of the same year the new house 
was occupied for the first time by the congregation. 

For a time the site of the new church was a matter of 
contention among the people. One portion of the congre- 
gation was determined that it should be on the other side 
of the creek near the old church, and the other portion 
w;is just as determined that it should be on this side. This 
matter was, however, satisfactorily arranged and the present 
site chosen, through the influence and skillful management 
of General John Williams, who had been a member of the 
New England church, but who, after the marriage of his 
daughter with Mr. Proudfit's son, October 2, 179G, became 
an efficient member of this one. The wisdom of this choice 
of site for the church was afterwards acknowledged by those 
who at first opposed it, and is now apparent to all. 

To meet the cost of building the new church the pews 
were sold at auction, subject to an annual rent for the sup- 
port of a minister. Eighty-six persons purcliased pews or 
slips, taking nearly all those in the body of the church and 
a number in the gallery. The sales amounted to four thou- 
sand tliree hundred and sixty-seven dollars. Thus the cost 
of building was more than met. 

Two years before this (on May 13, 1795) the Rev. Alex- 
ander Proudfit had been installed as the colleague of his 
father. 

From this time it was the custom of the father and son 
to divide the labors of the Sabbath, one conducting the 
forenoon and the other the afternoon services, until, in the 
summer of 1797, the father was, by a paralytic stroke, 
disqualified for active service. He died Oct. 22, 1802. In 
this year there were on the roll of membership three hun- 
dred names. At that date only two congregations in the 
body had a larger membership, — the one of which Dr. 
Clark had been pastor in South Carolina, which numbered 
five hundred and twenty members, and the congregation of 
Dr. Mason in New York, which numbered four liundred 
members. 

Upon the death of the father the son became sole pastor 
of the congregation, in which relation he continued for over 
thirty-throe years, having previously sustained that relation 
with his father seven years, — making in all a pastorate of 
over forty years. Years before " tract societies" were known 
lie formed what was in reality a tract society in this congre- 
gation, called " The Female Society in Salem for Promoting 
Religious Knowledge." The word female was subsequently 
dropped. This society was for many years efficiently en- 
gaged in distributing religious tracts, not only in the neigh- 
borhood, but also in sending them to the distant settlements 
already referred to, whither many had gone from this commu- 
nity. This was, perhaps, the first tract society in America, 
being organized in the year 1800. Its first publication was 
20 



an eight-page tract bearing the following heading: "No. 1. — 
A Word to Mothers on the Religious Instruction of their 
Children. Published by Dodd and Ramsey for the Female 
Society in Salem fjr the Promotion of Religious Knowl- 
edge." Many other publications followed. Some of them 
are still in existence, and are in the hands of Dr. Asa Fitch. 

In the year 1827 or 1828 the sounding-board (as it was 
called) was taken down and the inside of the church un- 
derwent some repairs. The pulpit, as originally con- 
structed, was very lofty, with about room enough in it for 
the preacher, — in shape very much like a tumbler. This 
was removed, and a platform built at the same altitude ; it 
was surrounded with a railing and a gate opening on either 
side, through which the occupant entered and by which he 
was shut in. It is said that the bell-shaped sounding- 
board, which was su.spended from the ceiling .some little 
distance above the preacher's head, looked as though it 
was intended as a lid for the tumbler-shaped pulpit, and 
that Dr. Proudfit, after a time, began to enter that pulpit 
with some misgivings, fearing lest the lid should suddenly 
drop and shut him in. His fears having been communi- 
cated to some of his friends, their cause was removed by 
the changes referred to. , 

Dr. Proudfit continued pastor of this congreg.ation until 
June, 1835, when the relation was, at his own request, 
dissolved, in order that he might accept the secretaryship 
of the New York Colonization society. This position he 
held until the winter of 1811-42, when he resigned it. The 
latter part of the winter of 1813 he was confined to the 
house, and on April 17 of the same year, at the house of 
his son in " New Brunswick," after a ministry of almost 
forty-nine years. Dr. Proudfit •" passed thipugh the gates 
into the City." His remains were brought to Salem, and 
his dust now lies beside that of his father in our own beau- 
tiful cemetery. 

After the dissolution of the pastoral relation between 
Dr. Proudfit and this congregation there was a vacancy of 
about eight months. A call was given to the Rev. James 
Lillie, D.D., and on Feb. 19, 183G, he was, by the Asso- 
ciated Reformed presbytery of Washington, installed the 
fourth pastor of the congregation. Dr. Lillie was a native 
of Kelso, Scotland, and a graduate of the University of 
Edinburgh. He is spoken of by such as remember him 
here as having been a most eloquent preacher. He was an 
earnest advocate of the cau.se of temperance. This ques- 
tion had been agitated here by Dr. Proudfit during the 
latter part of his ministry, and seems to have made some 
considerable progress. Dr. Lillie followed up the matter, 
and his voice was heard on the side of temperance. At a 
meeting held in this church the following resolution was 
introduced by Dr. Lillie, and was unanimously adopted : 

'■Il,n,,hc,l, Tlmt toliU a,l)stiiiiMice from all that o.xn intoxicate as a 
beverage is, in the opinion of this meeting, the only course by wliich 
intemperance can be b;\nishe(l from our land, and we believe it essen- 
tial th.at the sober and respectable portion of our citizens set tlje 
example." 

Dr. Lillie reniiiiiiod in this place only a little more than 
one year. In Jiine, 1837, he resigned this charge, and 
accepted a call rnmi a congregation in Rhinebeck, N. Y., 
in connection with the Reformed Dutch church. 



154 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NE\V YORK. 



The congregation was without a pastor until September 
3, 1838, a little over two years. At this time Dr. Ilalloy, 
having been called, came, and was installed the fifth pa-stor 
of the congregation by the Associate Reformed pi-csbytery 
of Washington. 

Dr. Halley was born in Scotland in the year 1801, en- 
tered the University of Edinburgh in the year 1816, and 
from that institution graduated four years after. He took 
a five years' course of tlieological study in Glasgow under 
the celebrated Dr. John Dick. lie was licensed to preach 
the gospel April 5, 1825, by the United Associate pres- 
bytery of Dumferline. 

His first charge was in the city of St. Andrew's. After 
serving this church three years, he was called to a church 
in Leith, where he remained ton years, when, to use his 
own words, " Owing to his admiration of the free institu- 
tions of this country, its rapidly-developing energies and 
its advantages as a field of usefulness," he came hither. 

Soon after landing in America he came here to preach, 
with a view to settlement. His preaching was so accepts 
able to our people that they immediately called him. This 
call he accepted, and was at the time above stated installed 
pastor of this church. , 

This pa.storate continued until the year 1848. Dr. 
Halley then accepted a call to become the pastor of the 
Second Presbyterian church in Troy. In this church he 
remained seven years. He was then called to the Third 
Presbyterian church in Albany, removed thither, and con- 
tinued to be the pastor of that congregation for twenty 
years. At the close of this twenty years' pastorate, and 
after preaching the gospel for fifty years with great accept- 
ance and with most satisfactory results, he retired from 
active service, and now resides in Albany. He is now 
serving on his third term as the loved and venerated chap- 
lain of the Senate. 

It was while Dr. Halley was hero that the session-house, 
that stood in front of the church, was burned. This oc- 
curred in 1840. It was also while he was here that the 
present church building was enlarged and improved. In 
the year 1841 the front of the building was extended even 
with the tower. The square pews around the walls and 
on the sides of the galleries were changed into slips as at 
present. The wide aisle, in which the communion-table 
used to stand, was changed into its present dimensions. 
The galleries were lowered, and the pulpit was brought 
down from its lofty position, and the late pulpit and plat- 
form, the design and gift of Mr. John Williams, was 
erected. The plastering was taken from the walls, and 
the house was rcplastered. The church was remodeled 
and improved generally, at a cost of about five thousand 
dollars. 

After the removal of Dr. Halley the congregation was 
again without a pastor for a little over two years, when the 
Rev. Thomas B. Farrington was called, and was by the 
Associate Reformed presbytery of Washington installed 
the sixth pastor in May, 1849. He remained eight years. 
The pastors since have been Rev. J. C. Forsythe, June, 
J84S, twelve years; and the present pastor. Rev. W. A. 
JMackcnzie. 

The following persons have served as ciders in this con- 



gregation, besides those wlio came with Dr. Clark, already 
named : There were ordained in Dr. Clark's time Robert 
McJIurray, James Stevenson, John Rowan, William Mat- 
thews, William McFarland. In 1797, Matthew McWhor- 
ter, John Steele, Thomas Collins ; and Walter Stewart, 
received by letter from another congregation. 1809, Abra- 
ham Savage, Richard Hoy, George Arnott, Isaac Getty, 
and Thomas Steven.son. 1819, Andrew Martin, John 
Me^Iurray, John Beatty. 1831, George McWhorter, 
James B. Stevenson, David B. Thompson. The last 
named died in the spring of 1875, the only member of 
session who has died since I came to this church. 1840, 
Ira Carswell, Jo.seph Clark, and Hugh Thompson were 
ordained ; and John JMcMillan was received by letter from 
another congregation. 1850, William C. Safford, P]arl P. 
Wright, and William Edgar. 1876, William Chamberlain 
and Robert Stewart. 

The session. at present consists of six members: John 
McMillan, James B. Stevenson, William Edgar, Earl P. 
Wright, William Chamberlain, and Robert Stewart. 

Tlie trustees are Thomas Stevenson, John Edwards, 
James G. Gillis, William McFarland, William Chamber- 
lain ; superintendent of Sunday-school, James iMcDonald ; 
librarian, Andrew Getty. 

The first board of trustees was elected in 1784, to which 
was deeded the church property, which had heretofore been 
in the name of Dr. Thomas Clark. This consisted of 
three lots of land, which had been obtained from Oliver 
De Lancy and Peter Dubois for church and school pur- 
poses. This land was afterwards sold, and the proceeds 
otherwise invested. Part of the proceeds of these lots is 
in the parsonage and the grounds on which it now stands. 
From the rest the congregation has an income of between 
three and four hundred dollars annually. 

The following persons composed this first board of tru.s- 
tees : John Harshaw, Joseph Tomb, Richard Hoy, Peter 
Sim, and William Thompson. 

The Sabbath-school in connection with this church was 
organized during Dr. Halley's ministry, in the year 1841 
or 1842. The first superintendents were Dr. Asa Fitch 
and Jlrs. Maria Proudfit. The next was John McDonald ; 
he was succeeded by John B. Fairly, he by John King ; 
after his resignation Elder Earl P. Wright acted as super- 
intendent until April 10, 1864, when James S. McDonald 
was called to the position, which position he has filled 
with great acceptance and ofliciency down to the present 
time. 

THE PRESUYTERIAN CHURCH IN SALEM. 

The following sketch is taken from the histoncal dis- 
course of llev. Edward P. Sprague, delivered June 4, 
1876: 

This church has existed for more than a century, and 
has borne for over ninety years the same name, that of 
" The First Incorpoi-atcd Presbyterian Congregation in 
Salem, County of Washington, and State of New York." 
The commencement of its history dates back to the very 
beginning of the settlement of this place and region. 

Tlie " New England colony," so called, came to Salem in 
1764-66. The Scotch and Irish colony in 1766-67. The 
New Englanders from Pelham were of similar ancestry to 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



155 



some extent with the colony led here by Dr. Clark, and 
there was at thues some prospect of a formal union relig- 
iously ; but though an excellent friendly spirit seems to have 
existed, each colony sharing the sympathy and the assist- 
ance of the other, and often worshiping together, yet they 
could not see eye to eye in all matters of faith and doctrine. 
Sojiarate churches naturally grew up, and, besides, the num- 
bers of the people to attend eliureh sooner or later reiiuired 
two places of worship. 

From a document preserved among the Williams Papers, 
Vol. I., page 1, it is evident that as early as 1707 the New 
Eiiglanders endeavored to secure a miiii.ster of their own 
faith and one formerly known by them. It is not certain 
that they succeeded, but on March 4, 17G7, three of the 
town-lots originally assigned for religious purposes were 
pledged to them for the maintainance of a regular gospel 
minister. 

The church was formally organized in 1769. It was 
composed at the outset of the goodly number of fifty-two 
members. A full list of their names cannot be obtained, 
although many of them may be inferred from various old 
records. Whether they immediately elected any trustees 
is also uncertain, but the first elders chosen to constitute 
the session appear to have been Alexander Turner, Edward 
Savage, and Daniel IMcCleary. The fir.st communion sea- 
son was held at the house of James Savage, which stood 
then on the top of the hill just north of the residence of 
the late Wm. McCoUister. The exact date when this first 
communion was observed cannot now be determined ; but it 
is thought that the Rev. John McDonald, of Albany, was 
probably the officiating minister. 

Notwithstanding their organization into a distinct church, 
the New England people continued to worship very J^ener- 
ally with the Scotch congregation ; and even co-operated 
with them in the erection of a church edifice. The sub- 
scription-paper drawn up for this purpose is still extant. 
It is in the handwriting of Colonel Jo.seph McCrackcn, 
subsequently a trustee of this church, and one of the two 
to whom the subscriptions were to be jxiid. Of the twenty- 
nine signers, also, fully one-third are names which were 
afterwards identified with the New England congregation. 
This paper* bears date Nov. 15, 17G9. This was the sub- 
scription for the erection of the old meeting-house, still 
standing on the hill, which is said to be the oldest house 
but one in the entire county. 

Five years later this church proceeded to erect for them- 
selves their first house of worship. This house, which 
stood on the same lot that the present church occupies, was 
a long time in building, and in fact was never completed. 
The people were too poor to give much money, so they fur- 
nished materials as they were able, and freely contributed 
their labor. What money was given had to be expended 
almost wholly for nails and similar articles, which could be 
liad only by purchase. 

These material ; were procured from Albany ; and the 
method by which tiuy were brought here well illustrates 
the difficulties under which the fathers labored, and the 
liard.-ihips they had to endure during the early years of the 



us Papers, Vol. I., |iagu 17 



settlement of this region. It was the custom, as the late 
AVm. McCollister — whose father procured them — used to 
relate, to bring these supplies up on the west side of the 
Hudson river as far as Schuylerville, where the crossing 
was effected in this perilous manner : the driver stood up 
above the wagon, with one foot on each of the sides, and 
drove his horses into the stream. The hor.ses waded as far 
as they could, and then swam the remainder of the way 
across, drawing the floating wagon behind them, the driver 
from his precarious position directing their course, as best 
he could, by the reins. 

The fact that this first church was never completed does 
not at all indicate that it was never used for the purpose 
for which it was intended. Directly the opposite was in- 
deed the ease. The fathers did not consider themselves 
obliged to wait until the edifice Wiis finished, much less for 
anything like a dedication. Once at least, in the summer- 
time, the people attended preaching there when only the 
roof was on, the sides being entirely open ; and frequent 
services were held when it had been clapboarded but was 
still destitute of a floor, and of course of anything like per- 
manent benches. It was either here, or perhaps in some 
barn in the place, that during the early part of the Revo- 
lutionary war a strange minister greatly ofleuded many of 
the people by preaching from the text Ilosea ii. 7, " I 
will go and return to my first husband ; for then it was 
better with me than now." He made no direct reference 
to the political condition of the country, but the mere text 
was too suggestive for the zealous patriotism of the day to 
endure, and the preacher was indignantly denounced as a 
Jesuit and Tory in disguise. 

After the outbreak of the Revolutionary war this uncom- 
pleted church building was taken by the patriot forces, and 
occupied by them, first as barracks, and then constructed 
into a fort. The building was put into better shape for 
defense, ovens were built for provisioning the troops, and a 
stockade was erected around it. This stockade ran around 
the church at a distance of about sixty feet from its walls, 
about ten feet from the line of the present lot on the east. 
It was constructed of contiguous logs, some ten inches in 
diameter, as many feet in length, sunk about three feet 
into the ground, and was completed July 26, 1777. The 
stumps of some of these pickets, burned and broken off 
nearly level with the ground, remained visible for a long 
number of years. One of the present members of the 
church says that he well remembers seeing them ; and 
doubtless even now a slight excavation in the proper place 
would bring them again to light. This transformed church 
was called Fort Williams, in compliment to Dr. — or, as he 
was subsequeutly better known. General — John Williams, 
by whose influence and activities the interests of this place 
were so considerably advanced. 

What perilous times those were may be judged from the 
many incidents handed down even to the present. The 
grandmother of one of the present members used frequently 
to relate her experience of a single night when she was 
alone with her children in her house, some two miles out 
of the village, the barn full of Indians, and her husband 
here in the fort. In still earlier days the men used fre- 
quently to bring their guns with them to church, so as to 



156 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



be ready for any emergency, and even the dogs were some- 
times taken with them, that their keen scent and hearing 
might be of use in sooner detecting the approach of an 
enemy. 

Only a brief time did tliis half-church and half-fort re- 
main to serve as a defense for the patriots. Early in tlie 
autumn following the completion of the stockade, the 
liberty-loving inhabitants of the place were compelled to 
flee from their homes before the advance of General Bur- 
goyne. The village was almost entirely evacuated, at great 
loss to the people ; and the fort itself WiW burned by the 
royalists on some day prior to the 25th of September, and 
probably during the very last days of August, 1777. The 
old records of the church, since destroyed, used to charac- 
terize it as done " by some domestic rather than foreign 
enemy," meaning evidently that it was the act of a Tory 
rather than of a soldier. Thus the first and original build- 
ing erected by this church was destroyed within three years 
of its commencement ; and there took place the earliest of 
the three fires by which, during the one hundred and seven 
years of their existence, they have been deprived for a time 
of a house of worship. 

The officer in command of the troops, stationed for a 
time in the fort, was Colonel Joseph McCracken, who wrote 
the subscription paper drawn up in 1709. He was a most 
entlmsiastic patriot and a most active laborer in behalf of 
this church, of which he was for several years a trustee. 
He lost an arm in the battle of Monmouth, and is still re- 
membered by some of the older m'embers as sitting during 
his later years in the pulpit on Sunday, so that he might, 
in spite of his deafness, still hear the words of the preacher. 
Of the many incidents still related by Colonel McCracken, 
there is one which serves to show how ardent his attachment 
was for the commander-in-chief, under whom he had served. 
The Rev. Mr. Tomb, who was his pastor at the time, was 
one day conversing with him and seeking to comfort him 
after the loss of his wife. During the conversation Mr. 
Tomb spoke of the heavy afllictions endured by men of old, 
and, either in passing, or with an intent to draw out a re- 
sponse, characterized David as one of the greatest of warriors. 
Instantly the old soldier was all interest. lie waited a 
moment, and tlien looked up into Mr. Tomb's face, and 
broke out, "Yes, Samuel, David was a great warrior; but 
he was not any greater than George Washington." 

Consequent upon the heavy losses endured during the 
Revolutionary war, the people were too much impoverished 
to proceed at once upon the construction of a second church 
to take the place of the one destroyed. Just when the 
second church edifice was erected there is now probably no 
way of definitely determining. Certainly it was not done 
for some time, and perhaps not until 17S3 or 1784:. 

The first trace of any plan for rebuilding consists of two 
petitions, addressed in the same year to the Legislature of 
New York, and asking tlieir assistance in the matter. 

The first of these, which bears date Juno 16, 1779, and 
is signed by Joseph IMeCracken, ]"]dward Savage, Edward 
Long, John Gray, and Daniel McCleary, recounts how they 
had been a committee " to superintend the building of a 
meeting-house," and how this had been destroyed; and 
then asks that certain moneys, arising from the auction sale 



of cattle and carriages confiscated from the Tories, and 
amounting to two hundred and ninety-three pounds, seven 
shillings, eleven pence, be ordered for the rebuilding of said 
meeting-house. 

The second petition, which was dated Oct. 11, 1779, and 
signed by Joseph McCracken, Edward Savage, Hamilton 
McCollister, and Alexander Turner, as committee, is still 
more remarkable, especially in the way it proposes to obtain 
the needful money. They ask for " leave to erect a lottery 
for the raising a sum sufficient to build a new church and a 
parsonage house." 

For reasons which can easily be inferred, neither of these 
petitions was ever granted. 

Then followed a period of several years during which 
the people slowly recovered from the effects of the war, 
and started upon a new couree of activity and pros- 
perity. During this time this congregation had occasional 
preaching of their own, and the rest of the time worshiped 
with the other church. So far as extant records show, the 
years until 1787 were filled with ineflectual attempts at 
union between the two congregations, with temporary sup- 
plies by this church, and unsuccessful calls addressed to de- 
sired ministers. In all these movements one of the most 
prominent persons was General John Williams. He subse- 
quently became one of the other church after the marriage 
of his daughter to the Rev. Alexander Proudfit ; but prior 
to this had been, for years, a devoted member of this church, 
one of its most active and efficient helpers, and for several 
years one of its board of trustees. It is from among his 
papers that many of the valuable documents which throw 
light upon this time have been derived. 

One of the calls which finally failed was to the Rev. 
John 'JMcDonald, of Albany. This was .signed by one hun- 
dred and thirty male persons, and promised to the minister 
a mansion-house, with parsonage of eighty-eight acres; also 
the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds settlement-money 
and an annual salary of one hundred and twenty pounds. 

About twenty years had now elapsed since this church 
began its work, and eighteen since its actual organization. 
Previous failures and disappointments were at last to be re- 
warded by the installation of a pastor. 

A call addressed Sept. 27, 1787, to Rev. John Warford 
was accepted. 

The following are the names of the signers of the call : 
John Williams, Adam Martin, Abram Turner, Jr., Eben- 
ezer Ru.ssell, Joseph McCracken, H. BlcCollister, Joseph 
Younglove, Allen Hunsdon, Wm. Brown, Nathaniel Gray, 
James Bothell, Robert Hopkins, Samuel Hopkins, Wm. 
McCracken, John jMcCracken, John McCrea, John McDon- 
ald, Francis Lamman, James Rogers, David Rood, John 
McCleary, James Gault, John Narrens, Samuel Safford, 
Jo.seph Wilson, 'Benjamin Harvey, John Gray, Jr., David 
Thomas, John Conkey, James Henderson, Joshua Conkey, 

Honeywood, Wm. Henderson. Chris. Paige, Jonathan 

Hayford, Alex. Turner, Jr., James Long, Daniel McCleary, 
James Crow, Thomas McCleary, James Hopkins, George 
Hopkius, Samuel McCracken, Jr., David McCracken, Sam- 
uel JlcCracken, Sr., John Gaut, Benjamin Cleavland, Job 
Cleavland, Abel Cleavland, Aaron Stone, Abner Stone, 
James Taklos, Walter Martin, Edward Gray, Henry Shep- 





-^fe^-CJ^^X, 



MRS. WILLIAM JICKIE. 



William McKie was born in the town of Cambridge, 
Washington Co., N. Y., in the year 1796. He was third 
son in a family of eleven children of James McKie and 
Elizabeth Wilson, the former a native of Scotland, who 
came to this country with his parents prior to the Kevolu- 
tionary war, stopping first in New Jersey, but subsequently 
settling in the town of Cambridge, this county, and was 
one of the first families to settle in the county. The father, 
James McKie, was a .soldier in the war for independence, 
and it is supposed was married and settled in this county 
about that time. 

Mr. McKie spent his boyhood days at home on the 
farm, receiving the advantages of the meagre district 
schools of those days ; but there he became impressed with 
a desire for knowledge of passing events, and during his 
whole life was a man of reading and study, and especially 
interested himself in the study of the Bible and secular 
literary research. 

His father was a well-to-do farmer in the town of Cam- 
bridge, and consequently gave his children a fair compe- 
tence to start them in life, William receiving a farm in that 
town. He afterwards purcliased another in the town of 
Salem, which he sold, and purchased another near Salem 
village, where he resided until his death, in 1863. 

For his first wife he married Bliss Nancy, daughter of 
John Law, of Shushan, town of Salem, a man of promi- 
nence in that vicinity, and one of the pioneers of the town 
of Salem. Mrs. McKie was a model Christian woman, — 
a member of the United Presbyterian church. She died 
April 18, 1838. For his second wife, in the year 1847, 
he married Mrs. Julia, widow of the late Ira Smith, and 



daughter of Josiah Austin and Mary Bush, of Suffield, 
Conn. Mrs. McKie, the second child in a family of six 
children of Josiah Austin, was born May 4, 1805, and 
traces her ancestry to England. She resides on the farm, 
and in the residence near Salem, where she came after her 
marriage, and desires to place the portrait of her husband 
in the history of the county in which the family have lived 
so long. She has no children. 

Mr. McKie, although an active supporter of political 
interests, was not solicitous of either oiBce or emolument 
arising from the same, and never consented to accept of 
office in his town or county. He was first a Whig, and 
subsequently a Republican. 

His life was one of great activity, and besides being a 
farmer in his later years, he engaged largely in buying and 
selling wood, which business he carried on for several years 
in Salem. He invested quite largely in timber lands in 
other parts of the State. He was one of the directors of 
the old State Bank of Salem during its existence. In his 
business operations he was successful ; a man possessed of 
much shrewdness and sagacity ; a warm supporter of church 
interests, although not identified as a member. To Mr. 
McKie the village of Salem is largely indebted for their 
fine cemetery, second to none in the county, and, perhaps, 
in the State, outside the cities. He was the principal mover 
in founding the cemetery, and was president of the Cemetery 
Association until the time of his death. He was interested 
in all enterprises tending to advance the best interests of 
society, and a liberal supporter of church and school in- 
terests. Although passed away, his influence still remains. 
He was respected and honored by all who knew him. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



157 



ard, Archibald McCollister, James Bowen, James Thomp- 
son, Wm. Adams, Ezra Dyer, Peter Rowell, John Adams, 
Daniel Faulkner, John Faulkner, Samuel Faulkner, James 
McKillip, Dan Rude, Moses Bartlett, John Savage, Mat- 
thew Claughry, Robert Fennel, John McMickil, Abraham 
Turner, Isaac Lindsay, Jesse Durkcy, Alexander McNitt, 
Isaac Mitchel, Daniel McNitt, Nathan Morgan, Alexander 
Gault, Joseph Slarrow, Moses Blartin, Reuben Cheney, 
Lemuel Clapp, Abner Dwelle, Stephen Clap, Alexander 
Turner, Aaron Tafl, Benjamin Wilson, Robert Fennel, 
Thomas Baker. 

His formal installation was in July, ITSD, though he had 
labored here for a year or more before that date. 

The interval between this call and Mr. Warford's instal- 
lation was occupied in putting the financial affairs of the 
congregation into better condition. The church building 
had probably been finished several years, and on Nov. 1-1, 
1788, a deed was executed by Savage & Conkey, attorneys 
for the " proprietors," by which, according to the promise 
made twenty-one years before, the three lots, Nos. 91, 192, 
and 188, extending from the present carriage-shop in South 
Salem southward over the hill to Juniper swamp, were con- 
veyed to the trustees of this congregation, " in consideration 
and for the sole use of supporting a regular gospel minister 
of the Presbyterian persuasion, belonging to the synod of 
New Y'ork and Philadelphia, in and over said congregation 
in Salem." 

There is no connection between the way these three lots 
were conveyed and the possession of that one occupied by 
the successive church edifices. These three were the part 
of the " proprietors' " portion originally set apart for religious 
purposes. This one was part probably of Hamilton ^IcCol- 
lister's original tract, and by him appropriated for the site 
of the New England church. No formal deed, however, 
appears to have been given at the time, and accordingly 
when General Williams purchased McCollistcr's lands the 
title to the church-site became vested in him, and remained 
thus for several years. On Oct. 25, 1797, about the time 
of his becoming a member of the other congregation, there 
was executed by General Williams and Susanna, his wife, 
what might be termed a "deed of confirmation," by which 
this lot was for the sura of one dollar conveyed to the trustees 
of the church. 

Mr. Warford remained pastor of the church until his 
death. May 19, 1802. 

He appears to have been a man of earnest devotion for 
the cause to which ho had consecrated himself, a scholarly 
man and able. He took a deep interest in the founding of 
the academy here, and was one of the original twenty-five 
trustees. Perhaps no more correct estimate can be given 
of him than that furnished by the inscription on his tomb- 
stone : " He was an affectionate pastor, husband, parent, 
and friend ; an evangelical preacher, meek in his disposition, 
and grave in his address." 

The old I'rame church, in which Mr. Warford preached, 
and which remained practically unchanged during the pas- 
torate of 5Ir. Tomb, is deserving of something more than 
a passing notice. It was a large wooden building, about 
seventy-five feet long by sixty deep, and stood with its 
length towards the front of the lot. It ]irobnbly covered 



some portion of the ground occupied by the present church, 
but, while running in the other direction lengthwise, it also 
stood back from the street, on a line with the buildings on 
the east. It had two rows of large windows, and three 
different entrances, one on each side except the north. Of 
the interior arrangements of the old church one can form 
quite a clear idea from the descriptions still given by older 
persons, and from a plan of the pews, drawn earlier than 
1808, giving the names of the different occupants at the 
time, with the amounts of the several assessments, which 
has been recently discovered, and is now among the papers 
of the trustees. 

On the middle of the north side, facing therefore the 
breadth, not the length, of the building, was the pulpit, 
high up against the wall, and surmounted by its immense 
" sounding-board," the possibility of whose falling and cru.sh- 
ing the minister always afforded so large a field for the 
wondering interest of the children. 

The pews in the body of the church, and along the sides, 
as well as some in the galleries, were the great, high, square 
boxes of the day, varying in size, some of them nearly or 
quite eight by nine feet, with a seat running around three 
of the sides, so that the congregation sat faced every way, 
with doors that closed and fastened, and backs so high that 
a small person was almost completely hidden from view 
when .seated. The principal aisle, which was probably fully 
five feet wide, ran from the main door, on the .south side 
of the church, to the front of the pulpit. Parallel to this 
were two narrower aisles, also running north and south, and 
about two-thirds of the way from the centre to the walls. 
The church was likewise crossed by three other narrow 
aisles, extending ea.st and west, one through the middle of 
the building, connecting thus the two end entrances, one 
just in front of the pulpit, and one near the south side. 
This arrangement gave four solid squares of pews, with six 
pews in each, making twenty-four in all, in the body of the 
church, and a row of pews all around the four walls, con- 
tinuous, except as broken by the pulpit, the three doors, 
and the two gallery stairs in the southeast and southwest 
corners. This made forty-six pews on the floor of the 
church, besides those in the galleries; and to these forty- 
six another was added in 1809. At that time the trustees 
executed what might be termed a ground-rent for the 
term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years to Judge 
Blanchard, allowing him to erect at his own expense a 
square pew in the vacant place at the east door, and for 
which he was to pay the annual rent of eleven dollars 
during the time there was a settled pastor over the con- 
gregation . 

Wide galleries surrounded the church on three sides, 
and at each corner of the southern one there was a large 
square pew, raised higher than the rest, and appropriated 
exclusively for the use of colored persons. What the ob- 
ject was of this greater altitude, whether necessitated by 
the structure of the stairs, whether it was designed that 
their behavior might be scrutinized more easily, or whether 
there was any poetic idea of dispensing to them some pecu- 
liar advantages, no one seems now able to decide. The 
large choir, which in those days led the singing of the con- 
gregation, usually occupied and almo.st filled the main gal- 



158 



IIISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



lery ; but there must have been, occasionally at least, some 
variation, for on January 22, 1822, in connection with the 
appointment of Leonard Church, chorister (and the choos- 
ing a chorister was one of the items of business at the 
annual meeting), it was voted, " that he sit below stairs in 
front of the pulpit to lead the singing," and that an altera- 
tion in the deacons' seat be allowed, so as to make it more 
convenient for this purpose. 

All the extensive amount of wood-work in these large 
pews was left wholly unpainted, and many are the stories 
told even now of the experiences of the younger ladies of 
the congregation who attempted to make them as bright and 
clean as their sense of propriety re(|uircd. 

Admirable places those great S(juare pews were for holding 
a large family, but not very convenient for looking at or 
listening to the minister; nor, if we may trust tradition, 
was the utmost devoutness of manner always maintained 
behind their high backs. It is said to have been a neces- 
sity of those times, happily past now, to have certain per- 
sons in the congregation whose duty it was to see that the 
older ones did not sleep nor the younger play within these 
pews. How early this usage may have prevailed here is 
unknown ; but we find that on January 25, 1820, Seth 
Brown and James H. Seymour were by vote appointed, to 
quote the words, " Tything men for the purpose of keeping 
good order and good conduct amongst the hearers while at 
church ;" and although the name is not repeated, the rec- 
ords for the next eighteen years show the election of men 
for this duty. 

Following Mr. Warford's decease in 1802, there succeeds 
a space of nearly four yeai's during which the church was 
without any settled pastor. The people were divided be- 
tween two ministers, one the llev. Samuel Tomb, who sub- 
sequently became their much-loved pastor, and the Rev. 
Walter FuUerton. 

There was, however, due submission to the will of the 
majority. Mr. Tomb was installed Feb. 0, 180C. His 
pastorate lasted twenty-six years. 

For the first twenty-five years of its existence there were 
no heating arrangements in the old frame church, except 
such as the people brought with them in the .shape of the 
old-fashioned foot-stoves, now almost forgotten. In 1808 
this deficiency was met, and a stove was obtained, for the 
procuring of which John Gray, Nathaniel Wilson, and Rev. 
Mr. Tomb were appointed a special committee. This stove, 
which was a large one, over three feet long, was placed, 
when obtained, on a high bench, as high as the backs of the 
pews, in the broad aisle and immediately in front of the 
main door ; the congrogatiou coming in for the time through 
the side entrances. Subsequently two stoves were obtained 
in place of this one. Tiiese were placed one in front of 
each of the end doors, the people coming in then by the 
front. 

During the War of 1812 the members of this congrega- 
tion were fully enlisted upon the side of the country, and 
the company which started from here took almost every 
able-bodied man from among our people. It is afiirmod 
that on the Sunday after their departure there was but one 
man in the whole church besides the pastor; and persons 
still living recall most vividly the earnest prayer Mr. Tomb 



ofiered on that day, that the blessing of God might follow 
the fathers and brothere and sons who had gone, and that, 
if possible, they might all be returned in safety. He was, 
in fact, unable to finish his sermon that day. After preach- 
ing awhile he stopped, exclaiming, " I cannot go on I I 
am thinking so constantly of the ones that have left us 
that I cannot keep my mind on my sermon. And if God 
will spare my life, and Providence direct my way, I shall 
this week be with them." And but for the news that the 
company was to return at once, he would have gone. 

In connection with this church, it may be the proper 
place to mention the great historic revival in Salem during 
the year 1824. It was general throughout the town. And 
the two churches were united harmoniously in the great 
work. 

At the preparatory lecture only just previous, Mr. Tomb 
had spoken in the most despondent manner, saying that 
none were uniting with the church to take the places made 
vacant by death, and that he felt as if the church was 
almost ready to die out. Little did he foresee then how 
quickly the light was to dispel the gloom. 

As Mr. Tomb was on his way to church one Sunday 
morning ho was told" that there was a stranger at the hotel 
who desired to see him. Going there he found a minister 
who had come on to this place the night before, out of his 
way, because there were no religious services in the place 
where he would otherwise have stopped. Mr. Tomb invi- 
ted the brother to preach for him, which he did, taking as 
his text in the morning the verses which enumerate Job's 
substance of " seven thousand sheep and three thousand 
camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred 
she asses and a very great household.'' The novelty of the 
text and sermon drew a large number of persons to the 
social meeting in the evening. At its close the preacher 
requested the elders of the church to remain, and began 
addressing them a series of most pointed questions, asking 
each in turn how long he had been a church member and 
how long an elder, what his own religious state was, what 
work he was doing for the Master, what the condition was 
of religion in his neighborhood, what prayer-meetings were 
held, and what Christian work performed. To several 
ladies, who had not yet left the church, he addressed simi- 
lar inquiries ; and then exacted from each a solemn prom- 
ise to visit his neighbors immediately and converse with 
them on the subject of personal religion. 

So the evening meeting closed. The next morning the 
strange minister went his way. Neither record nor tradi- 
tion tells us anything about him ; even his name is not re- 
membered ; but only eternity can reveal the amount of good 
that resulted from the influences he was the agent for set- 
ting in motion. 

A prayer-meeting was commenced in the school-house a 
mile east of the village, and a large attendance immediately 
secured. From there the religious interest spread into the 
village, and then into the districts around. Prayer-meet- 
ings were quickly started in every direction ; and, before 
men were aware of it, a mighty revival was in full progress. 
Mr. Tomb himself seems not to have recognized the move- 
ment at the outset. Coming on Sunday evening, contrary 
to his custom, to the prayer-meeting held in what was 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW Y'ORK. 



159 



termed the " session-house," he was completely surprised, 
exclaiiiiiiig, " Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew 
it not.'' 

For two months the revival lost none of its power. 
Meetings were held mornings and evenings. The two pas- 
tors worked harmoniously together. The element of sing- 
ing entered very largely into the meetings. Little sheets 
were printed containing special hymns to be used, and 
although some objected strongly to such an innovation, the 
mass of the people sung them gladly, and testified to the 
power they exerted. 

When it came to the examination of persons asking to 
be received into the church, the session were obliged to 
hold meetings on successive days in the different school- 
houses. The communion season followed, and presented 
such a scene as those who witnessed it never ceased to re- 
member. Over one hundred persons were baptized, — per 
sons of all ages and former character. Whole families 
presented themselves in the broad aisle before the pulpit, 
and among them a man who was accompanied by his chil- 
dren and grandchildren. As the result of this revival one 
hundred and seventy-five persons united with this church, 
and one hundred and twenty-five persons were added to Dr. 
I'roudfit's church. 

The revival of 1831 was almost equally remarkable. 
This did not have so striking a commencement as its prede- 
cessor ; yet in the additions to this church it was even larger 
than the first. It seems to have originated in " a four-days' 
meeting," such as were not uncommon then, when several of 
the neighboring ministers came and labored together. One 
of its peculiarities was the holding a meeting at five o'clock 
in the morning. To this persons came from distances of 
tliree or four miles around, returning home at its close, get- 
ting their breakfast, and then coming to the village again 
for the next meeting. There would be, besides the five 
o'clock service, preaching in the church in the forenoon, and 
again in the afternoon, and prayer-meetings in the houses 
and school-houses in the evening. To these last meetings 
ladies of the village rode and walked through the mud — 
for it was spring — one, and even two miles. 

It is related, as illustrating the depth of feeling that per- 
vaded the congregations assembled, that one evening Rev. 
Mr. Kinney, coming to the church a little late, found it too 
crowded for him to get a seat below, and so went into 
the gallery, where he sat through the service, unnoticed. 
At the close of the meeting the benediction was pronounced, 
the congregation standing ; but no one seemed inclined to 
leave the house. Mr. Kinney, noticing from his position 
the evident waiting of the people, and realizing how oppor- 
tune the moment was for deepening the impression already 
made, stepped up on the back of his seat, and in a clear, 
strong voice and solemn tones, began to sing — 

"Sinner, stop — Oh stop and think, 
Before you farther go ; 
Will you sport upon the brink 
or everlasting woo?" 

The effect was marvelous. The whole congregation was 
melted by it and sat down in a body, waiting fur the service 
to be continued. 

As the fruit of this revival two hundred and twelve per- 



sons were added to this church on examination ; and of the.se 
one hundred and fifty-four united, and seventy-four were 
baptized, at the same time, the communion in July, 1831. 
Within three weeks after Mr. Tomb's resignation this 
congregation, at a meeting held February, 21, 1832, voted 
to invite the Rev. John Whiten, of Middle Granville. 
This call was accepted, and Mr. Whiton installed the 21st 
of March. 

During the summer following his installation the old 
frame church, which had remained the same, with the excep- 
tion of the addition of the steeple, for nearly fifty years, 
was thoroughly repaired. The whole interior arrangements 
of the church were changed. The old-fashioned great 
square pews were removed, and ordinary slips substituted. 
The high pulpit, with its immense sounding-board, wtis 
taken down from the wall on the north side and placed 
lower down, probably, and without the sounding-board, at 
the east end. The galleries were modernized, and the 
entrance made through the west door alone. These repairs 
were made at an expense of about three thousand dollars, and 
were probably completed by December, 1832, for then the 
building was insured, the first time apparently, for two 
thousand five hundred dollars. 

The remodeled church was destined to stand but a brief 
time. On the morning of Feb. 28, 1836, occurred its de- 
struction by fire. The flames, which probably caught from 
the stove-pipe, and in a partition through which it passed, 
consumed the building completely. The congregation was 
still in debt for the repairs of three and a half years before ; 
the insurance had been allowed to expire unrenewed just 
five days previous. Still, with undaunted courage, the people 
set themselves at once to repairing their loss. The very 
next day, with admirable spirit, it was resolved to rebuild 
at once, as large as before, of brick instead of wood ; and 
the sum of three thousand dollars was then subscribed on 
the spot. 

The work of rebuilding was commenced at once ; the 
foundations and walls then constructed are those on the 
present edifice. The stone for the foundation was obtained 
at a cost of three hundred dollars, from the old quarry west 
of the village, and the brick were manufactured in the place. 
The house was first built with the intention of using the 
basement as a Sunday-school and lecture-rooiu, but this was 
early abandoned because of the peculiarity of the soil. 

The change that was made in location was perhaps of ques- 
tionable advantage. The old church stood with its side to 
the street, and back from it on a line wi.th the buildings on 
the east. In building the now one they very properly made 
it front the street, but also crowded it clear forward, almost 
to the fence. This was contrary to the wishes of many, 
and especially of Judge Blanchard, who kindly offered, if 
they would not do this, to give them all the land they might 
need in the rear. This offer was refused, and we have now 
no chance for a lawn in front of the church, that might 
add greatly to the beauty of its location. 

Two items, with reference to the rebuilding, serve to 
show that this church early took a decided attitude upon 
the temperance question. The articles of agreement with 
the contractor fi)r the mason work, which are still extant, 
signed by Marvin Freeman, Aloiizo Gray, and James Y. 



160 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Watson, contain this specification, " tliat no ardent spirits 
or strong drink shall be brought upon the premises by any 
person in employment on the job, and that he shall in all 
reasonable ways discountenance his workmen from the use 
of intoxicating drinks." The trustees' book also bears this 
note, in the handwriting of the clerk, Mr. Jo.sepb Hawley : 
" It may be proper to record that the roof of the church 
was raised on the 22d of September, 183(1, without acci- 
dent and injury to any one, and without using any ardent 
spirits." That shows a decided advance upon the state of 
things indicated by an old paper, which bears date June, 
1808, and is still extant. This is a bill rendered by Mr. 
Joseph Hawley for entertainment of presbytery, and one of 
the items in it is " one quart of brandy, six shillings." 

The new church was completed in the spring following, 
and was dedicated, probably, on June 1, 1837. It is of 
interest to note that the metal which formed the first bell 
in the old frame house, does, after passing through two 
successive fires, and after receiving needful additions to its 
amount, still ring forth its calls to the house of God. 

In June of the year succeeding this fire the llev. Mr. 
Whiton presented to this people his resignation of the pas- 
torate. 

Rev. A. B. Lambert succeeded him, and was installed 
Nov. 7, 1837. His piistorate continued to Oct. 12, 18C5. 
He was succeeded by Rev. John Henry Brodt for a part 
of two years, and the present pastor. Rev. Edward P. 
Sprague, was installed April 9, 1SC8. 

During the pastorate of Dr. Lambert there were several 
critical exigencies which, with rare ability, sustained by a 
judicious board of elders, he was enabled to lead the con- 
gregation safely through. The division of the Presbyterian 
church into old and new in the United States compelled 
this church to decide its relations. The loss by fire, and 
the resulting debt, — the church having been destroyed 
April 12, 1840, and rebuilt within a year, — also called for 
courage, faith, and sacrifices by both pastor and people. 

The loss of two volumes of church records by the burn- 
ing of the houses of the pastor and clerk, is severely felt, 
as they were carefully written up, and contained very 
valuable material. 

The elders of this church have been the following : 

Edward Savage, from 17S9 to October, 1833. 

Daniel JlcCleary, " " " July, 1797. 

Alexander Turner, " " " April, 1802. 

Daniel McNitt, before October, 1804, to November, 
1829. 

William Harkness, before January, 1798, to June, 1801. 

Job Cleveland, " " 1801, to April, 1S2G. 

Seth Brown, M.D., " " 1809, to May, 1840. 

Thomas McClaughny, before January, 1811, to Septem- 
ber, 1842. 

James Bell, to February, 1813. 

James Stevenson, from June, 1815, to September, 1818. 

James Harkness, " " " to May, 1834. 

Asa Fitch, M.D., from February, 1819, to August, 1843. 

Daniel Ilarkn&ss, " " " to July, 1857, 

James H. Seymour, " " " to July, 1842. 

Marvin Freeman, " " 1834, to Juno, 18G9. 



David Cleveland, from February, 1834, to August, 1851. 

Lyman Sanderson, " September, 1841, to May, 1845. 

Joseph Hawley, " " " to September, 

1858. 

David Gray, from January, 1848, to Augu.st, 1852. 

Benjamin Cleveland, from January, 1848, to August, 
1852." 

Levi II. Cleveland, from January, 1848. 

Orla Hall, from June, 1859, to March, 1863. 

John Lambert, M.D., from June, 1859. 

Clark Oviate, from June, 1859, to November, 1862. 

Elijah G. Atwood, from March, 18GG. 

John Liddle, " " " to January, 1875. 

Seth Clark, « " " to April, 1876. 

William 0. Shaler, from March, 1866, to September, 
1877. 

The present ofiicers of the church (1878) are: pastor. 
Rev. Edward P. Sprague ; Session, Benjamin Cleveland, 
Levi II. Cleveland, John Lambert, M.D., Elijah G. At- 
wood ; trustees, Cornelius L. Allen, Norman H. Beebe, 
Leonard M. Liddle, Bernard Blair, James Clark, Franklin 
Stevens, William McCleary, James H. Cleveland, William 
Walker. 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SALEM.* 

This church, located at Shushan, was organized June 19, 
1790. The first book of records having been lost, we are 
unable to give a full list of the constituent members, but 
have gathered a few names, as follows : A.sa Estee, Silas 
Estee, Oliver Brown, and Sarah HuflF. We also find some 
others who united with this church from 1792 to 1808, as 
follows : James Wolden, Esther Volentine, Rev. Obed 
Warren (who united with the church by letter ]May 28, 
1792, although he was with the church when it was or- 
ganized and continued with it and subsequently became the 
first pastor), Sarah Lake, Bathsheba Beers, Sarah Wash- 
burn, Deborah Wheeler, Sarah Bruce, John Herrington, 
John Arnold, Stephen Estee, Charles Ford, Amos Terryl, 
Josiah Goodale, Gideon Church, James Hastings, Aaron 
Grover, Nathaniel Winslow, James Lake, William Eager, 
Eleazer Harmon, David Brown, John Estee, Ephraim 
Wheeler, James Ilusted, Reuben Wait, John Magahan, 
Oliver Cobleigh, Ansel Estee, Asa Handol, Ebenezer El- 
dredge, Daniel Little, Loton Lawson, Theodore Hastings, 
Lewis Brown, Thomas Stevens, James McKee, Anna Her- 
rington, Elizabeth Brown, Sarah Estee, Abigail Estee, 
Polly Letts, Betsy Ford, Anna Younglove, Tabitha War- 
ren, Abijah Wyman, Persis Goodale, Rachel Terry, Geru.sha 
Cleveland, JIarilla Grover, Submit Estee, Anna Heath, 
Amarilla Heath, Polly Winslow, Lydia Eager, Mary 
Fuller, Polly Allen, Sally Terryl, Anna Drake, Ruth 
Church, Margaret Hurd, Hannah Babcock, Sally Lawson, 
Lydia Lawson, Barhiel Magahan, Betsy Cobleigh, Polly 
Little, Peggy Randall, Sarah Blowers, Nancy Volentine, 
Polly Church, Leviah Eldredge, Mrs. James Ilusteed, 
Eunice Ilixon, Lucy Lake, Caroline Dirnahue, Mrs. James 
McKee, and Nancy Sirapgou. 

The house of worship was commenced in the year 1800. 

«■ Prepa-.-cd by D. V. T. Qua, March, ISTS. 




r;4RM Residence or J. M.THOMPSON, Salem .W/(sHiNGTON County N Y 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



IGl 



Previous to this, and during the building, they held their 
meetings in a dwelling-house situated a little east of the 
present railroad, near the dwelling of the late Lucy McMil- 
lin. That house was at that time used as a parsonage. 
The Rev. Obed Warren helped organize the church, and 
we presume the council was composed of delegates from 
the Greenwich Baptist church, organized in 1766 ; Shafts- 
bury, Vt., in 1768; White Creek, 1772; Hartford, 1783; and 
North Granville, 1784. The Rev. Obed Warren supplied this 
church until May 28, 1792, when he became their settled 
pastor, and continued as such until 1812, when the Rev. 
Samuel Plumb was called, and remained with the church 
until 1814. The Rev. Thomas Baker became pastor July 
1, 1815, and remained until August 28, 1819. November 
13, 1819, the Rev. William McCuUer was recognized as 
pastor, and continued until April 28, 1828. May 3, 1828, 
the Rev. Burton Carpenter commenced his labors, and re- 
mained until March 31, 1832. On October 21, 1832, the 
Rev. Anthony Case was called to the pastoi-al charge, and 
remained one year. From this time the church was with- 
out a settled pastor, and was supplied in part by A. M. 
Swai,n and R. D. Harrington, licentiates. July 2, 1836,\he 
Rev. Archibald Kenyon became pastor, and remained until 
May 5, 1838. The same day he resigned the Rev. Sydney 
A. Estee became pastor, and remained with the church 
until April 11, 1840. Immediately on his resig!iation the 
Rev. William Brand assumed the pastorate of the church, 
and continued as such until March 7, 1842, when he was 
succeeded by the Rev. Perrin B. Fisk, April 1, 1842. He 
remained but one year. On the Ist of 5Iay, 1843, the 
church called the Rev. Edwin Westcott, and he continued 
pastor until April 1, 1846. He was succeeded by the 
Rev. James J. Peck, who officiated until April 1, 1849. 
On the 5th of January, 1850, Rev. Winthrop Morse was 
called to the pastorate, and continued his labors until April 
1, 1852. On the 1st of May, 1852, the church extended 
a call to the Rev. Oscar F. A. Spinning, who served the 
church until October 15, 1854. 

The church then recalled the Rev. James J. Peck, who 
entered on his second pastorate Dec. 17, 1854, and served 
the church until Dec. 27, 1856. On the 2d of September, 
1857, the Rev. Edwin P. Brigham was ordained, and con- 
tinued as pastor until Nov. 27, 1859. Jan. 1, 1860, the 
Rev. Philander Perry was ordained, and remained until 
Sept. 22, 1861. The church was then without a pastor 
until April 13, 1862, when a call was given to the Rev. 
Israel C. Carpenter, who ministered to the church until 
Jan. 1, 1865. The church then called the Rev. Erastus 
Willard, who commenced his labors March 19, 1865, and 
continued a faithful minister of the gospel fur nearly seven 
years, when the Master called him to his eternal rest. He 
died Dec. 29, 1871, and rests on that beautiful island 
(Rhode Island) in the sea, while old ocean chants his 
requiem. During his sickness the church was supplied by 
the Rev. Samuel C. Chandler, who was subsequently 
settled as pastor. He closed his pastorate June 1, 1872. 
Oct. 2, 1872, the Rev. Eliphalet Owen was called to 
the pastorate, and ministered acceptably to the church 
until Oct. 17, 1875. May 21, 1876, the Rev. William 
W. Moore accepted a call and entered on his labors. 
21 



Owing to sickness, Mr. Moore resigned his charge April 
22, 1877. Stated preaching was had by supplies until 
July 1, 1877, when the church extended a call to the Rev. 
Joseph B. Lewis, who, at this writing (March, 1878), is 
officiating in that capacity. This church, during nearly 
eighty-eight years of its existence, has had twenty-two 
pastors. 

The erection of their house of worship was commenced 
in the year 1800, but not completed until some time in the 
month of June, 1 803, as may be seen from the church 
records. The book commences as follows : 

"book of records. 
" Recorded in this Ijook the proceedings of tliosc who, on the 28th 
day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred, 
did mutually enter into compact and covenant to each other, thereby 
forming a society denominated the Baptist Society, for the purpose 
of building a meeting-house for public worship, and for other reli- 
gious and moral purposes agreeable to their articles of faith and reli- 
gious profession." 

Then follow the proceedings of the first meeting of the 
society for this purpose : 

" Tuesday, Oct. 2S, ] 81)0. 

" SOCIETY-MEICTISa. 

"Meeting opened and proceeded to business in due form. Rev. 
Obed Warren, moderator, and Lucius Gunn, clerk. Voted to build 
a meeting-house, forty feet by fifty, on a certain piece of ground 
furnished by Theodorus Stevens. Also, 

** liesohed, To give said Stevens thirty dollars in the house for said 
lot of ground. 

" Resoh-edj To build the house, cover and close it; then have the 
ground pews sold to defray the expense of building. 

"Chose five trustees, Lucius Gunn, Israel Hodge, Stephen Estee, 
Charles Ford, and Theodorus Stevens." 

After which follows the subscription, with the names and 
the amount each sukscribed. The latter we give : 

Stephen Estee, $100 ; L. and W. Gunn, $50 ; Israel 
Hodge, $50 ; Charles Ford, $50 ; Nathan Thompson, $40 ; 
Josiah Goodale, $50; Silas Estee, $70; William H. Church, 
$40, Benjamin Wyman, $50 ; Samuel Cooper, $20 ; Elisha 
Smith, $5 ; Asa Estee, $30 ; Rufus Church, $20 ; Theodorus 
Stevens, $50 ; William Fuller, $15 ; Bethuel Church, $75 ; 
Jonathan Dunham, $45 ; Samuel Pitts, $25 ; Oliver Brown, 
$20 ; Samuel Lewison, $5 ; Windham Hastings, $22 ; Philip 
Pitts, $10 ; Jabez Hamilton, $16 ; John Hatch, $25 ; Moses 
Bartlett, $20 ; William Henderson, $20 ; Elisha Phillips, 
$4; Caleb Randall, $30; Clark Rice, $10; James Prouty, 
$5, Thomas McKillip, $10, Gould Styles, $25. Total, 
$1007. 

Further entries show the progress of the work during 
the remainder of the year 1800, and until Nov. 2, 1801, 
when the pews were sold as follows : 

No. Pew. Amounts. 

Theodorus Stevens 1 $101.00 

Lucius Gunn 14 94.00 

SilasEstee 28 81.00 

Rufus Church .3 78.00 

Caleb Randall 34 51.00 

Benjamin Wyman -. 13 70.00 

Charles Ford fi GC.OO 

Josiah and Wm. Fuller 4 03.00 

Jonathan Dunham 2 54.00 

Israel llodge 30 63.00 

William U. Church 17 57.00 

Philemon Allen 21 52.00 

Elisha Phillips 31 51.00 

Silas Pccts 32 40.00 

William Henderson 35 38.00 



1C2 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



E. Austin and M. Bartlctt 20 

Stephen Estee 27 

Warham llastiDgs 22 

Asa Estee 36 

(iould Styles .I.i 

Bethuel Church 2I» 

Warham Hastings 5 

Ihez Uamihon 15 

Josiah Gootlale 23 

John Uatch 24 

Oliver Brown 18 

llufus Towns 33 

Jonathan Ileffortl If, 

Nathaniel Haskin 7 

Samuel Barr 18 

Theodorus Stevens 10 

Benjamin Carter i) 

James Bowkcr 12 

Daniel Heath 2n 

Reserved lor the minister 1!) 

[fKWS IX GAI.l.ERV.] 

Silas Church 3 

Eleazur Harmon 2 

Aaron Goodalc 

William Gunn 10 

Nathaniel Winslow IS 

Silas Estee 17 

Daniel and Elias S. Volentine 14 

Ebcnezer Noble 15 

Stephen Estee I) 

Ebcnezer Moore 5 

James Norton Ifi 

David Wright 14 

Benjamin Collins 19 

Moses Bartlett 1 

Increase Wyman 7 

Hugh Moore, Jr 4 



AnionntB. 
$54,110 
81.00 
51.00 
50.00 
4y.00 
SI. 00 
40.00 
42.00 
44.00 

30.no 

37.00 
27.00 
40.00 
3V.00 
18.00 
22.76 

1H.:;7 
15.00 



25.00 
22.00 
24.00 
36.00 
20.00 
22.00 
20.11(1 
16.00 
16.00 
16.00 
16.00 
14.62 
13.62 
111.50 
15.25 
16.00 



Mr. Reuben Fields performed the work, and completed 
the inside of the house ready for plastering for the sum of 
two hundred and sixty dollars, and Mr. Smith did the plas- 
tering. 

The following excerpts from the records need no com- 
ments : 

*' January 1, lSO;i. — Trustees report that they have completed 
said house agreeable to their engagement, settled with their work- 
men, and were ready to give a certificate to each proprietor for bis 
pew. Delivered said certificate and made report of other matters. 

"April 18, 1803.— Made choice of Mr. Stephen Estee, moderator, 
and Elisha Wilson as clerk, of said societies: and it was 

" Jieeolvefl, That the inside work of this house in part — namely, 
front of the gallery-pillars, the desk and its stairs — be painted with 
Prussian blue, and also that of the ornamental part of the work, viz., 
the pine-apple and the two lilies over the desk, be overlaid with gold 
leaf. 

"It was further Jicsofved, That the trustees collect and present to 
Mr. Reuben Field fifty dollars, an extra compensation from this 
society, thereby expressing their approbation of his faithful perform- 
ance of the work, and further indemnifying him for his services. 

"Dec. 26, 1803.— Made choice of Bethuel Church, moderator, and 
Eisha Wilson, clerk, for the ensuing year. Trustees reported that 
they have painted and completed the business proposed to them. 
That there is from the sales of pews an overplus of money (when 
collected), besides finishing the house. 

" The overplus was appropriated to Rev. Obcd AYarren's use. 

" Mond.ay, June 18, 1804. — Society met; Bethuel Church, moder- 
ator. . . . Uearilced, That James Shay take charge of 
the meeting-house, open and shut doors and windows, carry the key, 
and sweep the house or cause it to be swept six times before the 18th 
of April, 1805, viz., four times in summer time and two in winter 
seasons. The service bid oil' by him at tiro dollars tliiily-seeen inid a 
half cmi,." 

It will be seen by the foregoing record that the meeting- 
house was completed about the 18th of June, 1804, and 
must have been dedicated about tliis time. 

We arc unable to give the exact statistics of this church 
through these many years, but its membersliip has never 



been large, averaging about one hundred^ as may be seen 
from the following figures : 

In June, 1835, there were 105 members; 1836, 102; 
1837, 70; 1838, 92; 1839, 87; 1840, GO; 1841, 55; 
1842, 48; 1843, 61; 1844, 91; 1845, 93; 1846, 81; 
1847, 81; 1848, 93; 1849, 97; 1850, 98; 1851, 99; 
1852, 117; 1853, 122; 1854, 129; 1855, 121; 1856, 
118; 1857, 110; 1858, 100; 1859, 109; 18G0, 106; 
1861, 109; 1862, 110; 1863, 105; 1864, 107; 1865, 
104; 1866,105; 1867,84; 1868,78; 1869, 89 ; 1870, 
87; 1871, 89; 1872, 86; 1873, 85; 1874, 86; 1875, 
83; 1876, 79; 1877, 98; 1878, 105. 

We are unable to give the yearly membership previous 
to 1835, as no record was made before that year. The 
first Sabbath-school was organized in 1826, but the name 
of the superintendent is not given. Aug. 6, 1831, is the 
first record given of the election of a superintendent, at 
which time Thomas Stevens, Jr., was chosen. In 1843 
the Sabbath-school was reorganized and Daniel Volentine 
chftsen superintendent, and served as such until 1850, when 
S. D. W. Simpson was chosen superintendent, and has 
continued faithfully to discharge the duties of that position 
until the present time (1878), and still occupies that 
position. 

The church was first incorporated Feb. 26, 1836, as 
" The First Regular Baptist Church of Salem." The first 
trustees chosen under this incorporation were Thomas 
Stevens, Joseph Rose, Cyrus Johnson, Elijah Eldrcdge, 
Arza Brown, and Luinan Stevens. The State laws having 
been somewhat changed in regard to church property, a 
reorganization took place June 7, 1856. Samuel Gilbert 
and Dewitt C. Brown were cho.sen as chairmen, and Wm. 
Lawrence as clerk. The following trustees were chosen : 
Wm. Lawrence, Joel Volentine, Dewitt C. Brown, Martin 
Williams, Simeon D. W. Simpson, and Milton B. Stevens. 

The " Washington Association" held its fourth anniver- 
sary with this church in 1830. After the " Wiushington 
Association" was changed to the " Washington Union Bap- 
tist Association," the nineteenth anniversary was held with 
this church in 1853. 

In 1845 the church edifice was thoroughly repaired and 
modernized. A tower was placed on the south end of the 
building, in which was placed a fine bell that continues to 
call the congregation to their stated worship. 

In 1815 a house and garden were purchased as a par- 
sonage for the sum of $300. This house and lot are now 
owned by Oliver Shedd, and the house is still standing, 
used as a tenant-house. In 1847 this parsonage was sold, 
and a lot was purchased in the village and a neat and com- 
modious parsonage erected thereon, which is still in use by 
the pastor. 

The following have been licensed to preach by this 
church, viz. : Daniel Eldrcdge, Sept. 18, 1824; Sidney A. 
Estee and James Eldrcdge, March 5, 1831 ; William W. 
Moore, June 1, 1833 ; and James C. Stevens, May 1, 1852. 

The following have served as deacons of the church since 
its organization, with the time of their election: Stephen 
Estee and Charles Ford, Nov. 2, 1805 ; James Lake, April 
30, 1808; Thomas Stevens, Oct. 3, 1828; Jo.seph Rose 
and Clark K. Estee, Aug. 6, 1831; Samuel Gilbert, April 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW Y^ORK. 



163 



7, 1838; Lyman Bartlett, Feb. 1, 1840; Simeon D. W. 
Simpson, May 4,1844; Elijah Eldrediie, July 5, 1845; 
Dewitt C. Brown, March 10, 1856; D. V. T. Qua, Paul 
Weisbach, and James Williams, Aui;;. 2, 1873. The pres- 
ent deacons are S. D. W. Simpson, I). V. T. Qua, Paul 
Weisbach, and James Williams (1878). 

The following have served the church as clerks since its 
organization, viz. : Rev. Obed Warren, from June 19, 1790, 
to Jan. 4, 1812 ; Aaron Grovcr, from Jan. 4, 1812, to May 
21,1815; Ezra King, from May 21, 1815, to Nov. 13, 
1824; Clark K. Estee, from Nov. 13, 1824, to July 2, 
1836 ; Thomas Stevens, Jr., from July 2, 1836, to Feb. 2, 
1844 ; Daniel Volentine (2d), from Feb. 2, 1844, to April 
29, 1851 ; James C. Stevens, from April 29, 1851, to May 
2, 1852 ; William Lawrence, from May 2, 1852, to June 
4, 1859 ; D. V. T. Qua, from June 4, 1859, and is still 
officiating in that capacity (March, 1878). 

The present trustees are S. D. W. Simpson, D. V. T. 
Qua, Paul Weisbach, James Williams, Fletcher M. Sinalley, 
and Almond Sweet. 

In the year 1876 many improvements were made, as fol- 
lows : An addition twenty-four feet square, built on the 
north end of the church edifice, for prayer, social, and 
other meetings. The main or original building was re- 
painted both outside and in, the walls of the inside beau- 
tifully frescoed, the main audience-room carpeted, and the 
seats cushioned ; a baptistery put in, together with chande- 
lier, pulpit-chairs, lamps, etc., and the congregation now 
has a neat and commodious house of worship. 

This church as a whole has been attended with a good 
degree of prosperity. There have been times of depression 
" when Zion has languished and but few came to her solemn 
feasts," but these seasons of discouragement have been 
closely followed by glad tokens of Divine approval. There 
has never been serious dissension nor prevailing heresy. 
The church has always been fully loyal to the faith of our 
fathers, baptizing none but professed believers, and ad- 
mitting none to the Lord's table but those they deemed 
Scripturally baptized. Reviewing all the past with deep 
thanksgiving, we can say to-day, " Hitherto the Lord has 
helped us." This church is in harmony with the triumphal 
march of civil and religious liberty. In these centennial 
years of our national existence, it may well bo asked, From 
■whence have sprung these grand principles which are the 
distinctive features of our civilization ? The response must 
be. From the Bible : they were taught by Christ and his 
apostles, by martyrs and confessors in all ages. 

"With malice towards none, and charity for all," this 
venerable church, for nearly eighty-eight years, has held 
these distinctive principles ; and its colors are still nailed to 
tlie mast, and the old banner still floats on the breeze, and 
on its ample folds are still inscribed, " One Lord, one faith, 
one baptism," — •" for other foundation can no man lay than 
tliat is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 

THE MORAVIAN CHURCH IN SALEM.* 

A mission of this church was nearly coincident in its 
establishment with the first settlement of that part of the 

* By ITon. James Gibson. 



town called the " valley of Camden," and its first missionary 
was the Rev. Father Abraham Bininger, the epitaph on 
whose monument is given in connection with the ancient 
grave-yard in that valley. He seems to have been the only 
minister of that church from his coming here, in or about 
1770, till his death. Many years elap.sed before another 
came. 

The second was the Rev. Ciiarlcs A. Block, coming in 
November, 1832. In the course of the year 1834, a com- 
modious though small church edifice was erected. This 
was followed by a parsonage in 1835. Mr. Bleck left in 
October, 1838. 

The third was the Rev. Emanuel Rondthaler, who came 
in June, 1839, and remained till November, 1844. Dur- 
ing his ministry, in 1843, there was a revival of religious 
interest, and thereby over forty members were added to 
tlie congregation. 

The fourth was the Rev. Ambro.se Rondthaler, who was 
a brother of Emanuel; came in November, 1844, and re- 
mained till the autumn of 1846. 

The fifth was the Rev. Christian L. Thaeler, who came 
shortly after, but only remained till November, 1848. 

The sixth was Rev. Edward H. Reiehel, who came in 
the spring of 1849, and labored in that field for five years, 
leaving in the summer of 1854. 

The seventh was the Rev. Charles Barstow, who came in 
the fall of 1854, remained two years, leaving in September, 
1856. 

The eighth was the Rev. Benjamin Ricksecker, who 
came in the summer of 1859, and remained nearly ten 
years, leaving in the spring of 1869. 

The Moravian mission in Camden valley ceased on his 
departure, and has never been revived. 

The society was thus virtually dissolved, but there are 
some left who remember with affbotion the solemn services 
of this society .^ — a branch of the earliest, and in some re- 
spects the most noted, missionary church of the world. 
Rev. Jlr. Sprague relates the incident that, being called to 
attend a funeral in the Camden valley, he procured the old 
Moravian book and read their funeral service. As the words 
of the ritual fell upon the audience many tearful eyes told 
of the tender, loving memories of tlie past, — the sweet 
Moravian hymns, the holy Christian faith of the fathers, 
the solemn dirge of the old burial customs, the inspiring 
hope of a better, brighter life. 

THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP E.\ST SALEM. 

This society was organized in 1820 as the associate con- 
gregation of Salem. The first elders were Thomas Law, 
James I. Robertson. At its organization there were eleven 
male members. Their names, with those of the female 
members, were as follows : Robert I. Law, Anna Law, John 
Law, Elizabeth Law, Ephraim Bdie, Jennette Edie, Thomas 
Law, Mary Law, David French, Elizabeth French, Robert 
Irvine and wife, William Fenwick, Jennette Fen wick, John 
Graham and wife, Robert T. Law, John T. Law, Mary 
McCulloch, and Alexander Wright; in all twenty members. 

In 1822 the congregation erected a church edifice one 
mile east of Shushan, and in 1827 they built a suitable 
parsonage near the church. 



164 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The first pastor called was Rev. James Whyte, who was 
licensed to preach by the associate presbytery of Stirling, 
Scotland, in 1819. He came to America in October, 
1824, and was ordained pastor of this church July C, 1825, 
and died Dec. 12, 1827, aged thirty-one. At the time he 
accepted the call from the East Salem congregation he 
had two other calls, one from Baltimore and the other 
from South Argyle, both of which were much larger and 
wealthier congregations, and offering larger salaries. At 
the time of his emigration to this country there were pend- 
ing seven calls for him in his native land, one of which was 
from Dumfermlinc, where the celebrated Ralph Erskine 
once preached, which shows the estimation in which he was 
held by those who had listened to his elociuence. After 
his death a volume of his sermons was printed. His re- 
mains lie in the old burying-groiind near the village of 
Salem. Mr. White left a widow and live children, — four 
daughters, and one son. The latter, after graduating and 
giving promise of great usefulne.ss, was cut down by con- 
sumption. One daughter died in Scotland. Of the other 
daughters, one was married to James Thompson, another to 
Mr. Thompson's brother, and the third to Rev. J. Lusk. 
They are all dead. The widow still lives with her son-in- 
law, James Thompson. 

The second pastor was David Gordon, a licentiate, who 
was ordained and installed on the 2d day of May, 1832, 
and resigned his charge June 20, 1843, to accept an ap- 
pointment by the associate synod as missionary to the island 
of Trinidad, to which place he went. He died there, and 
his remains are buried upon that island. 

The third pastor was David Wishart French, a licentiate, 
who was ordained and installed Sept. 8, 1847, and re- 
signed his charge in the spring of 1855. Dr. French was 
a grandson of David French mentioned in the list of the 
first members of this church, and son of tlie Rev. David 
French, of Washington Co., Pa. His death occurred 
March 16, 1875, in Mercer, Pa., where he settled after 
leaving this congregation. 

The fourth pastor was the Rev. Hugh Brown, who was 
installed May 4, 1858, and resigned May 7, 1867, making 
a pastorate of nine years and three months, having done 
pastoral duty from February, 1858. Mr. Brown received 
his theological education in Scotland and Ireland. He is 
still living. 

The fifth pastor settled here was J. B. Clapperton, a licen- 
tiate, who began his pastoral work May 1, 1869, and was 
ordained and installed June 22, 1869, and resigned his 
charge Feb. 8, 1876, having been pastor a little over six 
years. Mr. Clapperton is a native of Delaware Co., N. Y. 

The sixth and present pastor. Rev. J. B. Cunningham, 
was called by the action of the congregation, June 8, 1876. 
He was ordained and installed in August of the same year. 
His services began in May preceding the call. His native 
place is Allegheny Co., Pa. 

The first elders, as already stated, were Thomas Law and 
James I. Robertson. Thomas Law died March 4, 1830, 
aged sixty-two. James I. Robertson is still living in the 
town of Greenwich, N. Y. March 14, 1826, Andrew 
Martin and William Dobbin were elected ruling elders, and 
installed on the following Sabbath. William Dobbin died 



June 24, 1858. Andrew Martin also died in office. John 
Dobbin, who had been an elder in the associate congregation 
of Cambridge, was called to that office in East Salem church 
October, 1845. Mr. Dobbin died March 22, 1861. Aug. 
25, 1832, Robert T. Law and John T. Law were chosen 
elders, and ordained September 6 of the same year, and 
are the only persons living out of the twenty members at 
the organization of the church. James Thompson was 
elected elder, and ordained Sept. 12, 1850. He removed, 
July 31, 1859, to Cambridge, and is now an elder in the 
congregation of Rev. W. B. Short. May 2, 1869, George 
McGeoch and William T. Foster were chosen elders, and 
were inducted into office June 5, 1869. Mr. McGeoch is now 
an elder at Cambridge. On the 15th of December, 1870, 
Andenson S. Foster was chosen elder, and ordained June 5, 
1871. In the summer of 1876, David Dobbin and Wil- 
liam J. McCollum were chosen and ordained elders, mak- 
ing the present session (1878) consist of Robert T. Law, 
John T. Law, William T. Foster, Anderson S. Foster, 
David Dobbin, and William John McCollum. 

This society was first incorporated under the laws of the 
State Dec. 3, 1838, by the. name of " The First Associate 
Congregation of Salem." The first trustees were Robert T. 
Law, John Dobbin, and James Thompson. The present 
trustees (1878) are Alexander B. Law, William T. Foster, 
and William J. McCollum. The first treasurer was Robert 
T. Law. The second treasurer and clerk was James Thomp- 
son. The third and present treasurer is Robert L. Foster. 
The society still worship in the house first built, it having 
been repaired in 1848. 

According to the session records, since the organization 
of the society there have been admitted to membership 
two hundred and sixty-four, of whom seventy have died 
and one hundred and eighty-seven have I'emoved, showing 
an unusual number gone forth to found churches in other 
places. A Sunday-school was commenced about 1832, and 
has been continued ever since. The present superintendent 
is Robert L. Foster. There is a library of nearly five hun- 
dred volumes, conducted by William Law. Present mem- 
bership of the church may be stated at eighty. 

TUE WELSH PRESBYTERIAN CHIIRCII 

was organized by Griffith Jones and John Edwards, in 
1S6S. The church edifice is a neat chapel, which will 
comfortably seat one hundred and fifty persons, and valued 
at about two thousand dollars when built. The enterprise 
grew up in connection with the slate-works in the north 
part of the town, the Welsh people with their accustomed 
promptness seeking immediately to found a church and en- 
joy religious services in their own language and according 
to their own faith. 

With the varying success of the slate-works the pros- 
perity of the church has varied, and its pulpit has not 
always been supplied. 

METUODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP SIIUSHAN. 

Philip Embury preached in the south part of Salem from 
1770 to 1775, and the Shushan church is the nearest ex- 
isting Methodist society to his old homestead. Following 
him were early circuit-riders for fifty year;:, perhaps, preach- 



^ 





Hugh Fairleiy. 



^Rs. Hugh Fairlev. 




Residence of SARAH FAIRLEY.Salem. WashingtonCo.N.Y. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



165 



iiig from house to house in various neighborhoods at regular 
intervals. Rev. Mr. Spicer and Lorenzo Dow are remem- 
bered in connection with this work. Special places of 
preaching in those early years were at the house of Edward 
Gainer, over the line in Jackson, and the old homestead of 
William Law, now owned by J. S. Skinner. Ebenezer 
Harris was a local preacher, settled in Camden valley, 
where Elijah Harris now lives. It is the recollection of 
Rev. Charles Coukey that an early class was at Eaglevillc, 
the place of meeting being Warren Norton's, and he the 
leader. Methodist services continued to be maintained at 
.school-houses and private houses down to the beginning of 
more definite work at Shu.shan. 

There was preaching here for several years before an or- 
ganization occurred, sometimes in the Bapti.st church. The 
church w.is formed in 1846, with Rev. Edward Noble first 
pastor, and consisted of fifteen members. Gideon S. Potter, 
David Hanson, Peter Brewer, and Edie Bowen were the 
prominent men in the organization, — the latter class-leader, 
tlie others stewards. 

The house of worship was built in 1847, at an expense 
of less than one thousand dollars. It was dedicated in Sep- 
tember, 1847, Peter Hitchcock preaching the sermon, and 
Rev. Mr. Beman ofi'ering the dedicatory prayer. The 
house was improved about ten years later, and has been 
estimated as worth three thousand dollars. The society 
have no parsonage. The present ofiicers are Warren Kin- 
yon, G. H. Stevens, Samuel Buck, James S. Campbell, B. 
F. Cowen, Charles Lyon, and L. C. Piser, truistees ; Samuel 
Buck, G. H. Stevens, William Fleming, Simeon Lyon, S. 
Foster, Warren Kinyon, James Campbell, and E. R. Bailey, 
stewards ; Lee Wait, class-leader ; G. H. Stevens, recording 
steward. There has always been a Sunday-school iu con- 
nection with the church. Present superintendent (1878), 
Samuel Buck ; Lee Wait, a.ssi.stant. One hundred volumes 
in the library. One hundred and thirty scholars. One 
hundred and four church members. 

The connection of Rev. Philip Embury with the settle- 
ment of this town, and his general work in connection with 
the establishment of the Methodist church in the United 
States, render proper this additional note : 

Philip Embury was one of a company of Palatines 
(Methodists) from Balligarrane, Ireland, who sailed for New 
York in the spring of 1760. He had been licensed as a 
local preacher. The company consisted of Philip Embury 
and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Switzer ; two 
brothers, John Embury and David Embury; one brother- 
in-law, Peter Switzer ; Paul Heck, with his wife, Barbara 
Heck ; Valer Tctlor (the name seems to bo Dctlor after- 
wards in Salem) ; and one Dulmage. They landed in 
August, 1760. In 1765 a few more of the same people, 
and partly of the same family connection, came over and 
joined them, — ^Paul Ruckle, Luke Rose, Jacob Heck, Peter 
Barkman, Henry Williams, and their families. From 1760 
to 1765 it seems young Embury had not exercised his 
gifts as a preacher. It was not till the arrival of this 
second company, and the awakened feelings of Mrs. Heck 
at seeing a general decline of their religious zeal, that 
Philip Embury was induced by her entreaties to open ser- 
vices in his own house. This he did, preaching at first to 



only five persons besides his own family. The little move- 
ment however, was the planting of the Wesleyan faith upon 
this continent, — the erection of an altar upon which the 
sacred fire of devotion has burned brightly ever since. The 
work in a few months required the hiring of a room for 
services, and developed rapidly until John Street church 
was built, which Philip Embury dedicated by a sermon 
preached in a pulpit be had built with his own hand.s. 
This was Oct. 30, 1768. Meanwhile, Captain Thomas 
Webb, a veteran of the old French wars, and no less a 
veteran of the Christian warfare, had joined them from 
Albany. He had i^rcached at Albany, but there is no 
record that he formed a society nor even a preliminary 
class. If he had it would antedate Ashgrove church in 
this county; yet Albany mu.st, according to Stevens' history, 
have had Methodist meetings, under this brave old .soldier, 
earlier than any other place north of New York. Mission- 
aries sent over by Mr. Wesley reached New York in 1769. 
Philip Embury transferred his work to them and came to 
Salem, it is presumed, about 1770, and with him most of 
the associates who came over from Ireland. In the lease 
from Duane to Embury and in the various agreements 
between the parties, and in certain military documents else- 
where given, there appear the names of Paul Heck, John 
Dulmage, John Embury, David Embury, Valentine Detlor, 
Philip Switzer, Peter Switzer. It might be supposed that 
this company of Methodists thus transferred to Salem, in 
the vicinity of the present village of Eagleville, would 
have immediately formed a class among themselves and 
had at once the nucleus of a future church. Some study 
given to that point has not availed to find records of any 
such work, and the company of Irish Methodists coming 
in about the same time in White Creek, no doubt led 
Embury to assist at that place in the formation of Ash- 
grove church. 

As these names have all become somewhat historic in 
the Methodist church, it may be interesting to state some- 
thing further of them. Philip Embury himself died in the 
summer of 1773, injured by being overheated while at 
work haying. The company adhered generally to the 
crown in the opening of the Revolutionary struggle, and as 
a consequence were involved in trouble with the local 
authorities and the war committees of the patriot forces. 

On the roll of the loyalist company may be noticed the 
names of Dana Dulmage, Paul Heck, Andrew Embury, 
Philip Switzer, Valentine Detlor, Peter Detlor. In a later 
document, the" bond of allegiance,"' April 22, 1776, appear 
the names of John Embury, John Dulmage, Paul Heck, 
Peter Switzer, and Philip Switzer, showing that they sub- 
mitted to the authority of Congress and promised to defend 
the rights and liberties of America. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SALEM. 

Methodist meetings were held in the central portion of the 
town as early as 1821 , and probably earlier than that. The 
place was at Thomas Milliman's, two miles from the village, 
and at the school-house in that neighborhood. A society 
was formed there as early as 1825, though it seems that ser- 
vices were held at the court-house in the village not long 
after. Preaching was maintained regularly by circuit ap- 



166 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



pointment for several years, — down to about 1839. The 
society was then so weakened by deaths and removals that 
it virtually became extinct. In 1841 three young men of 
Troy, formerly from Salem, returned to visit their friends 
in the neighborhood of William McCollister. Very much 
engaged in religion, they held some meetings at the school- 
house. Some were awakened ; the interest deepened ; con- 
versions took place. The young men returned to Troy. At 
the last meeting one of the Presbyterian mir)isters spoke, 
but no appointment was given out for any more meetings. 
At the close of the service several came to Charles Conkey, 
tlien an exhorter in the Methodist church, and urged him 
to go on with the work ; that the interest was too great and 
the work too important to be allowed to stop. He con- 
sented, arranged for another meeting the next night, and 
this was the beginning of a six weeks' effort iu which Mr. 
Conkey spoke nearly every night. No ministerial help from 
abroad, with only one or two exceptions. Rev. Elijah 
Hubbard, from East Greenwich, came over and helped 
establish the church, leaving Mr. Conkey in charge, with 
authority to reeeive members and complete the organization. 
As the result of this effort sixty-one names were enrolled, 
and it is believed there were a hundred conversions. Mr. 
Conkey was licensed as a local preacher. He is still living 
in the south part of the town, and from him these facts 
have been derived. The class then formed was the nucleus 
of the present Methodist church of Salem. Records show 
that in 1844: there was appointed, by the bishop presiding 
over the Troy conference, a preacher to the Salem mission. 
That preacher was the Rev. John Fassett, who labored for 
one year, holding service mainly in the White school-house 
iu the south part of Salem village. This building is now 
a dwelling-house, occupied by Miss Esther Bassett and 
Miss Mary Johnson. 

He was succeeded by the Rev. E. Noble, who, on the 
15th of September, 1845, called a meeting at the White 
school-house to elect trustees and organize according to law. 
The first trustees then elected were Thomas Blilliman, Syl- 
vanus Dickinson, Warren Martin, Hugh Moncrief, and 
Timothy B. Wilds. 

The first property purchased was the lot upon which the 
present church and parsonage now stand; the conveyance 
being made on the 23d of March, 1846, by J. Stevenson, 
for the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars. 

In the same year the first house of worship was erected, 
being fifty feet long, thirty-five feet wide, surmounted by a 
small tower, and finished with one room, having a seating 
capacity of nearly two hundred. It was dedicated by the 
Rev. J. T. Peck, then principal of the Troy Conference 
Seminary, and now one of the bLshops of the Methodist 
church. This house was used for thirty years, when it was 
taken down and a large portion of the materials used in 
the new structure. The present edifice was commenced in 
the spring of 1876, and is not yet completed. The ex- 
treme length is 97j\ feet, with a width of 58 feet front, 
including towers, while the main building is 44jt. feet 
wide. It is two-story, has a chapel 39 by 44, seated with 218 
chairs, two classrooms, each 26 by 17, opening with folding 
doors into the lecture-room. The audience-room is 64 by 44, 
and when finished will afford 400 sittings. The whole 



edifice when completed will be a beautiful and imposing 
structure. The present membership, including East Green- 
wich, numbers 140, having a good Sabbath-school, an active 
corps of teachers, and a large library. The following min- 
isters have served the church as pastors during the thirty- 
three years of its varied history ; Revs. John Fassett, one 
year^ Edward Noble, two years ; Joseph Harris, two years ; 
P. M. Hitchcock, one year ; A. Camjjbell, two years ; J. 
Phillips, one year ; George Losee, two years ; J. L. Cask, 
two years ; T. W. Harwood, two years ; C. Edgerton, one 
year ; S. Stillman, two years ; C. Bedell, one year ; T. W. 
Harwood, three years ; J. J. Noe, three years ; C. Hawley, 
three years ; J. Phillips, three years ; J. W. Thompson, 
two years ; and T. W. Harwood, the present pastor, now 
returned a third terra to the same pastorate. 

The present board of trustees (1878) are Levi Copeland, 
Joseph Kelly, Sylvanus Dickinson, William Dillon, Rufus 
Shaw, George Teft, James Blashfield. The officers of the 
church have given nobly and planned largely for the future, 
and have had a vigorous support in the membership. If 
the congregation, now being tested to its utmost financial 
ability, can hold steadily against the pressure of the times, 
it will achieve a noble victory. 

ST. paul'.s eplscopal CIIURCn.* 

In the latter part of the year 1859 a number of the 
residents of this town, many of whom had been brought 
up in the Episcopal church, being desirous of establishing 
a society in this village, made arrangements for religious 
services, to be held at the old court-house. The first 
public service, we believe, was held on Sunday, Feb. 5, 
1860, at which Rev. H. C. Potter, then rector of St. John's 
church, Troy, officiated. On the following Sunday (Feb. 
12), Rev. J. Scarborough, then rector of St. Paul's church, 
Troy (now bishop of New Jersey), preached at the same 
place. Notice was given on each of these Sundays that on 
Feb. 18 " the persons belonging to this congregation would 
meet for the purpose of incorporating themselves into a 
church and electing two wardens and eight vestrymen." 
The meeting was held Feb. 18, 1860, at which time war- 
dens and vestrymen were elected, and the society incorpor- 
ated under the name of " the rector, churchwardens, and 
vestrymen of St. Paul's church. From February to July, 
there being no settled pastor, the pulpit was supplied by 
Rev. T. W. Coit, of Troy ; Rev. Dr. Manser, Benning- 
ton ; Rev. Dr. Babcock, Rev. Mr. Twing, of Lansingburg ; 
Rev. BIr. Lord, and Rev. Mr. Adams, of Whitehall. On 
May 9, 18G0, the sacrament of baptism and rite of confir- 
mation were administered at the court-house, by Right Rev. 
Bishop Potter, of the diocese of New York, on which oc- 
casion ten persons were confirmed. Bishop Potter was as- 
sisted by Rev. Mr. Twing and Rev. Jlr. Potter. The 
bishop's text was taken from Acts ix. 6. In March, 1860, 
a committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions to build 
a house of worship. The committee entered at once upon 
the discharge of that duty. Soon after a plan was adopted, 
a building committee appointed, and the work commenced. 
On July 8, 1860, the wardens and vestry issued a call to 



By James Gibson, Jr. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



167 



the Rev. Charles Purviance to accept the charge of the 
parish as rector. The call was accepted, and on July 22, 
Rev. Mr. Purviance preached for the first time at the court- 
house. The corner-stone of the church was laid Sept. 10, 
1860, Rev. Dr. Coit, of Troy, officiating. Rev. Mr. Pur- 
viance remained rector but a few months, and was succeeded 
by Rev. Francis Mansfield, to whom a call was issued Dec. 
1, 1S60. Soon after the completion of the church, and on 
Dec. 13, 1860, it was consecrated by Bishop Potter. On 
March 31, ISGl, after a pastorate of only four months, 
Rev. Mr. Mansfield delivered his farewell discourse. He 
was succeeded by Rev. Francis C. Wainwright, a few 
months later, who continued as rector till Aug. 1, 1862. 
A call was extended to the Rev. Henry M. Davis to be- 
come rector of the parish on Feb. 28, 1864, who accepted 
the rectorship on that day. He continued as rector till his 
decease. After his death. Rev. John H. Houghton suc- 
ceeded, and remains rector at the present time (1878). 

Since the church was organized, in 1860, there have 
been baptized, 235 ; confirmed, 83 ; number admitted to 
communion, 121; number of marriages, 39; burials, 76 ; 
average oflFerings for church purposes per year, $1500; 
number of families, 40; individuals, 200; adults, 100; 
children, 100; Sunday-school scholars, 80; teachers, 7; 
average offerings in Sunday-school per year, 8100; value 
of church property, $6000. The additions and improve- 
ments made the centennial year amounted to at least $1800. 

At the first election of officers, held at the old court- 
house, Feb. 18, 1860, the following were chosen : senior 
warden, Geo. B. McCartee ; junior warden, James Gibson; 
vestrymen, Horace S. Smith, Charles H. Alien, James A. 
Fairley, William B. Bool, James Williamson, Orville P. 
Gilman, William W. Hill, Myrtle II. Lockwood. 

The following are the present officers: senior warden, 
James Gibson ; junior warden, George B. McCartee ; vestry- 
men, John 31. Williams, Frederick Kegler, Daniel B. Cole, 
S. W. Russell, James Gibson, Jr., Frederick Liusenbarth, 
Albert K. Broughton, John D. Faxon. 

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SALEM.* 

This church was erected in the summer of 1859. Pre- 
vious to such erection, for a number of years services were 
held at the court-house and at private residences. After 
the completion of the church the congregation was under 
the charge of Rev. John McDermott, pastor of St. Pat- 
rick's church, Cambridge. He had charge of the Salem 
mission from the time of the church's establishment until 
October, 1863. The church was dedicated, under the 
name of Holy Cross church, by Bishop McCloskey (now 
cardinal), Nov. 6, 1861. At that time a large number 
were confirmed. This was the bishop's first visitation. 
At the conclusion of Rev. Mr. McDermott's pastorate 
(October, 1863) the church was placed under the charge 
of the St. Augustine fathers by the bishop of the diocese, 
and so continued for nearly ten years. Rev. James A. 
Darragh succeeded Rev. Mr. McDermott, and had charge 
of the mission till April, 1865. Rev. Edward A. Dailey 
succeeded him, taking charge in August, 1865, and con- 

^ By James Gibson, Jr. 



tinning till September, 1866. Rev. Edward C. Donnelly, 
assistant of Rev. Mr. AValdron, of St. Patrick's church, 
Cambridge, followed Rev. Mr. Dailey, and had charge 
until November, 1869. Rev. J. J. Fedigan took charge 
in December, 1869, and continued in such charge until 
February, 1873, when the church was taken from under 
the control of the St. Augustine order. Up to this time 
(February, 1863) the church had been supplied from St. 
Patrick's, Cambridge ; but the congregation having grown 
in size and wealth, the bishop of the diocese sent Rev. 
James S. O'Sullivan, the first resident pastor, who is still 
here. 

The cemetery connected with the Catholic church wa.s 
dedicated, Sept. 3, 1869, by Rt. Rev. Dr. Lynch, bishop 
of Charleston. On this occasion one hundred and thirty- 
eight persons were confirmed by him. 

Father McDermott, the first pastor, was educated in 
Ireland, and was for some time a missionary in England. 
He came to this country in 1848. Ho died a few years 
since. 

GRAVE-YARDS IN SALEM.f 

The oldest is the one situated in the village, which was 
set apart for the burial of the dead, on the lands donated 
to the congregation of which the Rev. Thomas Clark, M.D., 
was pastor. The dedication of this lot as a place for the 
burial of the dead was very soon after the first settlement 
of the town. The first burial in it was that of an Indian, 
whose grave was nearly at the present southwest corner. 
The first white man buried there was Solomon Barr. 
Neither of these graves are marked by any grave-stone, 
and few of the early graves were so marked. 

During the space of a century after the first burial this 
grave-yard had received the remains of an immense num- 
ber, so that it might well be said " there was no place" for 
any more. This made it absolutely necessary to seek a 
new location, and this caused the selection of what is 
known as the Evergreen Cemetery, situated on an elevated 
plateau of land about a mile southwest from the village. 
The location is one of exceeding beauty naturally, and all 
that art could do to aid in making it beautiful has been 
done. For this result much credit is due to the energetic 
efforts and labors of the first president of the association, 
William McKie, ably and artistically continued by his 
successor, Asa Fitch, M.D. 

This cemetery has done a noble work, not only in itself, 
but it has educated public taste till the people in the 
vicinity have made the improvement of their burial-places 
a subject for study and labor. The skull and cro.'^s-bones, 
and other deathly and deathlike memorials, are now rarely 
used to make the grave repulsive and hideous ; but the 
monuments erected show that the people believe in the 
resurrection, and that the gravej'ard is, what the Jews call 
it, " the place of the living," or, better, as the German 
names it, " God's acre," — only the gate to a new, and, to 
all who trust in God, a brighter and happier, state, eternal 
in the heavens. 

The grave-yard in the valley of Camden, in the east part 



f I!y Hon. James Gibson. 



168 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of the town, is beautifully located. It was dedicated to 
use as a grave-yard by being made tiie place of repose for 
the remains of that noted servant of God, Philip Embury, 
who died in Camden in 1773. All that was mortal of 
him here rested for over half a century, and then a removal 
was sought to the grave yard at Ashgrove, in a neighboring 
town, and from thence another movement was made to the 
cemetery at Cambridge. 

In this ancient grave-yard at Camden still repose the re- 
mains of the earliest Moravian missionary to this town. 
His grave is marked by a suitable monument, still standing 
in excellent preservation, informing the visitor that " Here 
repose the mortal remains of the venerable father in Christ, 
Abraham Bininger, missionary of the United Brethren's 
Church, commonly called Moravians." . . . He was born 
at Bulach, Canton Zurich, Switzerland, Jan. 18, 1720. 
Departed this life at Camden, March 26, 1811, at the 
age of ninety-one years, two months, and eight days. 

This grave-yard is secured from intrusion by a substan- 
tial inclosure, suitably maintained, and in location and con- 
dition, and indeed in all other respects, is creditable to the 
people among whom it is placed. 

There is a more modern grave-yard about midway between 
Shushan and Eagleville, and adjacent to the residence of 
General Isaac Bininger. It was probably dedicated to use 
as a grave-yard about 1790, though the earliest monument 
noticed in it was that of Harvey Church, a son of Bethuel 
Church and his wife Diadema, who died March 26, 1795, 
aged one year. 

This cemetery is well maintained, but as the fence about 
it is of wood, it is only a question of time when its dese- 
scration may be looked for with reasonable certainty. Stone 
or iron should be used, instead of perishable wood, for the 
inclosure of such sacred places. 

These are all the public grave-yards in the town. 

There are two places of burial situated on farms, and it 
is a subject of congratulation that there are no more. One 
of these is on the Cleveland farm, adjacent to the Hebron 
line, and on the west side of the old turnpike on the north 
side of the town. It is inclosed by a substantial stone 
wall, and is well maintained. The burials in it are mainly 
of the Cleveland family, or of persons connected with that 
family. The other private grave-yard is on the McNitt 
farm, in the northwest part of the town, and contains 
mainly members of that family. 

SOCIETIES. 

Salem Lodge, J. 0. 0. F., No. 45.— The history of this 
lodge is of an interesting character. It was chartered by 
the Grand Lodge Sept. 14, 1846. Upon the division of 
the Grand Lodge it surrendered its then charter and ac- 
cepted one from the Northern Grand Lodge, dated Dec. 
1, 1850. The petitioners for the first charter were Hon. 
Charles R. Ingalls, now justice of the Supreme Court, J. 
B. Crosby, Hon. James Gibson, J. R. Lytle, Esq., and C. 
V. B. Martin. On the evening of Sept. 29, 1846, D. D. 
G. M. Peter L. Barker instituted the lodge and installed 
James Gibson as N. G., and C. R. Ingalls as V. G., and 
other officers. Of the eleven persons who joined the lodge 
by initiation at its first meeting, W. W. Hill is the only one 



now connected with this lodge. Nearly all the others have 
since deceased. The lodge worked faithfully until the 
summer of 1851, when, owing to the heavy dues and 
assessments they were obliged to pay under the benefit 
system, they were forced to suspend labor, and did not re- 
sume work until 1856. From that time the lodge worked 
until the fall of 1859. From this time, for nine years, 
the more devoted members met only once every six months, 
made out the semi-annual reports, paid the Grand Lodge 
assessments, and elected officers, thereby keeping the lodge 
alive and saving the charter from being called in. This 
brings us to December, 1867, when meetings of the " tried 
and true" were held at various places until a revival was 
effected, and on Jan. 25, 1868, the first regular meeting 
was held at Masonic hall, with brother W. H. Lakin in 
the chair. From that time down to the present this 
lodge has prospered, and will, it is believed, continue to 
prosper. 

March 29, 1876, the lodge dedicated a new and beauti- 
ful hall, — D. D. G. M. James Gibson, Jr., presiding and 
delivering the dedicatory address. 

Present officers of the lodge : James Gibson, Jr., N. G. ; 
Henry D. Wicks, V. G. ; Abner Robertson, Sec. ; John D. 
Faxon, Per. Sec. ; David Mahaffy, Treas. ; Christopher M. 
Wolff, S. P. G. ; W. H. Laken, R. S. N. G. ; Don C. 
Brown, L. S. N. G. ; Edgar Ladd, R. S. V. G. ; Mark 
Bromley, L. S. V. G. ; Henry V. Brown, Warden ; Joseph 
Hcofert, Conductor ; Elliot Allen, O. G. ; John Y. Jones, 
I. G. ; William W. Hill, II. S. S. ; Sylvanus Dickinson, 
L. S. S. 

Masonic lodges are fully treated of in a paper by Judge 
Gibson, appearing in the county history in this volume. 

BANK OF SALEM. 

The Bank of Salem was organized in 1853, with a capi- 
tal of one hundred and ten thousand dollars. The first elec- 
tion of directors and officers was on the 1 1 th day of January, 
1853. The following-named were elected : 

Directors, Bernard Blair, Benjamin F. Bancroft, Cor- 
nelius L. Allen, Marvin Freeman, Abram C. Lansing, Isaac 
W. Bishop, H. Newcomb Graves, Franklin Stevens, James 
Cleveland, Andrew Houghton, Alfred Ward, A. L. McDou- 
gall, George N. Bates. Bernard Blair was elected president; 
Isaac W. Bishop, vice-president; Benj. F. Bancroft, cashier; 
A. L. McDougall, attorney. 

The bank started off doing a small business, which in- 
creased from year to year and proved a success, always 
earning fair and satisfactory dividends for the stockholders, 
and having the confidence of the community, to whom it 
was a very great convenience. 

In February, 1858, John Williams was elected president. 
In the early days of the Rebellion (April 23, 1861) the 
following resolution was passed : 

" Retoteed, That the Bank of Salem hereby tender to the State of 
New York their share of the three million five hundred thousand 
dollar loan, for arming and cquipiiiug the military forces of the 
State, which is subject to the order of the State when required." 

The bank aided largely in advancing funds to the town 
and county in forwarding the raising and equipping of the 
volunteers of the war ; the One Hundred and Twenty-third 



Officers and Directors 

NATIONAL BANK OF 
SALEM, N. Y., 
June t, 1878 

President, 

Benj. F. Bancroft 

Vice-President, 

WiLLiAU McFarland 

Cashier, 

UaBK L. SlIELDtJN 

Teller, 
Addison Getti. 




Bbnj. Cleveland, 
Otis I>illinuh\m, 

I HN M WlLlMM-J, 

Benj F Bancieokt 
^\M McFarland, 
James M< NAroHTON 
Leonard M Lii dle 
William J Finn 



NATIONAL BANK" or SALEM, S/^i EM VA a h f cjln Co N Y 












^^t*,^*c 



' •' '*<fCV ^ivv ;•'-!', ' .eVf.'-WSimi^^ 



<\?';i^, 




fvfnisiCo Pmu PA 



(RESIDENCE OF B .F. BANCROf T, SALEM. New VorK 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



109 



Regiment New York State Volunteers being wholly from 
this county, and were mustered in and for some time en- 
camped in this place. 

This bank continued business until 1865 (having always 
paid its semi-annual dividend of never less than four per 
cent.), closing up in July of that year with a large surplus. 

The present National Bauk of Salem was organized the 
same year (ISGo), with a capital of one hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars. The following-named were the first direc- 
tors : Bernard Blair, Benj. F. Bancroft, John M. Williams, 
Marvin Freeman, James Gibson, Cornelius L. Allen, James 
Cleveland, Alexander Cherry, Daniel' Woodard, Jr., Benj. 
Cleveland, Otis Dillingham, Francis H. Arnott, Charles II. 
Allen, Robert Beattie, Sylvester S. Crandall. The officers 
were C. L. Allen, president ; D. Woodard, Jr., vice-presi- 
dent ; B. F. Bancroft, cashier. 

In June, 1875, the. capital stock was reduced from one 



" There is hanging in the National Bank of Salem a 
lieutenant's commission, issued by the colony of Mas.sachu- 
setts Bay, in New England, to Samuel Bancroft, Jr., gentle- 
man, April 26, 1776, signed by the council of that colony, 
James Otis, W. Spooner, Caleb Cashing, J. Winthrop, J. 
W. Cliadbourn, T. Gushing, John Whitcomb, Jed. Foster, 
James Prescott, Moses Gill, Michael Farley, J. Palmer, S. 
Hotten, Eldad Taylor, and B. White, and by Perez Morton, 
D. secretary. The signatures are as plain and distinct as 
when written, a hundred years ago. In the same frame are 
two other commissions issued to Jonathan B. Bancroft, son 
oF the above Samuel Bancroft ; the fii-St dated August 1, 
1805, the second dated 24th day of April, 1811, and is 
signed by Elbridge Gerry, then governor of Massachusetts, 
and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 
These soldiers of the olden time were the grandfather and 
father of Benjamin F. Bancroft of this place." 




THE OLD MEETING-HOUSE [N SALEM. 



hundred and fifty thou.sand dollars to one hundred thousand 
dollars, returning the stockholders the fifty thousand dollars. 

At the present writing (1878) the directors are C. L. 
Allen, B. F. Bancroft, James Gibson, B. Blair, Wm. 
McFarland, James MoNaughton, B. Cleveland, L. M. Liddle, 
Wm. J. Fitch, 0. Dillingham, J. M. Williams. 

During the twelve and a half years of business of the 
National Bank of Salem there has been paid to the stock- 
holders in dividends on the stock the sum of one hundred 
and fifty-seven thousand six hundred and eleven dollars and 
thirty-two cents, and the present surplus is over seventy 
thousand dollars, or seventy per cent, on its present capital 
of one hundred thousand dollars, showing a success very 
creditable to its management, and .seldom excelled in any 
location. 

To the foregoing notice of this bank we append the fol- 
lowing interesting item from the Salem (New York) Press: 
22 



PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST.* 

THE OLD MEETING-HOUSE IN SALEM. 

This historic building was constructed prior to the 
breaking out of the Revolutionary war, and probably in the 
summer of the year 1770, but the precise date cannot now 
be ascertained. Its existence is noticed on the first page 
of the record-book of the town of Salem, in 1779, in the 
laying out of a road. It is also .specified in an act of the 
Legislature of the State of New York, passed March 19, 
1778, as the place from which the sheriff of the county of 
Charlotte was to compute his mileage in the service of 
process. It was the first framed building erected in the 
county, except the barracks within the fortification at Fort 
Edward. In this meeting-house and barracks the courts 

'*" By James Gibson, Jr. 



170 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



were at first alternately held for the county. In this 
ancient structure, in the spring of the year 1780, was held 
the nieeting-of the Associate Presbytery of New York, at 
which, by a unanimous vote, the union with the Re- 
formed Presbyterians was agreed to, by which, subse- 
quently, the Associate Reformed church of this county 
was constituted. It was occupied for divine service till 
the construction of a new edifice by the Associate Reformed 
congregation in the year 1796. After they ceased using 
it for religious purposes it was converted into a dwelling- 
house, and is still occupied as such. The entrances were 
at the ends of the Tauilding, and the pulpit was located on 
the north side. This venerable edifice is situated at tlie 
foot of Mill hill, in the village of Salem, a short distance 
west of the Salem steam-mills. 

After the outbreak of the Revolutionary war the uncom- 
pleted church building of the first incorporated Presbj'terian 
congregation was taken by the patriot forces, and occupied 
by them, first as barracks, and then constructed into a 
fort, and a stockade erected around it. This stockade ran 
around the church at a distance of about sixty feet from its 
walls, and was completed July 2G, 1777. This transformed 
church was called Fort Williams, in compliment to General 
John Williams. It stood on the site of the present church 
edifice occupied by tlio first incorporated Presbyterian 
congregation (generally known as tlie Brick church) in tlie 
village of Salem. The fort was burned by the royalists on 
some day prior to September 25, and probably during the 
last days of August, 1777. 

The block-house on Mill hill, in Salem village, was con- 
structed by the patriots during the Revolutionary war, and 
probably in 1777, when it was expected by the inhabitants 
that General Burgoyno would invade the town. 

The log church in which Dr. Clark's congregation first 
worshiped was erected in 1766, and was the first house of 
worship erected in this county. It was used as a church 
only about three years. It was located near the first frame 
church of this congregation, erected in 1770, of which an 
engraving is elsewhere presented. The old log churcli was 
taken down on July 27, 1777. 

The first log house in this town was erected by some of 
tlie members of Dr. Clark's congregation in the spring of 
1766, and in that building they lived while erecting other 
houses. This log house was occupied by Dr. Clark for 
several years, and stood where the residence of Franklin 
Stevens now stands. It was, a few years later, taken down, 
and a frame building erected on the same spot by the con- 
gregation, and this building was occupied as a parsonage 
by Dr. Clark, and by his successor, Rev. James Proudfit, 
during his pastorate. 

The log house still standing in town is now owned and 
occupied by Deacon Stevenson. It was probably built by 
David Matthews in 1774. The original house has been 
added to, and the log portion clap-boarded. It is said 
that a log building constructed about the same time is still 
standing on the farm owned by the heirs of the late Eben- 
ezer Beattie. 

THE SALEM HOTEL. 

Not many years after the settlement of the town James 
Rowan built a log house on the corner where now stands 



the foundation of the Salem Hotel, and it was occupied as 
a tavern by him till, in the spring of 1802, General Wil- 
liams commenced the erection of a large and handsome 
building, which was finished during the season, named the 
Salem Hotel, and leased to and kept by David Carswell. 
He was succeeded in 1806 by Ephraim Allen, M.D. He 
kept the house till his death in 1815. His successor was 
Lsaac Lc Boss, who remained till 1824, and was followed by 
Joseph Wells, and he by Ruel Harvey in the fall of 1835. 
In June, 1836, Samuel S. Hooker succeeded Mr. Harvey, 
and remained till the spring of 1838, and was followed by 
Stephen Clapp. Mr. Clapp kept the house till the spring 
of 1840, when it was taken by Messrs. Bullock & Fes- 
senden, who continued it till it was burned in October, 
1 840. That firm, immediately after the fire, leased the 
building then and still standing on the corner diagonally 
opposite, and opened it, and continued the business there 
as a firm till February, 1842, when Mr. Bullock sold his 
interest to Mr. Fessenden, who carried it on till the spring 
of 1843, when, a new brick building having been con- 
structed on the old site, the Salem Hotel commenced a new 
existence under the charge of Mes.srs. Gile & Cowan. 
They were followed in the spring of 1852 by Gilbert Wood- 
worth, who continued its sole landlord until April 1, 1856, 
when the hotel property was sold to James McNaughton. 
The latter kept the hotel until April 1, 1869, and then 
sold it to Thomas Kerslake, who kept the same until Feb. 
22, 1877, when the hotel was destroyed by fire. The 
premises were sold in the spring of 1878 by Mr. Ker.slake 
to Marinus Fairchild, Esq. 

THE ON-DA-WA HOUSE. 

The first tavern at Salem was opened soon after the set- 
tlement of the town, and about the year 1766, by James 
Turner, in a log house built where the On-da-wa House now 
stands. It was kept by him until his death in 1773, and 
was continued by his widow, and afterwards by David 
Thomas and Alexander J. Turner, and, the latter retiring, 
the former continued the business for several years. On 
retiring from it, Mr. Thomas built a brick dwelling-house 
on the lot in the place of the old tavern, and resided 
there till his removal to the city of Albany. His dwell- 
ing-house was then, with the addition of a wooden wing 
at the south end, turned into a tavern called the Washing- 
ton Cofi'oe-House, and was kept by Major George Rcab, 
who was succeeded by his son. Colonel Josiah Reab, and in 
April, 1825, by Major Andrew Freeman, who kept it till 
his death in January, 1829. Hall & Finch followed, and 
they were succeeded by Colonel Joseph Hanks, who was 
keeping it at the time of its destruction in the great fire 
which occurred in September, 1840. 

During the year 1841 the house was reconstructed, 
mainly on the old foundation, twenty-five feet being added 
at the south end, making it seventy-five feet long. It was 
opened by Colonel Hanks in the spring of 1842. In the 
summer following, becoming involved, he leased the prop- 
erty to Pratt & Martin, who kept the house open till th.-j 
winter of 1844. 

In January, 1844, James Gibson, with others, purchased 
it, and soon thereafter Mr. Gib.son became its sole owner. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



171 



On February 5, 1814, the house was leased to Chester 
SafFord, Jr. In the summer of 1847 he was succeeded by 
Merritt & Moore, who, in the spring of 1849, were fol- 
lowed by John Howe. He remained till the spring of 
1858. The house was then thoroughly repaired by Mr. 
Gibson, and, on being re-opened, was carried on by Henry 
Frink, who, in 1859, was succeeded by M. H. Lockwood. 
In April, 1861, he was succeeded by Jones & Wheelock, 
and they by George W. Rider in 1865-GG, and Mr. Rider 
was succeeded by William C. Scarritt in 1807. He only 
remained a few months. In June, 1867, Hugh R. Cowan 
took and opened the house, exclusively on temperance 
principles, and continued to operate it as such till the 
spring of 1874. Mr. Gibson then sold the premises to 
Mrs. Elizabeth Potter, who, with her hu.sband, Horace 
Potter, kept the house till her decease. Mr. Potter kept 
it after her death till the .spring of 1 877, when he leased 
it to White & Shannon, who have conducted it ever 
since. In April of the present year (1878) they became 
the owners of the property by deed from Mr. Potter. 

AGRICULTURAL ADVANTAGES, STOCK, ETC. 

The agricultural advantages of the town are superior. 
The soil is a rich slaty or gravelly loam. The slopes of the 
hills afford some of the finest pasturage of the world. The 
valleys are extensive, fertile, under excellent cultivation, 
producing abundant returns for the labor of the farmer. 
The alluvial lands along the streams are exceedingly valu- 
able. 

All the cereals adapted to the county are grown here with 
success. Sheep husbandry was for many years an import- 
ant industry. It has declined in later times. 

The noted flocks of Milliman and McNish, the former 
dating back to 1821 and the latter to 1810, were in this 
town ; and the brothers Levi, David, and William Gray 
owned about one thou.sand ; William Edie, eight hundred ; 
Stephen R. Gray, six hundred ; Thomas and John Law, 
six hundred. Above Salem village, on White creek, were 
the flocks of Aaron Cleveland, Robert Wilson, Isaac Sher- 
man, George Hopkins, Seeley Sherman, Nathan W. Wilson, 
averaging from four hundred to five hundred each. (Fitch, 
"Sheep Husbandry of Washington County," 1848.) 

No flocks of such numbers exist in the town at the 
present time. There'were ten thousand five hundred and 
ninety-nine sheep in Salem in 1825 ; twenty-one thousand 
eight hundred and forty-eight in 1835 ; twenty-five thousand 
four hundred and twenty-two in 1845. 

Potatoes are extensively grown, and large ([uantities ex- 
ported . 

IXDU.STIUAL PURSUITS.* 

OUR RAILROAD AND SHOPS. 

The most important project in which the citizens of this 
town were ever engaged was that of assisting in the con- 
struction of the Troy and Rutland railroad. This subject 
was discussed during the year 1849, and among the prime 
movers in this town were Hon. Bernard Blair, William 
Law, Esq., and Hon. C. L. Allen. The Troy and Rutland 

* By James Gibson, Jr. 



railroad company, of which Mr. Blair was president, let the 
contract for building the road from Eagle Bridge to Salem 
to George W. Barker & Co., and its construction was com- 
menced at Eagle Bridge on June 3, 1850. About the same 
time the construction of the Rutland and Washington rail- 
road (from Salem to Rutland, Vt.) was commenced. The 
first passenger-train from Rutland to Eagle Bridge passed 
over the road on Jan. 27, 1852. The roads were to have 
been opened for public travel on Feb. 27, 1852, but, owing 
to the death of Horace Clark, one of the projectors, and at 
the time of his death the treasurer and superintendent of 
the Rutland and Washington railroad company, the date of 
opening was postponed. Passenger-trains began making 
through-trips from Rutland to Troy early in March, 1852. 
In July, 1850, George Vail, of Troy, sold the Troy and 
Rutland company five acres of land in the village of Salem, 
on which were subsequently erected the machine-shops and 
depot. From the time of the completion of these shops to 
the 28th of April, 1876, when a portion of them were de- 
stroyed by fire, these two companies and their successors 
have had their repairing done, and to a great extent their 
cars made, in them. At the time of the fire, the road was 
under a lease to the Delaware and Hudson canal company, 
and still so remains, and this company has not rebuilt the 
shops. The monthly pay-roll for the workmen was, at the 
time of the fire, about five thousand dollars, and the loss of 
that sum is greatly felt in the village. It is probable, how- 
ever, that the shops will soon be rebuilt, when the village 
will have its old-time prosperity. 

THE MARBLE-MILL. 

The marble-mill at Baxterville (formerly known as 
Clapp's mills), in this town, was erected by the Baxter 
manufacturing company, of Rutland, Vt., in 1865. It 
is built of marble taken from their quarries at Rutland, 
and is situated on the Batten Kill river, about two miles 
from the village of Salem. In addition to the mill are a 
number of other buildings. It is called the " Branch mill," 
to distinguish it from the Rutland mills. It is run by 
water-power, one of the finest in the State, having a fall of 
seven and a half feet. The property is very valuable, the 
business profitable, and the town benefited. It is estimated 
that over two thousand tons of marble have been sawed in 
this mill and shipped each year since its completion. 

Prominent among the early industries of this town was 
the nail-factory, established by Ezekiel Reid, in Camden 
valley, after the Revolutionary war and prior to the year 
1800, and probably about the year 1790. He invented a 
machine for cutting and heading nails at one operation, 
and this was probably the first invention of the kind in 
this country. It was not until 1790 that machinery was 
used for this purpose in England ; and it is said that the 
first patent in this country for a cutting and heading ma- 
chine was granted in November, 1796, to a resident of 
Pennsylvania. Mr. Reid invented a machine for drawing 
wire ; also, a machine for bending card teeth and to punch 
holes in leather in which to fasten the teeth ; he also in- 
vented what he called a centre-vent water-wheel, and which 
are now called centre-discharge wheels. 5Ir. Reid wa,s 
without capital, and could not introduce his various inven- 



172 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tioDS. Some of the nails made by him are now in a mu- 
seum at Philadelphia. His shop or factory, aft«r he ceased 
occupying it, was converted into a barn, which is now on 
the farm in Camden valley of which HoUis Bruce died 
seized. While Mr. Reid lived at Camden he boarded with 
Robert Montgomery, who then kept a hotel there. 

ROOFING-SLATE INDUSTRY. 

This industry has added largely to the prosperity of 
this town. Slate, suitable for roofing purposes, was dis- 
covered here early in 1854, upon the farm then owned by 
J. and H. Harkness, and on two other farms in the same 
year. The slate ledge on the Hustings farm was leased, in 
1854, to the Messrs. Roberts, who, in July of the same 
year, began taking out slate of superior quality. Some 
fifteen years ago the Excelsior Slate company was organized, 
and they soon opened and have ever since worked their 
quarries with marked success. At this time (1878) the 
Excelsior quarries and the quarries under the charge of C. 
W. Pierce are in operation. 

THE OLD STORES OF SALEM.* 

Mercantile business in the town and village of Salem 
antedates the Revolutionary war. Two stores are known 
to have been in trade within the limits of the town prior to 
1775, although the precise dates of their erection have not 
as yet been fixed. One of these, probably the latter, chro- 
nologically considered, was built on the site of the present 
residence of Hon. John McDonald, about two miles south- 
west of the village of Salem. This store was erected by 
Wm. Moffat, as also were the potash-works, which were a 
little distance northeast of the store. (A son of Mr. Mof- 
fat, Robert Moffat, was a printer, who at his death, May 4, 
1807, was senior proprietor of the Troy Northern Budget , 
of which he was one of the founders.) The MofF<it store 
was afterwards occupied by Pennel & Ferguson, and was 
yet standing, unoccupied, at the time McDonald purchased 
the property. Mr. McDonald took down the building and 
built his house on its site about 1834. We do not learn 
that the store was ever occupied except by the firms named. 

The store in the village of Salem, that was first erected, 
and which probably is the oldest in the town, was built by 
James Turner, one of the three original settlers of the town, 
and was probably erected as early as 1773. It occupied a 
portion of the present site of Fitch & Beattie's store, was 
fourteen feet wide, and about twenty-four feet in length. 
After the death of Mr. Turner the store, by the marriage 
of his widow, passed into the hands of General John Wil- 
liams, and, later, from him to his relative, General David 
Thomas. While Thomas owned the store it was for a time 
occupied by Alexander Thompson, who went out of busi- 
ness only a short time before the store was bought by Slajor 
James Harvey. The date of this purchase was June 20, 
1794, and in Garrick's Courier, second number, we find 
the following advertisement : 

"CHEAP STORE! 

" James Harvey has opened a store in Salem, formerly occupied by 
Alexander Thompson, where he has a complete assortment of Drv 

» By E. P. Thurston. 



Goods a^x> Ghoceries, etc. All of vhich he is determined to sell 
(for Ihiidy Pay itnly) at the New York prices, barely adding the ex- 
pense of the carriage up. 
" 2Gth June, 1794." 

While doing business at this point Major Harvey re- 
moved the narrow structure referred to, and, purchasing 
additional land, erected a substantial wooden structure, 
about the beginning of the present century, on the same 
foundation now occupied by the brick store. He continued 
business here until Oct. 14, 1809, when he sold the store 
property to Samuel Prince and, March 20, 1810, removed 
to New York, and afterwards to Pelham, N. Y. Mr. 
Prince did not retain the property long, but sold it to Wil- 
liam M. McFarland, known, to distinguish him from others 
of the same name, as " William the Merchant," or " Store 
Billy." He did business for a time alone, and afterwards 
with his brother. Esquire James A. McFarland (father of 
Wm. McFarland, now of the " Corner Store"), to whom he 
afterwards sold his interest. James A. McFarland contin- 
ued the business for a time, and then sold to Jesse L. Bil- 
lings, who, being a lawyer, did not go into trade, and the 
store was next occupied by Major Harvey, who returned 
from Pelham May 5, 1819, and at once went into business 
in his old store, remaining until the spring of 1822, when 
he removed to an old building standing on the present site 
of the bank, where he traded until Sept. 19, when he moved 
into his new store, that is now occupied by Leonard M. 
Liddle. April 24, 1822, Mr. Billings sold the old store to 
Leonard H. Clapp and Cephas Smith. They continued 
business (except for a short time when a brother of Cephas 
Smith took Mr. Clapp's place) until Oct. 1, 1825. At 
this time it was purchased by Deacon John Beattie, who 
had just withdrawn from his partnership with General John 
McNaughtou in the business of the old " Corner Store." 
Mr. Beattie carried on business in the building he had 
purchased until it was destroyed in the great fire of 1840. 
After that fire he erected the present brick structure (ex- 
cepting only the few feet that have been added at the rear 
by the present firm), and carried on the business until 
about Nov. 1, 1849, when he sold the building to Silas 
Brown. On the 15th of that month, Abuer C. Robertson 
commenced trade, and conducted the business until March 
15, 1850, when it passed into the hands of J. L. Woodin 
and Henry Osborn. Business did not prosper with them, 
and in September, 1852, they made an assignment for the 
benefit of their creditors, John R. Lytic and John H. Mc- 
Farland being the assignees. The store passed again into 
the possession of Mr. Robertson, who then conducted the 
business until April 1, 1855, when he sold to Eugene 
Hodge. He continued there in the clothing trade but a 
short time. James A. Fairley then bought his stock. The 
store building had meanwhile passed successively from Silas 
Brown to Alexander M. Proudfit, and from him to John 
King (Feb. 7, 1853) ; and from Mr. King it passed to 
James A. Fairley at the time he commenced business in 
1855. Mr. Fairley was unsuccessful, and in March, 1858, 
the store was sold under judgment, and purchased by Dea- 
con Benjamin Cleveland. He, after conducting the busi- 
ness for five years alone, sold a half-interest in store and 
goods to Josephus Fitch, and they continued partners, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOEK. 



173 



under the name of Cleveland & Fitch, until the death of 
the latter, which occurred March 17, 1868. 

After the death of Josephus Fitch his son, Wui. J. Fitch, 
succeeded to the business. This partnership lasted under 
the same style until March 18, 1872, when George H. 
Arnott purchased Mr. Cleveland's interest, which he re- 
tained nearly to the time of his death, the firm being 
known as Fitch & Arnott. A short time before his death, 
which took place December 23, 1874, Mr. Arnott made a 
contract of sale of his interest to John J. Beattie. This 
contract was consummated January 21, 1875, as to the stock, 
title to the store passing to Mr. Beattie, March 6, 1876. 
The store has since that time continued under the manage- 
ment of Fitch & Beattie. 

As stated before, Major James Harvey commenced busi- 
ness in his new store (the building now occupied by L. M. 
Liddle) September 19, 1822. He remained alone until 
November 1, 1825, when Marvin Freeman, who had been 
a clerk in his employ, was taken as partner in the business, 
and so remained until April 11, 1836, when the partner- 
ship was dissolved. Major Harvey retiring. The business 
was conducted by Marvin Freeman alone until March 1, 
1840, when his brother, W. W. Freeman (now of Free- 
man Manufacturing Co., North Adams, Mass.), entered 
into partnership with him, trade being carried on, under the 
firm-name of M. & W. W. Freeman, until March 1, 1849. 
May 24, 1850, Marvin Freeman received his son Harvey 
as a partner, Harvey having attained his majority at that 
time, and the firm of M. Freeman & Son continued until May 
1, 1SC9, when Leonard M. Liddle purchased the interest 
of Marvin Freeman (who died June 13 of the same year), 
and formed the partnership which did business under the 
firm-name of Freeman & Liddle. This partnership con- 
tinued until the death of Harvey Freeman, April 12, 
1873. Soon after this Mr. Liddle purchased of the estate 
the half-interest which had belonged to Harvey Freeman, 
and has on his own account continued the business. The 
store has always held a high place in public estimation, 
doing a large and profitable business. 

The store now occupied by McNaughton & Beattie is 
also one of the old mercantile sites. There formerly stood 
on the ground now occupied by the store and house com- 
bined two buildings; the one being the long house, north 
of the railroad, known as the Bruce house, and the other 
being the James Nichols store. That store is stated to 
have been built before the beginning of the present cen- 
tury by " Priest Nichols" as he was called, an Episcopal 
clergyman and uncle to James Nichols, for whom the store 
was built. James Nichols carried on business here for 
many years, keeping a general store, but was finally un- 
successful and went out of business some time about 1818. 
In April, 1819, Henry Matthews purchased the property, 
and, later, erected the present large building. He carried 
on the business until his death, keeping not only a general 
country store, but also doing a large business as a wool 
merchant. At his death, which occurred March 29, 1845, 
Mr. Cyrus Atwood, who had been a clerk with him, pur- 
chased the store. The following year. May, 1846, Mr. 
Benj. Cleveland became a partner in the store, the wool 
business still being carried on. The partnership of Atwood 



& Cleveland continued until June, 1853, when Mr. Cleve- 
land withdrew (engaged in the mercantile and hardware 
business in the " Hawley store"). Mr. Cyrus Atwood con- 
tinued the business alone until his death, August 5, 1858. 
After his death, Sylvester S. Crandall and Henry Cleve- 
land formed the copartnership known as Crandall & Cleve- 
land, which continued about one year, when Job Sherman 
bought Cleveland's interest. The firm of Crandall & 
Sherman lasted until about the 1st of January, 1860, 
when they failed. The store was then for a short time oc- 
cupied by James A. Fairley as a grocery and news-stand. 
In July, 1861, Archibald Robertson occupied it as a post- 
ofiice. Two years after he removed, and it was not again 
occupied until James T. Hyde purchased it from Charles 
Crary, a son-in-law of Henry Matthews, April 1, 1865. 
Mr. Hyde continued in business until his death, which oc- 
curred in January, 1872. The business .was continued by 
his administrators until February 1 of the same year, when 
it was purchased by James C. Shaw and Wm. A. Taylor. 
Shaw & Taylor carried on the business until March 1, 
1873, when Edwin McNaughton purchased the stock and 
traded alone for one year, at the end of which he sold a 
half-interest to Thomas C. Gregory, forming the firm of 
McNaughton & Gregory. March 1, 1875, Gregory sold 
out to John W. Dobbin. McNaughton & Dobbin's partner- 
ship lasted for year, McNaughton buying Mr. Dobbin's 
interest and remaining alone until March 1, 1877, when 
he sold a half-interest to John S. Beattie, forming the 
present firm of McNaughton & Beattie. This firm does a 
large business, enjoying the confidence and esteem of the 
public. 

"The Corner Store" was built by Ebenezer Proudfit, 
early in the present century. The precise date we are at 
this time unable to learn, but from maps of the village 
made in 1800 and 1805 respectively, we ascertain that the 
building was erected in the interim between those years, 
probably 1801 or 1802. Upon its completion Mr. Proud- 
fit occupied it, and continued business until his death, in 
the year 1813. John Kennedy, who had been in his em- 
ploy, in company with Djugrey & Rutherford, of Lan- 
singburg, took the business and carried it on for a short 
time, when, becoming somewhat discouraged, he abandoned 
the business, which then, according to the best data at 
command, passed into the hands of David D. Gray, who 
conducted it for a short time, leaving the store in 1814. 
Henry S. Beman, of Salem, then in connection with 
Beman, dossing & Co., of Lansingburg, continued the 
business until March 27, 1816, when the firm was dis- 
solved. Beman conducted the business alone for a short 
time, and then entered into partnership with Amasa B. 
Gibson, a brother of James B. Gibson, and an uncle to 
Judge James Gibson. This firm endured until April 14, 
1817, when it was dissolved, Mr. Gibson retaining the 
business until the month of November of that year. He 
then sold out to John Beattie and General John McNaugh- 
ton, who formed the firm of Beattie & McNaughton. Mr. 
McNaughton, who had spent some time in Troy, in the 
capacity of clerk, took charge of the business during the 
winter, Mr. Beattie joining actively with him in trade, 
April 1, 1819, and continuing until the 1st of October, 



174 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1825, when lie removed to a store occupying the site of 
the present store of Fitch & Beattie. James E. ProuJfit at 
that time became a partner of Mr. McNauj;hton, and con- 
tinued in business witii him three years, until Oct. 1, 182S. 
McNaughton then retired, taking a portion of the goods 
and selling them out in the store now occupied by James 
Hickey. J. W. Proudfit & Co. then became the managers 
of the business until Jan. 1, 1831, John W. Proudfit, 
James E. Proudfit, and A. M. Proudfit composing the 
firm. A. M. Proudfit was sole proprietor of the business 
from Jan. 1, 1831, to April 1, 1835, when Josephus Fitch 
became a partner of Mr. Proudfit, and the firm was con- 
ducted under the style of Proudfit & Fitch until April 
1, 18-14. Mr. Fitch went out, and Mr. Proudfit was alone 
for one year, at the end of which, April 1, 1845, Mr. Fitch 
returned and remained two years. Mr. Proudfit continued 
the business in his own name for six months, at the end 
of which time the firm of King & Guild was formed. 
John King, the senior member of the firm, had been a 
clerk with Mr. Proudfit since 1840. King & Guild did 
business until July, 1850, when Guild sold his interest to 
Mr. King, who remained alone until April 1, 1851. At 
this time James A. Fairley became a partner in the busi- 
ness, which was conducted under the name of King & 
Fairley until April 1, 1855. King & Fairley at this time 
dissolved, Mr. Fairley buying a portion of the stock and 
removing to the " Brick Store." Mr. Wm. McFarland, 
one of the present proprietors, now became a member of 
the firm. This copartnership of King & McFarland con- 
tinued until April 1, 1865, during two years of which 
time John W. McFarland was associated with the firm, 
which was for that time known as King & McFarland. 
From Jan. 1, 1805, to Jan. 1, 186G, the business was con- 
ducted by William McFarland alone. At the latter date 
Mr. King again entered the firm, which was styled King 
& McFarland until March 1, 1868, at which time Mr. 
John J. Beattie was received as a partner. They did 
business under the name of King, McFarland & Co. 
until the 1st day of March, 1871, when William McFar- 
land retired, and the fii'm was King & Beattie for one 
year. March 1, 1872, Mr. McFarland returned, and the 
firm was known for three years as King, McFarland & 
Beattie. Mr. Beattie then retired, and the business was 
conducted by King & McFarland till March 1, 1876, 
when Mr. King, in consequence of ill health, sold out his 
interest to Mr. Andrew Getty, the junior member of the 
present firm, who for four years had been an efficient clerk 
in the store. 

The store has always enjoyed a fair proportion of the 
material prosperity of the town, and has been singularly 
fortunate in its extended business history. No failure of 
firms or individuals has occurred during the more than 
threescore years and ten that this old building has with- 
stood the ravages of time. The ownership of the building 
has never passed from the hands of the lineal descendants 
of the family by whom it was built. Mr. McFarland, the 
present owner, is a grandson of Ebenczer Proudfit, and 
great-grandson of General John Williams, who held the 
title of the store, which was built by Mr. Proudfit on his 
lands, and at his death, which occurred in 1806, was by 



will left to his daughter Betsey, by whom it passed to Rev. 
Alexander Proudfit, of Sai'atoga, and from him to Wm. 
McFarland, the present owner, by purchase. 

SIILIT.VRY. 

There are no extensive military operations involving 
battles to be spoken of in Salem, but in the time of the 
Revolution there was already a busy, stirring population. 
Colonel Williams, to whom so many important matters were 
intrusted, resided here. Military stores were kept here ; 
and, as shown in the general history, " Fort Salem" was 
built here in 1777 by stockading the Presbyterian church, 
using the logs from the First Scotch church for the pur- 
pose. A block-hou.se, called " Fort Williams," was built 
the next year on Mill hill, where so fine a view of Salem 
may still be had. The church fort was burned by the Tories 
after the people had been compelled to flee during the Bur- 
goyne campaign. 

On the authority of Hon. S. E. Spoor, of Hebron, we 
add the following incident : 

Captain McNitt was in command of a portion of the 
Black Creek militia in the time of the Revolution. His 
company was attacked by the loyalists. Captain McNitt 
aiid his men took refuge in the plank-house, on the present 
farni of Daniel Woodard, northwest part of Salem, and, 
it is said, there was a sharp skirmish. The Tories were re- 
pulsed. The building is still standing, though clap-boarded 
and used as a wagon-house. Mr. Spoor has, himself, seen 
the places from which bullets were cut, and had the account 
personally from James McNitt, a son of the captain. 

This incident, together with the items in various other 
places of this history, shows something of the stirring times 
in Salem. 

The Revolutionary documents annexed are from the vol- 
umes of Williams Papers, preserved so carefully by the 
present family in Salem. Our acknowledgments arc due 
to them for free access to these valuable memorials. 

As to the War of 1812, the history of the churches 
shows that in the crisis of danger on Lake Champlain, all 
the arms-bearing men of the community turned out, leaving 
churches mostly with audiences of only women. 

Pensioners, living in Salem, in 1840, by the official 
register, were George Field, eighty years of age ; George 
Harvey, forty-six ; Robert Stewart, seventy-three ; Sarah 
Wilson, seventy ; Robert McCarter, eighty-seven ; Sarah 
Sanderson, eighty ; Sarah McNisli, eighty-two ; George 
Fowler, seventy-nine ; Asa Fitch, seventy-four ; Margaret 
Gray, seventy-five. 

There is a tradition that an Indian was killed near the 
present school house in Black Creek district. He was one 
of a raiding-party in Burgoyne's campaign, and was shot 
by some of the men of the neighborhood, who knew his 
enmity. The swamp near has been known as Purgatory 
ever since. 

The following names are taken from a payroll of Captain 
Charles Hutchinson's company, in Colonel John Williams' 
regiment of militia, in the county of Charlotte and State 
of New York, from June 20 to Oct. 20, both days in- 
cluded :* 

« Williams Papers, vol. i. p. 101. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



175 



Officers. — Charles Hutchinson, captain ; Edward Long, 
first lieutenant ; Robert Stewart, second lieutenant ; Alex- 
ander Turner, ensign ; Daniel McNitt, James Stewart, 
Thomas Williams, Thomas Lyon, sergeants; Isaac Gray, 
David McNitt, Robert Hopkins, James Tomb, corporals. 

Privates. — Alexander McNitt, Sr., John McNift, An- 
drew Simson, John Sirason, Alexander Sim.?on, John Hop- 
kins, Robert Hopkins, Alexander Henderson, John Gray, 
Jr., Reuben Wood, Alexander Hunsden, James Moore, Jr., 
John Gray, Sr., James Henderson, David Hopkins, John 
Dunlap, John Harsha, James Hamilton,- Lewis Williams, 
David Webb, Robert Creighton, John McMichael, Wil- 
liam Rogers, John McAllister, Samuel Hopkins, Jr., 
John McClure, Nathan Gray, John Wilson, Hugh Martyn, 
James Thompson, John Miller, Isaac Hopkins, David 
Hopkins (2d), John Thompson, Alexander McNish, John 
Chambers, Samuel Lyon, John Rowan. 

On this pay-roll appear also the names of the regimental 
officers, with their time, which we also annex : 

Colonel Williams, one hundred and seventeen days ; 
IMajor Alexander Webster, sixty-eight days ; Major Alex- 
ander Turner, sixty-eight days ; Adjutant Moses Martin, 
seventy-four days ; and Quartermaster John Conkey, eighty- 
four days. 

A memorandum attached states that twenty-two of this 
company had marched from New York to Ticonderoga. 
The oath attached has a refreshing brevity in these days of 
long iron-clads: 

" I swear, by God, that this is a just and true pay-roll, and their 
respective time of service and discharge. 

"Charles Hutchan,* Cnjilnin. 
"Sworn before me at New Perth, Nov. 10, 1777. 

•'John Williams, Cliiiinnaii." 

In another pay-roll of the same companyf we find the 
following additional names: John Gray, Jr., Alexander 
McNish, John Livingston, Joseph Tomb, John Lytle, 
William Lytle, Andrew Lytle, John McFarland, John 
Lytle (2d), William Sloan, Turner Hamilton, Lewis 
Williams, James Miller, Thomas Williams, Robert Stewart, 
Isaac Gray, Andrew Simpson, Lewis Williams, Jr., Samuel 
Hopkins, Sr., Francis Lemmon, John Chambers, Samuel 
Lyon, James Hamilton, Jr., John Rowan, Ebenezer Russell, 
James Hopkins, Jame s M oor, Sr., James Moor, Jr. 

In another pay-roll of the same company there are still 
other names, as follows,J under date of March 16, 1778 : 
Nathan Gray, John Rowan, Jr., George Easton, Hamilton 
McCoUister, Richard Hoy, Matthew McClaughery, David 
Stewart, Archibald Stewart, Alexander Stewart, Thomas 
Oswald, Samuel Wilson, Robert Matthews, Daniel Mat- 
thison, John Webb, William Miller, Jr., George Miller, 
Robert Gilmore, Daniel Livingston, Peter McQueen, 
Thomas Bar, Wm. Campbell, Timothy Titus, Wm. Mof- 
fett, George Robinson, Wm. Matthews, Alexander Garrett. 

To this roll are attached the following memoranda : 
" Reuben Wood was a sergeant in the company, and did 
duty while Captain Hutchinson was in command, and until 

*' Charles Hutchinson. 

f Williams Papers, vol. i. p. 119. 

t Ibid., p. 125. 



Burgoyne's defeat. Thomas Williams was clerk in the 
company, and was all the time doing duty as such, and as 
sergeant, while Captain Hopkins had the command. John 
Gray is a freeholder in this town, and, notwithstanding he 
was an exempt, he went to Ticonderoga and was in service 
until Burgoyne's defeat. 

" Allen Hunsden was, through a mistake, put on this roll 
instead of Captain Armstrong, and was in service all the 
time. David Hopkins was above age, but notwithstanding 
did duty ; was taken prisoner, and put in irons. John 
Dunlap was at Ticonderoga." 

This company was in service from June 20, 1777, to 
Oct. 10, 1777, and, judging from the pay-roll, some portion 
of 1778. 

Captain Hutchinson's company was afterwards com- 
manded by Captain Edward Long. The captain wrote his 
own name sometimes without the final syllable, as appears 
from the following order : 

" Mns. Williams, — Give these three men of the guard half a pint 
of rum and one gill, and place to my account. 

"CiiAiiLES Hdtchan, Captain." 

The following names are taken from the pay-roll of Cap- 
tain Thomas Armstrong's company of Colonel John Wil- 
liams' regiment of militia, in the county of Charlotte and 
State of New Y'ork, from the 20th of June to the 20th of 
October, both days included : § Thomas Armstrong, cap- 
tain ; John Armstrong, first lieutenant ; Daniel McCleary, 
second lieutenant ; John Martin, ensign ; Zebulon Turner, 
sergeant-major; John Gibson, John Hunsden, David Mc- 
Knight, Robert Caldwell, sergeants; Wm. Lytle, Wm. 
Smith, Jonathan Nivins, Wm. Huggins, corporals ; Robert 
Armstrong, drummer ; James Turner, fifer. 

Privates. — George Blakeney, Robert McMichael, Isaac 
Lytle, Robert McArthur, Robert Boyd, John Boyd, James 
McFarland, Sr., James Means, John Wilson, Wm. Lytle, Jr., 
Joseph Wilson, Wm. Moncrief, Thomas Gibson, Robert 
Lytle, Benjamin Cleveland. 

The following names are taken from the pay-roll of Cap- 
tain John Hamilton's company, in Colonel John Williams' 
regiment of militia, in the county of Charlotte and State of 
New York : John Hamilton, captain, Hebron ; James Wil- 
son, first lieutenant, Hebron ; George H. Nighton, second 
lieutenant; Samuel Croget, ensign; David Hopkins, || R. 
V. Willson, Nathaniel Munson,|| Wm. Smith, sergeants; 
Jonathan Barber, Robert Getty,|| Isaac Hopkins, David 
Wheaton,|| corporals. 

Primtcs. — David Willson, James Brown, David Getty, 
John Getty, Samuel Tirrell, Samuel Gammis, Abel Sharp, 
David Whitten, Solomon Wade, Adam Getty, Daniel 
Fisher, Daniel McCloud, John Duncan, Martin Harmon, 
Alpheus Harmon, Sr., Selah Harmon, Alpheus Harmon, Jr., 
Josiah Parrish, John Fisher, Isaac Lytle. 

This roll was sworn to by Captain Hamilton, Nov. 10, 
1777, before John Williams, chairman. 

It is probable this company was largely from the town of 
Hebron. 

A muster roll of the following company of loyalists is also 
found among the Williams Papers :^ 

5 Williams Paper.', vol. i. page 103. [ Also of Hebron. 

^ Williams Papers, vol. i. page 121. 



176 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



A Iklof Giptain J. SItencood's comjiany in Colonel Pefers' 
regiment : 

Justus Sherwood, captain; Edward Cascallen, lieuten- 
ant; John Wilson, ensign; James McKim, sergeant; John 
Embury, sergeant ; Abraham Marsh, sergeant. 

Privates. — Paul Heck, Charles Sweet, Dana Dulmage, 
Philip Singer, Andrew Embury, Philip Switzer, Samuel 
Wilson, Wm. Busted, Francis Nicholson, John Hogal, 
Selah Stiles, Solomon Beecher, Alexander McDougall, 
Ebenezer Wright, Asel Wright, John Brooks, John Cas- 
callen, Charles Griffen, John Bininger, James Buchanan, 
Joseph Moss, John Beecher, Enoch Mallory, Jacob Tyler, 
Daniel McGilivray, Eleazer Laraby, James Perigo, John 
Singer, Oliver Sweet, Abel Sharp, Peter Miller, Valentine 
Detlor, Peter Detlor, Robert Parry, Ezra Ward, Elijah 
Bolton, Caleb Henderson, John Griffin, Daniel Culver, 
George Patmer, Conroy Devoe, John Lawrence. 

Some of the above names are found upon the following 
"bond of allegiance," executed April 22, 1770. (Wil- 
liams Papers, vol i. page 03.) 

"We the subscribers do bind ourselves in the penal sum of one 
hundred pounds each to be obedient to the rules and orders of (ho 
Continental Congress; and also that we will protect, and defend the 
rights and liberties of America, in the present contest against the 
oppressive acts of the English Parliament, according to their abili- 
ties. Signed l)y our hands this 22d day of April, 1776. 

"James Cascallen. Johs Bi.vingeu. 

"ADAXf SCHOOLCHAFT. JoHN EmBUUV. 

" Abram Bininger. John Dulmage. 

" Garret Miller. J. CuEBOonn. 

" Padl Heck. Peter Switzer. 

"Philip Switzer. Puh.ip Durgeon." 

Paul Heck was one of Embury's associates. It was bis 
wife, Barbara Heck, who urged Philip Embury in New 
York to preach, and by her persistent entreaty induced 
the young local preacher, who had received a license in 
Ireland, to commence active religious work. This was in 
New York, before they came to Salem. Stevens, the 
Methodist historian, ascribes to Barbara llech the honor 
of being the real founder of the American Methodist 
church. 

Charles Hutchinson, the captain, had a personal ex- 
perience in the "war" over the New Hamp.shire grants, 
as shown by a complaint to be found in the documentary 
Iiistory of the State. Charles Hutchinson's home was on 
Farrant's patent, in the northeast corner of the town, near 
the Vermont line. 

At a special town-meeting held Aug. 29, 1802, Wil- 
liam B. Bool, chairman, and William McFarland, clerk, 
resolutions were offered by James Gibson, seconded by C. 
L. Allen. After a stirring and patriotic discussion they 
were adopted. The supervisor was authorized to borrow 
on the credit of the town thirty-five hundred dollars, 
the money to be expended in raising volunteers to sup- 
ply the deficiency of twenty-five men in the filling of 
the quota of the town, paying bounties and expenses 
necessary to fill Captain Crary's company to the minimum. 
The Legislature was petitioned to pass a legalizing act, if 
necessary, to confirm these proceedings. The final resolu- 
tion requested the enrolling officers to make a complete list 
of all who bad or should volunteer, attest tlie same by their 



signatures; that said list should be filed in the town clerk's 
office, and entered in full upon the town records, " to the 
end that it may be known who have gone from this town 
into the field to save their country in the hour of peril." 

Dec. 23, 1863, a special town-meeting was held, at 
which C. L. Allen was chairman, and D. V. T. Qua, clerk. 
Resolutions were adopted ratifying the action of the super- 
visors in raising the sum of one hundred and twenty-five 
thousand dollars, to be used for bounties to recruits, at the 
rate of two hundred dollars each, the same to be charged 
to each town in proportion to the amount drawn. A pre- 
vious town-meeting, December 7, had provided for a town 
bounty of three hundred dollars. This was rescinded, the 
town deciding to act under the resolution of the super- 
visors. A town war committee was appointed, consisting 
of A. B. Law, James Gibson, William A. Russell, John 
M. Williams, and William Cleveland. 

At the annual meeting, March 1, 1804, it was resolved 
that a town bounty, not exceeding the sum of three hun- 
dred and fifty dollars, be offered for thirty men to fill the 
present call, and the remainder be applied to the next call 
for volunteers, and that the same sum be paid for any other 
men that may be required to fill the next quota, should 
another call be made. 

At a .special town-meeting called June 25, 1804, general 
authority was given to the supervisor, in connection with 
the war committee appointed Dec. 23, 1803, to raise what- 
ever number of men may be necessary to fill the calls now 
or soon to be made by the President of the United States ; 
and the supervisor was authorized to expend whatever 
money might be necessary for that purpose, issuing town 
bonds or procuring county bonds, and such taxes were fully 
authorized as might be necessary to meet the payments 
thus provided, bonds to run four years. 

At the annual meeting, March 7, 1805, the war com- 
mittee was continued, their past acts and doings fully con- 
firmed, and further authority given to expend sums a.^ 
might be necessary to fill any future calls, and to levy 
whatever taxes- might be required to carry out this res- 
olution. 

The unlimited authority thus conferred at .successive 
meetings shows how freely the people voted money for war 
purposes, and how fully and justly they confided in their 
appointed committee and in the supervisor of the town. 
The trust reposed was executed as fliithfuUy as it bad been 
cheerfully conferred. All the successive calls were promptly 
filled. The town was in advance of all demands of the 
national government — more than met them — having men 
standing to its credit in excess of quotas at the close of 
the war. The committee protected the town from draft, 
and at the same time saved the tax-payers from the swin- 
dling operations of bounty brokers, and their confederates, 
— bounty jumpers. 

Such a war committee of patriotic prudent citizens, hon- 
ored and trusted by the whole people, and therefore in- 
vested with well-nigh unlimited power, proved to be the 
safety of all classes. 

The town-clerk not having made the report requested by 
the State in 1805, the following list was prepared from the 
printed muster-in rolls of the State. But it has been left 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



177 



for correction and fully advertised in town, and Mr. Cruik- 
sliank, postmaster of Salem village, lias jiiveii valuable and 
patriotic assistance in perfecting it. To his unwearied 
labor. Company H, of the 123d, are particularly indebted 
for the completeness of their record. 

(icorKn H. AUiircI, imiI. June 11, lS6i, 1st MouiitoJ Bitlra, Co. E. 

Al.iKT Austin, Mil. Dec. 17, 18G:>, lOtli Art., Co. K. 

Aluxiirnli'r Austin, enl. Dec. 17, 1861, lOtli Art., Co. K. 

Satniiel Atwood, enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 12:jd Begt., Co. II. 

David Austin, lunsidan ; enl. Sept. 20, 1801, 2d Cav. 

.I.iliri Akiris, enl. Sept. 15, 1801, 2d Cm'., Co. A. 

Samuel Atwood, onl. Sept.ll, 1801, 2d Oav., Cu. A ; discli. at Kiisl Division hos- 

jiital at close of war. 
Alixander Austin, enl. Oct. 1, 1801, 2d Cny., Co. A. 
Win. Austin, Corp. ; enl. Sept. U, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
rlatt 1). Abell, farrier; enl. Sept. 11, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
George W. Austin, enl. Dec. 4, 1801, 'JM Uegt., Co. I. 
Wni. Andre.ss, enl. Sept. 4, 1802, 12.1d Regt., Co. U ; left sick at Salem. 
Win. C. Askey, enl. .June, 1801, 22d Kegt., Co. D; two jeais. 
Asa Buike, enl. June 11, 1862, Ist Monnted Bitles, Co. E. 
Bobert B. Hcattie, scrgt.; enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 12:id Begt., Co. H ; pro. to 2d lieut. 

Oct. 21, 1803; discli. June 8, 1805. 
Garrett W. liriggs, coip. ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. U ; woundtd May 

1, l«Oi, at CliancelloraviUe ; discli. June 8, 1805. 
James L. Bcattie, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. H ; killed on picket at At- 

lantii, Ga., Aug. 18, 1804. 
Milo H. Brown, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123il Begt., Co. 11 ; died of disease at Louden 

Valley, Va., Nov. 27, 1862. 
Oliailes Hillings, enl. Aug. 19, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. H; died of disease at Lou- 
den Valley, Va., Dec. 13, 1864. 
Patrick ilurus, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. H ; trans, to Invalid Corps. 
George Beebee, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. H ; discli. June 8, 1805. 
Elijah liuker, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. H; disch. for disability May 24, 

1864. 
Evander Burtis, eill. Sept. 4,1802, 123d Begt., Co. H; died in I'liiladelpliia, Ta., 

Sept. 8, 1802. 
Albert K. lirougliton, musician ; enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 2d l^av. 
Channcey L. Beebee, enl. Sept. 23, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Colen JI. Bnrke, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Dolbert Brown, enl. Sept. 11, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Bicliard Burke, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co, A. 
Wales M. Barton, enl. Sept. 24, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Andrew Beebee, Corp.; enl. Sept. 7, 1862, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Asa Burke, wagoner; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Norman L. Barber, enl. Sept. 1, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 
Wm. T. licattie, 2d lieut. ; enl. June, 1801, 22d Begt., Co. D ; two years ; killed 

at bull Bun. 
Flank A. liarringer, enl. June, 1801, 22d Begt., Co. D; two years. 
Simon B. Bruce, trumpeter; enl. Sept. 20, 1802, 1st Mounted BiHes, Co. B; 

disch. at Point of Bocks, Sept. 19, 1804; re-enl. as a veteran volunteer. 
T. Flank Brown, enl. 1st Mounted Bitles, (Jo. H. 
Edward Crow, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123a Begt., Co. C. 
Peter Crombio, enl. Ang. 6, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. O. 
John S. Crary, capt.; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. II ; resigned July 28, 

1803. 
Josiah W. Culver, 2d lieut. ; enl. Aug., 1862, 123d Begt., Co. U ; pro. to 1st lieut. ; 

to dipt. Oct. 21, 1S03. 
James II. Cowan, corp. ; enl. Ang. 2, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. II ; died at Harper's 

Ferry, from disease, Dec. 2, 1862. 
Wm. II. Creighton, Corp.; enl. July 30, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. II; sick in hospital, 

Aug. 19, 1864 ; disch. at Keokuk, Iowa, at close of war. 
Lewis D. Chase, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. H ; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Wm. J. Cruiksliank, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. U ; pro. to Corp.; 

wounded at ChancoUorsville, May 3, 1863; disch. on account of wounds, 

March 11, 1804. 
Henry J. Cleveland, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. II; pro. to Corp.; 

wounded at Dallas and Pine Mountain ; disch. June 8, 1805. 
George M. Creighton, enl. Aug. 0,1802, 123d Begt., Co. II ; discli. from hosi.ital 

at Chattanooga, Ga., at close of war. 
Dudley E. Cornell, musician; enl. Sept. 26, 1862, 2d Cav. 
James H. Cimklin, enl. Oct. 2, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Elias P. Craiidall, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Volney Craw, enl. Sept. 21, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
George Clark, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
David E. Ci-onin, Ist lient.; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 1st Mounted Bitles, Co. E ; bad 

before served in 2d Cav. 
Benjamin F. Cole, sergt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1861, 2d Cav , Co. A. 
Charles II. Clark, qnar.-ina i sergt.; enl. Sept. II, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Stephen U. Chellis, sergt.; enl. Sepl. II, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
J:i3on A. Conkey, farrier; enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Bobert Cruiksbauk, ord. sergt.; enl. Aug. 5, 1802; must. Sept. 4, 1862, 123d 

Begt., Co. II; pro. 2d lieut., Feb. 2U, 1803; Ist lieut., Oct. 21, 1803; acting 

adj., Se|it. 1 to Nov. 10, 1804; acting prov. marshal for brigade, Nov. 10 

to April 11, 1805 ; acting aid-de-camp, April 11 to June 8, 1865. 

23 



George Cobb, enl. .lime, 1801, for two years, 22d Begt., Co. D. 
Body Cramer, enl. .luiie, Dial, for two yeara,2id Begl., Co. D. 
Willard H. Coltoii, enl. Jan. 21, 1804, Ist Mounted Eifles,Co. E; di.scli. Nov. 29, 

1S6.J. 
Hugh Dorrance, enl. June 19, 1862, Ist Mounted BiBes, Co. E. 
Thiunas L. Dobbin, enl. Dec. 28, 1863, lOtli Art., Co. K. 
Horatio H. Dana, enl. Doc. 30, 1803, 16th Art., Co. K. 
Wm. H. Doniiison, sergt.; enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. II ; wounded at 

Chancellorsville, May 2, 180;l ; discli. June 8, 1805 . 
Philip II. Danforth, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. II. 
Martin P. Duiilap, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, I23d Kegt, Co. II. 
Henry Danforth, enl. Aug. 13, 1862,123d Begt., Co. H; wounded at Peach-Treo 

Creek, July 2(1, 1804 ; died at King.ston, Ga., July 31, 1804. 
Austin Deuel, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Begt., C.i. H; taken prisoner at Knip's 

Farm, July 22, 1864; not heard from afterwards. 
Peter Donahue, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. H; disch. June 8, ISO,'.. 
John Doig, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 12id Begt, Co. II. 

Philip H. Danforth, enl. Sept. 9, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A; disch. June ,<, ISIIJ. 
John J. Dnnlap, enl. Sept 23, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
John S. Doig, enl. Oct. 1, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A; wounded at (Jhaucellorsville 

May 3, 1863; discli. June 8, 1865. 
Orlando Dana, enl. June, 1801, for two years, 22d Begt, Co. D. 
Henry C. Earle, onl. Jan. 5, 1804, lOtli Art, CJo. K. 
Wright Edie, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, lOth Art., Co. K. 
Benjamin Elliott, 1st lieut; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 121d Begt, Co. H; resigueil 

Feb. 6, 1863. 
George II. Edie, musician; onl: Aug. 14, 1802, 123d Begt, Co. H. 
Frank W. Esler, saddler; enl. Oct 29, 1801, 2d C.iv., Co. A; disch. June 8,1865. 
Daniel A, Foster, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 123il K.-gt, Co. H; disch. June 8, 1S05. 
Henry Fleming, onl. Sept. II, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Wm. G. Fisher, bugler; enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 2d Gar., Co. A. 
Thomas B. Fisk, Ist lieut. ; enl. June, 1801, for two years, 22d Regt, Co. D ; re- 
signed Oct. 20, 1802. 
Carlos Ferguson, enl. June, 1801, for two years, 22d Regt, Co. D. 
James C. Gray, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 9, 1802,123d Kegt, Co. H; died of disease, 

March 21, 1805. 
Edward Gleason, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. H; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Levi H. Gray, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. H; disih. June 8, 1865. 
Edward Graves, enl. Ang. 9, 1862, 123d R-gt., Co. H ; disch. April 21, 1863. 
John Gibson, musician ; enl. Sept. 20, 1801, 2d Cav. 
James Gilchrist, enl. Oct 28, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Benjamin B. Gilman, corp. ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Samuel Giles, enl. Aug. 3, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Cfe. D. 
Beuben Hill, enl. June 1, 1802, 1st Mounted BiBes, Co. E. 
King S. Hammond, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, loth Art, Co. K. 
W'illiam B. Haskins, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, 16th Art, (3o. K. 
John Haslin, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, lOtli Art, Co. K. 
Forrest E. Hatch, enl. Dec. 31, 1803, lOlh Art, Co. K. 
Ira Hawthorne, enl. Dec. 31, 1803, 10th Art., Co. K. 
Thomas Highland, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Kegt, Co. G. 
John Hopkins, wagoner; enl. Ang. 6, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. H; disch. June 8, 

1805. 
Albert Hopkins, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 12.id Regt., Co. H; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Silas Hopkins, enl Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. H; disch. from Harper's Ferry 

hospital. 
Jacob Hevcr, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, l-2.3d Regt, Co. H; missing on march, June 

27,103. 
Newell L. Harwood, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Kegt, Co. H ; disch. at hospital in 

Baltimore, Md. 
William Howe, musician; enl. Sept 7, 1861, 2d Cav. 
King S. Hammond, Corp. ; enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Woodard Hill, enl. Sept 15, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
John N. Hayes, enl. Nov. 1, 1861, 'id Cav., Co. A. 
Henry Hodge, enl. Sept. 18, ISOl, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
William B. Haskins, enl. Sept. 11, ISOl, 2d Cav., Co, A. 
George W. Haywanl, onl. Oct. 1. 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
George H.idley, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
John A. Hearn, enl. Oct 7, 1801, •2d Cav., Co. A. 
Nelson B. Ilolden, enl. Sept 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
John Hunt, enl. Sept 11, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
John Haslem, enl. Sept -20, 1861, '2d Cav., Co. A. 
Addison Hayner, enl., Dec. 4, 1861, 93d Begt, Co. J. 
John Haley, enl. Aug. 3, 1863, 2d Vet Cav., Co. D. 
Elisha Hill, enl. Aug. 17, 1803, 2d Vet Cav., Co. D. 
James Hayden, enl. Aug. 31, 1863, 2d Vet Cav., Co. D. 
Daniel Harley, enl. Aug. 1, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., (Jo. D. 
Wm. Hover, enl. June, I86I, for two years, 22d Regt, Co. D. 
Archibald Johnson, enl. Aug. 21 1862, 123d Kegt, Co. H ; wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville, Va., and died May 6, 186:1. 
James Jerniain, enl. Sept. '23, 1801, 2d Cav., Ck>. A. 
John A. Kemp, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 'id Cav., Co. A. 
Henry C. Keuyon, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Joseph Kearsing, enl. Ang. 17, 1802; wounded at Kulp's Farm, Ga., June 22, 

1804; died in rebel hospital. 
George Lawrence, enl. Doc. 28, 1803, 16th Art., Co. K. 
William Leonard, enl. Sept. 21, 1861, •2d Cav., Co. A.. 
Jolm Leonard, enl. Sept. 21, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 



17? 



HISTORY OF WASIIINGTOX COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Wm. II. T.iulil. onl.Scpt. 11, 1801, 1st Moiiiitcd Itiflce, Co. E ; liad before scTTCd 

in LM Ciiv.; iliscli. Nov. 29, 1805. 
Joscjih Lowric, enl. Sept. 7, ISCl, 2il «iv., Co A. 
KJgiir Liuld, enl. Jim. IO,lao;i, 1st N. Y.Mcuntcd Rifle»; taken prisoner, Marcli, 

1804 ; discharged. i 

David Jliihaffj, enl. Dec. 30, 1863, lOlli Art., Co. K ; niu>tenil uiit, Ang. 28, 

ISe,'), with regiment. 
JIaltliew Mouaglian, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 12:;d Rcgt., Co.G. 
I'lank IIcFarland, con'. ; enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 12;jd Kegt., Co. II ; wounded May 

2!), 1804 ; disrli. June 8, 18CS. 
11.11 ace r. Malllieivs, ei.l. Aug. 0, 1802, lild Regt., Co. H ; discli. June 8, 1865. 
Siiuinil Maliaffv (2d), enl. Ang. 22, 1802, 12;!d Regt., Co. H ; i)ro. sorgt.; disch. 

.lunc 8, 18C5. 
Jnlin A. Mains, Clil. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. II ; killed at Cliancelloi-sville, 

Va., May 3, 1803. 
Charles Marsliall, enl. Aug. 22, 18C2, 123d Regt., Co. H ; lull.d at t'liancellors- 

ville, Va., May 3, 1803. 
Mitcliell McFarland, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 12:id Kigt., Co. II ; »..uii.Il-<1 at Clian- 

cellorsville, Va., May 3, 1803. 
I'i'ter McNassof, enl. Aug. 5, 1^C2, 123d Kegt., Co. H ; killid at Kulp's Farm, 

G»., June 22, 18C+. 
Levi Matthews, musician ; enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 2d Car. 
Austin Magee, niufiiciau; enl. Sept. 20, 18C1, 2d Cav.; also roenL. in Isl 

Mounted KiHes. 
Watson W. MeCullough, Jorgt. ; onl. Sepfe 11, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Wni. MeKchron, sergl.; enl. Sept. 11, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
James C. McClellan, con). ; enl. Sept. 19; 1801, 2dCav., Co. A. 
Thomas Mclutyre, enl. Sejit. 7, 1801, 2d Car., Co. A. 
Martin Moor, enl. Oct. 13, 1801. 2d Cav., Co A. 
James McGeocli, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Seucea Mcliain, eul. Oct. 1, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Horace B Matthews, eul. Sept. 30,1801, ii t^av., Co. A. 
Joseph B. Madison, enl. June, 1801, for two years, 22d Regt., Co. D. 
Edward Kidson, enl. Sept. 12, 1861, 2d Oav., Co. A. 
Robert D. Nelson, cul. Aug. 31, 1864, for one year, liSd Kegt., C... 11 ; Jiscb. 

June 8, 1865. 
John Nelson, enl. June, 1801, for two ycare, 22d Regt., Co. D. 
I'eter Naylor, enl. Ist Mounted R Hes, Co. C. 
Wui. J. Orcutt, enl. July 30,1862, 12::d Regt., Co. II; di.d of disea.se at Elk 

River Bridge, Tcnn. 
Patrick O'Brien, enl. Nov. 4, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Ccorge Pattersou, enl. June 23, 1862, Isl Mounted Rifles, Co. E. 
Calvin I. Parker, onl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. H ; disch. June 8, 1805. 
John A. Perkins, enl. July 31, 1802, ISid Regt., Co. II ; wounded and prisoner, 

ClianecllorsvlU.', Va., May 3, 1803; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Alexander Pralt, enl. Aug. 6, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. II; disch. Juno 8, 1805. 
■\Villiani Pierce, eul. Aug. 21, 1802, I23d Regt., Co. II; wounded at Kc.sa.a, Ga., 

May 15, 1804; disch. June 8, 1800. 
]I(!nry Paris, enl. Se|)t. 20, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Josephus Perry, enl. Nov. 4, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Alexander Pratt, eul. Oct. 1, 1^61, 2d Cav., Co. A ; discliargeil. 
Edgar S. Perry, bugler; enl. Sept. 9, 1801, 2d Cav., Go. A. 
Wm. C. Partridge, enl. Aug. 11,1862, 123d Regt., Co. H; left sick at S;ilem. 
Hiram Pratt, ml. June, 1861, fur two years, 22d Regt., Co. D. 
Daniel li. Ross, sergt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. II ; prisoner, June 22, 

1?64; returned to duty; discliargcd. 
Wm. I.. Rich, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. H ; killeil at Cliancellorsvllle, 

Va., 5Iay 3, 1863. 
Wm. H. Kvan, musician; eul. Sept. 26, 1861, 2d Cav.; re-onl. in 1st Mounted 

RiHes. 
Solomon W. Russell, capt.; eul. Sept. 7, 1S61, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Win. Robertson, 2d lieut. ; enl., Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Itobert Rac, sergt. ; eul. Sept. 11, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Matthew Relihau, enl. Nov. 4, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Marcus D. Rice, enl. Sept. II, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Daniel R. Ross, enl. Sept. 11, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A ; discharged. 
Daniel C. Rogers, enl. Sept. 19, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Charles W. Kasey, enl. Sept. 11, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Lawrence M. Roy, drnm-maj. ; enl. Aug. 6, 1802, 123d Eegt. ; pro.2d lieut. ; not 

mustered. 
John D. Ross, enl. Sept. 1, 1864, for one year, 12:!d Regt., Co. II. 
John L. Rice, enl. June, 1801, for two years, 22d Regt., Co. D. 
Wni. T. Runey, enl. June, 1861, for two years, 22d Regt., Co. D. 
Abram Rowan, enl. June, 1861, for two years, 22d Regt., Co. D. 
John C. Shields, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, ICth Art., Co. K. 
Wm. H. Steivart, col-p.; enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. H ; died of wounds 

received at Chancellorsville, May 12, 186:). 
Charles R. Sherman, corp. ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. U ; disch. June 8, 

1805. 
John Schneider, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. H; disch. June 8, 186.5. 
Charles A. Sheppard, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 123.1 Regt., Co. H ; siragglod May 2, 1863. 
Alvah Streetcr, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. H; wounded at Chaucellors- 

ville. May 3, 186:1 ; disch. for disability, June 8, 1864. 
George Sweet, enl. July 30, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. II ; died of disease in camp, 

Stafford Courl-IIouse, Va., Feb'. 4, 1863. 
Henry 0. Sweet, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. H; died of disease at Har- 
per's Kerry, Va., Dec. 20, 1802. 



Elias Smith, innsician ; enl. Sept. 26, 1861, 2d Cav. 

James R. Skinner, Corp.; enl. Sept. .30, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 

Ira S'ss.)n, Corp.; enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 

Joseph Spniguc, enl. Sept. 11, ISGI, 2.1 Cav., Co. A. 

Cornelius Shaw, eul. Sej.t. 11, 1801, 2.1 Ov., Co. A. 

Klward Sweeni-y, enl. Sept. 11, 18 1, 2d Cav., Co. A. 

John Stevens, eul. Sept. 11, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 

James Smilh, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 'id Cav., Cv. A. 

David G. Stewart, eul. Oct. 1, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 

James B. Slocuni, enl. Sept. 7, 1?61, 2d Cav., Co. A. 

John Snyder, enl. Oct. 1, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 

Thomas Smith, enl. Oct. 23, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 

Wni. Scandall, enl. Oct. 22, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 

Edward Sprague, enl. Dec. 4, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I ; le-eiil. in 1>1 3Ioiiiiled 

Rifles, Co. U, June 1, 1862. 
RaiKson S.|i.iers, .'nl. Aug. 1.5, 1863, 2il Vet Cav., Co. D. 
Fr.ink Sayles enl. June, 1861, for two years, 2-2d Kegt., (a>. D. 
Wm. II. Smart, eul. May lu, ISCI, for two years, 22il Regt., Co. D. 
James Stalker, eul. Jnuc, 1801, for two years, 22d Regt., Co. D. 
Warren Thomas, onl. Dec. 28, 1803, lOtli Art., Co. K. 
Owen Torreuce, enl. Aug. 15, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. II ; disch. from hospital, 

Louisville, Ky.. at close of war. 
Wallace Thames, musician ; enl. Sept. 26, 1861, 2d Cav. 
David N. Thompson, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Dennis Tooliey, enl. Oct. 1, 1801, 2d Cav.. Co. A. 
Hiram L. Thomas, enl. Oct. 1, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Daniel Van N.irder, enl. Oct. 1, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Josiah S. Whitney, enl. Dec. 30, 1803, 16th Art., Co. X. 
Allien II. Wing. eul. Dec. 28, 186:1, lOlh Art., Co. K. 
Frederick I. Williamson, Corp.; enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 12:id Regt., Co. H ; pro. to 

sergt. ; died of disease in hospital at Savannah, Ga., March 0, 1805. 
EJgiir L. Wheelock, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 12;id Regt., Co. H ; disch. lr..m hospital 

at Jellersonville, Ind., at close of war. 
Alexander U. Wells, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, I'iSd Regt., Co. H ; trans, to Iiivali.l 

C.>rps. 
James H. Wright, enl. Aug. 6, 1802, 123d Regt , Co. H : disch. June 8, 180.5. 
E.lward D. Whitney, enl. Aug. 6, ISOi, 123d Kigt., Co. H ; disch. June 8, 186.5. 
Williaui Warner, enl. Aug. 18, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. II ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
David II. Warner, cul. Aug. 21, 1802', I'iSd Regt., Co. H ; died of disease, A|.ril 

20, 1805. 
Richanl West, enl. July .30, 1862, 12:W Regt., Co. H ; committed suici.le at 

Louden Valley, Va., Dec. 6, 1802. 
Luther Woodbridge, musician ; enl. Sept 26, 1861, 2.1 Cav. 
Charles Wliitcomb, mnsc an ; eul. Sept. 20, 1801, ^d Cav. 
Henry Watkiu", musician ; enl. Sept. 2li, 1861, 2d Cav. 
Robert C. Wager, enl. Oct. 26, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
.Tolin Wright, eul. Oct 1, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Dennis Welch, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2.1 Cav. Co. A. 
Thomas West, eul. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
Myrou Woo.1, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 
James Wig!;ins, onl. Oct. 1, 1861, 2.1 Cav., Co. A. 
John M. Wcl.ster, enl. Oct. 1, ISOl, '211 Cav., Co. A. 
George Wait enl. Dec. 4, 1661, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Christopher M. Wolff, enl. Sept ]S61,93d Regt, Co. D; disch. Septl8Ci; re-nnl. 

May, 1803, 5th N. II. B.; disch. Dec. '28,1864, of wounds received at Ream's 

Stjition, Va., Aug. 25, 1804. 
James West, enl. June, 1861, 22d Regt, Co. D. 
James Yates, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, 16th Art, Co. K. 
John Young, enl. Aug. 4, 1803, 2d Vet Cav., Co. D. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

GENERAL JOHN WILLIAMS. 
Tills distliiijuislied gentlciuan was born at Barnstaple, in 
the county of Devon, England, in the year 1752, was lib- 
erally educated, studied luodicine and surgery, and prepared 
for the practice of his profession by one year's attendance 
in the great hospital of St. Thomas, in London, and after- 
wards serving for one year as surgeon's mate on board of an 
Engli.sh vessel of war, emigrated to this country, and settled 
at Salem, in the then county of Charlotte, in the latter part of 
the year 177^:^, and there commenced business as a physician 
and surgeon, and almost immediately obtained an extensive 
practice in his profession ; which rapidly increasing, he be- 
came widely known and greatly beloved and respected by 
all classes in the community. Indeed, so rapid was his 




'"'^VJ-i^u^.. Jarii 




/a^v^I^/Z-c C^<:^y?r?^^z^/ 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



179 



advance in the populai- affection and confidence that on the 
breaking out of the Revolutionary war, in April, 1775, — - 
less than two years after his coming, — lie was chosen unan- 
imously as one of the representatives of the county of 
Charlotte in the New York Provincial Congress, which 
met and organized in the city of New York on May 20, 
1775, and which for some years, and during "troublous 
times," administered the government of this State. Of this 
body Dr. Williams was thrice re-elected a member, and 
served as such during its whole existence. In this he was 
active and influential, and was appointed on .some of its 
most important committees, and had in his charge or under 
consultation and determination many of its most consid- 
erable affairs. He took his seat in the Congress on the 
2-lth of May, — only four days after its opening, — and was, 
on the next day, appointed the second member on a com- 
mittee of five to prepare and report the draft of a letter to 
the inhabitants of the northern counties of the State as to 
incursions into the neighboring province of Canada.' (1 
Journal, 11.) On the 25th of May ho was appointed on 
the committee to confer with Captain Douglas on the cap- 
ture of Ticonderoga ; on the 2Gth on one to prepare a letter 
to all the counties, recommending in each the organization 
of war committees or committees of safety. (Id.,lo.) On 
INIay 31 lie was appointed on the committee to report an 
organization of the troops to be embodied for the defense 
of the country and regulations for their discipline and gov- 
ernment. {Id., 21.) On June 2 on a committee to report 
a plan for the accommodation of the differences between 
the colonies and the mother-country. {Id., 26.) On June 
14 on committee to hear and report on Colonel Duer's 
memorial. {Id., 42.) On June 21 on another to report 
a plan for the enforcement of a resolution iis to salt. {Id., 
49.) On June 15 his colleague, Colonel Marsh, had 
leave of absence, and Dr. Williams had power granted him 
to cast the full vote of the county. (/(/., 44.) On the 
30th of June he was appointed a surgeon, and was subse- 
quently assigned for duty in that capacity to one of the 
regular regiments. In February, 1776, on the unanimous 
recommendation of the committee of safety of Charlotte 
county, he was appointed and commLssionod as colonel of 
the regiment which had been raised, mainly by his efforts, 
in that county, and remained its commanding officer, except 
for a brief period, all through the war and till his subse- 
(|uent promotion, in 1786, to be the brigadier-general of 
the brigade. 

The service of Dr. Williams as surgeon continued in 
one of the New York regiments on the Continental line 
till the declaration of peace, acting as such in some of the 
heaviest battles of the war, especially in the battle of Mon- 
mouth, where, by his efficient aid and services, the life of 
his friend and associate. Major Joseph McCracken, was 
saved. The arm of the latter had been cut off by a can- 
non-.shot, and he lay bleeding in some bushes on the field — 
to which his servant had carried him — when found by Dr. 
Williams, by whom ho was brought home and finally re- 
stored to health. 

These services by no means prevented the attendance of 
Dr. Williams as a memb;;r at the sessions of the Provincial 
Congress, though they no doubt prevented his being as 



active and useful as he had been when burdened with no 
other official duty. 

The Journal shows his taking a scat in 1776, on Feb- 
ruary 14, and on the seventeenth he was on a committee to 
organize the four New York regiments on the Continental 
line {Id., 306), and on March 11 on another to report the 
powers to be granted to the committee of safety, which 
was to sit during the recess of the Congress {Id., 351 ) ; 
and on March 15 he was chosen a member of that com- 
mittee during the recess of the Senate. 

On April 8, 1777, he gave his vote for the ordinance 
creating the State of New York and adopting its constitu- 
tion. (/(/., 892.) 

Besides these public and official stations ho was also an 
active member of the convention by which the State of 
New York adopted the constitution of the United States ; 
member of the Council of Appointment of this State for 
the year 1789 ; member of the Assembly of New York for 
the years 1781 and 1782; and of the Senate of this State 
from 1777 to 1795, except while in the Assembly; four 
years, from 1792 to 179G, a representative in Congress 
from the district compo.sed (jf the counties of Washington 
and Saratoga ; and during over twenty-five years, from the 
organization of the State government to his death, liolding 
the office of judge of the county courts of Charlotte, and 
its successor, Washington, county; and often, while offi- 
ciating as such, presiding over the courts, — trying the casus 
and charging the grand and trial juries with ability and 
dignity. 

During much of this time he also held the office of super- 
visor of the town of Salem, and while such was an active and 
efficient member of the board of supervisors of the county. 
It .should be borne in mind that from the time ho .settled 
in Salem till his last illness unfitted him for the work, he 
was giving attention to a large and constantly-increasing 
busiiiess. He was the largest landholder the county ever 
had, owning at one time all the lands in Hampton, except 
three thousand five hundred acres, more than half of Put- 
nam, nearly half of Whitehall, and the like in Hebron, 
largely in Granville and more than half of Salem, with ^ 

many other separate parcels in various parts of the State. ' 

His death occurred at Salem on the 22d July, 1806, he 
being aged fifty-three years and ten months. His life had 
been one of great activity and usefulness, and to his untiring 
exertions the county is largely indebted for its rapid growth 
in population and in material power, resources, and influ- 
ence. 

General Williams lived in a time when party spirit ran 
riot. He occupied a high and shining station, and, of 
course, was a constant mark for the arrow of a public 
opponent or the private shaft of malice and envy. The 
dread of his power and influence by those who were op- 
posed to him, the ignoble fear, and the sycophantic expres- 
sions of others towards him were well described by the pa- 
triarch Lmsing, of Linsingburg, on one occasion, when a 
large gathering had assembled and were deriding the gen- 
eral and threatening what t/ui/ would do with him when 
he should pass on his returning liome from the Legislature. 
The reason of their anger was that the general had by his 
labors and influence obtained the passage of the law by 



180 



HISTORY OF WASniNGTON COUiNTV, NEW YORK. 



which Cambridge and Easton were taken from Albany 
county and placed with the county of Washington instead 
of Rensselaer. To this measure the people of Lansin- 
burg had been bitterly hostile, and their wrath at its chief 
promoter was unmeasured in words. It was after hearing 
for some time the idle talk of this crowd ready to do some 
great thing that Mr. Lansing said, " Oh, no, gentlemen, 
when the general comes along through this place not a soul 
of you but will take off his hat. with a low bow, saying, 
' Your most obedient, General Williams.' No ; he is to 
be respected for the governing influence he has in the Legis- 
lature, and for his ability shown in the passage of- this law, 
as well as in every other measure he takes in hand." 

This, it will be remembered, was a tribute of respect 
from one whose interests had been prejudiced by the action 
of General Williams, and who yet had the manliness to 
acknowledge his great ability and rebuke those who de- 
tracted from his merit. 

This measure greatly benefited this county, rendering it 
more powerful in wealth, territory, and population, and in- 
creasing greatly its influence in the legislative bodies of the 
State and nation. The town of Salem was also thereby 
placed nearer the geograpliical centre of the county, and 
thus the " Central Court-house question," then looming 
into importance, was for a long time bridged over or avoided. 

As a physician and surgeon, Dr. Williams was highly 
distinguished ; as a scholar and a linguist he had no supe- 
rior among his associates. His skill and learning prove 
him to have been a hard student, as otherwise he could not 
have attained and held the high position he did, as well in 
his profession as among the learned men of the time. 

It would be gratifying to exhibit his more than ordinary 
ability by extracts from his extensive correspondence, bis 
charges to grand juries, his elaborate reports in the Legis- 
lature and in Congress from the various committees on 
which he so frequently served, but the length of this sketch 
already admonishes us to brevity, and we refrain. But it 
was as a statesman and in the walks of legislation that his 
gieat power and influence were exhibited. Some of the 
measures which he presented or advocated have been 
already noticed. 

His legislative career lasted nearly twenty years, and at a 
time when all his ability was required and was efficiently 
given in the organization of the great State of New York ; 
not merely in its formal creation, but its potential exist- 
ence as one of the powers of the earth. This required skill 
as a lawgiver, care and prudence in meeting and avoiding 
existing and numerous evils, and foresight in preventing 
those likely to arise. The journals of both Houses show 
him to have been active in all the important measures 
before the Legislature while he was a member. One proof 
of his ability and exertions in legislation will bo given, and 
that must sufiice as a fair specimen of his life-long works. 

The subject of opening a vrater communication from the 
Hudson river to the west, by the great lakes, and to the 
north by Lake Champlain, had been suggested as feasible 
by .several different persons, but to General John Williams 
are we indebted for its first introduction into the legisla- 
tion of the State. He, then being a member of the Senate, 
offered a resolution in that body on the 15th of February, 



1791, for the appointment of a joint committee of the 
Senate and Assembly on this subject, and the resolution 
being adopted in both Houses, the committee was raised, 
and he was appointed its chairman. This committee sub- 
sequently and in the following year reported favorably. 
This report was referred to the Commissioners of the Land- 
Oflnce to report as to the feasibility of the measure, and on 
the 5th of January, 1792, their report, which was favor- 
able, was submitted to both Houses, and General Williams 
then moved for another joint committee, to which the report 
was referred. On the 7th February following he brought 
in a bill authorizing the construction of the proposed works, 
and this bill became a law on the 30th March, 1792. 

In the company which was organized for the construc- 
tion of the Northern Inland Lock Navigation, connecting 
the Hud.son River and Lake Champlain, General Williams 
was a director and a heavy stockholder, and devoted much 
time and lubor to advance the undertaking. 

General Williams was twice married. His first wife was 
Mrs. Susanna (Thomas), the widow of James Turner, one 
of the first settlers of the town of Salem. She dying, he 
married Mrs. Mary Townley, of the city of New York. 
By her he had no children. By his first wife he bad four 
children, viz. : 

Susan, who married the Rev. Alexander Proudfit, P.H., 
over forty years minister of the Associate Roforniod church 
at Salem. 

Elizabeth, who married Ebcnezer Proudfit, long a distin- 
guished merchant at Salem. 

Maria, who married the Hon. Anthony T. Blanchard, 
one of the ablest lawyers of Washington County, and long 
first judge of the county courts; and 

John, who subsequently for many years commanded the 
Washington County Regiment of Cavalry, and from that 
obtained the military title of colonel, by which he was 
afterwards uniformly called. He married Ann, a daughter 
of Colonel George Wray, of Fort Ann, and by her had an 
only son, John, who married Miss Harriet B. INIartin, a 
niece of Governor Enos T. Throop ; and an only daughter, 
Mary, who married the Kev. George W. Bethune, D.D., 
and who died without leaving any children. 

John Williams, Jr., last mentioned, by his wife Harriet, 
had an only son, John M., and daughters, Harriet M. and 
Fanny H., who are all living. John M. Williams married 
IMi.ss Francos Sehriver, and by her has a son, John Francis, 
and daughter, Marion. 

John Williams, Jr., died in the prime of life, greatly 
beloved and respected, on June 14, 1840, in the lliirty- 
seventh year of his age. 



HON. JAMES GIBSON. 

This gentleman, on the paternal side, is descended from 
John Gibson, of Providence, R. I., and by his grandmother 
is ninth in descent from John Brown, the Assistant of the 
Plymouth colony, and by his mother, seventh in descent 
from John Townsend, of Warwick, R. I., afterwards of 
Oyster Bay, Long Island. 

He is the son of James B. Gib.son and Margaret Town- 
send, his wife, and was born at Salem, N. Y., September 5, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



181 



1816. Jaines B. Gib.son was a lawyer of distinction, and 
was held in high esteem by his fellow-townsiuen, and by 
the people of the county generally. His wife was a lady 
of rare attainments, highly cultured, and deeply versed in 
literature. She departed this life July 20, 1825, and her 
husband on May 10, 1827. During his lifetime he was in 
good pecuniary circumstances, but when his estate was 
settled but little was left, except family heirlooms, for his 
children, so that James and his brothers and sisters had to 
depend upon their own exertions for their support. James, 
at the time of his father's death, was only eleven years of 
age, and he took up the threads of his young life with a 
determination to weave thera into something that would 
give him position and influence. He was educated at 
Washington Academy, at Salem. While a student he 
entered the law-office of his uncle, Samuel Stevens, a former 
partner of his father, who was at that time eminent as a 
practitioner, and who afterwards became one of the leading 
members of the Albany bar. After the departure of Mr. 
Stevens, he .studied in the office of Cyrus Stevens, at Salem, 
and subsequently with Hun. John H. Boyd, at Whitehall. 
During the years of his student life, he laid broad and deep 
the foundation for his future success as a lawyer. In 1836, 
at the October term of the Supreme Court, Mr. Gibson was 
admitted to practice, and on the 1st of January following, 
he formed a partnership with Cyrus Stevens, which con- 
tinued one year, and until the latter nioved to Albany. 
From that time he continued the practice of his profession 
on his individual responsibility at the place of his nativity, 
where he has ever since resided. In October, 1839, he was 
admitted as a counsellor-at-law. He was successful from 
the outset in his profession. " His qualifications," to quote 
the language of another, " were such as to attract the atten- 
tion of the public; and, in a brief time, he gathered to 
himself an extended practice." Very many important 
causes, civil and criminal, have been intrusted to him 
during the forty-odd years of his professional life, and, if 
space permitted, the writer would be pleased to speak some- 
what in detail concerning the more important controversies. 
But this sketch would be imperfect without a brief allusion 
to a few of the cases in which, by his deep research into the 
principles and logic of law and the science of jurispru- 
dence, he became the instrument by means of which the 
law was settled in our courts on many novel questions. 
The first cause which Mr. Gibson tried, which was carried 
to the Supreme Court on appeal, and in which he prepared 
the argument, was that of Prindle vs. Anderson (reported 
in 19 Wend., 391). This was a case in which he raised 
and succeeded on the question that the receipt of rent by a 
landlord after service by him of notice to quit on his tenant, 
was a waiver of the notice. This decision was affirmed in 
the court for the correction of errors, and is reported in 23d 
Wend., 616. 

In the case of Shaw is. Bevcridge, .3 Hill, 26, he suc- 
ceeded in establishing as law, that an action of trespass 
would lie for disturbing a party in the possession of a pew 
in a church. 

In Saffijrd vs. People, .5 Dcnio, 112, he prepared the case 
and succeeded on the question that a party cannot give 
evidence derogatory to the character of his own witness, or 



show by the witness' own evidence that he is unworthy of 
belief. 

In Hanks ikIs. Fake, not reported, he argued for and the 
court held, that an action would not lie to recover for brandy 
sold by a "commercial traveler," being the "growth, pro- 
duce, or manufacture" of a foreign country, without the 
latter having a license as a hawker or peddler, it being con- 
trary to the statute. (1 R. S., 595.) 

In Buck vs. Bininger, .3 Barb., 391, ho maintained, and 
the court held, that a party was estopped from taking sum- 
mary proceedings to remove a tenant by an existing cove- 
nant for quit possession. 

In Adams vs. R. and S. R. R. Co., 6 Seld., 328, held 
that ejectment would lie to recover the fee of a public high- 
way, and in which the railroad tunnel at Whitehall was 
held to belong to the plaintiff. 

In Steven.son vs. Bardin, tried in 1860, the court hold, 
on his motion, that photographs of an instrument alleged 
to be forged could be used to establish such forgery. As 
this was the first attempt to use this art as evidence in the 
courts, the decision was of general interest. 

Since 1853, iMr. Gib.son has been largely engaged in 
railroad suits, and is at this time (1878) the attorney fur 
the Boston, Iloosac Tunnel, and Western Railway com- 
pany in several important causes, and especially in reopening 
the Albany Northern railroad. 

After reaching his majority he entered with great spirit 
into politics, joining the Whig party, with which he re- 
mained connected until the organization of the Republican 
party, in 1856. So great was his interest in politics that, 
on Nov. 22, 1838, he assumed the editorial chair of the 
Wasliington Couniy Post, at Salem, and continued as editor 
through the Presidential campaign of 1840, and till Jan. 1, 
1841, when he sold the establishment. It was while making 
a political speech in the canvass of 1840, a few miles from 
home, that the hotel where he boarded was burned, and all 
his personal effects destroyed. 

At the first judicial election after the adoption of the 
Constitution of 1846, Mr. Gibson was nominated as a can- 
didate for justice of the supreme court by the Whigs. His 
associates on the ticket were James G. Hopkins, of St. 
Lawrence county ; George A. Simmons, of Esses county ; 
and Daniel Cady, of Fulton county. They were all defeated, 
except Mr. Cady, although Mr. Gibson ran over a thousand 
ahead of his ticket in his own county. He owed his defeat 
to his connection with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows. At that time the feeling against secret societies was 
of considerable force, and he encountered the tide before 
its ebb. 

In November, 1850, Jlr. Gibson was elected county judge 
of the county of Washington, and served from Jan. 1, 
1851, for the ensuing four years, and it is but just to say 
that he discharged the duties of the office with marked 
ability, and left it with the judicial ermine unspotted. 

In November, 1866, he was elected State senator from 
the Twelfth Senatorial District, composed of the counties 
of Ren.«selaer and Washington, and took his seat on the 
first of January following. His reputation preceded him, 
and led to his selection as chairman of the committee on 
claims, and as a member of the judiciary committee, two 



182 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of the most important committees in the Senate. It was 
with reluctance that he accepted this chairmanship, as he 
well knew the pressure that would be brought to bear on 
liim to report favorably on iniquitous claims, and he also 
well knew the amount of firmness it would be necessary for 
him to exercise to keep the would-be plunderers from growing 
fat from the public crib. lie served, however, on this com- 
mittee during his entire term, and examined and passed 
upon claims against the State to the amount of over one 
million of dollars, and with few and meritorious exceptions 
rejected them, in which course he was sustained by the 
Senate. During his first year lie introduced a resolution 
authorizing the survey of the Hudson river from the head 
of tide-water to Fort Edward, and of the Champlain canal 
from Fort Edward to Wliiteliall, the object of which was 
to test the feasibility of improving navigation so that vessels 
of large tonnage could pass through the canal and river to 
Troy and return. This resolution was adopted, and the 
ensuing year a favorable report wa.s made, after which 5Ir. 
Gibson introduced a bill for the enlargement of the Cham- 
plain canal from Troy to Whitehall in accordance with the 
report. He made an exhaustive speech on the measure, and 
it passed the Senate, but was killed in the Assembly. 
Senator Gibson was a member of the Senate when George 
W. Smith, county judge of Oneida county, was tried by 
the Senate for various crimes and misdemeanors. In ex- 
plaining his vote in favor of the removal of Judge Smith, 
he made a speech in which he beautifully expressed the 
characteristics which a judge should possess, and ended his 
peroration by quoting " The land wants such as dare with 
vigor execute the laws," etc. He took a very active part 
in the legislation of the Senate, and made several speeches, 
the most notable, perhaps, being the one sustaining the 
policy of the national government on the then pending 
issues. As a senator he did his duty. What greater 
praise could be given than this ? 

Mr. Gibson was an active member of the Republican 
party from its organization to the presidential canvass of 
1871, when he became a Liberal Republican, and labored 
earnestly during that campaign and afterwards for the suc- 
cess of the principles of the Liberal party. He is now 
identified with the Democratic party. 

Mr. Gibson, early in life, manifested a great interest in 
military affairs. In 1810 he raised and was made captain 
of a company of light infantry attached by special order to 
the Fiftieth Regiment of infantry in the State militia, and 
subsequently became major, and thence promoted to be lieu- 
tenant-colonel of that regiment, and on its being disbanded 
he was attached to the Thirtieth Regiment of the New York 
State National Guard, and was subsequently promoted to 
the colonelcy of that regiment. During the War of the 
Rebellion the Thirtieth Regiment was twice filled up by 
draft, in readiness for service, but many of its members vol- 
unteered into the United States service, thus reducing its 
membership. In 1867 he became brigadier-general of the 
Twelfth Brigade, which was disbanded in 1874. This bri- 
gade was undoubtedly one of the best diilled and best- 
disci|)lined brigades in this State, outside of the large cities. 

Notwithstanding his labors in his profession and the other 
calls upon his time, Mr. Gibson yet fiiund time In give con- 



siderable attention to Odd Fellowship and Free Masonry. 
He became an Odd Fellow in 1845 ; pa.ssed the various 
chairs in Salem Lodge, No. 45 ; served as District Deputy 
Grand M:uster for the years 1856 and 1857 ; and was elected 
Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Northern New York, 
in 1857 ; Deputy Grand Master in 1858, and Grand M;ister 
in 1859. 

In 1860 he was elected Worshipful Master of Salem 
Lodge, No. 891, Free and Accepted Masons ; was appointed 
Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of this State in 
1862; was elected Junior Grand Warden in 18()3, and 
again in 1864 ; Senior Grand Warden in 1865, which office 
he held for three years; Grand JLuster in 1868, and was 
re-elected in 1869. As Grand Master, he, on June 8, 1870, 
assisted by the Grand Lodge and twelve thou.sand of the 
craft, laid the corner-stone of the Masonic temple in the city 
of New York. During his connection with the Grand Lodge 
he has occupied a commanding position, and has been either 
chairman or member of the leading committees. It appears 
that he has been Grand Master of both these great frater- 
nities. In this he stands alone in this State, as no other 
person who has been Grand JIaster of Free Mtisons has over 
been at the head of Odd Fellows, and vice versa. 

During the War of the Rebellion his voice was often 
heard in public debate, urging the people of his county 
to do all in their power for the defense of the Union. The 
same spirit which filled the hearts of " the fathers" during 
the days of the Revolution animated him during the late 
civil war. He was a member of the war committee of Salem, 
a committee, by the way, that did its duty so well that this 
town had its quota raised in advance of every draft, except 
on the occasion of the first draft. 

The old court-house in Salem was erected about the 
year 1800, and after .standing for sixty-seven years had 
outlasted its usefulness and was only valuable as a relic. 
Tiie circuit judges, lawyers, and laymen complained of it, 
and it was proposed, in 1867, to repair it, and an order 
therefor was granted. Tiiis started a discussion as to the 
advisability of the erection of a new edifice. Mr. Gibson 
was strongly in favor of a new court-house, and he was, in 
the spring of 1868, elected supervisor of Salem for the 
purpose of carrying out the desires of his constituents on 
that subject. But other towns wanted the court-house 
within their limits, and a strong though unsuccessful eft'ort 
was made to get it away from Salem. In December, 1868, 
Judge Gibson brought the matter before the board of 
supervisors, whereupon a committee was appointed, with 
JMr. Gibson as chairman, to obtain plans, etc. In January 
following it was resolved to build at Salem, and Mr. Gibson 
was ap])ointed as chairman of the building committee, and 
they were to use not to exceed thirty thousand dollars in 
its construction ; and it is a noteworthy fact that the com- 
mittee kept the expense within the ajipropriation. 

On June 17, 1845, Mr. Gibson was chosen as a member 
of the board of trustees of Washington Academy, one of 
the oldest educational institutions in the State, and has con- 
tinuously served on that board ever since, being one of its 
most valued membei's. He drew the charter of the village 
of Salem, which went into effect in 1851, and which pro- 
vided for a new school system which, although over twenty- 




/S . J./9. 



(^i-'Z^^ C-f 




HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



183 



seven years old, still meets the requirements of to-day. He 
also drew the agreeiiiunt between the board of trustees of 
the academy and the board of education of the village, 
whereby the common schools were consolidated and shel- 
tered within the walls of the academy. This led to the 
adoption of the luiion or graded system of education, 
which has proved so beneficial to the youth of Sulem. He 
was elected a lueniber of the board of education soon after 
its organization, and has served continuously as such to 
the present time. Before his election to these offices he 
took and ever since has taken a deep interest in educational 
matters, and notwithstanding his long service he still fre- 
fjuently visits the academical department and the common 
schools, assists at examinations, and in every possible way 
shows his love for the institution wherein he received his 
education. 

In ISOO he assisted in organizing St. Paul's (Episcoi)al) 
church, at Salem, and was chosen one of the wardens of 
the congregation, and has ever since filled that position. 
He was licensed as lay reader by Bishop Potter of tiic 
New York diocese, in 18G0. 

Mr. Gibson has for several years devoted most of the time 
he could spare from professional labors to collecting facts con- 
cerning the history of Washington county, and at the organ- 
ization of the Washington County Historical Society, in 1876, 
was elected its president. On the occasion of his election ho 
delivered an address on the history of agriculture in the 
county. On 8th of June, 1872, he delivered an historical 
address at the laying of the corner-stone of the new court- 
house at Sandy Hill, on the bench and bar of the county 
for one hundred years, which was intended for an intro- 
duction to biographical sketches of the judges, lawyers, and 
officers of the courts in this county during that period. 
He has also published .sketches on the graves and grave- 
yards of the county, on journalism, and on various other 
subjects. 

He is a member of the American Geographical Society. 

He is and has been for many years one of the directors 
of the National Bank of Salem, concededly one of the best- 
managed banks in the State ; is connected with the Ever- 
green Cemetery Association as trustee, and in fine is in- 
terested in nearly all public matters concerning his native 
town. 

The writer has encountered two rather interesting if 
not curious facts in the history of the Gibson family. On 
Dec. 24, ISIS, James B. Gibson purcha,sed the Reg- 
ister and conducted it for several years; his son, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, owned and edited the Post, as has 
been stated ; and James, tlie son of the latter, edited the 
S'dcm Press for over three years. These three gentle- 
men were all jiraeticing lawyers while occupying the edi- 
torial chair. 

Mr. Gibson was married Oct. 17, 1841, to Mi.ss Jane, 
the daughter of Ira Woodworth, Esq., and Wealthy Ann 
Gilbert, his wife. His faiuily consists of his wife and three 
children, viz.: (1) Mary, wife of T. A. Wright, of New 
York city ; (2~) James, who resides at Salem and practices 
law ; and (3) Jennie. 

His perisonal appearance is spoken of in " Life Sketches of 
Members of the Legislature," published in 18C7, as follows : 



" Senator Gibson is a gentleman of quiet dignity. His 
long flowing hair and whiskers, tinged with gray, his mild 
eye, which seems to be overflowing with kindly feelings, 
his low persuasive voice, which is seldom brought up to a 
high pitch, unite in throwing around him a personal atmo- 
sphere which renders his presence both pleasant and 
powerful." 

Judge Gib.son has passed the meridian of life, but his 
mind is as powerful, his blue eyes are as bright, his step is 
as active, and he still toils as in bygone years. Cautious 
and firm as a legislator, righteous as a judge, of highest 
honor as a man, of signal ability in his profession, rich in 
experi(!ncc, large-hearted, of great energy, faithful in all 
his relations, above fear and beyond reproach, — such are 
the qualities which this gentleman possesses. 



BENJAMIN F. BANCROFT 

was born at Granville, Mass., Oct. 27, 181G. His great- 
grandfather, Samuel Bancroft, was an early settler of that 
place, and died July 6, 1788, at the age of seventy-seven 
years. His grandfather, Samuel Bancroft, Jr., was an offi- 
cer of the Revolutionary war, and there is preserved in the 
possession of the subject of this sketch his commis.sion as 
a lieutenant, issued by the colony of Massachusetts Bay, 
and dated April 26, 1776. He died in the year 1820, 
aged eighty-three years. His father, Jonathan B. Ban- 
croft, was born April 10, 1781, on the old homestead at 
Granville, Ma.ss. ; was commi.ssioned lieutenant in an infantry 
brigade, with commission dated April, 1811. Ho was a 
representative in the Legislature of Massachusetts for three 
terms ; by occupation a farmer, and died at his home, Dec. 
29, 1870. 

Benjamin F. Bancroft was only son of Jonathan B, 
Bancroft and Betsey Clark, there being one daughter by a 
former marriage of his father, — Julia Ann, — wife of Edwin 
Foote, of New Haven, Conn. 

Mr. Bancroft spent his early life at home, receiving the 
advantages of the common school, and was also under the 
private instruction of Rev. Timothy M, Cooley, D.D., vice- 
president of Williams College, and a teacher of wide repute. 
At the age of seventeen he went into the busy world, im- 
pressed with the idea of leading a business life. Spent 
some five years as a elerk in a store at Hartford, Conn., 
and in New York city. In the year 1838 he came to 
Granville, Washington Co., N. Y., and entered into the 
mercantile business, which he carried on successfully for 
some fifteen years, when, in the year 1853, the Bank of 
Salem, at Salem, N.Y., was organized. Mr. Bancroft largely 
assisted in its organization, became one of its directors, 
and was elected cashier, which office he held during the 
existence of that bank ; and upon the organization of the 
National Bank of Salem, he retained the position of cashier 
until April, 1878, when he was elected president. 

The financial standing of these banks attests the careful 
and judicious management of interests connected with them 
under Mr. BancroiVs supervision, which has given them 
rank with the best financiered of the State. 

His life has been one of active business, yet, interested 



184 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



in the great political issues of the day, he has been un- 
swervingly connected with, first, the old Whig party, and 
subse(|uently the Republican party. He was one of the 
presidential electors in his party of the State in the fall of 
1876 ; was among the foremost in raising money and me.n 
in his town and county for putting down the late Re- 
bullion. 

Ill the year 1844 he married ]Miss Mary J., second 
daughter of General Edward Bulkley and Mary Brown, 
of Granville, this county. 

AVhile Mr. and Mis. Banciuft have no children of their 
own, they have remembered the deserving in various ways, 
and particularly by founding a scholarship in Williams 
College, which has already graduated some seven young 
men, most of them ministers' sons. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft are warmly attached to the 
best interests of the society in which they live, are liberal 
supporters of church and school interests, and all enter- 
prises tending to educate and elevate the rising generation. 



ASA FITCH. 

The Fitches are one of the old Anglo-Saxon families 
of England, who came to that country from Germany, it is 
supposed, at the period of its subjugation by Ilengist and 
Horsa, about five hundred years after the birth of Chri.st. 
There are written records tracing the family pedigree back 
nearly four centuries, to the period of the discovery of 
America by Columbus. 

In the year 1638 five brothers of this name, with their 
■widowed mother, emigrated from Biaintree, England, to 
America, and settled in Connecticut. One of these. Rev. 
Ja.mes Fitch, was pastor of the church in Saybrook, from 
whence he removed with the greater part of his congrega- 
tion and founded the city of Norwich, where he was the 
first minister during thirty-si.'c years. He married, first, 
Abigail, daughter of Rev. Henry Whitfield, of Guilford, 
Conn., and second, Priscilla, daughter of Major-General 
John Mason, leader in the I'cqiiof Indian war, and had six 
children by the former and eight by the latter wife. 

His second son, Samuel, married Mary, daughter of Ben- 
jamin Brewster, a grand.son of Elder William Brewster, the 
spiritual leader and guide of the Pilgrims of the " Mayflower." 
They had ten children, of whom the ninth was Jabez, the 
father of Hon. Peletiau Fitch, a physician, justice of 
the peace, land surveyor, etc., who resided in Groton, Conn., 
eighteen years, and then, owning a share in the town of 
Halifax, Vt.,he removed thither, and was couimi.ssioned by 
Governor George Clinton first judge of Cumberland Co., 
N. Y. (now Windham and Windsor Cos., Vt). From that 
sterile, mountainous neighborhood he removed, with his 
family to this town in 1779, purchasing a confiscated lot 
two miles west of the village, which is now owned by H. 
S. Flower. He was here appointed a " commissioner for 
detecting conspiracies again.st the liberties of America," and 
was intimately associated with General Williams, Webster, 
and the other leading patriots of the town during the latter 
part of the war of independence, three of his sons being 
enlisted in the military service, one of these having the 
misfortune of being made prisoner at the surrender of Fort 



Ann and taken to Canada. He (Peletiah) died April 16, 

1808, aged eighty-one 3'ears. 

Hon. A.s.\ Fitch, M.D., the youngest of the six sons 
of Peletiah, was born in Groton, Conn., Nov. 10, 1765. 
There being no schools convenient for him to attend, he 
received from his father the most of his education, which 
extended only to a partial knowledge of the Latin language. 
When he was sixteen years old, there being a call for 
" nine-months' men" to guard this noithern frontier against 
incursions from Canada, he enlisted, and was a sergeant in 
Captain A. Livingston's company, which was stationed 
mostly in Schuylerville and Salem. 

On the close of the war he commenced the study of med- 
icine with his father, and completed it with the locally- 
celebrated Dr. Philip Smith, of Easton, subsequently of 
Cambridge. He (1788) settled in professional practice fir.st 
in Uuanesburg ; and Judge Duane, the proprietor of the 
town, but residing mostly in New York, on becoming ac- 
quainted with him, appointed him his deputy and business 
manager for the town. Here, also, he instruc;ted his first 
medical student, the late Dr. William Hicliards, of White 
Creek. 

Jan. 27, 1791, he was united in marriage to Abigail, 
daughter of Adam JMartin, who, during the war, wass cap- 
tain of one of the Massachusetts companies in the Conti- 
nental army, and after its close removed from Sturbridge, 
Mass., to Salem, and in partnership with his son Walter 
(who afterwards became proprietor of the town.ship of 
Martinsburg, in Lewis county) purchased of William Reid 
the valuable mills on the west line of the town. 

After residing seven years in Duanesburg, Dr. Fitch re- 
turned to Salem and purchased of his wife's father and 
brother their mill property and farm, at the place which 
has .since continued to be named Fitch's Point. He here 
soon acquired an extensive professional practice, his ride 
extending six to eight miles in different directions, the 
amount of business usually requiring a partner-to be asso- 
ciated with him. He was much called in consultations with 
neighboring physicians, with all of whom he was always on 
most amicable terms. Few of the physicians of that day 
had so large and well selected a library and anatomical 
museum as he possessed, and a large number of students 
r&sorted to him for professional instruction, there being 
from two to six or more almost always in his office. In 
1806, at a meeting of medical men in Albany, he was ap- 
pointed chairman of a committee to obtain the Legislative 
recognition of a few medical societies which had been 
formed in the State. The memorial which this corauiitteo 
presented to the Legislature resulted in the pas.sage of a 
general law for the incorporation of the State and county 
medical societies. A society was thereupon organized in 
this county, he being elected its vice-president, and five 
years afterwards its president, in which office he was con- 
tinued twenty years, when he declined further service. In 
the latter part of his life the honorary degree of M.D. was 
conferred upon him by the regents of the university. 

In 1799 he was appointed a justice of the peace, in 
which office he was continued eleven years, when he was 
advanced to the position of county judge. Soon after this 
he was elected a member of Congress, and took his seat in 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



185 



that body at the opening of the session, Nov. 4, 1811. He 
here, after a time, became extremely disquieted with the 
reitei-ated intelligence from home tliat the person he had 
engaged to take charge of his farm and liousehold affair.s 
was quite negligent and inattentive to his trust. Finally, 
just as the hurry of the season's work upon the farm was 
at hand, to his consternation, the tidings came that this 
man had absconded, leaving everything in confusion. He 
felt that he could remain in Washington no longer, and 
accordingly obtained leave of absence during the remainder 
of the session, and returned home the beginning of May. 
But a few days after a communication was received from 
his political friends, urging his immediate return to Wash- 
ington, to vote on the all-important question of war with 
(ireat Britain. Hastily arranging his domestic matters, he 
hurried back and leappeared in his seat, after an absence 



In 1816 he experienced the greatest disappointment and 
severest affliction of his life in the loss of his oldest son, 
Martin, who had graduated at Middlebury College, studied 
medicine with him, and surgery with the distinguished 
Dr. Valentine Mott, of New York. It had for many 
years been the cherished purpose of the Hither to have his 
son succeed him ; but when he was nearly prepared to 
enter upon the practice of his profession, that fell destroyer, 
consumption, fastened upon him and carried him to his 
grave. 

Elected in 1819 an elder of the Presbyterian church, he 
became one of the most prominent lay itembers of the Troy 
presbytery, was repeatedly its delegate to the general assem- 
bly, and in important trials was .selected prosecutor to con- 
duct the case on the part of the pre.sbytery. 

Upon the organization of the first county agricultural 




of three weeks. Five days after, the great question of war 
came to an issue in the House, in secret .session, he record- 
ing his vote in the negative. The remaining business was 
rapidly disposed of, and July G this protracted session was 
brought to a close. 

The second session of this congressional term being a 
short one, limited to four months, he was able to make 
such arrangements for liis absence as to relieve him from 
the hara.ssing anxiety he had previously experienced. But 
such loiig periods of absence from home were found to be 
so detrimental to his business interests, that he decidedly 
declined a re-nomination. He was thereupon re-appointed 
a county judge, and continued in the office .some fifteen 
years, punctually attending all the courts, and on some 
occasions, the first judge being absent, it devolved upon 
him to preside. 
24 



society he was elected its president, and continued three 
years to be its presiding officer. In the County Bible 
Society, and other benevolent associations, he felt a deep 
interest, and was uniformly in attendance at their meetings. 
When the first State Temperance Society was formed, he 
was named one of its vice-presidents. Many years before 
the temperance reform was commenced, he had abandoned 
the use of all intoxicating drinks. He was strongly attached 
to Freemasonry, and ro.se to the highest positions in the 
order, succeeding Ezra Ames and De Witt Clinton as Grand 
High-Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter of the State. 

Towards the close of his life he gradually passed into 
the second childhood incident to old age, his mental facul- 
ties becoming impaired to such an extent that finally he 
ceased to know his own children. He died Aug. 24, 1843. 
In the exercises at his funeral Rev. Drs. Lambert and 



186 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Halley participated, the former delivering a sermon from 
the text, " A great man and a prince has fallen in Israel." 
Prof Asa Fitch, M.D., the elder of the two surviving 
sons of Hon. Asa Fitch, was born in Salem, Feb. 24, 1809. 
The death of his older brother, just as his literary and 
professional education was completed, disheartened the 
father from incurring the expense of giving a liberal educa- 
tion to another of his sons, and he had determined that his 
namesake should be a farmer. But when twelve years old, 
a course of sickness, in which for nearly a week he was nut 
expected to live from one day to another, left him so ex- 
tremely feeble and puny, that it was thought he could never 
attain the strength and vigor required for encountering the 
toil and fatigue of farm labor. It was, therefore, con- 
cluded to educate him for one of the learned professions. 

His preliminary education was obtained at the academies 
in Salem and Bennington ; and having the medical profes- 
sion in view, he preferred to a college course the round of 
practical instruction in the natural sciences given in the 
newly-established Rensselaer school, now the Rensselaer 
Polytechnic Institute, in Troy. He accordingly entered 
this institution in the spring of 1826, accompanying its 
first class of graduates in their scientific expedition to Lake 
Erie, and completing the course and graduating A.B. in 
June of the following year. He then pursued a course of 
medical studies in the ofiice of Dr. Freeman, to whom his 
father had several years before resigned his ride, his cousin, 
G. N. Fitch, late United States senator from Indiana, being 
his associate a moiety of the time. He attended two courses 
of lectures at the Vermont Academy of Medicine, in Cas- 
tleton, and one at the Rutgers Medical College in the city 
of New York, graduating M.D. at the former institution, 
December, 1829, and spending some months thereafter in 
the office of Dr. March, in Albany. In the capacity of 
assistant professor of natural history, he, the following sum- 
mer, joined the expedition of the Rensselaer school from 
New York city to Lake Erie, and from thence made a tour 
through the Western States to Illi[iuis and Missouri, re- 
turning the next year. 

He then commenced the practice of medicine in the vil- 
lage of Fort Miller, where, Nov. 15, 1832, he married 
Elizabeth, daughter of John McNeil, deceased, of Still- 
water. A more desirable opening for his business being 
presented in the village of Stillwater, he removed thither 
soon after his marriage. Whilst located in this place he 
took much interest and a leading part in all measures for 
the moral, the literary, and scientific advancement of the 
community, giving addresses and lectures on temperance 
and on scientific topics in this and the neighboring villages 
and hamlets, instructing a class of young ladies and gen- 
tlemen in botany, and actively participating in conducting 
a village lyceum for debates, declamations, etc. An ad- 
dress which he delivered, on the importance of mental 
culture, was so much admired that a copy of it was soli- 
cited and published. Elected an elder in the Presbyterian 
church, he served the church session as its clerk and its 
usual representative in meetings of the higher judicatories. 
His father, becoming by advanced years incapacitated 
for business, caused his return to Salem, in the spring of 
1838, to take charge of the paternal estate. He thereupon 



became occupied principally in agricultural pursuits, but 
instructed some medical students and classes in botany in 
the Granville and Salem Academies, and in 1844 and '45 
he served in the newly-cre.ited office of town superintendent 
of schools. An act to promote agriculture, passed by the 
State Legislature in 1841, led to the organization of the 
County Agricultural Society, in which he actively partici- 
pated, and was chosen secretary of the society, and the draft- 
ing of its rules and regulations and the general oversight 
and management of its business aiFairs devolved upon 
him. The society soon acquired the public confidence, and 
grew into eminent popularity. He continued in this position 
five years, and in 1848 was elected president of the society. 

The State Agricultural Society, with the design of ob- 
taining a complete agricultui'al survey of the State, com- 
menced this work by engaging Dr. Fitch to make a survey 
of Washington county. He was occupied with this survey 
nearly three years, the results being published in the TVans- 
actions of the State Society for the years 1848 and '49, 
comprising some three hundred pages of those volumes. 
Among the topics on which he was required to report was 
the date of the first settlement of the several towns, the 
places from whence the settlers came, etc. To obtain this 
information he visited the aged people in the several parts 
of the county, from whose recitals he gathered an unex- 
pected amount of interesting matter relating to the early 
history of the county, which was on the point of passing 
into oblivion, and this historical portion of his report has 
attracted much general notice, and led to his election as a 
corresponding member of the New York and honorary 
member of the New Jersey Historical Societies. 

Through life insects had been a leading and favorite 
study with him, and, being solicited by Dr. Emmons to 
contribute entomological articles to his newly-commenced 
American Quarterly Journal of Agriculture and Science, 
he, in 1845, furnished to the second number of that period- 
ical, a communication of thirteen pages upon " Insects of 
the genus Cecidomyia," describing therein a new species 
of willow gall-fly, illustrated with figures of the insect in 
the difierent stages of its growth, and the excrescence which 
it produces upon the willow. This was followed six months 
after by an essay of thirty pages upon the wheat-midge, 
and in 1846, an essay of sixty-three pages upon the Hes- 
sian fly, which was subsequently revised and re-published 
in the Transactions of the State Agricultural Society. 
In 1847, an article of twelve pages on the "Winter In- 
sects of Eastern New York," describing eight new species, 
appeared in Dr. Emmons' journal, and in the Transactions 
of the State Agricultural Society for this year he gave an 
account of the currant-worm and the moth by which it is 
produced. This interesting new species, beautifully illus- 
trated with a finely-engraved colored plate, was widely 
noticed in the foreign scientific journals, whereby the author 
became favorably known to entomologists the world over. 
At this period he was employed for a time in collecting 
and naming the insects of the State, for the State cabinet 
of natural history, and in the report of the regents of the 
university for 1851 he gave a descriptive catalogue of the 
New York insects of the order Homoptera, in which a 
new species is named and described. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



187 



The Legislature having made an appropriation for his 
employment as State entomologist, he, in 1 854, commenced 
an examination of the insects of the State, particularly those 
that are injurious, reporting his investigations each year to 
the State Agricultural Society for publication in its trans- 
actions. He engaged in this work con amore, dropping 
the town offices and other minor positions to which he had 
l>een giving a part of his time ; and wholly withdrawing 
from every other employment, he devoted himself assidu- 
ously to this work. He aimed to make these annual re- 
ports scientifically accurate, and at the same time so divested 
of technical language as to be perfectly intelligible and fully 
comprehended by common readers. In addition to their 
insertion in the Agricultural Transactions, they were issued 
separately, so often as they formed a volume of suitable 
size for binding. And year after year, as these reports 
appeared, tli»y received marked notice and commendation, 
both in this country and in foreign lands, several of the 
scientific periodicals giving extended accounts of their con- 
tents. Says Prof Lindley, the distinguished botanist and 
editor of the London Gardener's Chronicle, " That Dr. 
Fitch is an observer of a high order is manifest upon every 
page of the volume before us." Dr. Gerstacker, of Berlin, 
Prussia, in his Review of the Progress of Entomology for 
1856, says, " One of the most interesting works which 
the reporter had to examine in preparing this report is a 
treatise of Mr. Asa Fitch on the insects which appear as 
noxious in North America. On one side the author shows 
himself most prominently as an excellent observer, who, 
armed with the most thorough knowledge of the subject, 
knows how to fill with the greatest success the existing 
gaps in our information, and, on the other side, he has not 
at all neglected the scientific side of the subject, but has 
advanced it with equal success." A multitude of simi- 
lar commendatory notices could be presented. He was 
elected a member of the entomological societies of France, 
of Russia, and other scientific societies, at home and abroad, 
and the Imperial and Central Agricultural Society of France 
bestowed a gold medal upon him as a testimonial of its ap- 
preciation of the valuable services he was rendering to 
science. Thirteen of these annual reports were issued, the 
first nine of them forming three bound volumes, and the 
last four having appeared only in the Agricultural Trans- 
actions. 

In 1863, sanitary considerations and his taste for rural 
embellishment, caused him to accept the position of presi- 
dent of the Evergreen cemetery, a burial-ground of sur- 
passing beauty, which was then recently opened. He has 
since continued to give a portion of his time to the over- 
sight, the improving, and adorning of these grounds. 



DAVID VAN TUYL QUA. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of 
Hebron, Washington county, N. Y., July 23, 1826. He 
was second son of David Qua and Abigail Scott (the only 
other child being Andrew J.), the former a son of John 
Qua, who emigi-ated from Ireland with his two brothers prior 
to the Revolutionary war and about the year 1764, and 



hence is of Irish descent. The latter was the daughter of 
Benjamin Scott, a native of Connecticut, and a soldier in 
the war for independence. His grandfather was one of the 
first settlers of the town of Hebron ; was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and died at the age of seventy and about the year 
1820. His grandmother Qua lived to the advanced age 
of ninety-three years, and died about the year 1848. His 
father, David Qua, born in the year 1798, died at the prema- 
ture age of twenty-eight and in the year 1826 ; the mother 
dying in the year 1857, aged fifty-nine years. David Van 
Tuyl Qua being then only three months old when his father 
died, and the family not pecuniarily in good circumstances, 
was obliged to spend his boyhood days without assistance, 




■ IT. "lJ. 



only from his mother, who resolved that her boys should 
have a good education ; with her needle, as a tailoress, 
she earned sufficient to give them a fair English education 
while young. At the age of seventeen he had so improved 
these opportunities as to be able to enter the field as a 
teacher, and as an instructor of the rising generation he has 
spent nearly his whole life. For a number of years Mr. 
Qua was a student at the Cambridge Academy, and has been 
mostly a teacher in the common schools of his own county, 
but was for a short time principal of the West Pawlet 
Academy, Vt. His particular forte has been the building 
up of the common district schools, and, in connection with 
which, he has been the means, to a large extent, of laying 
the foundation of a more thorough system of education 
among the people at large. His proficiency as a teacher, 
and his standing among the educational interests of the 
country, caused his friends to place him at the head of the 
schools of the first school commissioner district of Wash- 
ington county as school commissioner, which office he held 
for six years in succession. 



188 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mr. Qua was formerly a member of the Democratic party, 
but became an ardent supporter of the Republican party 
soon after its formation, and has received the suffrages of 
the voters of his town to elect him to the most important 
offices of trust and responsibility in his town, and he was 
the last superintendent of schools of his town under the 
old law. He has enjoyed the office of notary public for 
some six years, being first appointed by Governor Hoffman. 
He has also been clerk of the Washington Union Ba^ttist 
association for ten years, and corre.sponding secretary of 
the same for six years. 

It is to such men as Mr. Qua that the people owe a 
large debt of respect for their untiring efforts in instilling 
into the minds of our youth the first principles of educa- 
tion and morality, and thereby laying the foundations for 
their future usefulness as men and women, and to such men 
the business and professional men of to-day are indebted 
largely for their success in after-life ; turning, in early boy- 
hood, many who otherwise would run into other channels 
and drift into seclusion, and be of no use to society. He is 
really a self-made man, but looks back with honest pride to 
the early instruction of a devoted mother. In the year 
1854 he married Miss Rhoby E., daughter of Samuel Van 
Pelt and Lucretia Owen, — the former a native of Sche- 
nectady county, arid of Dutch descent ; the latter a native 
of Massachusetts, and of English descent. To Mr. atid 
Mrs. Qua have been born two children, — Ida, died on her 
birthday at the age of two years, and Ilermie D. Qua. 



JAMES M. THOMPSON 

was born in the town of Salem, where he now resides, June 
15, 1822. His grandfather, William Tiiouipson, came from 
Ireland to this country with Rev. Thomas Clark, in the 
year 1764, July, and in the spring of 1765 settled in the 
town of Salem, eastern part, where he remained for some 
fifteen years and then bought some one hundred acres of 
land, where the subject of this sketch now resides, from 
Dr. Clark, to which purchase he afterwards added about as 
much more. A view of the first rude log cabin erected by 
him will be seen on another page of this work, together 
with a view of the residence of the youngest grandson, 
built on the same place, showing the result of the labor of 
the successive generations. 

William Thompson and his wife, Sarah Rowen (who had 
emigrated with him), began, as only pioneers can, in a 
lonely home in the wilderness, cleared off most of his first 
purchase ; was a carpenter and joiner by trade, but spent 
his life in Salem as a farmer. He was one of the elders in 
Dr. Clark's church, from the time he came to the county 
until his death, 1813. Of his fimiily there were five 
children, John, William, Mary, Sarah, and David, all 
deceased in 1878. 

David, father of James M., was the youngest son ; spent 
his life as a farmer on the old homestead ; married Miss 
Grisselle, daughter of John Beattie, of Salem, by whom 
he had ten children, William, John, David B., Phebe, 
James, Robert C., Grace, Mary Jane, and James M., all of 
whom are deceased but the youngest, James M. The 



father died in the year 1827, Oct. 17, at the age of forty- 
eight years, his wife surviving him some twenty years, 
dying Jan. 2, 1847, aged sixty-eight years. 

James M. Thompson has spent his entire life upon the 
old homestead, receiving his education from books at the 
district school. At the age of twenty-six years he married 
Miss Mary, eldest daughter of Walter Beattie and Jerusha 
Bennett, of Salem. She was born Oct. 18, 1822. By 
this union were born three children, Jenny, James Albert, 
and Franklin. Jenny is a teacher. James A. graduated 
in Michigan University, for the medical profession, in 
1876 ; is now a practicing physician in Valley Falls, N. Y. 
Franklin resides at home. 

Mrs. Thompson was a woman closely attached to the 
best interests of her family, of strong decision of character 
and correct moral habits. She was an invalid for sixteen 
years previous to her death, and died May 19, 1870. 

For his second wife he married Mrs. Achsah, widow of 
the late John B. Fairley, of Salem, and daughter of 
Leonard Barker and Hannah Sawyer, of Salem. She was 
born in Salem, Sept. 30, 1824. 

Mr. Thompson, at the age of eighteen, was connected 
with the 50th Regiment of State militia ; was first lieu- 
tenant, and in 1844 was commissioned captain, of the light 
infantry company of the regiment, and served during the 
same time as president of the board of court-martial. He 
was also commissioned captain of infantry, under the new 
organization of the State militia, of the 30th Regiment, in 
1848. 

In his younger days Captain Thompson was a Democrat, 
but upon the formation of the Republican party became an 
unswerving supporter of its principles, and received the 
first election from that party as the supervisor of the town 
of Salem, in the year 1857, which office he has held for 
some four years, and in the year 1874 was chairman of the 
board of supervisors of the county. 

The family of Thompson is one of the oldest which 
settled in Washington county, and has lived to pass 
through the days of the Revolution and the War of 1812- 
14, and the third generation were supporters of the pre- 
servation of the Union formed by the fathers, during its 
years of peril, 1861-65. 



ENOCH S. SHERMAN 
was born in the town of Sandgate, Vt., Nov. 18, 1812. 
He was third son of Seeley Sherman and Betsey Phillips, — 
the former a native of Weston, Conn., the latter a native 
(jf Suffield, Conn. Of the children there now survive seven : 
Seeley M., of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Enoch S., of Salem, N. 
Y. ; Josiah, of Atlanta, Ga. ; Mrs. Thankful J. Kirkaldie, 
of New Rutland, 111. ; Squire K., of Salem, N. Y. ; Mrs. 
Catherine M. Haseltiue, of Cincinnati, Ohio ; and Benjamin 
D., of Hebron, this county. 

His father moved with his family and settled in the town 
of Salem in the year 1820, and lived in the same house 
now owned and occupied by the subject of this narrative, 
residing there the balance of his life, dying at the advanced 
age of eighty-four years. His wife was eighty-six years of 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



189 



age at the time of her death. The ancestry, as far back as 
is iiiiown, is noted for longevity, the grandfather living to 
bo eighty-two, and the grandmother ninety-six, botli of 
Vermont. 

Enoch S. spent his early life until he was fourteen years 
of age at home. He then went to the academy at Rutland, 
Vt., where he remained for three years, and one year at the 
academy at Castletou Vt., followed by three years in the 
Literary and Scientific Institution of New Hampton, N. H. 
where he prepared for college, and closed his connection 
with the institution by teaching in the same for one year. 

He became a teacher at the early age of fifteen years, and 
during tlie fifteen years following his course in New Hamp- 
ton, spent ten of tlie same as a teacher at Dover, N. H. 

During this time, in the year 1842, he was married 
to Abby E. Haseltine, of Suncook, N. H., by whom he 
had one child, which died at the age of six weeks, and sur- 
vived the mother four weeks, slio dying in 1844. For his 
second wife lie, in the year 1840, married Maranda W. 
Warner, of Andover, Vt., by whom he had four children, — 
Lucy Helen, a graduate of Oswego Normal School, and now 
a teacher in Prescott, Arizona Territory ; Moses Haseltine, 
also a graduate of the same school, and principal of the 
Union graded school of Prescott, Arizona Territory ; Charles 
Warner ; and Kate Maranda. His wife died in August, 
1870. 

For his third wife he married Miss Lucy Ann, daughter 
of Rev. Francis Mason, D.D., a missionary of British Bur- 
mah for forty years, of English birth. Mrs. Sherman was 
born in Burmah in the year 1831, came to America with 
her mother to be educated in the year 1838, where she has 
since remained. Her mother returned to Burmah, where 
she died, in the year 1846, and her father died at Rangoon, 
Burmah, 1874. Mr. Sherman and his wife are members 
of the Baptist church at West Rupert, Vt., and interested 
in the support of all interests tending to make society better, 
and educate the rising generation. 

He was a member of the old Whig party, and is now an 
unswerving Republican. Was always opposed to the princi- 
ples of slavery, and was a representative at large from the 
State of New Hampshire at the Abolition convention held 
at Albany, N. Y., in 1838, to nominate James G. Birney 
as candidate for the Presidency of the United States. 

The last thirty years of his life have been .spent as a far- 
mer, and a view of his residence and surroundings, with the 
portraits of himself and fiither, will be found on another page 
of this work. 



WILLIAM LAW 

was born in the town of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., 
May 7, 1807. The Law family of this county is one of 
the oldest. John Law, the emigrant, was of Scotch de- 
scent (and his ancestors, driven from Scotland on account 
of religious opinions, settled in Ireland the latter part of 
the seventeenth century), and was the first to come to this 
country, leaving Belfast in the summer of 1773 with his 
wife and two little children, reached Albany that year, and 
remained for about one year and came to the south part of 
the town of Salem, purcha.sed a piece of land, and settled 



in a wilderness home. This was only nine years after let- 
ters-patent liad been granted by King George III. of Eng- 
land for the land of Salem township, and since it had been 
in the hand,s of the aborigines of the forest. John Law 
was largely engaged in land speculation and held large 
estates of land, — erected and owned several mills. He was 
called out as a volunteer during the invasion of Burgoyne, 
and served sonic three months. He died in the town 
where he lived, June 9, 1811, at the age of sixty-eight 
years. John Law, Jr., third child of John Law and Agnes 
Herrin, was born while the family was in Albany, Oct. 3, 
1773 ; received an academical education at the Salem Acad- 
emy ; received his first business lessons in Camden valley in 
a store ; was subsequently cashier of the Sterling Iron-works 
of New Jersey ; spent some time as a grocer in New York 
city, during which time, 1798, he was married to Miss 
Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Law, who was brother of 
John Law, Sr., and emigrated to America in 1789. She 
was born 1771, was a member of the Associate Presbyterian 
church from her girlhood until her death, and particularly 
characteristic of her were her qualities of self-sacrifice and 
benevolence. She died at the advanced age of ninety-three 
years in full possession of all her faculties. She is remem- 
bered for her many virtues. 

John Law, Jr., le'fl New York city on account of the 
yellow fever in the year 1799, and came back to Salem, 
buying a place on the Arlington road, a little southwest of 
the building known as the " Red Grocery," and opened a 
store, where he continued in successful business for seven- 
teen years, when he engaged largely in speculating in wild 
lands in this and other States, and accommodating finan- 
cially settlers and others with means to carry forward the 
various enterprises of the vicinity. After closing his mer- 
cantile business he purchased a fiirm at the foot of Camden 
valley, and on it passed the remainder of his days, dying 
very suddenly, June 15, 1836, at Brockport, N. Y., as he 
was returning home fi-om a trip to the west on business. 
He was known as a man of honesty of purpose and pos- 
sessed of more than ordinary sagacity and shrewdness in 
business operations, and particularly noticeable were his 
natural traits of kindness to those needing assistance, and 
liberal views of any enterprise for the propagation of good 
society. 

Of his fiimily there were seven children, five of whom 
reached maturity, viz. : William (died in infancy), Jlar- 
garet (died in infancy), Margaret G., widow of the late 
Peter Campbell ; Agnes, widow of the late William McKie, 
of Salem; William; Mary (deceased), wife of the late Rev. 
Abraham Anderson, of Canonsburg, Pa. ; and Elizabeth 
(deceased), wife of Edwin D. Miner, now of California. 

William, subject of this memoir, spent his early life on the 
farm and at school, and at the age of seventeen opened a store 
in Eagleville, which he carried on for some three years, and 
went to New York and engaged in wholesale dry-goods busi- 
ness, which proved a successful operation. He continued 
this business until 1837, when he returned to Salem to 
take charge of his father's estat«, where he has since re- 
sided. Mr. Law was a member of the Whig party, and 
has been since the formation of the Republican party an 
ardent supporter of its platform. He has always declined 



190 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



official preferment and political notoriety, but has not shrunk 
from the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon him as 
a citizen in promoting the best interests of his party. 

For his first wife he married Miss Eliza Agnes, daughter 
of David Law, of Salem, May 5, 1869. She died April 
19, 1871 ; she was a member of the Presbyterian church 
at Shushan, and lived a model Christian woman. For his 
second wife he married. May, 1872, Mrs. JIary L., widow 
of the late Rev. James Duff. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Law arc warmly attached to the in- 
terests of the United Pre.sbyterian church, and Mr. Law 
with his cousins, descendant.s of the Law fiimily, are erect- 
ing a memorial Presbyterian church at Shushan, in 1878, an 
interest started by their fathers, John and Thomas Law, as 
far back as 1822. 



HIRAM WALKER 

was born in the town of Dougla.ss, Mass., Feb. 23, 1799. 
This family traces descent through the father, Thaddeus 
Walker, a native of Douglass, Mass., to the grandfather, 
Benjamin Walker, who was an emigrant from England 
(with his parents, Obadiah Walker and Hannah Goddard) 
to this country prior to the Revolutionary war ; was born 
in the year 1747 in England, married Elizabeth Harwood, 
and died June 15, 1813. Thaddeus Walker, the father, 
was a farmer by occupation ; spent his youth in the State of 
his birth, a part of his life in Vermont, and the latter part 
in Utica, N. Y., where he died, Sept. 1, 1856, aged eighty- 
one years. 

By his first marriage with Susannah Smith, Thaddeus 
Walker had three children, — Hiram, Hannah, and Sarah. 
By his second marriage with Lillis Burlingame, he had sis 
children, — Smith, Warren, Susan, Lestina, Balsora, and 
Lodaisky. 

It is a matter worthy of note in this sketch that Oba- 
diah Walker, the great-grandfather, was brother of Sir 
Hovenden Walker, who, during the reign of Queen Anne, 
1711, unsuccessfully attempted the capture of Quebec with 
fifteen ships of war and forty transports. 

Hiram Walker's maternal grandmother — Douglass Dud- 
ley — was the first child born in Douglass, Ma.ss., and a de- 
scendant of the first governor of that State, who originated 
a very prominent and wealthy family by that name, — the 
Dudleys of Massachusetts. 

'Of the brothers and sisters of Hiram Walker, only four 
survive in 1878, — Smith, Lestina, Balsora, and Lodaisky. 

Mr. Walker's mother dying when he was quite young, 
he lived with his grandparents until he was fourteen years 
of age, when he went to Vermont to live with his fiither, 
where he remained during his minority. His means for ob- 
taining an education from books while young was limited 
to the district schools, and his labor confined to farm-work 
at home ; but his subsequent life was characterized particu- 
larly with a thorough knowledge of not only the current 
topics of the day, but he was also conversant with history, 
and especially the Bible, which he delighted to discuss. 

At the age of twenty-three, in the year 1824, July 4, 
he married Miss Mary, only daughter of George Griffith 
and Lydia Tabor, of Danby, Vt., — the former a native of 



Massachusetts, the latter a native of Rhode Island. In 
this family there were seven sons, all of whom are dead 
— in 1878 — except one, — Hiram Griffith. 

After his marriage, Mr. Walker and his wife .settled mi a 
farm in Vermont, where they remained until the year 1S36, 
whoLi they removed to Basterville, town of Salem, Washing- 
ton county (formerly Clapptown), where he, in partnei-ship 
with Horatio Walker, engaged extensively in manufac- 
turing cloth, and at the same time carried on a grist-mill, 
a saw-mill, and a farm of some three hundred acres. At 
the end of five yeai's, having sold his interest in Baxter- 
ville, he came to the northeast part of the town of Salem, 
and purchased the Colonel McCracken place, containing 
two hundred and thirty acres of laud, and carried on farm- 
ing during the balance of his life. 

In politics Mr. Walker was first a meml)er of the old 
Whig party, always strongly opposed to the principles of 
slavery, and in the latter part of his life an unswerving 
standard-bearer of the Republican party. He was among 
the active, indu.strious business men of his day, and ranked 
with the first agriculturists of his town. A view of his 
homestead, together with portraits of himself and wife, 
will bo found on another page of this work, showing the 
result of a life of active toil and judicious management. 

Characteristic of Mr. Walker, were his integrity of pur- 
po.se in all business tran.sactions, his ripe judgment in all 
his deliberations, his firmness and decision in what he con- 
ceived to be right, and his adaptability and social qualities 
with all with whom he was brought in contact. He died 
Dec. 11, 1870. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Walker have been born seven children, 
—George G., Lydia S., Sarah M., Willis H., Thaddeus H., 
Mary J., and John D. 

Mrs. Walker was born April 21, 1797, and has survived 
her husband some seven years, and although in her eighty- 
second year, retains to a remarkable degree the vigor of 
both body and mind uncommon to people of that age, and 
dictated very many of the facts for this sketch. 



JOSHUA STEELE 
was born in the town of Salem in the year 1808. The 
family traces its descent through Joshua Steele, the father, 
to Thomas Steele, the grandfather, who emigrated from 
Ireland with his wife and one son, John, prior to the war 
for independence, first settling in the south part of the 
town of Salem, AVashington Co., N. Y., where he took up 
one lot of timber land, when the family of three began in 
a lonely home in the wilderness. The top of a stump served 
for a table, and a log shanty surrounding it as the house. 
The reader can picture in his mind such a beginning in a 
new country, compared with the comforts of life and begin- 
nings of those who start out for themselves in the latter 
part of the nineteenth century. 

The grandchildren of this couple now are among the 
most thrifty and enterprising agriculturists of the county 
having by economy and industry secured fine residences and 
broad acres. There were born after coming to this country, 
Joshua, James (died a young man), Elizabeth, Jean, Mary, 
Priscilla (died a young woman). The rest of these reached 



Vj 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



191 



advanced ages, were married, had families, and all settled in 
Washington county except Jean, who after her marriage 
went to Ohio. 

Joshua, father of the subject of this sketch, was second 
son, lived on the old homestead ; was a farmer during his 
life; married Mary, daughter of John Beattic, of Salem, and 
raised a family of six sons and four daugliters, — Priscilla 
(deceased), 1829; James (deceased); John B., clergyman 
of the Dutch Reformed church, now a resident of Saratoga 
county; Jane (deceased); William, married Margaret Mc- 
Parland, of Salem, have one daughter, Maria M., wife of 
James T. Norton ; Grace, wife of Thomas Law, of Salem ; 
Thomas (died young) ; Joshua ; Daniel D. (deceased) ; 
Thomas, married Isabel Fenwick, have nine children ; Mary 
Ann (died young). 

The father of these children spent his life a farmer, was 
a member of the United Presbyterian church, of Salem, 
with his wife, and brought up their children under the strict 
rules of that church, and impressed upon their minds while 
young the religious convictions of the ancestry. He died 
at the age of seventy-eight, in May, 1843. The mother 
died about 1845, at the age of seventy^one years. 

Joshua Steele, Jr., was seventh child of the family, and 
spent his boyhood days at home on the farm, married for 
his first wife Jane McMurray, daughter of Deacon John 
McMurray, of Salem. He settled the year after his mar- 
riage on ninety acres of land, given to him by his father, 
in the southeast part of the town of Salem, on which he 
resided as a farmer during his life, and on which his widow 
and only surviving son now reside, a view of which, with 
the portraits of himself and second wife, will be found on 
another page of this work. By his first wife he had four 
children, — William James, Mary Ann, John, and Emma 
Jane, — all deceased. The mother of these children died 
Feb. 15, 1844. For his second wife he married, Oct. 8, 
1844, Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Thomas Beattie and 
Rebecca Pairley, the former a native of Salem, the latter a 
native of Ireland. Mrs. Steele was born April 24, 1823. 

By this union there were born two sone, — Thomas B. and 
Daniel T. The eldest died Oct. 27, 1871, aged twenty-six 
years, having been married to LouLsa A. Growl, of Salem. 
Tiie youngest, Daniel T., was first married to Jennie Thomas, 
Nov. 19, 1873. His wife died March 18, 1875. For his 
second wife he married Miss Georgie B., daughter of Rev. 
Hugh Brown and Margaret Walker, the former a native of 
Ireland, now a resident of the town of Salem, gave up his 
ministry on account of blindness; the latter a native of 
Prince Edward Island. Daniel T. Steele resides on the 
farm left by his father, and was the first man to bring a reaper 
in the town for the purpose of cutting grain, having bought 
the same the centennial year; is a young man of enter- 
prise, and represents the fourth generation from the ancestor 
first settling in this country. 

His father, Joshua Steele, Jr., died January, 1873. 



JOHN CLEVELAND. 

The only known emigrant of the name of Cleveland 
who came to this country during the seventeeth and eigh- 
teenth centuries was Moses Cleveland, from Ipswich, Sufiblk 



Co., England. He is supposed to have come as an appren- 
tice to a joiner, in 1635, but the first known record of him 
is in 1642, when he received a portion of the public land 
in Woburn, Ma.ss. He married there Sept. 26, 1648, 
Ann Winn (daughter of Edward and Joanna). Their 
fourth son and seventh child, Edward Cleveland, was born 
at Woburn, May 20, 1663. He married about 1690, 
Deliverance Palmer. Their son, Palmer Cleveland, born 
about 1692, at North Kingston, R, I.; married 1715, 
Deborah Gardner (?). Their third child and second son, 
Deliverance Cleveland,* was born at North Kingston, R. I., 
in May, 1721, and settled in that part of North Kingston 
which became the town of Exeter ; lived_ there and in 
West Greenwich till his death in the latter town in 1705. 

His first child, Benjamin, was born in 1744, in Exeter, 
R. I., and married in West Greenwich, R. I., as appears by 
the following certificate: "Benjamin Cleveland and' Mar- 
garet Hopkins, both of West Greenwich, were lawfully 
joyned together in ye marriage covenant this fifth day of 
February, A.D., 1767. — Witness, Benjamin Tillinghast, 
Justice of ye Peace." In 1709, Benjamin, with his wife and 
son. Palmer, then about one year of age, emigrated to the 
vicinity of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., and located on 
the farm now owned by John Cleveland, Esq. Of Benjamin 
Cleveland's family, Palmer emigrated about 1836, to Whit- 
ley Co., Ind., and settled and named Cleveland township 
there. He died there in 1842. Moses died in Wisconsin. 

Benjamin was a tanner by trade, and by this means and 
making shoes for the army in the days of the Revolutionary 
war, paid for his land. 

It is an incident worthy of note that when he came into 
this wilderness, he moved his entire effects, including his wife, 
on the back of one horse. The family met the obstacles 
of pioneer life with that resolution and fortitude character- 
istic of successive generations now occupying a part of the 
same land. He raised a family of ten children, of whom 
Aaron, father of the subject of this memoir, was fourth 
child. The grandfather, although uneducated in book 
knowledge, was shrewd in business matters, and profited by 
observation and experience. He was one of the founders 
of the New School Presbyterian church at Salem. He 
died at the age of sixty-two, in the year 1806. His wife 
died at the age of ninety years, in the year 1836. The 
greater number of the children went west and settled. The 
eldest son was a seafaring man, and died in the east at 
Madras. 

Aaron spent his early life at home, receiving only a com- 
mon school education ; married Miss Dorathy Stone, of 
Windsor, Vt., raised a femily of ten children, — five sons and 
five daughters, — Laura, Martha, Cyrus, Joel, Ezra, Dorathy, 
Zedekiah, Jlargaret, Mary, and John, of whom wdy four 
arc supposed to be living. 

The father was a captain in the War of 1812. Spent 
his life as a farmer; was a man of sti-ict integrity in all his 
business relations ; of correct moral habits ; and stood a 
model man in his ways. His example is worthy of emula- 



•» Deliverance Cleveland married in 1743 Hannah Barber, who, 
with her sons Job, Abel, and two daughters, came to Salem from 
West Greenwich, about 177S. 



192 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tioii by those who follow hiin. He died Oct. 2, 18G4, aged 
eighty-four years. The mother died Jan. 10, 1852, aged 
.seventy-six ; was a woman of good influence, firmly attached 
to her family, and instructed her children in all that makes 
true manhood and womanhood. 

John, youngest son, was born in 8alem, where he now 
resides, June 12, 1824. He lived at home during his 
minority, receiving a fair English education, which, with 
his early parental training, fitted him to become one of the 
representative agi-iculturists of his town and county. A 
view of his improvements seen on another page of this 
work, shows the result of his industry and management in 
carrying to a satisfactory completion what his ancestors 
began in a log cabin in the wilderness. His chief busines.s 
has been farming, and has only been diverted from that occu- 
pation by two years' stay in New York, in the omnibus busi- 
ness, and two years as keeper of the State-prison at Auburn. 

Mr. Cleveland has been a strong advocate of entire pro- 
hibition from the use of liquors as a beverage, wliich princi- 
ple is a legacy from his ancestors, and the propagation of 
which he spares on pains or self-sacrifice to carry to a suc- 
cessful issue in his town and county. 

In politics Mr. Cleveland is a Republican, dating back 
to his ancestry, who were unswerving men in the old Whig 
party. 

In the year 1857 he married Miss Sarah H., daughter of 
John W. Beattie and Sarah Getty, the former a grandson 
of Thomas Beattie, an emigrant from England, in the year 
1-764, and were among the first settlers of the town of 
Salem. She was born May 13, 1837. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland have been born three children, 
— William, Margaret, and John. 



FAYETTE WILSON 

was born in the town of Rupert, Vt., Nov. 14, 1816. He 
was only son in a family of three children, there being two 
daughters, Mariette and Jaoette, of Robert Wilson and 
Hannah Taylor, the former born in Hebron, Washington 
county, the latter a native of Rupert, Vt. His grandfather, 
James Wilson, came from Dutchess Co., N. Y., and set- 
tled in Hebron in the year 1772, where he was married to 
Martha Hopkins, by whom he had seven sons and one 
daughter. The seventh son, James, now survives and 
resides on the old homestead in Hebron. 

The Wilsons of Salem, of this fomily, are supposed to be 
of Scotch descent, and during the persecution of Christians 
in Scotland, the ancestors were driven out of that country 
and settled in the north of Ireland, whence they emigrated 
to this country. 

James Wilson, the grandfather, being a single man when 
he came to Hebron, enlisted as a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary war, and was a captain in the army of General 
Gates at the time of the battle of Saratoga, 1777. 

Robert Wilson, the father, died at the residence of his son, 
Fayette, in Salem, 1867, at the age of eighty-one years. 
He was a close student, a man of great memory and un- 
common powers of mind, and took a strong position against 
Masonry and slavery in their day. 



One brother, David, was a Congregational minister, 
preached in Rupert, Vt., for seventeen yeare, afterwards in 
Port Byron, N. Y . ; his health failing he returned to Hebron, 
where he died. 

Of the daughters, Mariette died at the age of twenty-one 
years, and Janette, wife of Pjlijah Burton of Rupert, Vt., 
still survives. 

Mr. Wilson spent his minority at home on the farm and 
attending the common .school, where he received such les- 
sons in parental training, with his limited educational facili- 
ties, as fitted him for the active and useful life which he 
subsequently led. 

At the age of twenty-two he married Miss Juliette, eldest 
daughter in a family of six children, three sons and three 
daughters, of Thomas K. Beebeand Ruth Nelson, of Rupert, 
Vt., by whom he had four children, — Robert King, Clinton 
Fay, Helen Janette, wife of Rufus Coon of Salem, and 
Fannie Elizabeth. Mr. Wilson after his marriage spent 
his life as a farmer, settling in the town of Salem in the 
year 1840. A view of his residence and surroundings, .show- 
ing the result uf his labor, will be seen on another page of 
this work. 

He was identified with the Whig party in his earlier life, 
and an ardent supporter of Ihe Republican party after its 
formation. 

Mr. Wilson was a member of the Presbyterian society, 
and always interested in enterprises tending to promote the 
good of society. A man of sterling integrity, of great sym- 
pathy for those less fortunate than himself, closely attached 
to the best interests of his family, and with ready cheer and 
sociability made home attractive. He was respected by all 
who came in contact with him. He died Nov. 18, 1876. 



HUGH FAIRLEY 

was born in the town of Salem, Dec. 26, 1791. He was 
third child in a family of six children of Hugh Fairley 
and Sarah, both natives of Ireland, who came to America 
with their two eldest children, Margaret and Mary, first 
settling in the town of Salem, where they lived the balance 
of their lives. The other children, born in Washington 
county, were Hugh, John, Sarah, and Jane, all deceased. 

Hugh received no assistance pecuniarily from his father, 
and was obliged to commence with only his hands and a 
willing mind, as is the case with all self-made men. He 
only received the advantages of the district school by way 
of education from books. By economy and industry he 
after awhile accumulated sufiicient to buy one hundred and 
fourteen acres of land in the eastern part of the town of 
Salem, upon which he lived the balance of his life, and the 
fruit-growing and ornamental trees of over thirty years' 
growth bear witness of his untiring industry. A view of 
his residence and surroundings, showing the result of his 
labor, together with the portraits of himself and wife, will 
be seen on another page of this work. 

Mr. Fairley was not an active politician. Was first con- 
nected with the old Whig party, but at the time of his 
death, 1862, October 9, was an unswerving member of the 
Republican party. Active in business, he ranked among 
the representative farmers of his town, and was respected 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



193 



as a man for his sterling (|ualitie8 of honesty and decision 
of cliaracter. 

In the year 1819 he married Miss Catherine McNaugh- 
ton, daugliter of Alexander McNaughton, of Salem, by 
whom he had four children, — John B., James A., Mary 
Jane, and William D. The eldest and youngest are de- 
ceased. James A. resides in Vermont. Mary Jane is the 
wife of Levi Copeland, of Salem, and resides on the home- 
stead of her father in Salem. 

Mrs. Fairley was born Nov. 22, 1793. Was a member of 
the United Presbyterian church, a woman of great energy, 
and especially characteristic of her was her kindness to the 
needy and sick. She was an exemplary, model wife and 
mother. She died in the year 1844. 

For his second wife he married Miss Sarah Henderson, 
daughter of William Henderson and Sarah Cole, of Salem. 
She was born March 6, 1808. Mrs. Fairley is now in her 
seventy-first year, retaining to a remarkable degree the vigor 
of body and mind common to much younger persons. She 
is a member of the United Presbyterian church at Salem. 
Early in life Mr. Fairley united with the same church, and 
remained a consistent member of that body until the time 
of his death. 



ALONZO GRAY. 

Among the early emigrants to the town of Salem was 
Nathaniel Gray, who, settling in the beautiful valley of 
Camden prior to 1800, there resided till his death, which 
occurred on Nov. 12, 1850, when he had nearly attained 
the patriarchal age of four score years. He was buried in 
the Camden graveyard, from the church of the United 
Moravian Brethren, of which society he had been a mem- 
ber from the establishment of their mission in that valley 
in 1834. 



Lucy, his wife, had deceased eight years previously, 
having died on March 20, 1842, aged sixty-five years. 

Alonzo, the subject of this sketch, was their sou, and wa.s 
born in Camden, in September, 1798, and died at Salem 
on the 16th June, 1874, in the seventy-sixth year of his 
age. 

His father, Nathaniel, was by trade a blacksmith, and 
had brought up his son Alonzo to the same occupation, and 
it was not till the twenty-second year of his age that he 
became fiee to choose his own way. He then came to tlie 
village of Salem and entered as a clerk in the store of 
Joseph Hawley, and remained with him as such until 
David Hawley, who was a son of the former, had become 
of age, when at the solicitation of Mr. Hawley, Mr. Gray 
went into business with his son, and continued in that con- 
nection in the business of general merchandising for many 
years. 

During this time ho married Miss Mary Hawley, the 
only daughter of Joseph Hawley and Sally (Gray) his 
wife. 

On the dissolution of the co-partnership with Mr. Haw- 
ley, Mr. Gray continued the mercantile business alone. 

In the spring of 1834, at the annual town-meeting in 
Salem, he was elected to the ofifice of town-clerk, and was 
annually re-elected for the ensuing five years, holding the 
office and doing its important duties with accuracy and 
faithfulness, till April in the year 1839. 

He held various other positions of honor and trust in the 
town, the village, the academy, and in the church, and in 
all of them was diligent and iiiithful. 

The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Gray was Hawley, who 
died quite young. 

Mr. Gray was for several years an invalid, but until a 
short time prior to his death not so ill as to be confined to 
his house. His death came quietly and peacefully in a 
ripe old age, he having attained, as did his father, nearly 
four score years. 



GRANVILLE. 



SITUATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. 

This town is located upon the eastern border of the 
county, centrally distant seventeen miles from-Saleni, one 
of the iialf-shirc towns. It is bounded on the north by 
^iiitch all and-IIa uipto n. east by Vermont, south by Hebron, 
west by Haxtford and EarLAnn. It contains thirty-three 
thousand one hundred and forty three acres, or nearly fifty- 
two srjuare miles. 

The surface of the town is undulating and hilly. The 
ridges are elevated from three hundred to five hundred feet 
above the valleys. A large portion of the township lies on 
what is sometimes called the Granville river, though it is 
better known historically as the Pawlet, the name Gran- 
ville not applying to the stream until after it receives the 
tributaries near North Granville. It has somewhat ro- 
mantically been called the Mettowec. In most of the town 
the slopes of the hills are gradual, and with few or no pre- 
cipitous heights ; the valleys arc delightful. There is a 
quiet pastoral beauty, very attractive and charming, in the 
natural scenery of the town. The surface is drained almost 
wholly by the stream already named and its tributaries. 

The main river enters the town from Vermont at Gran- 
ville village. The largest southern branch, formed of two 
streams flowing from Hebron, unites a little northwest of 
the village. Another southern branch forms a junction 
with the Pawlet a little east of North Granville. Almost 
exactly opposite is the entrance of the principal branch from 
the north. These streams are beautifully clear and limpid, 
and are fringed with alluvial meadows through most of their 
course. They furnish a large amount of water-power, which 
is, howevei', but partially utilized. 

A range of slate deposits passes through the centre of 
the town, mostly on the southwestern bank of the Pawlet, 
which furnishes an inexhaustible supply of roofing material 
and stock for other purposes. Clay for the manufacture 
of brick crops out in various places, and is used to some 
extent at Middle Granville. 

P.\TENTS. 

On the 11th of September, 1764, Alexander Menzies re- 
ceived a patent for two thousand acres, and under the same 
date Thomas Menzies was also granted two thousand acres ; 
on the 7th of March, 1771, John Maunsell received five 
thousand acres ; on the 5th of September, 17G4, Erick 
Sutherland received two thousand acres, and on the 2d of 
March, 1775, John Watkins was granted two thousand 
acres. The two Menzies' patents are somewhat north of 
the centre of the town, extending from a meridian line, 
passing through Sliddle Granville, to the west bounds of 
the town. The Maunsell tract is on the eastern border in 
the north part of the town. The Watkins patent lies to 
194 



the northward of North Granville, extending from the same 
meridian line before spoken of to the w&st boundary. The 
other patents are those of Berry Byrnes, Farquar, Suther- 
land, Dupason, Hutchinson, Atlas, Campbell, and Grant. 
There arc also three other patents unnamed on recent town- 
ship maps. Hough's " Gazetteer " disjwses of this subject 
with the following remark : " The land in this town is em- 
braced in several grants made to about thirty captains and 
lieutenants who had served in the French war," and these 
were known by the names of the patentees. 

It is further stated that the Byrnes patent in the .south- 
east corner was sold to Kenneth McKenneth, a merchant 
of New York, who again sold it to Donald Fisher, a tailor 
of that city. Fisher induced several of his relatives from 
Scotland to remove to Granville and settle upon the tract. 
This was before the Revolution. Fisher as a loyalist with- 
drew to Canada during the war, and his lands were con- 
fiscated and sold. Owing to some informality, the State, in 
after-years, recognized his claim and paid him twelve thou- 
sand dollars. Of the other patents (or the patentees them- 
selves) there is very little information to be obtained. 
Their date is not generally known, and few, if any, of the 
actual grantees settled in town. The large manorial tracts 
soon fell into the hands of land-jobbers, the titles were in 
dispute, and settlers were shy of purchasing. This state 
of things had the eficct to retard settlement until the close 
of the Ilevolution. 

E.\RLY SETTLEMENT. 

Of early settlement, and of the union with Vermont, 
Hon. Hiel HoUister writes: 

" Settlements were effected prior to the Revolutioil. 
The first emigrants were: mostly from New England, f The 
attempt in 1781 to place themselves under the jurisdiction 
of VernlonE^was due to the fear of invasion/ as the Revo- 
lutionary war was not then closed, ind it was thought to 
be easier to secure the necessary protection from Vermont 
than from New York. Besides, they favored the New 
Engliind institutions of universal suffrage and individual 
ownership of land, rather than the property qualification 
required by New York and the feudal land system, granting 
the soil in large manors to be cultivated by tenants." 

The progress of early settlement was slow. A state of 
war was unfavorable to emigration and to the development 
of the arts of peace. Conflicting land-titles also dis- 
couraged settlers. Soon after the war closed these valleys 
filled up as if by magic. The settlement of the boundary 
lines cleared away the difficulties to some extent, and the 
final adjustment between New York and Vermont, in 1790, 
left titles mostly clear and unquestioned. Emigrants pur- 
chased with confidence, cleared their lands, and erected 
their dwellings without fear of ejectment. 




RESIDENCE or G. L.BULKLEY, /< "SffANV/ucW^NiNGrON Go.N >, 



LrTH BT L H Ivcrrrs tco rmu rt 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



195 



The fiist settlement undoubtedly dates back to about 
1770, and probably even earlier than that, — at least twenty 
years before the first recorded town-meeting of 1787. 
Several lists of names that appear under the head of church 
history, etc., show quite a population in the midst of the Rev- 
olutionary war. The Congregational church of Middle Gran- 
ville had, in 1782, a membership of seventy-two. The 
petitioners for pardon and amity in 1782 are thirty-seven. 

These lists, together with the names found upon the 
town books for 1787-88, constitute the sources from which 
we determine the early settlers and, approximately, the time 
when they came to this town. 

The following notices of pioneer settlement have been 
obtained by cons^iderable labor ; we are indebted for them 
very largely to Jonas Tanner, Roger Wing, Hon. Hicl Hol- 
lister, Isaac W. Thompson, B. F. Ottarson, Miss Mary 
Harnden, Noah Day, Nelson Guilder, Asa Parkerfand to 
many others. ) Mr. Hollister has especially shown his in- 
terest in the work by courteously permitting the free use of 
material gathered by him, with some of which the people 
are familiar in his published writings. 

Daniel Curtice came from New Lebanon about 1780. 
He was the first supervisor of the town, and a prominent 
citizen. His homestead was the present place of Silas Hall, 
near Middle Granville. He had several sons, including 
Daniel, Elisha, and Samuel. A grandson, Harvey Curtice, 
was in after years president of Knox College, having been 
assisted to obtain an education by the Congregational church 
of Middle Granville. 

Ebenezer Gould was from Killingly, Conn., and settled 
very early in South Granville. His place was the present 
farm of Jefferson Thompson. His sons were Amos, Daniel, 
Ebenezer, Joseph, Jonathan, David, and Fayette. The first 
went west very early, and after the death of Ebenezer, Sr., 
the others all removed from town. Daughters were Mrs. 
Cornelius Whitney, Mrs. Joseph Whitney, Mrs. Parley 
AVhitney, Mrs. Warren Day. Several from these families 
settled in Ontario, Wayne Co., N. Y. The widow of old 
John Brown (O.ssowatomie), is a granddaughter of Captain 
Ebenezer Gould. 

Moses Sawyer was one of the signers of the paper of 
submission in 1782. He lived near the bridge at Middle 
Granville. A daughter married David Barrett and settled 
in Evans, Erie Co., N. Y. 

Ebenezer Walker settled two miles north of Middle 
Granville, on the present Cratty farm, near the Jacob Allen 
place at North Bend. 

David Doane located on the present Conant place, in 
Middle Granville. Of his sons, Nathan removed to Vir- 
ginia ; David settled in Hartford, N. Y. ; Julius went west, 
having become a minister ; Artemas settled as a physician 
in Ithaca. The Doane house is still standing. 

John Bateman, one of the signers to the paper of sub- 
mission of 1782, lived at or near West Granville. Smith 
Bateman, a well-known citizen of later years, was a .son. 

Nathaniel Spring's homestead was at Middle Granville. 
The deeds of the old cemetery, of the site of the Congre- 
gational church, and of the former brick school-lion.se 
property, all came from him. He removed from Granville 
to western New York at an early day. 



John Spring was a signer of the paper of submis.sion in 
1782, but his location in town is uncertain. 

Asaph Cooke was an early resident, and was active at 
the time of the contest over the New Hampshire grants. 
He represented the town in the Vermont Legislature in 
1781. One son was Elutherus Cooke, who removed to 
Ohio, became a prominent citizen of that State, and a 
member of Congress. Jay Cooke, the noted financier, is a 
son of Elutherus. Many stories are told in Granville of 
the young Elutherus. Being required to hoe three rows 
of corn as a " stent" one day, he hoed three hills on each 
row, and counting crosswise made three rows. Perhaps 
this talent, descending in the family, enabled the grandson 
so dexterously to manipulate the sale of Northern Pacific 
railroad stock. Other sous of Asaph were, Erastus, Israel, 
and Asaph; Jr. 

James Otis, a " submissionLst" of 1782, was a resident 
near West Granville. His homestead seems to have been 
just over the line in the town of Fort Ann. 

Timothy Allen, whose name appears in connection with 
Granville, 1780 to 1790, lived in the town of Pawlet, a 
mile and a quarter from Granville village. It is a tradition 
of the neighborhood that he was a connection of Ethan 
Allen. 

A descendant is Mrs. Deliverance Benjamin, of White- 
hall, N. Y. Timothy Allen is buried in the old burying- 
ground of school-district No. 9, in Pawlet, — an unmarked 
mound, near the stone erected to his son Caleb. 

The name of David Skinner is found in a road survey 
of 1784. He is spoken of as a blacksmith. The family 
name is prominent in town matters at an early day. 

Deacon Skinner was a well-known citizen for many 
years at Middle Granville, and had a cotton-factory there. 

Joseph Herrington's name is given in a road survey of 
1784. This family was probably in the south part of the 
town, or perhaps in the town of Hebron. Miss Harn- 
den, and also Noah Day, concur in this view. The latter 
recollects hearing that three brothers of that name were in 
the battle of Bennington. The name of Harinton, attached 
to the paper of submission, b probably the same; also Her- 
inton. 

Christopher Potter was from Rhode Island. He was a 
Revolutionary soldier. His father was a colonel. He 
settled in Granville about 1790. His sons were Stacy, 
John, Philip, and Jeremiah. Daughters, Mrs. Josiah 
Rice, Mrs. E. Baker, Mrs. John Kinyon, Mrs. Crandall 
Kinyon, Mrs. Daniel Smith. Grandsons living in Gran- 
ville are Charles W., and Stacy K., the present town clerk. 

Captain John Stocking, at whose house the first town- 
meeting was held, resided at Middle Granville, and his 
tavern was on the present place of Henry Lapham. Osborii 
afterwards kept the same tavern. 

Gurdon Johnson, the first town clerk, lived north of 
JMiddle Granville. His sous were Gurdon C. and Samuel 
Van Veghten. 

Major Thomas Convers was one of the first asse.s.sors in 
1787. He was a prominent man; was called to the chair 
as moderator of the second town-meeting, 1788. His title 
indicates a military history. He probably removed from 
town at an early day. 



196 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY", NEW YORK. 



Captain John McWhorter, another of tlie assessors of 
1787, lived on the present David Brown farm, half-way 
between Granville and Middle Granville. Phelps succeeded 
him on the same fann. 

Lieutenant Henry Watkins was one of the first road 
commissioners. His name, spelt Wadkins, is also upon 
the paper of submission, 1782. Asa Parker states that 
the lieutenant lived at North Bend. This would be upon 
the patent that bears that name. He removed to Auburn 
at an early day. Whether Jiis title indicates service in the 
Revolutionary army or not is not .settled. 

Jonathan Harnden, from Massachusetts, came into Gran- 
ville in 1779, and settled on the Montgomery Parker place. 
He afterwards opened a hotel with a large dancing-hall 
in it. 

His sons were Samuel, who settled in Warrensburg; 
John, in the west and afterwards in Canada ; Kiah, in 
Granville and finally in Warrensburg, and Joshua, in Gran- 
ville. Daughters were Mrs. Gould and Mrs. Draper. 

Children of, Jo.shua still living in Granville are Mrs. 
Erastus Monroe, and Miss Mary Harnden residing with her. 
According to the recollection of the latter, and she is very 
clear in her statements, Joshua Harnden was running a 
curdhig-machinc as early as 1802 or 1803; that she re- 
members wool being brought from Sandy Hill at that early 
day to her father's mill, because the Sandy Hill machine, 
a small affair, could not do the work. She states that the 
Harnden family always understood that Joshua had the first 
carding-machiue in town. Gazetteers and encyclopedias 
all being in error if they stated otherwise. 

If this conflicts with the Kirtland- Allen-Rood claim 
on behalf of North and Middle Granville, noticed elsewhere, 
we leave the question for future antiquarians to search out 
and settle. 

Captain Seth Wheeler settled in Middle Granville about 
1800, on the farm afterwards owned by his son, T. B. 
Wheeler. He had raised a company of volunteers, and 
fought through the Revolution. 

Daniel H. White was the first collector of the town in 
1787. Asa Parker locates him as a goldsmith at Middle 
Granville. Noah Day inclines to the opinion that he be- 
longed to a family of that name near Stevens' saw-mill. 

John Walker, an overseer of the poor in 1787, was an 
early pioneer on the place north of Middle Granville, after- 
wards sold to Nathaniel Parker. 

Solomon Baker was overseer of the poor in 1787. His 
liomestead was east of North Granville, on the Ackley or 
Slocum farm, now owned by Stephen Staples. One son, 
Ira, settled in Cortland county. 

Benjamin Wait settled in the southeast corner of the 
town. The old homestead is the present place of N. G. 
Folger. Sons, — Washington Z., settled in Hebron, on the 
farm now occupied by Mr. Nelson; Archibald Wait, a 
Baptist minister, now living in Chicago. 

Joseph Wait, brother of Benjamin, also lived on the 
Gorham Folger place, and afterwards moved to Middletown, 
Vt. ; left thi'ee sons, — Samuel, who became a minister and 
went south, Hiram and Smith, who settled in Middletown. 

Hephon Austin, a pathmaster of 1787, was an early 
pioneer east of Middle Granville. Of his .sons, Jonathan 



settled on the old farm, Nathaniel recently died in the same 
neighborhood, and John also. 

Zachariah Loomis, connected to the Austin family, also 
died not long since in the same neighborhood, and a son 
in Illinois. 

Richard Barnes was an early pioneer at South Granville. 
A daughter was Mrs. Lyman Ellsworth, of Canton, St. 
Lawrence county. One son, John, also removed to that 
county, was elected sheriff, and was also appointed keeper 
of Dannemore prison ; another son, James, came to Gran- 
ville village, and erected a dwelling now standing nearly 
opposite the house of J. S. Warren. 

F. S. Hodge, of 1787, a pathmaster of that year, we 
have not been able to locate. He may have been here only 
temporarily. 

Joseph Morton, a pathmaster of 1787, we have not been 
able to locate. 

Timothy Case was a pathmaster in 1787. The name is 
prominent in the town of Hebron. From Noah Day, of 
South Granville, we learn that Timothy Case owned the 
present Hewitt farm on the town line. The old pioneer 
home of 1787 may have been on the Granville side of the 
line, or perhaps town lines were rather uncertain, as the 
town records seem to contain a few names frt)m Hebron, 
Hartford, Fort Ann, and also from Vermont towns. 

Joseph Andrews was a pioneer in the northeast p.irt of 
the town, near Poultney. His sons were Daniel and David, 
well known in the town. 

Captain Nathaniel Baker settled north of Granville vil- 
lage. Sons, — Braddock and John, of Granville ; Allen, a 
teacher at the south. George, son of Braddock, is the 
present sheriff of Washington county. 

Reuben Graves was an early pathmaster of 1787 or 1788, 
and the name of Ira Graves also appears in connection with 
the north part of the town. 

H. Newland Graves, of Granville village, does not trace 
any connection with those families. His father was Rufus, 
who moved to Granville as late as 1825, and opened a store 
opposite the present hotel. Newland Graves liimself was 
lor many years a merchant, and afterwards largely engaged 
in business for incorporations, banks, insurance companies, 
and railroads. 

Benjamin Baker was a brother of Solomon Baker. He 
formerly kept tavern at what is now Truthville. He also 
owned the present farm of Sanford Carlton. Of his .sons, 
Byram settled in Granville ; Bonaparte went to Cortland 
county; Benjamin settled in Granville; Miar settled in 
Granville, and went west in later years. 

Daniel Porter was a pathmaster in 1787, and this family- 
name was common in the north part of the town of Ileblon. 

Joseph Ackley, step-father of George N. Bates, of Middle 
Granville, came to this town about 1800. He w;i8 a 
builder ; erected at North Granville the hotel, the academy, 
and other buildings. About 1810, in company with Mr. 
Olipliant, he built and afterwards carried on the old brewery 
that was on the grounds of tli.e present military .school. 

Joseph Woodworth settled at South Granville probably 
very early, as his name (or Woodruff) appears among the 
pathmasters of 1787. Noah Day remembers a man of 
'that name thrashing for his father; that he used to tell 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



197 



wonderful bear stories and frighten the children so they 
hardly dare go out after dark. 

Zaccheus Patterson, whose name appears among the path- 
masters of 1787, must have been an early settler in the 
northwest part of the town, near Fort Ann. 

Kitchel Heed lived near North Granville on the present 
farm of Patriek Fanaing, formerly the Dr. Searles place. 
Of his .sons, Kitchel settled in Lansingburg, Ezra in Middle 
Granville, Silas was a manufacturer at Granville. A grand- 
son, Orville, became a minister. It is a neighborhood 
anecdote of tiie younger Kitchel that when he was set to 
thrashing with a flail, he used to turn the hogs on to 
the barn floor, put them through a lively pace and make 
them do the work. 

Benjamin Marsh was an early pioneer in town. He had 
been in the French and Indian war, and a portion of the 
time in the army of the Revolution under Arnold. 

Joseph Northrup, one of the pathmasters of 1787, was 
an early pioneer about the close of tlie Revolutionary war. 
He settled in the neighborhood where so many of the same 
family-name have since been prominent citizens. Clark 
Northrup was an over.seer of the poor for many years. He 
is said to have owned at one time seven hundred acres of 
land. He left several sons. 

Israel Lamb was an early settler at South Granville. 
Noah Day recalls the name of George Limb in that 
vicinity; also Samuel. There was also 'S((uire Lamb, of 
Wells, Vt., from this neighborhood. 

John Crary, one of the early town officers, afterwards 
moved to Salem. He became a prominent citizen of that 
town, and was elected State Senator. 

Joseph Cook, was among the town oflicers of 1787, but 
our information does not connect him with the family of 
either Asaph Cook or Isaiah Cook. The latter settled in 
Kingsbury in 1797, and was a builder. He removed to 
Granville village, and settled on the place now owned by 
his son, Dr. Asa B. Cook. The other sons of Isaiah were 
Isaiah P., Adin V., and John C. ; the daugiiters were Mrs. 
Gideon Potter, and two unmarried, Myra and Anna. 

Dr. Asa B. Cook has been a piacticing physician for 
many years. On the carding-machiue question, he re- 
members positively having heard James Smith say he 
brought the first machine to tiiis town. 

Elijah White was a prominent citizen of North Granville, 
and was the founder of the village very largely. He lived 
on the corner where the present tavern Ls. His father was 
about the earliest pioneer in this section of the town. He 
settled near the bridge and built the house still in use, re- 
paired and improved and occupied by James Beecher, better 
known as the Barrett Place. Elijah built the hotel in l.SOO, 
and the store in 1801. Of his brothers, Charles settled in 
Sandy Hill, Wilson lived and died in Granville. 

Elijah White w;ls a liberal, public-spirited man, did much 
not only to develop the interests of North Granville as a 
village, but the whole town. In 18J4 he removed to Platts- 
burg, and died there. 

Ebenezer Chapin was an early resident of the Gilder 
neighborhood. A pathmaster of 1787. He left several 
children, and the name has always been known in that part 
of the town. 



Jonathan Wright was named as a fence-viewer in 1787. 

He settled near Middle Granville, on the hill. A Welsh 
family now reside on the old farm. Of his sons, Jonathan 
moved west. 

Timothy Leonard, a merchant, settled in Middle Gran- 
ville about 1704, and Wni. Raymond about 1800. 

Asa Reynolds was an early settler on the present place 
of Alouzo Norton, coming here about 1795. He had a 
peculiarity of naming his children so that their names would 
read the .same backwards a.s forwards, Alila, Harrah, Asa, 
Anna, Numun, Zizziz. 

Safford Reynolds, a grandson, lives at Middle Granville, 
and another grand.son is Mr. Reynolds of the railroad station 
at Granville village. 

Amos Beard was fence-viewer of 1787. That name is 
common in Hartford, and the location of the family was 
probably there, although, in the uncertainty of early town 
lines, he may have been acting with the town of Granville. 

Peter Parker was appointed a pound-keeper in 1787. 
His homestead was the present Harvey Wing farm, over the 
line in Hartford. Of hi.s sons, John C. was a lawyer, — a 
justice of the peace for many years at North Granville. 
Harry, also a lawyer, settled at Whitehall, and died there. 
John M. Parker, son of John C., was a member of Con- 
gress from the Binghamton district, then a judge of the 
Supreme Court, and died in office. Edward, another son 
of John C, was cashier for many years of the Bank of 
Whitehall. William, another son of John C., is now a 
professor in Middlebury college. Another sou of John C, 
Geoi'ge W., is a judge in New York city. 

Benjamin Baker was a pound-keeper of 1787. There 
were many families of this name, and some seem, from the 
recollection of the older people, to have been located at 
South Granville. 

Captain Abraham Dayton, of Middle Granville, was an 
early settler, before or about 1800. He was an officer in 
the militia at the time of the War of 1812. 
/Nathan Law, collector in the year 1788, was from New 
London, Conn., and lived in Granville, a bricklayer. He had 
a son Amos, a well-known citizen of late years. Nathan Law 
built the brick store now owned by J. S. Warren. Nathan 
Law's sister was the wife of Thoni;is Thompson. Nathan 
Law was a captain in the Revolutionary army. He died / 
in 1842. 

Scottoway Wliitcomb was an as.scssor in 1788. He lived 
at South Granville. One son, a physician at Loammi, died 
in Ontario, Wayne Co., N. Y. The name is still prom- 
inent in Granville. Scottoway Wliitcomb was with the 
Bay State troops in the Revolutionary army; was in nearly 
every engagement of his regiment ; held two commissions. 
He died in 1814. 

John Champion Bishop, an overseer of the poor in 1788, 
entered by the town clerk as " Friend " Bishop, came to 
Granville from Dutchess county about 1780. He was a 
member of the Society of Friends, and his life and character 
are a priceless inheritance to his descendants. He had six 
sons, Abraham, who settled in Ohio ; Isaac, who succeeded 
his father as a merchant in (iranville ; Arch, who also settled 
in Granville, but later in life moved to Wi-sconsin, and died 
in 1875; Jacob also settled in Granville; John, moved to 



198 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Ohio, and died tliere ; Stephen, died young, in Granville. 
There were also seven daughters, Mrs. Howell Smith, Mi-s. 
Amos Carpenter, Mrs. Jacob Holmes, Mrs. Stephen Thorn, 
Dutchess county, Mrs. Richard Hall, of Clinton county, 
Mrs. Charles White, of Ohio, and Lucy, never married. 

Isaac built the Bishop homestead as early as 1804, now 
owned by Mrs. Nathan Lewis. Daughters of Isaac, Mrs. 
I. W. Thompson, Mrs. II. Ncwland Graves, and a son, 
John C, named for his grandfather, all of Granville. 

John C. Bishop's first house was moved from its place 
by Otis Dilliiighum, and is now occupied by Otis D. Hull. 

Cornelius Whitney and Joshua Whitney were path- 
masters in 1788. Cornelius built the hotel at Middle 
Granville, purchased before it was finished by Roger Wing, 
who took possession in 1804. Cornelius Whitney died in 
Ontario, Wayne Co , N. Y. The pioneer Whitney home- 
stead was at South Granville, the present farm of De Witt 
Peets. 

Nathan Day, appointed pathmaster in 1787, for the east 
road from Black Creek, was a pioneer at South Granville, 
on the present Monroe farm. The old house stood west of 
the bridge on the north side of the road. His sons, Lemuel 
and David, settled in Granville, but after a few years went 
north to the Canada line or near there. 

Sylvester Rowley was a major of the militia. He set- 
tled on the farm which he afterwards sold to David Doane. 
He was a well-known drover, taking horses to Philadelphia, 
and also built a hotel in the Slyborough neighborhood. A 
daughter of Mr. Rowley became the wife of Isaac Bishop. 

Luther Cady, a pathmaster of 1788, settled in the vicin- 
ity of North Granville. A son, Lewis Cady, lived and 
died in Granville. 

William Huggins settled at what is now West Granville, 
on the present Franklin Wyman form. A son, William 
R., went west after living till advanced life on the same 
farm. A daughter married Thaddeus Rowe. 

Ezra Lee settled near South Granville about 1787. He 
had been a soldier in the Revolution, and held two commis- 
sions. He died in 1820. Noah Day .remembers him as a 
man of excellent character, a leader in religious meetings, 
and prominent in church work. 

Lemuel Barber was an early settler near West Granville, 
and a town officer in 1788. 

Joseph Crippen. — This family were in the north part of 
the town. 

David Martin, a pathmaster of 178S, was at Slyborough. 
Several of his grandsons are now living in that neighbor- 
hood. He perhaps lived over the line in Hartford. 

Chauncey Barnes is understood to have been the father 
of Joseph Barnes, who lived with Captain Dayton, at Mid- 
dle Granville, and who was afterwards county judge of- 
Clinton county. 

Araasa Cook, also on the town records of 1788, lived in 
the Austin neighborhood. 

Richard Cook also lived in the same district, but came 
there from Vermont in 1817. 

Nathaniel Parker came from Connecticut. He was in 
the Revolutionary army, and was with Ethan Allen at the 
capture of Ticonderoga. He probably settled not long after 
that (1775 to 1777) i'l Granville. His homestead was just 



north of tlie middle village, on the Poultney road, the place 
of the Evans Hopkins brick house. His children wore 
Cynthia, never married ; Susan (Mrs. Levi Miller) ; Nathan- 
iel, settled in Granville ; Asa, still living at South Granville, 
at the age of eighty-eight ; Tamson (Mre. Luke Hitch- 
cock) ; Elind, .settled in Granville; Matthias, in Granville ; 
Emily, never married. 

Nathani(!l, the pioneer, also had two brothers, who settled 
on farms adjoining his, — -Eliphalet and Michael. The for- 
mer is no doubt the signer of the submission paper of 1782, 
there given as Eliphahad. 

It is remembered by Asa, from whom these items are ob- 
tained, that his father was in the Quebec attack under 
Montgomery, making the date of settlement a little later 
than above stated. 

John Tanner was from Rhode Island. He was a soldier 
in the Revolution. When first eidisted he was stationed 
at Albany, then farther north, and wiis finally discharged 
at Skene.sborough, now Whitehall. Did not return home, 
but settled in North Granville about 1784. His pioneer 
homestead was the present farm of James Brown, known 
as the Corbiii place. A few years afterwards he bought 
where his grandson, John Tanner, now resides. Mr. Tan- 
ner had eight sons, — William and Joseph, went west; James, 
settled on the old place and died there, — the.se three were 
in the army during the War of 1812 ; Jonas, now living 
at North Granville, from whom many items of pioneer set- 
tlement have been obtained ; Salem, settled in Cortland 
county, and still living ; John Jay, at Glen's Falls ; Edward, 
at Whitehall ; Sylvester, in Texas. Daughters, — Thirza, 
became Mrs. Josiah Norton, of Indiana; Esther, Mrs. Wm. 
Jones, of Fort Ann. 

Jonas Tanner mentions as early physicians Dr. Backus, 
Dr. Gibbs, Dr. Spurr. In later years, and for a long time, 
Dr. Searles. He considers the first tavern at North Gran- 
ville the present Dayton homestead. White & Doolittle 
were early merchants. The dwelling-house next to the 
academy was a very old one. 

In 1787, Coomer Mason, from Cheshire, Vt., settled in 
what is still known as Mason Hollow, in Fort Ann. He 
pa.ssed through North Granville to reach his place, and 
was afterwards identified in business matters with this 
town. Of his children, Shubael settled on the old home- 
.stead. Truman and Conner, after a few years, came into 
North Granville ; were both deacons of the Baptist church 
at Truthvillo. Mrs. John Jenkins and Mrs. Supply 
Kingsley were daughters of Coomer Mason. Two other 
children made up a family of eight, all of whom lived to a 
remarkable average of seventy-five years. A grandson, 
now of North Granville, was one of the later principals of 
Granville Academy. 

He gives it as derived from his father, that the first 
grist-mill in this section was back of the barn on the 
present place of Mrs. Shaw, at Truth ville, all traces of the 
old mill now being removed. The water-power was from 
Carlton brook. Shubael Mason used to come there to 
mill, horseback, when a boy. That brook, in a hundred 
years, has cut down and worn (more than fifty feet) for 
itself a very different channel. Originally crossed by a light 
bridge of poles, it now requires a stone arch. 





^Yl 




DAVID ROGERS. 



Among the many worth}' men whose names appear upon 
the pages of our county history, none is more deserving of 
an honorable ilaentioii, none have done more to build up 
fallen humanity, none have left a better record of an honest 
Christian life than the subject of this sketch. 

He was the son of Deliverance and Judith Rogers, and 
was born in Danby, Rutland Co., Vt., June 28, 1304. His 
iather was a lineal descendant of John Rogers, a martyr to 
Christian principles, and was a native of Vermont also. 
David's mother was a native of Nantucket, R. I., and 
removed to Easton, Washington Co., N. Y., with her 
parents while she was young. David is one of a family of 
eight children, all of whom grew to maturity. He settled 
in Granville, in company with his parents, while he was 
young. He was reared a farmer, which was his occupation 
through life ; and we may say right here, with no injustice 
to others, that the Rogers family, including Deliverance, Sr., 
and his son David, were among the very best farmers 
Washington or any other county ever produced. David 
married Miss Hannah Dillingham, a native of this town, 
Sept. 13, 1826. By this happy union twelve children were 



born to them, four of whom are now living. Mr. Rogers 
lived with his parents till their death, at which time he 
came in possession of some cf his father's estate. David 
commenced life poor, but by industry and economy, a.ssisted 
by his faithful wife, was numbered among the wealthy of 
his community. At one time he owned some one thousand 
acres of good land. His unostentatious generosity was 
equal to the measure of his abundant means. He was a 
man possessed of fine traits of character ; indeed, he was 
one of nature's noblemen. He was an honest man, whom 
the good delight to look upon, and whose countenance al- 
ways wore a smile radiant with good-nature. In politics he 
affiliated with the Republican party, but always preferring 
the quiet of home to any official position. He was a mem- 
ber of the Society of Friends. Living a life of which there 
is such a universal attestation of his integrity and upright- 
ness, it is not surprising that " he should approach his 
grave like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about 
him and lies down to pleasant dreams." He died Sept. 8, 
1861, and was buried in the Friends' Cemetery at Gran- 
vUle. 





MRS. HANNAH D. ROGEKS. 



The subject of this sketch is the youngest 
(laughter of Stejjhen and Amy Dillingham, and 
was born in Granville, Nov. 14, 1803. Her 
father was a native of Marshfield, Mass., and born 
there about 1773. Her paternal great-grandfather 
was a native of England, and emigrated to Amer- 
ica, and settled in the Now England States. Her 
mother. Amy Tucker, was a daughter of Abram 
and Deborah Tucker, and was born Sept. 15, 1775, 
at Chappaqua, Westchester Co., N. Y. 

Hannah is one of a family of" seven children, — 
five sons and two daughters. She married David 
Jiogcrs, Sept. l;J, 182G, by whom she had twelve 
children; four only remain. As Mrs. Rogers' 
life is so identit-al witli that of her husband's in 



Christian worth, we need but refer you to his 
biography, and you \vill have Iters iu the main. 

Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Rogers 
has taken a more prominent part in the society to 
which she belongs, and for many years she has 
been the principal minister in the S(x;iety of Friends 
at Granville. She is also deeply interested in the 
cause 6f temperance, and is among the active work- 
ers. She is now an old lady of nearly seventy- 
five; hale and hearty, mind as good as ever, she 
would be taken for a lady very much younger. 
She is sjwken of by all as one of tlie finest and 
best lo'^i- - they ever knew. She is greatly 
resjiected iu Granville, where she has always 
lived. 



IIISTOUY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



199 



Duty Sliuniway came from Bolchertown, in 1794, to 
AVcst Granville Cuniors, wlicn eleven years of age, and 
learned the blacksmith trade of his uncle, Benjamin Town. 
He married Eunice Kinney, of Fort Ann ; lived and died 
at West Granville. He was a captain of militia in the 
War of 1812, and with ills company was ordered out to 
Champlain. They were at Whitehall at the time of the 
McDonougli victory. 

His children were Horatio Gates Sliumway, a prominent 
and successful lawyer of Chicajio; Joseph B., who i.s now 
living on the old homestead ; Charles, a resident of Batavia, 
111. ; and Eliza S., now Mr.«. Addison Willets, of North 
Granville. 

John Kirtland was from Wallingford, Conn., and was in 
the army of the Revolution for a few months. He came to 
Granville about 1795, and settled on the present Willis farm, 
two miles north of West Granville. He established a i'orge 
there, and in company with Mr. Eowe opened a store at 
that point. It did not, however, prove to be a favorable 
business point, and there has been no trade there in later 
times. Of bis children, Henrietta (Mr. Sweatland) set- 
tled at Plattsburg ; Henry, in Canada ; George, in Water- 
ford, and afterwards in Brooklyn ; John, in Orange, N. J. ; 
J. B., at St. Louis ; E. S., at West Granville ; J. T., at 
Orange, N. J. Two daughters, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. 3Iyers, 
at Plattsburg; Mre. Tonilinson, at Keeseville; and Mrs. 
P. J. H. Myers, of Whitehall. 

Rev. Nathaniel Hall settled as pastor of the first Congrega- 
tional church in 1797. His labors extended down to his death 
in 1S20, and he is thus closely associated with the pioneer 
period of the town. His wife was of distinguished ances- 
try, a daughter of Deacon Daniel Emor.son, of Hollis. The 
children of Mr. Hall were Hannah E., who married Rev. 
Abijah Crane ; Willis H., who graduated at Yale College 
and became a distinguished lawyer, and was attorney-gen- 
eral of the State under Governor Seward ; Nathaniel E., 
who, after living some years in the west, settled on the old 
homestead in Granville ; Eliza, now living on the old place; 
Richard B., a physician of San Francisco ; Daniel E., a 
lawyer of Mobile, Ala. ; Daniel B., a minister of the Re- 
formed Dutch church; Mary, who died unmarried; and 
Edwards, a physician of New York city. 

Dr. Ira Hall, a graduate of Dartmouth, settled, about 
1795, at Middle Granville, having married the daughter of 
Peter Parker. He owned at one time the present farm 
of E. B. Temple, and laid off from it a Masonic burial- 
place, of which he is said to have been the fir.st occupant, 
dying in 181 G. In company with Nathaniel Hall and Roger 
Wing, he established and sustained a select school in the 
upper story of the old brick school-house. His children 
were Ira; Silas, a justice of tlie peace for many years; 
Edwin, the distinguifihed theologian and president of Au- 
burn theological school ; Jjyman, who died young ; Sidney, 
who is still living in Granville ; and Storrs, for many years 
a teacher, and alterwards a practicing physician at Rosen- 
dale, Wis. 

Stephen Van Guilder came from Now Jersey during tlie 
Revolution. He had been drafted for the army, but a 
younger brother took his jilace. He used to say that, when 
he came to Granville, John C. Bishop was the only one at 



the " Corners." Another house stood at Stevens' saw-mill, 
two at Middle Granville, and only one more beside his own 
on the road to Hartford, through Slyborough. That was 
on the present O. Rlartin farm. Stephen Van Guilder firet 
settled on what is now the Ebenezer Starks farm ; then 
lived in Hartford awhile ; but finally located on the farm of 
the late Stephen Van Guilder, son of the pioneer. Besides 
this son Stephen, there were James (father of Nelson, from 
whom we obtain these fticts), Ira, Oliver, and Ephraim. 
The daughters became Mrs. Winchell, Mrs. George God- 
frey, Mrs. Wm. Winchell, besides one who was not mar- 
ried. Ira and Oliver went to Batavia, N. Y. ; Ephraim to 
the west. 

The pioneer Stephen had two brothers, who came to 
Granville a little later, — Jo.seph and Daniel. The sons of 
Joseph were Cornelius, Joseph, and Squire. Those of 
Daniel were Philander, David, and Dyer. Nelson Guilder 
states, as matter of tradition, that Slyborough was named 
for one Sly, an early settler. An orchard planted by the 
elder Stephen Van Guilder is still bearing. 

Stephen Dillingham, from Hanover, Mass., first settled 
in Easton about 1792. He came to Granville about 1801, 
and located on the well-known Dillingham farm, two miles 
north of Granville. In 1819 he moved to the present 
place of Otis Dillingham. His sons were Joseph, Abram, 
Stephen, Jr., Otis, and Reuben. All settled in Granville 
except Reuben. The daughters were Deborah, who never 
married, and Hannah, who became Mrs. David Rogers. 

Jacob Savage came from Middlotown, Conn., soon after 
the Revolution, and settled on the present place of his 
grandson, W. R. Savage. He had been a privateer on the 
ocean during the war, and was a prisoner for several 
months. He was exchanged at Charleston, S. C, and 
walked home. His sons were Jacob, John, Eleazer, and 
Benjamin, who all settled in Granville. Jacob and Eleazer 
are still living. lie had two daughters, Mrs. James 
Wright, and Lucy, who was not married. 

Noah Day came from Killingly, Conn., in 1792 or 1793, 
and settled on the hill south of the burying-ground, on the 
road from Granville village to South Granville. A barn 
which was there when Mr. Day came is still standing. Of 
his sons, Luther, David, and IIo.sea settled and died in 
Granville. Noah is still living at South Granville at the 
age of eighty-eight ; and Alvah, a minister of the Congre- 
gational church, is living at Manchester, Delaware Co., 
Iowa. Of the daughters, Ruth never married ; Hannah be- 
came Mrs. Roswell Ellsworth, of Granville ; Edith, Mrs. 
Erastus Foot, of Ontario, Wayne Co., and Lydia, Mrs. 
Scottoway Whitcomb, of the same place. 

Noah Day, Sr., had two brothers, who came to South 
Granville earlier than he did, — Jonathan, who settled on a 
part of the present Luther R. Temple farm, and Elihpalet, 
an early physician, who practiced for several years, and 
died in 1800, in the dwelling-house now occupied by Noah 
Day. 

The name of Blakesley appears in some of the earliest 
town records. Noah Day states that the Blakesley home- 
stead was a part of the present Luther Temple farm. He 
recalls the names of David and Reuben, two sons. The 
pioneer Blak&sley must have been here very early. He had 



200 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



an orchard bearing in 1792, when Mr. Day's father moved 
in. His name is among the " submissionists" of 1782, as 
David Blakeslee. 

Gideon Allen was probably a resident of South Gran- 
ville from 1775 to 1782, as his name is attached to the 
paper of submission, 1782. Noah Day remembers Jonathan 
Allen, Norman, David, and John, and supposes they were 
sons of Gideon. 

Tlie name of Aaron Smith, 1782, seems to liave belonged 
within the limits of Hebron. 

Noah Day recalls the name of Spencer as an early pio- 
neer at Soutli Granville. He had a son, Jeremiah. The 
family were here before the War of the Revolution, or in its 
earlier years. They suffered severe privations, — reduced at 
one time to milk and birch-bark to sustain life. In the 
Burgoyne campaign of 1777 they burned their household 
articles and drove their stock southward. 

Noah Day states that his father was a blacksmith, and 
David Whitney, on the present Day homestead, was also 
a blacksmith, and the old shop stood near the present gate. 
The firet pair of boots worn by Mr. Day were made by 
Deacon Crocker, a shoemaker df Hebron. There was an 
early grist-mill (1790 to 1795) on the present Adams place, 
west of South Granville. A saw-mill, in later years owned 
by Caleb West, Esq., now the Boomer mill. Dr. Lamb also 
had a carding-machine just below the grist-mill, 

Mr. Day has many anecdotes of his own boyhood and 
of the early times. Sent home through the woods with a 
yoke of oxen one night, and afraid of bears, he went up 
between the oxen, took hold of the ring of the yoke, and 
thus guarded on either side considered himself peculiarly 
safe. To look back at the affair now, he thinks he was 
more in danger from the oxen than from the bears. 

Dr. Reuben Jones had been a surgeon in the Revolu- 
tionary army, and settled at South Granville. He practiced 
for many years. 

Noah Day, the pioneer, was in the army of the Revolu- 
tion ; was at the battle of Trenton under Washington, and 
as he was a full pensioner, it is presumed that he served 
three years or more. 

The Hollister brothers, William, Isaac, and Hiel, were 
early settlers at or near Middle Granville. They were 
from Glastenbury, Conn. They and most of the members 
of their families were members of Dr. Hall's church. 
William settled in the village, — a leather-dresser and shoe- 
maker. Isaac settled on the place now Owned by David 
Brown, midway between the villages. Hiel settled near 
the present residence of Truman Temple. 

Roger Wing came to Middle Granville from Lenox, 
Mass., in 1804, and bought of Cornelius Whitney the 
hotel, then unfinished, which stood opposite the pioneer 
tavern of John Stocking, where the first town-meeting was 
held. He soon, in connection with Seth Cook, opened a 
road to the present residence of John Staples. 

Mr. Wing made an effort to have the Granville Academy 
located at the middle village, offering one thousand dollars 
for that purpose, but others were not ready to assist. He 
died in the midst of his vigorous enterprises, only two 
years after his settlement. His son, Roger D., a few years 
later, took charge of the hotel and kept it most of the time 



since. He has also been largely instrumental in developing 
the interests of Middle Granville and of the town. 

His father had a.s.sisted James Smith in setting up the 
first carding-machine. Roger, the son, was concerned for 
a time in the cotttm-factory built when he was a lad. 

To accommodate that enterprise he built the brick store 
on the corner. Henry D. Wing, brother of Roger, but six 
months old at his father's death, became a man of unusual 
business enterprise. Fir.st a clerk with the Kelloggs, of 
Troy, he was afterwards in an exchange and fur business 
connected with John Jacob Astor. In 1828 or 1830 had 
charge of gold transfers to Canada, driving through Gran- 
ville with .six four-horse teams, loaded with kegs of coin, — 
making, as stated, thirty thousand dollars. He afterwards 
recovered ninety thousand dollars in England, which the 
son of a wealthy man, enticed by an artful girl, had carried 
off. For the details of these transactions we refer to 
Roger D. Wing, and the biography of the family in the 
Granville Scii/iiicl of March 10, 187G. 

Henry D. Wing died in Chicago. 

Jonathan Brown was an early settler soon after the 
Revolution, his homestead being a part of the present 
David Brown farm. His sons were Jonathan, Daniel, 
David, Bishop, and Richard ; his daughters were Mrs. 
Culver, afterwards Mrs. Pearse, Mrs. Smith, Sirs. INIay- 
nard, and Mrs. Ray. Four children died young. 

Abraham Reed settled about 1785 near North Gran- 
ville. He was a deacon of the Congregational church, and 
his son Leonard became a minister. The latter is still 
preaching at the west. 

Hon. Martin Lee was a native of Connecticut, and the 
son of a Congregational clergyman. He came to this place 
in the early part of this century, and engaged in the prac- 
tice of the law. He remained here through the years of 
his active life, except a short time spent at Cambridge in 
1827 or 1828. He stood high in his profession, and was 
honored with many important civil trusts, which he dis- 
charged with conscientious fidelity. Devoutly attached to 
the Episcopal church, he was the trusted counselor of the 
pastor, the leader of services in the absence of the latter, 
and always the life and soul of the music, assisted by his 
childi'en, whom he had carefully trained to join in the ser- 
vice of song. He was a major-general of militia, and stood 
high in the Masonic fraternity. His wife was the daughter 
of Hon. Gerrit Wendell, and in their hospitable and happy 
home she presided with culture and refinement. She died 
May 15, 1SG4, and he passed his last years with his chil- 
dren in Chicago, where he died April 17, 1868. Their 
sepulchre is with the people they served so long, in the 
shadow of the church they loved so well. Of them it was 
beautifully written, "At evening time there shall be light." 

The Bulkley families who settled in Granville in the 
early part of this century consisted of five brothers, — 
Charles, Alfred, Henry, Chester, and Edward. Their father 
was Charles Bulkley, from Colchester, Conuecticut. He 
died in extreme old age at his son Alfred's, in 1822. These 
five brothers became prominent in business and in the 
affairs of the town. 

Charles settled at Granville village, and carried on the 
business of a hatter for many years. 



X 





STEPHEN DILLINGHAM. 



JIRS. STEPHEN DILLINGHAM. 

STEPHEN DILLINGHAM, 



son of Joshua and Hannah Dillingham, was born in Marsh- 
field, Mass., ahout 1773. His ancestors were of English origin, 
being among the early settlers of New England. His father 
was a blacksmith by occupation, and was extensively engaged 
in ironing vessels for many years. About 1785 lie, Joshua, 
and family, settled in Easton, Washington Co., N. Y., and 
from this time on was a farmer. 

He was a worthy and esteemed member of the Society of 
Friends, and a very liberal supporter of the same. Just before 
his death, about 1826, while sitting in his old arm-chair, he 
called his children and grandchildren to him, and leaning on 
his staff, like Jacob of old, he gave them a parting blessing ; 
and judging from what we know of the life and character of 
his descendants, we can but believe his prayer was heard, and 
the influences which he set in motion will be known only when 
eternity shall flash upon the doings of time. His wife died some 
years before. She was a lady very much respected, and left 
an impress for good on the character of her cliildren. Stephen 
was reared a farmer, and by industry and economy became 
one of the leading farmers of Washington county. He mar- 
ried, on the 20th of the 11th month, 1794, Amy, daughter of 
Abram and Deborah Tucker. She was born at Chappaqua, 
Westchester Co., N. Y. At the time of her marriage she was 
a resident of Queensbury, Warren Co., N. Y. By this happy 
union seven children were born, namely: Joseph, Deborah, 
Abram, Hannah, Stephen, Otis, and Reuben ; of this number, 
Joseph, Deborah, and Reuben are dead. 

About 1801, Mr. Stephen Dillingham and family settled on 
a farm some two miles east of Middle Granville, where thoy 
continued to reside for some twenty-two years, and then re- 
moved on to the farm now owned by their son Otis. Mr. 



Dillingham died on the 27th of the 8th month, 1859. He was 
a birth-right member of the Society of Friends, and was an 
elder in that societ}'. He was generous to the poor, and, aided 
by his devoted Christian wife, left a name ever worthy to be 
remembered. 

MKS. STEPHEN DILLINGHAM. 

Something more than a passing notice should be made of 
this good woman. Her birth and marriage are spoken of 
above. She was a good wife and an aftectionate mother, gov- 
erning her children in the spirit of love. She murmured not 
at the dispensation of Providence as she witnessed the death 
of some of her children, but with greater diligence continued 
her guardian care over the remainder of the family. Her gift 
in the ministry was acknowledged about the year 1810. She 
often made religious visits to other meetings, always adminis- 
tering consolation to the afiiicted. She was one to whom the 
parable would fittingly apply, both temporally and spiritually ; 
" When I was an hungered, ye gave me meat; thirsty, and ye 
gave me drink; a stranger, and ye took me in," etc. From 
her kind, beneficent hand many have been made partakers of 
the good things of this life, as the destitute had a very large 
share of her sympathy. She passed away on the IGth of 8th 
month, 1856, with the full assurance of a "Home over there." 
She often expressed, "There is not a cloud in ray way," and, in 
ecstasy of joy, said: "Do not hold me, do 7iot keep mc ; my 
work is done;" and a noble work it was. " If we work upon 
marble, it will perish ; if we work upon brass, time eifaces it: 
if we rear temples, they will crumble to dust; if we work upon 
immortal minds, — if we imbue them with principles, with the 
just fear of God and love of our fellow-men, — we engrave upon 
these tablets something which will brighten for all eternity." 







Stephen DiLLmoHAWi .z''- 



Mrs. Stephen DaLiNGH/!M,2- 




LiTH. BY L.H.ErtRTsaCo. Phila.Pa. 



Residence or STCPHEN DILLfNGHAM,Gp-*NviLLE Washington Co N Y 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



201 



Henry was a partner witli Reuben Skinner in the mer- 
cantile business over twenty years. 

General Edward Bulkley is still living at the ago of 
eiglity-nine years, in the same house at North Granville in 
which he coniniencod hou.sekccping in 1815. He success- 
fully followed the manufacture of hats for a long period, and 
was able to give his children unusual ducatioual advan- 
tages. 

Nathan Thompson, from Berkshire Co., Mass., settled 
in 1801 on tlie turnpike, near where Warren Thompson 
now lives. His sons were Nathan, Lavi, Asa, Ezra, Ce- 
phas, and Martin. All but the first settled in Granville, — 
Nathan in Blassachusetts. Daughters, Mrs. John Wait 
and Mrs. Dibble. 

Dr. Cephas Thompson was the father of Jefferson Thomp- 
son of South Granville. 

Daniel Martin and Samuel Bourne were early settlers, 
just after the war, beyond Slyborough, over the line in 
Hartford. It is said they owned everything in common, 
and raised large families, until late in life, when the two 
men, without the help of lawyers, and without interference 
by the children, made a division satisfactory to themselves 
and their families, — a division never contested or litigated. 

Joseph Ottarson, of Londonderry, Vt., was the grand- 
father of B. P. Ottarson, the pre.sent postmaster at Gran- 
ville village. He had eight children, of whom John, the 
youngest son, came to Granville, or near there in Pawlct, 
in 1800 to 180G. He was a builder, and as.sisted in the 
erection of many church edifices and private residences 
throughout this section of countrj'. 

E-VRLY MILLS, STORES, TAVERNS, SHOPS, ETC. 

Nathaniel Spring erected a grist-mill at Granville about 
1787. Elijah White had a saw-mill in 1784, and proba- 
bly .some years before that. 

At the Kirtland forge place there was some quarrying of 
marble at an early day. 

The first store at West Granville was by Manning & 
Thompson, 1837 to 1840. 

The post-office was established in 1850. 

Benjamin Baker kept an inn at North Granville about 
1790, and Jenks kept store there in 1705. 

John Kirtland was the first postmaster in all this part of 
the town, the oflicc being kept wliere E. S. Kirtland now 
lives. 

The first blacksmith in this section was probably Benja- 
min Town. 

Jonas Tanner states that his father used to go to mill at 
Bishop's Corners, carrying the grist on his back, and take 
along his axe to have it ground while waiting for his grist. 

Other notices of stores and mills appear in the sketches 
of villages, or in those of individuals. 

Charles Kellogg kept a tavern at Granville in 1800. 
Bronson, three miles north, on the road to Poultney. 

The early manufactures of the town were lutiul-madc. 
Flax and wool, raised on the farm, were carded, spun, and 
woven by the family fireside. The rattle of the loom and 
the buzz of the spindle could be hoard in every house. 
The first luacliinc fur carding wool was brought from Eng- 
land privately at an early day, ISOO to 180G, and .set up at 
20 



Kirtland's forge. North Granville, by James Smith. This, 
after a time, superseded hand-carding. 

Pot- and pearl-ashes were extensively exported from this 
town while the process of clearing was going on. Jlaple- 
sugar wa.s also an article of early export. Tanneries were 
found in almost every village, and were carried on until 
they declined for want of a supply of bark and their work 
drawn away by larger establishments in more eligible locali- 
ties. Distilleries and cider-brandy establishments existed 
in town, but have long since been abandoned. 

The first machine for carding wool, mentioned above, 
seems to be fairly credited to James Smith. Financially 
unable to set it up himself, he was assisted by John Kirt- 
land, and we add also Roger Wing, on the authority of 
Hon. Hiel Hollistcr. After a time it was moved, as Mrs. 
Bates, of Middle Granville, understands it, to the mill nearer 
North Granville village, afterwards owned by Gilbert Allen, 
her father, and was soun after established at Middle Gran- 
ville. 

In connection with the grist-mill of Gilbert Allen, Mrs. 
Bates remembers riding with her father through neighbor- 
ing towns, trying to buy grain for the mill in 1816, the 
"year without a summer." There were a forge and a 
nail-factory at the Allen mill place, — and it is among Mrs. 
Bates' recollections that she and other children used the old 
nail-rod heating-furnace as an oven when playing ''keep- 
house." 

The following memoranda are furnished by Roger D. 
Wing, of Middle Granville, showing the changes in social 
and religious interests as well as in commercial pursuits 
that have occurred in seventy-flve yeans, together with a 
few anecdotes. 

The tavern property, consisting of a house and forty-six 
acres of land, was bargained for as early as 1800, with the 
understanding that no other taverns should be started in 
the village. In 1804, however, when possession was given 
to Roger Wing, another tavern was being kept on the oppo- 
site side of the road by Jo.seph Osborn, but the two land- 
lords maintained friendly relations. They both died in 
1806. At that time might have been seen a large sign- 
board hanging between two sign-posts, a large spread-eagle 
painted on both sides of the sign, being the arms of the 
Wing family as they were pictured on the panels of the 
coaches in old England, in 1650. How changed the scenes 
in the vicinity of this old tavern ! On that farm the Met- 
towee agricultural fair is annually held, where are dis- 
played implements of the latest improved form, — wagons, 
carriages, pianos, organs, and ladies of the latest style, 
instead of the old spinning-wheels and looms of a hundred 
years ago, and the brave pioneer mothers and the daughters, 
at whose skillful touch the music of industry arose in stir- 
ring if not melodious notes. 

In 1804 there might be seen in the winter from one to 
thirty teams every night putting up at this tavern. The 
sleighs loaded with wheat on the way to Troy. When the 
horses were put out the teamsters would bring their pro- 
vision-boxes into the bar-room, call for a brandy sling or a 
mug of flip, and cat their pork and beans. In the morn- 
ing they would hitch up their teams, pay their bills, and 
resume the long drive. It .so happened that the church 



202 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



was opposite the hotel in those days, and some highly- 
respectable church-going people would call for a nnig of 
flip or a brandy sling, and drink without going behind the 
door. The Rev. Nathaniel Hall was the first minister set- 
tled over this congregation. His monument gives a record 
of five hundred and eighty members received during his 
life charge, and all went on in peace and harmony while he 
lived. The customs were very different then from now, 
for every Saturday afternoon ^Ir. Hall would call at the 
deacon's store and procure a supply of brandy and a loaf of 
sugar to replenish his sideboard. After his death, divided 
councils, conflicting sentiments, and church trials gave to 
the society the name of " church mi'litaitt." 

I well recollect (though but a lad at the time), when 
Mr. Hall walked into the pulpit, how solemnly he would 
look around, and how impressively he would say, " My 
friends, what motive brought you here ?" A knotty ques- 
tion for those days, and possibly for these. 

I remember well Lemuel Haynes, the celebrated colored 
minister, who preached for many years at South Granville. 
It is said he preached thirty years in Rutland before they 
knew he was black. He was quite noted not only for 
preaching but for ready wit. Two men meeting him 
asked if he had heard the news. " What news?" said Mr. 
Haynes. " Why, the devil is dead." Quick as a flash, 
laying his hands upon their heads, he exclaimed, " Poor 
fatherless children !" and passed on. I recollect he called 
one dark night and said he must have a little brandy. Some 
one told him that a temperance society was organized. 
" Well," said he, " I have belonged to a temperance society 
for forty years, but I will take some brandy to go home 
upon." 

One of the original doctors in this town was Dr. Safibrd, 
who built a splendid mansion half a mile from Granville. 
He was very popular, and withal a man of considerable 
humor. About the wickedest man in town — one accus- 
tomed to swear and fight for mere comfort — was taken 
violently ill. Dr. Safi^ord came, took in the case at once, 
and saw there was no special danger. Putting on a solemn 
face, however, he said, " Dan, if you want to make your 
peace with God you had better do it now. ' Sure enough, 
Dan got down on his knees and prayed. "Oh, good Lord! 
oh, good devil ! — oh, good Lord ! oh, good devil !" and so 
on in alternate order for a long while. Finally, being 
relieved by the doctor's medicine, the latter asked him, 
" What did you pray so for, Dan ?" '■ Oh, I didn't know 
whose hands I should fall into." 

Dr. Hall was a popular man. He bought the fine house 
now occupied by Edwin Temple. The house was built by 
Benajah Hill in 1800. The doctor was buiicd with Ma- 
sonic honors. 

Dr. Glbbs settled in North Granville, — a man of decided 
views in politics as well as medicine. He was a near neigh- 
bor to Zebulon R. Shipard, the noted lawyer. The two 
always differed over politics, and many stoiies are told of 
their wordy conflicts. Hon. Leonard Gibbs was a son of 
the doctor. Dr. Scarl was a later physician (a homoeopa- 
thist) in that part of the town. 

In the year 1800 a goldsmith lived in Middle Granville, 
by the name of Douglas, said to bo a relative of Stephen 



A. Douglas. A Dr. Martin lived with Douglas, and 
made musical instruments, — bass viols and violins. 

About 1815 or '20 a man taught sacred music in Middle 
Granville, by the name of Doolittle. His name may be 
.seen in some of the old-fashioned singing-books. He be- 
came deranged, and went singing up and down the country 
for many yeais. 

It may be inferred from a few of the above notes that 
the venerable author thinks that the old times were at least 
as good as the new, and that some of the modern progress 
is hardly worth boasting over. He adds the following post- 
script to this as an instance of the precocious, but somewhat 
undesirable, shrewdness of the modern youth of his neigh- 
borhood : 

On the arrival of a young .son, weight about ten pounds, 
in one of the families of Middle Granville, a little brother, 
four years of age, whose nose might be supposed injured, 
was brought in to see the new visitor. After looking at 
it some time, he turned to his father with the solemn ques- 
tion, " Pa, where did that little cuss come from?" 

We will also add, what is well known in Granville, that 
Roger D. Wing is the genuine landlord of the Brandy 
Story, which appeared in Harper's Mugnzine in 1850 or 
'51, and afterwards ran the rounds of the papers through- 
out the country. It was as follows : 

Wing is deaf as a post, and so is the village painter, Fish. 
Wing was behind his bar one day and Fish was seated ; 
the one intent on business, the other waiting for a treat. 
A stranger stepped in, and the following dialogue occurred: 

'• Can you tell me how far it is to Brandon ? " 

" Brandy?" said Wing; "yes, sir, I have got it," setting 
down the bottle. 

" I wanted you to tell me how far it is to Brandon, if 
you could," said the stranger. 

" Good ? yes, it is the very best bought in Albany ; but 
let me get you some sugar." 

The stranger, turning to Fi^h, said, " The landlord is 
deaf, I believe ; perhaps you can tell me how far it is to 
Brandon." 

" Brandy? yes I drink it sometimes." 

" I want to know how far it is to Brandon." 

" Yes, thank you, I will take some." 

The stranger surrendered at discretion ; tlioy drank, he 
paid the bill, and moved on — to Brandon, if he ever found 
the way. 

Mr. Wing furnishes the following names of early citizens, 
earlier than 1810, who perhaps have not been mentioned 
before : Joseph, William, and Charles Norton, James and 
Robert Hamilton, David Hull, Abijah Prouty, Caleb Curtis, 
Amos Savage and Richard, Oliver Lampson, Elizur and 
John White, Nathaniel Parker, Ezra Perkins, Prince and 
Stated Potter, Lewis McDaniel, John Phelps, John De 
Kalb, Gideon Beebe, Samuel Clark, Amos Collins, Zachariah 
Loomis, William Brown, William Feleh, Tibbets Northrup 
and Gardner, Nathan R. Crippen, Jeremiah and Norman 
Spicer, Elias Dayton, Abijah Palmer, Reuben, Nathan, 
and Thomas Roblee, Peter Cramer, Amos Ensign, Martin 
Ensign (a carpenter). Dyer Lee, Timothy Leonard and 
A.sa Northuni (merchants, 1780), Augustus and Charles 
Chandler (the latter a wagon-maker about 1815). 





Edwin B Temple 



/Wrs, Edwin R Temple:, 




tim St L H E»E/>rs«Co i 



RESIDENCE or EDWIN B TEMPLE Granville WtsHiNaTOH CoN Y. 






Truman Tcmple 



jJ\fis Truman Temple, 




Residence or TRUMAN TElMPLE.GJfANWLLE. W/ishington Co N / 



IIISTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTS, NEW YORK. 



•20:! 



ORGANtZATION. 

It is cviikiit i'nim vaiiuus documents that a district 
oruaiiizatiuii existed in Giuiivillc for several years prior 
to tlie firet election of town officers in 1787. This whole 
country was involved in the difficulties over the " New 
llamiishire grants." 

Many of tlio citizens of Granville, [jcrliaps a majority, 
took part in the luoveuietit to anne.\ Charlotte county, and 
other territory, to Vermont, described in the general his- 
tory, and elected delegates to the Cambridge convention. 
After this movement failed, — which it did in the course of 
a few months, — the Granville people, who had engaged in 
it, as well as those of other districts in the same predica- 
ment, were compelled to make submission to the authorities 
of New York, which they proceeded to do as gracefully as 
possible by presenting the following paper : 



To ins ExrKLi.F.xcv, the Govkrnoh, and tiik ho 
.\ND Assembly oi- the State of New Youk. 



\BLE Senate 



" The petition of tile subscribers, inbabitaats of Granville, humbly 
shovveth: That your petitioners have been e.vposeJ to the invasions 
ami depredations of the enemy since the year 1770, and since the 
ewacuation of Ticonderoga have had only a small guard ut Skeues- 
borough till in the spring of 17S0. Since that, your petitioners have 
been entirely destitute of any succor, notwiihstnnding the many 
petitions and remonstrances repeating the same. That your pe- 
titioners have been for the last three campaigns almost constantly in 
alarms, which hath rendered them in a most deplorable condition, so 
that there are numbers of families now among us who have scarce 
one Imshel of grain to support them, nor is there any to bo purchased 
within twenty miles' distance. That under these distressing circum- 
stances, and the insinuation of artful and designing men, your pe- 
titioners were seduced to swerve from their allegiimce, not from any 
desire of leaving the State, could we have been protected. 

" But we trust your excellency ani the honorable body will again 
receive us, and overlook what your distressed subjects have done. 
Hoping for the future, we shall take care how we are led by any de- 
signing men, and remain happy subjects under your protection. 

*• Your petitioners most humbly pray that your excellency and the 
honorable Senate and Assembly will take our case into consideration, 
nnd not only pardon them of their transgression, but afTbrd them 
some defense for the ensuing campaign, and 3'our petitioners, as in 
duty bound, will ever pray. 

"Dated Granville, March the -tth, a.d. 17S2. 



'Moses Sawveu, 
Daniel CritTis, 
AsAPu Cook, 
Henry Watki.ss, 
Kksjamis Bakeu, 
David Doaxe, 

GlIIEOX .\i.LE.\, 

Klii'ualet Park er, 
Aaron Smith, 
MicAn Grifejtii, 
Peter IIarriscton, 
Moses Powers, 
.Joseph Barker, 
Thomas Grieeith, 
Josiah Mix, 
Samtei, IIarxben, 
James Covei,, 
Isaiah Bexxet, 
TnEODoiirs Xortox, 



Joxath.vn Harxoen, 
EiJESEZER Walker, 
IcuAiton Parker, 
John Bateman, 
James Otis, 
Peter Groveu, 

AllRAIIAM VaXUL'RSEE, 
JoH.X G ROVER, 

.John Barnes, 
Davih Blakeslee, 
John Walker. 
John Si-king, 
Solomon Bakeu', . 
Thomas Greeks, 
J()sei'II IIerrixgton, 

EUENEZER GoiLD, 

Jesse Atwater, 

HeIX WiLLlAM.S." 



The records of the district of Granville arc no doubt 
lost. At all events, the careful .search of Hon. Iliel Hol- 
lister, J. W. Thompson, and others interested in such 
studies, have failed to discover them. There are some 



traces of this prior organization in the old town books, 
under the head of " Road Surveys of 17S+." 

Asaph Cook was a representative to the Vermont L;:gis- 
luture under the union effected on May, 1781. In the 
fail of the same year, Benjamin Baker and Joseph Craw- 
were also representatives, and probably the last to attend 
the Vermont Legislature. Upon the.so three pioneers fell 
the honors and emoluments of official life undi;r the Slate 
of Vermont. 

Judging from the time of settlement, from the known 
organization of other districts, from the habits of local .self- 
government peculiar to New England, and evidently derived 
from their ancient town-meeting system, it is fair to infer 
a district organization of from ten to iifteen years before 
1787, the date of the first town-meeting. The records are 
supposed by some to have been purposelj' destroyed, in view 
of the difficulties of the conflicting allegiance of that period 
and the danger of pro.socution against individuals for par- 
ticipation either on one side or the other. Certainly there 
is little or nothing left of written annals, either for courts 
or historians. 

The town of Granville is supposed to have received its 
name through early settlers from JMassachusetts, naming 
their new home after the Granville of the old Bay State. 
There is no particular proof of this, however. The name 
is spelled in the older papers, Grandvil and Graiwil. 

It is the opinion of Mr. George N. Bates, himself from 
Granville, Massachusetts, that this town was not named 
from that. 

Granville was organized as a town, bj' act of the Legisla- 
ture, in 178U, and the following are the 

MINL'TES OP THE FIKST TOWN-MEETING: 

"April ye 2d, 17S7. — .4t an Annual town-meeting (according to a 
law passed in the tenth session of the Assembly of the State of New 
Y'ork) of the inhabitants of the town of Granville, held at the house 
of Capt. John Stocking, in said town : 

"Meeting being opened, Voted fur Town Clerk, Gurdon Johnson. 
Proceeded and chose Capt. Daniel Curtis, Supervisor ; Major Thomas 
Convers, Capt. .John McWhorter, Ebenezer Walker, Assessors; Lieut. 
Henry Watkins, David Doane, Samuel Harnden, Road Commission- 
ers ; Daniel H. White, Constable and Collector; John Walker, Solo- 
mon Baker, Poorinastcrs ; f,)r Pathmasters, Benjamin Wait, Hephon 
Austin, James Barnes. Timothy Case, Joseph Andrews, Joseph Mor- 
ton, .Joseph Graves, Benjamin Baker, Daniel Porter, Joseph AVood- 
rulT, Zaccheus Patterson, Joseph Northrop, John T. Wright, Israel 
Lamb, Timothy Baker, Kitchel Heed, John Walker, John Crary, 
Joseph Cook, Elijah White, Ebenezer Chapin; Jonathan Wright, 
John McWhorter, Amos Beard, Fence-Viewers; Peter Parker, Ben- 
jamin Baker, Samuel Harnden, Pound-Keepers. 

" Voted, that the town clerk procure a book for record, at the ex- 
pense of the town. 

" Voted, that sheep should not be free commoners. 

" Voted, th.at this meeting dissolve." 

SECOND TOWN-MEETIN'G. 

" April 1, anniversary for town-meeting was on Tuesday, 
the 5th dixy of April, 1788. Met, according to former 
custom, at the hou.se of Captain John Stocking ; meeting 
opened by Esquire Cook. Then Major Thomas Convers was 
nominated and chose moderator for the day. The question 
was put whether to adjourn to the meeting-house*; proceeded 
there and elected town officers. The new names among the 
officers were Nathan Law, collector; Scottaway Whitconili, 



204 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



assessor ; John C. Bishop, poormaster ; pathmaster, Nathan 
Day. On the east road from Black creek, Cornelius 
Wliitney, Joshua Whitney, Ezra Lee, Esquire Parker, Peter 
Parker; from James Olds' to the top of the hill by Es((uire 
Cook's, Lemuel Barber, Philip Lanjrdon, Jonathan Binwn, 
Jeremiah Baker, Abraliani Reed, Josiah Beard, William 
Barber, Amasa Cook, David Martin, Chauncey Barnes, 
Charles Haydon, Luther Cadj', Wni. Ilurrgins, Sylvester 
Rowley. Voted, every man's yard his own pound, and ad- 
Tertise the owner. Voted, hogs, sheep, and horses not free 
commoners. " 

Tuesday, the 3d of March, 17S!), according to the order 
of the assembly, the freemen of Granville met at the uieet- 
ing-hou.se, and voted for a representative for the House of 
Representatives of the United States, — forty-three voters. 

The third town-meeting, April 7. 1789, was held at the 
meeting-liouse. Thomas Convers, moderator. Proceeded 
to choo.se by going across the house and voting (the former 
town clerk keeping the tally) a town clerk, and after he had 
qualified, the other town officers were chosen the same way. 

At this 7neeting it was voted to join with the other towns 
in the county, and choose and send a committee for the 
purpose of nominating governor, lieutenant-governor, two 
senators, and four members of assembly. Committee chosen 
were Captain Daniel Curtis, Timothy Leonard, Captain 
Elijah White, Major Thomas Convers, Ensign Samuel 
Harnden, and David Doane, to meet at the house of Major 
Thomas Convers on the 15th of April. A tax of thirty- 
four pounds was voted for the support of the poor, and grain 
allowed in payment. 

The town-meetings were held at the meeting-house for 
several years. In 1793 the place was the house of Corne- 
lius Whitney. The town at that time seems to have been 
out of debt and money on hand, as the overseers of the poor 
wore authorized to loan seventy-five pounds, " at legal in- 
terest, on land security." 

Michael Parker, Ebenezor Simmons, Stephen Graves, 
and John Felshaw advertise estrays. 

At the town-meeting of 1804, it was voted that Isaac 
Bishop purchase for the town a surveyor's compass and 
a chain. 

Still earlier items are as follows : September 4, 1784, 
tliere is recorded the survey of a road beginning at the 
southeast corner of the school-house standing between 
Joseph Herrington's and Lieutenant Ebenezer Gould"s, 
and extending to the west side of the highway west of 
Samuel Harnden's house. 

Another laid out by Ichabod Parker, David Doane, and 
Ambrose Parker, Oct. 18, 1784. " Beginning at a maple- 
tree on the north side of the highway, from Granville to 
Skenesborough, in the line between the lands of Benjamin 
Baker, Sr., and those of Jonathan Brown, and extending 
to a hemlock staddle, marked on the road that leads from 
Captain Elijah White's saw-mill to Skenesborough, on the 
east side of Pawlet river." 

Also, Oct. 22, 1784, another, " beginning at the last 
turn in the road north of Zebedee Young's house, and ex- 
tending finally to a beech staddle, marked ' eleven' and 
' twelve' in the east line of the Provincial patent, a corner 
bound of lots in the said patent of the said numbers." 



Another, "beginning at a hard maple staddle, marked 
at the crotch of the paths by Mr. Seth Baker's liouse," and 
extending •' to a hard maple sapling, by the road from 
Aaron Smith's to Eleazer Smith's." 

Also, one " beginning at a great red-oak stump, by Josepli 
Van Gilder's house," and extending to " a stake on the 
west side of the highway formerly laid out at the south 
end of the school-house that David Skinner set up for a 
blacksmith-shop." 

At the town-meeting in 1811, the support of the poor 
was let individually to the lowest bidder, and it is recorded 
that " David Holly bid to take and board and bed Joseph 
Barrett for eighty cents per week," and that " John L. Davis 
bid to take Leonard Eldridge to board, bed, and clothe for 
one dollar and forty- five cents per week." 

It was voted in 1792, that a work-house be provided for 
any. poor person likely to become chargeable to the town. 

In 1792 it was voted, that " no person should be inocu- 
lated for the smallpox, without permission of the officials 
of the town, on pain of incurring the highest displeasure 
of the inhabitants." In 1796 it was voted, ''that this town 
does, not approve of people spreading the smallpox, and 
that any person that publicly travels the road, leaving the 
smallpox, .shall be considered as (tcling ovt of character .'" 
It was also voted, " that any person that does not destroy the 
Canadian thistle on or about his farm shall be considered (i 
Tpoor farmer l" 

The following lists include the names of all those who 
have held the offices of supervisor, town clerk, and collec- 
tor to the present time ; also justices of the peace since 
1830: 





Si 


pervisors. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1787. 


Da 


icl Curtis. 


Gordon Johnson. 


Daniel H. White. 


1788. 


' 


" 


" 


Nathan Law. 


1789. 


< 




" " 


Daniel H. White. 


1790. 


Timothy Lcon.ard 


Diiniel Curtis. 


Soloiuou Baker. 


1791. 




'• 


Timothy Leonard. 


Daniel H. While. 


1792. 




" 


Daniel Curtis. 


Zadoc Lee. 


1793. 




" . " 


" " 


Jeremiah Spicer. 


1794. 




" " 


" " 




1795. 




" " 


Gordon Johnson. 


" 



1797. " " 

1798. " " 

1 799. " " 

1800. " " 

1801. " 

1802. .Tacob Holmes. 
180.3. John Kirtland. 

1804. Jacob Holmes. 

1805. " " 

1806. John Kirtl.and. 
1S07. " " 
1808. " " 
1S09. " 

1810. '•■ " 

1811. " " 

1812. " " 

1813. Isaac Bishop. 

1814. " 

1815. " " 

1816. AVm. Raymond. 

1817. " 

1818. Salem Town. 

1819. " 

1820. Martin Lee. 
1S21. '■ " 



Asa Reynolds. 



Wm. Rayn 



Eliphalct Parke 



Cyrel Carpenter. 
Samuel Standish. 
Cyrel Carpenter. 
Jeremiah Spicer. 
Cyrel Carpenter. 
Jose])h Osborne. 
Cyrel Carpenter, 
Samuel Hough. 
Wadsworth Bull. 
1, Jr. I'liiiy Whitcomb. 



Levi Thompson. 
Justin Kellogg. 
Levi Thompson. 
Derrick I. Wright. 
Samuel Everts. 
Roswell Ellsworth. 
Timothy B. Whcclei 



Da 



id Burdick. 



Robert Sackrider. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



205 



Siipervisurs. Tiiwn Clerks. 

Martin Lee. IMkH Siickrider, 

S.im'l Stau.lish, Jr. John Wells. 



Isaac Bisho)). 
Jonathan Toild. 



John C. Parker. 
James W. Parker. 
Jonathan Todd. 



1S22. 
1823. 
lf<24. 
1S2.^. 
1,S26. 
IX2-. 
1S2.1. 
1S29. 
IS.",!). 

18:11. 
is.-i2. 

lS.-!3. 

is:m. 
is:io. 

IS.'iO. 

1S37. " 

1S:1S. Reuben .^kinncr. 

1S39. 

1840. " " 

1841. 

1S42. 

184.'!. 

1844. 

1S45. 

1846. 

1S47. 

184S. 

1849. 

1850. 

ISol. 

1852. 



Jonathan T 
Jolin €. l':u 



Oollectora. 
David Burdick. 
James Wilson. 
AVni. R. Iliggini 
.\;irnn Looinis. 



Philan'r Hitclic 

Nathan Doanc. 
John C. Parker. 
(Jeorge N. Bates. 



Lym.an lOllsworlh. 
Samuel Daily. 
Aaron Loouiis. 
ek. Morgan Duel. 



Samuel Smith. 
David Burdick. 



He 



Weeks 



1853. 
1S54. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 
1861. 
1805. 
1866. 
1867. 
1808. 
1869. 



1873. 
1874. 
1875. 



Isaac Munroo, Jr 
Isaac W. Bishop. 

B. D. Utter. 
Edward Buckley. 
Fayette L. Spencer. 
James Norton. 
James Hopkins. 
Alfred Buckley. 
Isaac Norton. 
Oscar F. Thompson. 

Isaac Norton. 
Nathaniel Mason. 
Oscar F. Thompson. 



Ervin Hopkins. 

Wm. II. Allen. 
Edward Bcechcr. 
Wm. H. Allen. 

George N. Bates. 
Wm. U. Allen. 
Samuel Thomas. 

Royal C. Bctts. 

John Watkins. 
Silas Hall. 
David Brown. 
Palmer D. Everts. 
David Brown. 
Edwin B. Temple. 



S. H. Cowan. 

Alfred Buckley. 
H. D. Sargent. 
Alfred Buckley. 

F. A. Barker. 
Benj. F. Otlarson. 



Thos. Roblee (2d). 
Benj. Hitchcock. 
Joseph U. Burdick. 
Tbos. J. Aniidon. 
Samuel Smith. 
Cornelius Dutcher. 
Amos Law. 
Rowland Smith. 
B. B. Whitcomb. 
Simeon N. Dunson. 
Wm. D. Ausment. 
Martin W. Smith. 
Timothy B. Wheeler 



'* " Morgan Duel. 

" " John J. Hill. 

" " Isaac J. Bishop. 

" " George Osborn. 

" " Rowland Smith. 

" " Wm. Martin, 

(ieorge N. Bates. Loami Lee. 

" " Wm. Martin. 

Rob't J. Humphrey. Alanson W. Town. 

Benj. F. Ottarson. Jonathan Brown. 



Wm. H. Cowe 
Benj. F. Ottai 



Wm. Lyons. 



nj. F. Ottarson. 
ehael Welch. 



1878. AsburvH. Me 



S. K. Potter, 
. Lewis F. Stii 



kney. 



Chaun'y L. Guilford. 
Judson H. Austin. 
Stacy K. Potter. 
Edward B. Rasey. 

Hugh Willi.ams. 
David Brown. 
Hugh Williams. 
Ch.as. E. Simonds. 
Sanford Carlton, Jr. 
Ghas. E. Simonds. 

Ellis Humphrey. 
Michael Welch. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1830. 
1831. 
1 832. 
1833. 
18.34. 

1835. 
1836. 
1837. 
1838. 
1830, 
1840, 
1841, 
1842, 



Isaac W. Bishop. 
John C. Parker. 
Roswell Ellsworth. 
Esek Fitch. 
Martin Lee. 
Asa Parker. 
John C. Parker. 
Cephas Thompson. 
Esek Fitch. 
Martin Lee. 
John C. Parker. 
Alexander Patrick. 
Silas Hall. 
Fayette L. Spinner. 



1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 

1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 



Samuel Standish. 
Lyman \Voodward. 
Silas Hall. 
Oscar F. Thompson. 
John C. Parker. 
Pascal P. Smith. 
Reucl Pern her. 
Stutely H. Cowen. 
Albert S. Burdick. 
Charles 11. Mann. 
Reucl Pember. 
Samuel G. Guilford. 
Albert vS. Burdick. 
Jonas Tanner. 



1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
I860. 
l.Sfll. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865. 

1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 



Edward Bcecher. 
Samuel O. (Juilford. 
Lyman Woodward. 
.Tohn S. Burbank. 
.lefferson Thompson. 
Samuel Thomas. 
Samuel G. Guilford. 
Charles R. Mann. 
Reucl Pember. 
Isaac W. Thompson. 
John S. Burbank. 
Samuel G. Guilford. 
Charles S. Mason. 
Reuel Pember. 
Isaac W. Thompson. 



1869. 


Elcnior Jones. 




John S. Burbank. 


1870. 


Fayette S. Spencer. 


1871. 


Edward .L Smith. 


1872. 


Reuel Pember. 


1873. 


Franklin T. Pember 


1.S74. 


Samuel G. Guilford. 


1875. 


Chas. R. Mann. 




Wm. P. Beecher. 


1876. 


Charles W. Potter. 




Wm. P. Beecher. 


1877. 


Charles W. Potter. 




Silas Beecher. 


1878 


Samuel G. Guilford. 



The assessment-roll of the town of Granville for the year 
1798 contains the names of about four hundred proport3'- 
holders, and this does not include houses and lots of less than • 
two acres valued at not more than one hundred dollars each. 
The following list includes the names of those assessed for 
$1000 or upwards : Jesse Atwater, $1008 ; Rufus Backus, 
$1364; Jonathan Brown, $1GS6; Amos Beard, $1(J02; 
John Bentley, $1106; David Blakeslee, $151H; Samuel 
Bristor, $28(12; Job Bateman, $1(150; John C. Bishop, 
$6271; Benjamin Baker, $2004; John Backus, $1668; 
Solomon Baker, $2280; Joseph Chandler, $16.56; Daniel 
Curtis, $1209; Silas Doty, $2524; Noah Day, $1122; Cor- 
nelius Dutcher, $1009; Nathaniel Draper, $1146; David 
Doane, $4414; Jonas Earl,$;5450; Charles Everts, $1836; 
Abiel Eda, $1548; Joshua Eaton (2d), $1128; John Fel- 
shaw, $1306; Solomon Farnsworth, $1229; Ebenezer 
Gould, $1923; Bonaiah Hill, $3547; Jonathan Harndcn, 
$1464; Jacob Holmes, $1563; Oliver Hitchcock, $1273; 
Jonathan Hall, $1152; Timothy Johnson, $1740; John 
Kirtland, $1231; Charles Kelly, $1622; Ichabod Knee- 
land, $2254; Israel Lamb, $1500; Timothy Leonard, 
$1173; John BIoss, $1090; David Martin, $1251 ; Hcze- 
kiah Merchant, $2217; Eli Murdock, $1164; Andrew 
Parker, $1143; Nathaniel Palmer, $1014; Nathaniel 
Parker, $3600 ; Michael Parker, $1131 ; Eliphalet Parker, 
$1014; Abraham Reed, $1464; Thomas Roblee, $1855 ; 
Asa Rcynold.s, $2518; Sylvester Rowley, $1032; Jere- 
miah Spicer, $1390; Daniel and Samuel Stanley, $1371 ; 
Moses and Jacob Savage, $1120 ; Jonathan Steel, $4116 ; 
Daniel Steward, $1749; Michael Skinner, $1212 ; Urial 
Shapley, $1344; Joshua Tanner, $1324; Theophilus 
Tracy, Jr., $1047; William Tanner, $1536; Joseph P. 
Upham, $1747 ; Elijah White, $2556 ; Joseph Whitney, 
$1(J56; Prince West, $1638; Solomon Williams, $1201 ; 
Lemuel Williams, $3192 ; Rufus Whitney, $1033 ; Jona- 
than Wright, $1070 ; John McWhoiter, $1692. 

It is supposed that assessments in those times were at 
much nearer full value than at present. 

SUMMARY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS, REPRESENTATIVES, 
AND OTHERS, FROM GRANVILLE. 

Asaph Cook, as stated elsewhere, represented the town 
in the Vermont Legislature in 1781, and in the fall of that 
year Benjamin Baker and Joseph Craw were also repre- 
sentatives to the same body. 

The first member of the New York Assembly from 
Granville was Captain Daniel Curtis, in 1791 and 1793. 



20G 



lilSTOlU" OF WASIIINGTOxV COUNT!' NEW YOlUv. 



Timothy Leonard was member of Assembly in 1796-97, 
and several subsequent years. These men appear to have 
been the most prominent citizens at that time, and each 
received a public vote of thanks when he retired from 
office. From the town of Granville also there were sent 
to the Assembly, Colonel Stephen Thorn, in 1804; David 
Wood.s, in 1811, 1817, and 1S2G ; John Kirtland, in 
1812 and 1820; Wadsworth Bull, in 1821; General 
Martin Lee, in 1823; Isaac W. Bishop, in 1832; Allen 
15. Moore, in 1835 ; Leonard Gibbs, Jr., in 1838 ; Iteuben 
Skinner, in 1841 ; John Barker, in 1844; Henry W. Beck- 
with, in 1857; Erwin Hopkins, in 1863. 

Tiiere have been elected to the Senate, also, Colonel Ste- 
phen Thorn, 1804; Isaac W. Bishop, 1834-36; Martin 
Lee, 1839-1841 ; James C. Hopkins, 1854-56. 

The only member of Congress elected from this town 
was Zcbulon li. Sliipherd, in 1813, a man of commanding 
ability, and elected during a period of high political ex- 
citement. He belonged to the old Federal party. 

For the office of .surrogate this town has furnished 
Leonard Gibbs, five years ; Samuel Standish, Jr., seven 
years; and John C. Parker, four years. For sheriff, 
David Wood, one term, from 1806 ; Wadsworth Bull, 
from 1810 ; and Warren F. Hitchcock, from 1828. Leon- 
ard Gibbs, Jr., was district attorney in 1828. He was a 
man of brilliant attainments, and was afterwards widely 
known as an abolitionist. Royal C. Betts, district attorney, 
two terms, from 1868; Martin Lee, county judge, one 
term, from 1847 ; Oscar F. Thompson, special judge, from 
1855 to 1859, and county judge, one term, from 1859; 
lloyal C. Betts, one term, special judge, from 1863. I.saae 
W. Bishop was a presidential elector in 1852. Edward 
Bulkley, county treasurer, from 1849, one term. 

VILLAGES. 

MIDDLE GRANVILLE. 

This is probably the earliest businass point in the town. 
Captain David Bood, according to local tradition, built the 
first house, and also put up a saw-mill on the site of the 
present paper-mill. Captain Abraham Dayton was an early 
tanner at this place,^father of Nathan Dayton, once vice- 
chancellor of the State. WnL Ilollister was also a tanner 
at this village about 1800. He afterwards moved to west- 
ern New York. Both these dealers used to take leather to 
Canada, bringing back gold received in payment. The grist- 
mill is .said to have been first built by Mr. Goodrich, on the 
site of the one now owned by Zenas Ellis. The old tan- 
nery, not now in use, was probably built or established by 
Captain Cowan. Earlier than the tannery there was a trip- 
hammer and blacksmith-shop, by Kingsley. 

The paint-works and fla.\-mill are of modern times. The 
latter was changed into a paper-mill about 1868, now owned 
by the WaterforJ bank. The present cheese-box factory 
was originally a carding-machine establishment, spoken of 
in another place. There was a cotton-mill many years ago, 
— burned about 1847 or 1848. lloger Wing was a clothier, 
and when he came to Middle Granville he offered Asa Iloud, 
it is said, five thousand dollars for his clothing-works ; but 
tiie offer was declined, and he bought the Whitney tavern. 



Of Middle Granville and vicinity the following items are 
added on the authority of R. D. Wing : 

Asa Rood, it is stated, declined to sell his water-power 
to Roger Wing in 1798 or 1800. The reason seems to be 
that he had a saw-mill at the south end of the dam, and an 
immense pile of large pine logs in the yard, and he regarded 
the opportunities loo valuable to sell for the handsome price 
offered. Just below the saw-mill he had a cl^othier's-shop, 
where he soon after placed the carding-machine elsewhere 
spoken of. He also had a cider-mill on the premises where 
the paper-mill now stands. It had a large wheel, revolving 
in a trough, that mashed the apples by hor.se-power, two 
presses \vith very large wooden screws, — all these he con- 
sidered a fortune. The introduction of the carding-machine 
relieved the women from carding the wool on their laps 
with hand-cards, — but even the next stage of wool-carding 
by machines is not very common to the children of the 
country towns now, so much has cloth-making become the 
work of large manufactories. The old sight of great piles 
of wool tied up in sheets and blankets, marked carefully 
with the owner's name, carried to the mill and returned in 
rolls, has almost passed away from the rural sections. The 
spinning-wheel in private families, even for stocking-yarn, 
is well-nigh one of the lost arts of this century. Asa Rood 
lived to saw up all his logs, and sighed for more logs to 
conquer. His dreams of prosperity were not realized. 

About seventy years ago there was a wealthy farmer, 
Esek Fitch, who lived about a mile north of the village. 
He was a justice of the peace. He had two sons, Chauncey 
and John. Chauncey was a most mischievous youth. He 
would run up the lightning-rod of the church like a squir- 
rel to the belfry, and look down into the street and make 
a speech, boy fashion. If he happened to see a trustee 
who lived opposite, and had charge of the house, he would 
come down quicker than he went up. He became an 
Episcopal minister, and preached in Washington city. 
Esek Fitch sold his farm to Ervin Hopkins, and moved 
into the village. He built the house now owned by Dr. 
Prouty. When Fitch was on his farm he had a hired man 
b}' the name of Eben Ferry, a somnambulist. He would go 
through his day's work every night in motion, — talk while 
sitting in his chair, make all the motions of driving oxen 
and ploughing, — all the time in a deep trance. He would 
walk to the bridge, throw off his clothes, plunge into the 
river and swim, dross up again, walk back to the hou.se, 
and retire to bed, all unconscious either of the things he 
did. or of the people gathered to witness them. It was re- 
garded as a most wonderful phenomenon. 

The oldest son of Erwin Hopkins became a noted lawyer 
of Wisconsin, quite recently deceased, while occu[i3'ing the 
position of United States judge. The youngest .son also 
died a few years since in the west, a member of Congress. 
The old gentleman still survives, near ninety years of age. 
He was a graduate of Middlebury College, but had the 
misfortune to become deranged. He was taken to the asy- 
lum by Deacon Cleveland. Hopkins was a portly man, of 
pleasing address, and very gentlemanly except when excited. 
When they met the keeper at the door of the asylum, 
Hopkins, in his polished manner, said instantly, before the 
deacon could open his mouth, " I have a patient here for 



■i^^$-' 



^H^P^iPMv^ 




HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



207 



yoii. He will probably tell j'ou tliat I am the man that is 
crazy. But do not pay any attention to what he says. 
Take him in immediately." And he actually jrot his tem- 
porary j^uardian into the in.stitution, dodjred away himself, 
and got home before the deacon did. Of course the old 
gentleman was crazy, or he would never have said this of 
his son, when the future judge first began the study of law : 
" Jim is going to be a lawyer. He has got all the qualifi- 
cations. He will cheat, he will swear, he will steal, and 
ho will lie like the devil !" 

GR.VNVILLE. 

It is supposed that the firet house built in this place was 
by John C. Bishop, when he came into this beautiful val- 
ley in 1780. It stood on the site of the new dwelling of 
INIarcus Allen, the old well marking the spot. Eliphalet 
Petty settled here about the same time, his house, remodeled, 
being the present Methodist parsonage. Mr. Bishop opened 
the first store, and that stood near the site of the present 
Friends' meeting-house. These facts are stated on the 
authority of H. N. Graves and J. W. Thompson. The 
village first grew up on the west side of the river, but was 
afterwards changed to the corners, at the present Central 
Hotel, by Isaac Bishop. He secured the opening of the 
so-called Shun pike, drawing the travel and the bu.siness 
from Hebron and from the south generally. The grist-mill, 
now a part of the Stevens estate, is very old, — erected 
before 1800. There was also a saw-mill and fulling-mill, 
long since gone. 

About 1840 a woolen-mill was established in the place of 
an earlier hemp-mill, and it is now a knitting-mill, belong- 
ing to the Stevens estate. The water-power is regarded as 
very valuable. 

This village is connected by a stage-line daily to West 
Granville, and through to Conistock's, uniting conveniently 
the two railroads. The Central House is the site of an 
ancient hotel, kept in 1800 by Charles Kellogg. It is now 
kept by Edward J. Brown. 

There has been a partial incorporation of this village for 
the purpose of protection from fire. Latterly, the friends 
of incorporation have been defeated by a popular vote. 
The fine driving-park of E. I. Brown is just south of the 
village, west of the Mettowee. 

The following notes with regard to the merchants of 
Granville village are obtained of H. Newland Graves, Esq. : 

John Champion Bishop opened the first store. Isaac 
Bi.shop succeeded to his father's business. He was asso- 
ciated in it a portion of the time with his brother. Arch 
Bi.shop, with Wadsworth Bull, and with Howell Smith. 

The Bishops and their partners were thus the prominent 
merchants for the first fifty years or more of Granville his- 
tory. Another merchant was Reuben Skinner, from 1811 
or 1812 to 1S30 or 1835. He was also a manufacturer, 
and was in partnership at one time with Arch Bishop, and 
with Wm. Woods, and also with Henry Bulkley. 

Jonathan Todd and Colonel Lee T. Rowley were also a 
not«d mercantile firm from 1828 to 1840. 

Rufus Graves, in company with Dr. McClure, opened a 
store about 1825, put up the brick building now the cloth- 
ing-store of Schifi". Mr. Graves continued in business until 



1850, and died in 1851. During his career John E. 
Strong, noted in the iron business and al.so woolen manu- 
facture, was a partner a portion of the time. In the later 
years his son, H. Newland Graves, was also associated with 
him. Gooken & Warren succeeded to the business of 
Rufus Graves in 1850, — the J. S. Warren of the present 
time. 

Alfred Bulkley succeeded Todd in the firm of Todd & 
Rowley, mentioned above, and finally bought the whole 
business, and continued till 1875, the year of his death. 
Alfred Bulkley was succeeded by Slocuui B. Norton, the 
present well-known merchant. 

Chester A. Bulkley was associated with his father for 
some years. He now resides on the old homestead of his 
maternal grandfather, Samuel Morrison, and is engaged in 
the insurance business. He has a valuable collection of 
relies and autographs; among the latter that of Matthew 
Thornton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. 

Other merchants at various times have been Wm. Graves, 
Rufus G. Fordish, partners in the Graves store, 1835 to 
1838, Joseph Allen, grandson pf the pioneer, Ira Marks, 
Morgan Duel, Samuel Smith, Stacy, John, and Charles 
W. Potter, Henry D. Sargent (in company with Henry 
Bulkley). 

In very early times the Bishops had an ashery, and after- 
wards a foundry, on the site of the present Burdick prop- 
erty, known as the Mettowee cottage. 

The site of Granville was originally covered with a growth 
of splendid pines. 

Chester Lee states that Wadsworth Bull built the Skin- 
ner store, was unsuccessful, and the store and stock were 
bought by Deacon Skinner. Mr. Lee remembers back over 
sixty years of a sleigh owned by Sherift" Bull, bought and 
used by Lee's father for many years. 

NORTH GR.iNVILLE. 

This village was not developed by water-power, though 
the stream at this point might furnish it to considerable ex- 
tent. There are two saw-mills, two grist-mills, a hub-factory, 
cotton-bat factory, and Dr. Kincaid's manufactory of cough- 
syrup. This statement includes the handet of Truthville, 
usually considered a part of North Granville. 

The Baptist church is at Truthville. At North Gran- 
ville proper there is a Methodist church and a Presbyterian, 
the old Granville academy, now used for the district school, 
and the new military school. 

At West Granville Corners there is a store, justice's office, 
harness-shop, and several dwellings, blacksmith-shop, and a 
paint-shop. At North Granville was a woolen-mill, by 
Jonathan Barrett, continued for n)any years. One of the 
first presses lor cloth was invented by him. 

Andrew Wilson, of North Granville, relates that he saw 
Francisco, the centenarian, plowing when he was from one 
hundred and ten to one hundred and fifteen years of age; 
two yoke of oxen ; driving, a boy holding the plow. At 
North Granville the presses taken from a very old cider-mill 
are still in use by J. H. Kineaid. 

SOUTH aR.\NVILLE. 

Most of the early history of this village is mentioned 
elsewhere in the reminiscences of Noah Day. It is now a 



208 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



pleasant rural village, with no business or manufacturing 
enterprises, having post-office, school-house, cheese-factory, 
and the meeting-house of the Congregational church. 

The Gilder neighborhood is so called from the ancient 
families of Van Guilders, located there many years ago. 
One side of their family tree is said to branch off to the 
aborigines of Stockbridge, and some of the later families 
claim land in Berkshire Co., Mass., through Indian title; 
and many of them have become leading citizens of wealtli 
and prominence. Slyborough is another name applied to 
the same neighborhood. The origin of this word seems to 
be uncertain. Some insLst that the first word carries its own 
history with it. 

THK (illEAT BEND. 

This name belongs to the neighborhood at the northern 
bend, almost a right angle in the Mettowee, directly north 
of Middle Granville. 

R.VCEVILLE. 

This takes its name from an enterprising citizen, spoken 
of in connection with the Methodist church. 

JAMESVILLE. 

This settlement, in the northeast corner of the town, also 
derives its name from the James families of that section. 

TIIUTIIVILLE, 

a part of North Granville, seems to have gradually acquired 
that title, either naturally or by the rule of contraries. 
Citizens do not agree as to that. 

scuooi.s. 

The oarlii'st mention of school-houses in the records of 
the town occurs in connection with a road survey. The 
minute of a road laid out Sfj>f. 4, 1784, refers to a school- 
house standing between Joseph Herrington's and Ebenezer 
Gould's. Another road survey, the same year, refers to a 
school-house that " David Skinner had set up for a black- 
smith-shop." This must indicate that an old school-build- 
ing had stood there years before. A school was taught at 
South Granville as early as 1783, by James Richards. 

Salem Town taught a school in 1800, at North Gran- 
ville, in a barn that stood opposite the Dayton store. 

An early teacher at South Granville was Spencer. The 
old school-house west of the village stood by two poplars, 
opposite the present bi iek house. Sylvanus West was also an 
early teacher ; also Mr. dale. He lived in the school-house. 

At South Granville, Mr. Pettibone once taught a select 
school, and also John I'ollock. 

At the annual meeting of 1813 the town chose, in 
accordance with the law, six inspectors of schools : Salem 
Town, Rev. Ralph Robinson, Rev. Nathaniel Hall, Caleb 
West, John Kirtland, Reuben Skinner; and three com- 
missioners, Wm. Raymond, Jr., Jacob Holmes, John C. 
Parker; and also voted to secure a share of the public 
school moneys of the State, by assessing upon the town an 
equal sum. The commissioners elect proceeded to divide 
the town into nineteen school districts. The description of 
district No. 1 is as follows : " Including all the inhabitants 
on the turnpike from Hebron north line to James Hop- 
kins' now dwelling-hou.sc, inclusive, and all east of the turn- 



pike to Pawlet line, as far north as James Hopkins', and 
south to Hebron line.' 

District No. 10: "Including all the inhabitants on the 
road leading to Hartford southwesterly from Edmund 
Brown's, exclusive, to Hartford line, and north to Peter 
Boyce and Eiisha Webster's, inclusive." 

District No. 19 :" Including all the inhabitants from 
John Davis', exclusive; then south to John L. Davis', in- 
clusive; east to Wells line; west to Abner P. Hitchcock's, 
exclusive. " 

An academy was established at North Granville in 1807. 
It was then known as Fnirvltle Academy. Under the 
charge of Salem Town, as principal, it did the work of 
normal schools for years, training the early teachers, whose 
ability and devotion to their duties have left an impress 
for good upon all the surrounding country. 

The following are the students from Granville, whose 
names appear in the catalogue of 1817 : Sarah Ackley, 
Frances Ackley, Patty Burdick, Clarissa Bissell, Esther 
Chandler, Delia M. Kirtland, Clarissa Palmer, Thirza N. 
Tanner, Clorinda Yale, Henry Ackley, Jesse Averill, Bona- 
parte Baker, Jcjnathan B. Burdick, Mason Burdick, Fred- 
erick A. Chandler, Orrin Doty, John A. Dayton, Sidney 
Dayton, G. Dayton, Calvin M. Corbin, Charles Everts, 
John Hulett, Saumel H. Marshall, Charles Norton, Jonah 
Norton, John 31. Parker, G. A. Standish, David C. Stew- 
art, Charles G. Stewart, Horace Steel, Amos Savage, Salem 
Town (2d), James Tanner, Jonas Tanner, Cyrus Taylor, 
Rial K. Town, Ezra Spicer, Russell Underwood. 

The price of board was named at one dollar and twenty- 
five cents in 1820. Rather a strong contrast between 
that and the prices at the present military school, or any 
other modern institution. 

The academy was continued down to about the year 
1870, when the building was purchased by the district. 
It retains, as a district school-house, something of its 
ancient success and thoroughness. IMiss Easton, of Put- 
nam, continued in the same position now for two years, is 
in charge of the school. 

The name of Salem Town, first associated with a quiet 
teacher's work here in Granville, afterwards became well 
known in all the educational circles of the land, and in al- 
most every school-house of the Union. While he was an 
enthusiast in his own peculiar work, yet he shared in all 
the interests of the community in which he lived. As a 
church oflicer, as a prudent adviser of the young people 
growing up around him, as a leader in fraternal societies, 
everywhere, through all these relations, he was loved, 
trusted, and honored. Largely instrumental in furnishing 
reading-books for the schools of the nation, in conducting 
teachers' institutes, and active in so many other fields of 
influence, he passed a long life, reaching a serene and happy 
old age, conscious of" having written no line which, dying, 
he would wish to blot." 

A circular of 1820 gives the names of resident trustees 
as Ralph Robin.son, Elijah White, John Kirtland, Leonard 
Gibbs, John C. Parker, Jonathan Steel. 

The North GianviUe Ladies' Stminarij was established, 
and the buildings erected, in 1854. It was incorporated 
and under the care of the regents of the University. The 





ffj^'g^l''^' '' 



^OAH 



DAY. 



JAHSfloAH Day 




Residence or NO/AH DAY, South Granviue. Washington Co.N Y 





Ml C.Day. 



fAHS.M.J.C.OAY. 




HLblULNCE or M. T.C.DAY, &(?ANvaLr, Washincton Co.N.y. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



209 



principal was Hiram Orcott. He was succeeded by Pro- 
fessor Chas. F. Dowd, now of Saratoga Springs. W. Wed- 
worth Dowd followed liiiu, and the buildings were burned 
during his principalship. He rebuilt the institution, but 
financially the new enterprise was not a success. Mr. 
Dowd entered the Presbyterian ministry. The property 
was sold to Professor Wallace C. Wilcox, in the winter of 
187(), and the present military school opened in April of 
that year. The location is one of the finest in the State, — 
in a pleasant rural village, free from the temptations of 
larger towns. The grounds are extensive, comprising an 
eligible parade that has a decided military appearance, with 
its flag-staff, artillery, and range for target practice. The 
buildings are elegant, warmed by steam, and furnished 
with every needed facility. Besides the principal there 
are employed five other instructors, — Colonel Chatficld, 
professor of military science, Profe.ssor Thompson, Pro- 
fessor Swope, Charles Wilcox, tutor, and Miss Hattie 
Rogers, teacher of bookkeeping and telegraphing. The 
necessary steps are now being t^iken to place the school 
under the care of the regents. 

At Middle Granville there is a flourishing graded school. 
The first mectitig to consider the propriety of such an in- 
.slitution was held Jan. 13, 18G8. Charles H. Bull was 
chairman of the meeting — the acting trustee of the dis- 
trict — and A. W. Town, clerk. The movement encountered 
considerable opposition ; but after full and prolonged dis- 
cussion, continued through several meetings, a favorable 
result was reached. The first board chosen con.sisted of 
George W. Baker, Wm. H. Allen, A. AV. Town, John 11. 
Staples, Nathaniel Parker, Eleazer Jones, Charles H. Bull, 
Henry P. Prouty, Palmer D. Everts. The officers were 
Eleazer Jones, president ; Charles H. Bull, secretary ; 
George N. Bates, treasurer; John Williams, collector. 
The entire expense of grounds and building, excluding 
the public hall, was fourteen thousand and thirty-one dol- 
lars and forty-two cents. The old brick school-house, 
which this succeeded, stands on the west side of Main 
street (now a dwelling house), at the southeast corner of 
the old burying-ground. The district had occupied it since 
1823. Earlier than that was the pioneer school-house of 
olden times, standing upon the same site. The church 
held a deed from 1808 of their own ground, the cemetery, 
and the school-house. On the sale of the latter the pro- 
ceeds were divided between the church and district, the 
former receiving four hundred and fifty dollars. The 
Union school was opened in September, 1868. Four teach- 
ers are steadily employed. The first principal, Edward C. 
Whittemore, remained four years. The successive princi- 
jjals since have been Judson Barker, Charles L. Mason, A. 
J. Qua, C. W. Atwood, Merritt C. Sherman, Fred. A. 
Sykcs. The present officers of the board are John Tyfe, 
president; Dr. H. P. Prouty, secretary; David J. Humph- 
rey, collector ; and George N. Bates, treasurer. 

Corinthian Hall, the third floor of the school-building, 
was a private enterprise, added by George N. Hull, at a 
cost of eight thousand dollars. 

About 1819 a few entorpri.sing citizens of the east part 
of the town established a young ladies' seminary at Gran- 
ville. The institution was not successful, and after a few 
27 



years it was given up. Reuben Skinner, Martin Lee, 
Horace Smith, and Lsaac Bi.shop were the leading spirits in 
the enterprise, and the school was opened in what is now 
the Merritt Bardwell House, built by Isaac Bishop for that 
purpose, now owned and occupied by Henry Bowker. 

The Friends at a very early day established a school, and 
erected a house for it on about the site of their present 
school-house. Finally, that house became the district school- 
house. 

The present Friends' school, of an academic character, 
was established about 1873, in the basement of the meeting- 
house. The first teachers were Lulu Trump, of Baltimore, 
principal; Louisa Sill, assistant. The .school became too 
large for the basement, and the present house was erected 
in 187-1, at an expense of about seven hundred dollars. 

Fanny Mitchell, of Philadelphia, followed Lulu Trump 
as principal. The present teachers are Ada Miller, princi- 
pal, and Phebe R. Dillingham, assistant. 

The school system having been established in 1813, and 
the first officers elected during the years down to 1843, 
others served in the office of school commissioner one or 
more years each, as follows: Caleb West, Samuel Standish, 
Jr., Asa Northum, Wadsworth Bull, Abial Hathaway, 
Jr., Henry Bulkley, Gilbert Allen, Horace vSuiith, David 
Northum, Loammi Whitcomb, Leonard Gibb.s, Gurdon 
Smith, Stukely H. Cowan, Charles P. Everts, Leonard 
Brown, Ervin Hopkins, James W. Porter, Leonard Root, 
Samuel Allen, Albert Wright, Ephraim Potter, Charles R. 
Mann, William II. Ward, Lyman Woodard, Fayette P. 
Muson, Alfred Bulkley. 

In the same period the following persons also served one 
or more years each in the office of inspector: Constant 
Storrs, Moses Parmelee, Eli Day, Ira Bascomb, Martin Lee, 
Luther Fletcher, Asa Northum, Washington L. Waitc, 
Leonard Gibbs, Nathan H. Raymond, Samuel T. Tanner, 
Wm. Raymond, Jr., Cephas Thompson, Wm. R. Huggins, 
Dexter Hitchcock, Charles P. Everts, John West, James 
Hopkins, Nathan Doane, John McNaughton, Edward Par- 
ker, Julius Doane, E. L. Parker, Reuben Graves, Julius 
Danforth, Isaac Munroe, Isaac W. Thompson, Charles G. 
Baker, Joseph Holmes, Allen R. Moore, Jacob Savage, Jr., 
Leonard Root, Nelson Monroe, Aaron Goodspeed, Jeremiah 
Clark, Ephraim Potter, A. W. Smith, Salem Town (2d), 
Job I. Reynolds, Jonathan W. Potter, Oscar F. Davis, 
Lyman Woodard. 

In 1844 town superintendents were sub.stitutod in the 
place of the previous officers, and continued down to 18515 
as follows: 1844, Nathan Doane; 184.5, Wm. Potter; 
1846, Wm. Potter; 1847, Charles D. Barbour; 1848, 
Albert S. Burdick ; 1849, Charles D. Barbour; 1850, 
Charles D. Barbour; 1852, James H. Reynolds; 1854, 
Wm. P. Beecher; 185G, Charles D. Barbour. 

We add the following statement of the money received 
by the districts at two points twenty years apart : 

I)i,l,-ict. 1837. 1877. 

No I $00.(12 Sl:i7.2'J 

" 9 y:t.:r2 7S.4C. 

• 1 :j' GG.2;i lOa.3.') 

• • 4" 7:!.3fi 101.G2 

<. 5 fi<).2.S 101.77 

" li ■.7.07 14:!.80 

" 7 ' 11C.85 3S5.6S 



210 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



District. ls:.7. 1877. 

No. 8 ?10,S.28 $J2:'..79 

" 9 fi4.lli» OS. 72 

" li» '.i:;:.',:i I4!i.,i5 

" 11 1U1.02 Hl.sii 

•• 12 72.0,') 10i).7y 

"13 4:',. 41 1(17. Ifi 

" 14 '.Ili.l.s III.U 

" 1.0 (11.11.^ 11)4. fii) 

" IC .il.lll ll!1.24 

" 17 8i;.2ll 107.00 

" IS (14. Hi* 84.00 

CHUKCIIES. 

THE FIR.ST rRESI!YTERI.\N CHURCH AT MIDDLE GR.\N- 

VILI.E. 

This .society lias a long and varied histoi-y i-caching buck 
for nearly a century. It was organized as a Congregational 
body, in 1782, under the name of " The Union Religions 
Society," with seventy-two members. Rev. Jlr. Hitchcock 
was the first pastor under a call, Sept. 26, 1786, continuing 
his labors for twelve years, and occasionally until 1807. 
Rev. Nathaniel Hall succeeded him in 1794, and remained 
pastor until his death in 1820. Rev. Mr. Rosseter fol- 
lowed, remaining three years. Rev. Mr. Whiton next filled 
the pastorate for eight years. During this time an unfor- 
tunate division occurred, and the disaffected portion erected 
another meeting-house. In 1832 a reunion was effected 
under the charge of Rev. Henry Morris, who remained 
three years. After a brief vacancy. Rev. Mr. Thompson 
became pastor, and his labors were continued for three 
years. He was connected with the celebrated Georgia case 
of imprisonment, having been sent with Messrs. Worcester 
and Butler as missionaries to the Cherokccs. Mr. Thomp- 
son, however, was not arrested with them, and escaped con- 
finement. Under the ministry of Rev. Charles Doolittle 
the church became Presbyterian, and the first elders chosen 
were Peter Cramer, Joseph Short, Dexter Hitchcock, 
George N. Bates, Albert Wright, and Henry Leonard. 
The pastors following Mr. Doolittle have been Rev. J. B. 
Hubbard, S. B. Swift, Chauncey Hubbard, Sjlden Haynes, 
John E. Baker, Mr. Crawford, A. Traver, J. P. Velie, W. 
W. Dowd. The present ciders are Alonzo Conant, Na- 
thaniel E. Hall, George N. Bates, Samuel G. Guilford, 
Levi Crosby, David J. Humphrey, George F. Hammond. 
Mr. Bates has been an elder from the first election, and is 
the only one living of the first board chosen. The house 
of worship is the first one built ; date not ascertained. In 
late years it has been improved and repaired. This society 
is the earliest church of the town, with nearly a hundred 
years of history. The meeting-house was erected before 
1788. On the roll of 1782-85 are the names of Nathaniel 
Spring, Timothy Allen, Asaph Cook, Ebenezer Walker, 
Enos Parker, Nathaniel Parker, Daniel Curtis, Philip 
Langdon, Eliel Todd, James Barber, Jr., Josiah Blix, 
Ambrose Parker, Andrew Parker, Amos Beard, Peter 
Parker, Lsaac Doty, Coonrad Harkinan, Thomas Skinner, 
Abraham Reed, Kitchel Reed, Abel Conistock, Benjamin 
Barber, Nathaniel Hitchcock, Silas Hitchcock, James 
Barber, Thomas Convcrs, Titus A. Cook, Samuel Cook, 
Jo.seph Martin, David Martin, Elijah Saekett, Isaac Parker, 
Daniel Curtis, Jr., Calvin Otis, Gideon Allen. As a speci- 
men of discipline we notice that under date of Feb. 10, 
1807, two members made confession " for going into 
carnal company and spending late hours in dancing." 



FIRST CO.NfiREGATIONAL CHURCH AT .SOUTH GRAN- 
VILLE. 

At an ecclesiastical council convened at Granville, De- 
cember 22, 1789, for the purpose of gathering a church in 
Granville if deemed expedient, there were present Rev. 
James Thom.son, Rev. Increase Graves, Rev. Lewis Bccbe, 
and Delegates Abisha Mosely, Jo.seph Leavitt, Joel Ilamon. 

Mr. Thomson was chosen moderator, and Mr. Becbe 
scribe. After a full examination into the circumstances of 
the case, and the (^jualifications of the proposed candidates 
for membership, it was decided to be expedient to organize 
them into a church after the design should be properly 
published to the congregation. This having been done. 
Rev. Increase Graves, pastor of the church of Rupert, Vt., 
on the 12th of January, 1790, publicly organized into a 
church the following persons, after their assent was given 
to the confession of faith and covenant: 

Thomas North, Thomas Wilson, Scottoway Whitcomb, 
and his wife Mary, Ezra Lee and his wife Sarah, Arthur 
Hnggins, Elizabeth Johnson, Mary Denton, — nine in all; 
the first four by letter, the rest by profession. At the 
evening meeting of the same day it was arranged that 
Rev. Mr. Graves, of Rupert, .should be the moderator of the 
Granville church. Arthur Huggins was chosen clerk, and 
Scottoway Whitcomb was appointed to lead in public wor- 
ship. The entire series of ministers following Jlr. Graves 
have been Rev. Jlessrs. Hitchcock, Griswold, Washburn, 
Taylor, Porter, Parmelee, Perrin, Haynes, Clark, Avery, 
Dennison, Payne, Webster, Barber, Tyler, Donald, Bas- 
sott, Beecher, Stuart, White, Doe, Tombs, Hanks, Ed- 
wards, Dowd, Hanks. Mr. Hanks has returned to his 
connection with the church and is the present pastor, the 
twenty-sixth in succession. It may be noticed that Rev. 
Lemuel Haynes, who was pastor from 1822 to 1833, was 
the celebrated colored minister, filling his position with 
great acceptance to the church and congregation. 

The first hou.se of worship was erected in 1806. This 
was succeeded in 1847 by a new one upon the present site. 
In 1873 the society replaced that building with the present 
fine edifice, thirty-four by fifty-six, at a cost of thirty-seven 
hundred dollars, and free of debt. The membership of the 
church is sixty-three. The pre.sent church clerk is Walter 
E. White, and the deacons are Noah Day, Wni. P. Beecher, 
Wm. Sweet, Wni. Baker. 

The house of worship first erected by this society in 
1789 or 1790 is still standing, near the brick school-house 
by the Marcus Day farm, a mile west of South Gran- 
ville. 

THE NORTH GRANVILLE BAPTLST CHURCH. 

After several conferences had been held, the first meet- 
ing for actual organization Wiis held about the 1st of Au- 
gust, 1784. At an adjourned meeting, August 18, held 
at the house of Brother John Stewart, the society was fully 
recognized as a church, Elder Ilezekiah Eastman, of Danby, 
Elders Wait and Cornell, of Manchester, conducting the 
services. The next day twenty-two members partook of 
the communion. In November a call was extended to 
Rev. Richard Sill, and he was ordained in January, 1785, 
and became the first pastor. We add from the venerable, 



IlISTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



211 



timc-staiiicJ records the luiiues of tlio following male mem- 
bers, tlioujrh djtes of admission were not entered, but tliey 
arc evidently from 178-t to 1792: Joshua Calkins, John 
Stewart, Sr., Jonathan Brown, Silas Mer(Uolthy, Daniel 
Rowley, Reuben Mequeltliy, Riehard Sill, "Daniel Stewart, 
Tjenjamin Baker, David Stewart, Abram Vanduzer, Timothy 
Baker, Alexander Brown, Joshua Smith, John Stewart, 
James Vanduzer, Joseph II(jlly, Nathaniel Gastman, Geo- 
bad Parker, James Meartner, Alplieus Crippen, Jonathan 
Heed, Solomon Williauis, William Gastman, Amos Utter, 
Cliaunoey Barnes, Lotan Simons, Silas Bobbins, James 
Covil, Edward Lawrence, David Doane, Nathan Bhodes, 
Elijah Stoddard, Abram Swan, Wanser Hendricks, Tim- 
othy Pool, Caleb Commons, Jabez Gicen, Benaijah Hill, 
Israel Calkins, Jordan Dodp;e, William Powei-s, Silas Barnes, 
Cornelius Barnes, John Kent, Samuel FiUis, Robert Wat- 
son, Caleb Calkins, Benjamin Spencer, Joel Dodge, James 
Austin, Elisha Andrus. 

The ministers since the first have been Elders Dodge, 
Amasa Brown, 1799 ; Sylvanus H0II3', 1800 ; Ephraim 
Sawyer, Samuel Bowley, 180G, eleven years; Abel Wood, 
1820 ; Samuel Dillaway, 1822, eleven years (the great re- 
vival work of 1831-32 bringing over one Imndred into 
the church in six months) ; J. C. Holt, G. Norris, 1834 ; 
II. H. Haff, Robert Bryant, 1837 ; Ransom Sawyer, S. C. 
Dillaway, 1840; James Delany, 1841 ; Seth Ewen, 1842; 
Alfred Harvey, 1843; Stillman B. Grant, 1846; William 
Hutchinson, 1849; J. H. Pratt, 1851 ; O. Adams, 1853 ; 
Lyman Smith, 1854; J. H. Pratt, 1858; Joseph Earl, 
ISliS, nine years ; Joshua Wood, 1874. 

The first clerk was Benjamin Baker ; the first deacon 
was Joshua Calkins, and soon after, Jonathan Brown. 
Coomer Mason and Truman iMason were deacons for many 
years, and Captain Jehiel Dayton was an active church 
worker i'or nearly half a century. 

The first house of worship was built in 1802. Previous 
to that the society had met in various buildings, as other 
pioneer societies usually did. The house was built very 
largely by donations of labor and materials. It was repaired 
in 1845 at a cost of seven hundred dollars, and again in 
1871. Seven hundred and forty members by baptism and 
two hundred and forty-three by letter were received down to 
1807. The church suffered from divisions over Masonry 
in 1829-30. 

From this branch of the church n)any young men have 
gone into the ministry, — Samuel Clark, Melancthon Turner, 
Ashley Vaughan, A. D. Gillette, Hiram Everts, J.*0. Mason, 
Edward Savage, H. G. Mason, Warren Mason, Charles H. 
Nash, John Secomb, Linus Reynolds, Ransom Harvey, 
Gershoin B. Day, Nelson Chapin, Charles N. Chandler, 
J. T. Vinson, R. J. Adams, Adin Kendrick, Hariah J. 
Reynolds. Surely, this is a record seldom equaled. 

Three were sons of Deacon Truniati Temple. 

Present officers are: Deacons, Sardis Otis, Silas Beecher, 
William Grimes; rustees, 0. T. Ma.son, Henry Barnard, 
Silas Beecher, L. R JIason, Lorenzo Barnard, Horace 
Rhodes; Clerk of Church, David Ingalsbe ; Clerk of Soci- 
ety, Jo.sepli Stafford ; Superintendent of Sunday-school, 
F. .M. !\Ia.son. 

The list of deaciuis, from the first, will be of interest to 



many who remember them in the days of their useiulne.ss : 
Joseph Calkins and Benjamin Boker, elected in 1792 ; 
Jacob Savage, in 1808; Job Leonard^ in 1820 or 1822; 
Samuel Standish, in 1823 ; Truman Mason and /acliariah 
Waldo, in 1830; Coomer Mason, in 1850; Linus R. Ma- 
son and John B. Brown, in 1853; William Nelson and 
Sardis Otis, in 1870 ; Silas Beecher and William A. 
Grimes, in 1876. Jonathan Brown, whose name appears 
so frequently in all the earlier meetings of the church, was 
once chosen deacuii, but declined. 



The Friends' Society of Granville was organized in 
1800 by John C. Bishop and others, with a membership 
of twenty-six. The first minister was Hannah Bishop. 
The first house of worship was ereoted in 1806 at a cost 
of twelve hundred dollars. In later years it has been 
repaired and improved. The first records were burned, 
and names of early members are given from the memory of 
elderly people : John C. Bishop, Abraham Bishop, Stephen 
Bishop, Matthew Rogers, Amos Carpenter, Chilion Wood, 
Nathaniel Potter, Lemuel Chase, Prince Potter, Abner 
Potter, Stephen Dillingham, Samuel Morrison, David Pot- 
ter, Asa Moslier, John Duel, Christopher Potter, and De- 
liverance Rogers. 

Ministers from the first: John C. Bishop, Hannah 
Bishop (Mrs. Amos Carpenter), Lillis Wood, Richard 
Cook, and Amy Dillinghain. 

Freborn Potter, Joseph Dillingham, and Hannah Rogers, 
present ministers. 

The first meetings were held at the house of John C. 
Bishop, or in a barn near by. In 1873 the house was re- 
paired at an expense of two thousand five hundred dollars. 

Present officers: Clerk, Henry Dillingham; Trustees, 
Stephen Dillingham and John W. Gray ; Overseers of the 
Meeting, Otis Dillingham and John W. Gray ; Overseers 
of the Poor, Stephen Dillingham and Henry Dillingham. 

Every meeting supports its poor. No Friend being per- 
mitted to be sent to the county-hou.se. The Sabbath-school 
— established about 1867 ; J. Warren Gray, superintendent 
— adds to the numbers and the interest. 

About 1828 another society of Friends was formed, and 
established a meeting, about a mile south, at tlie house of 
Ephraim Potter. A few years later they erected a brick 
meeting-house, and occupied it until about 1872, when the 
society dissolved, and the liouse was sold for school purposes. 

l'UE.S75YTERI.\N CIIUKCU AT NOItTH GRANVILLE. 

This church was organized Feb. 22, 1810, as a Congre- 
gitional society. It became Presbjterian in 1823. The 
ministers of this church have been Rev. R. Robinson, Rev. 
C. Williams, Rev. Amos Savage, Rev. J. B. Shaw, Rev. D. 
Johnson, Rev. Ciiarles Gillette, Rev. Ciiarlcs Doolittle, Rev. 
Jonathan Sewell, Rev. Lewis Kellogg, the present pastor. 

The corporate name of this society was '■ The Fair Vale 
Religious Society." Its territory embraced both North and 
AVest Granville and piirt of Fort Ann. and does now. The 
Rev. Nathaniel Hall organized the church. Tiie following 
wore the first members : 

Sylvanus Cone, David ^Martin, Joseph Chandler, Peter 



212 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



J'iirkor, Joseph Town, David Graves, Obadiah Archer, Bcn- 
jiimin Town, Butler Beckwith, Ichabod Morse, Charity 
Cone, Esther Chandler, Esther Parker, Hannah Town, 
Elizabetli Archer, Hannah Bcckwitli, Sally Morse, Triphcna 
Iluggins, Anna Blorse, Susanna Leaving, Ascnath Town, 
Elizabeth Cady. 

The church belonged to the Southwestern consociation 
of Vermont. The church first held ita meetings in the 
large upper room of the academy, which had been erected 
in 1807. 

Mr. Robinson's pastorate continued eleven and a lialf 
years. The first deacons elected were Salem Town and 
Ichabod Morse, and Salem Town seems to liave been the 
first clerk. When the church became Presbyterian, the 
first elders were Salem Town, Zebulon R. Shipherd, Reu- 
ben Graves, and Joseph Town. A very noted revival work 
occurred in 1831 and 1832. 

Tlio pastorate of Rev. Mr. Sewcll was extended to 
thirteen years. He is still living, at the advanced age of 
eighty-six, in Chicago. The present pastor. Rev. Lewis 
Kellogg, was for twenty-three years pastor of the Presby- 
terian church in Whitehall. His labors tlicre were many 
and abundant. His historical addre.ss, delivered in White- 
hall, in 1847, has for years been a standard work of refer- 
ence there, not only for church but also for general history. 
He is now in the ninth year of his labors in this beautiful 
rural village. The present elders are Melancthou W. Blinn, 
Edwin S. Kirtlaud, Addison Willett, Gurdon D. Bull ; 
clerk of society, Joseph B. Shumway. 

TRINITY CHURCH, GRANVILLE.* 
As early as 1790 there were organizations of the Episco- 
pal church in Pawlet and Wells, adjoining Granville. 
Clergyman officiating were in part compensated by the 
rents of the glebes donated in the original charters of these 
towns. These glebes were confiscated by the State about 
the beginning of this century, and applied to the support 
of schools. Leading churchmen in Wells, prior to the 
formation of the church in Granville, were Daniel Goodrich, 
John C. Hopson, Dr. Socrates Hotchkiss, David Lewis, 
Samuel Culver, David Blossom, John Pray, and Amos 
Bowe. In Pawlet were Benoni Smith, Seely Brown, Henry 
Worcester, Ashbel Hollister, Lemuel Chipnian, Jonathan 
Willard, Josiah Smith, Jesse Tryon, Daniel Fitch, James 
Cook, and others. These families, widely scattered over 
the two towns, decided to unite at Granville, as a common 
centre, with the few of similar faith there. This led to the 
organization of Trinity church, July 15, 1815. The cler- 
gymen who had officiated prior to this period were Revs. 
Bethuel Chittenden, Amos Pardee, Abraham Bronson, 
D.D., and Daniel Barber. These ministers, in their ordi- 
nary services, were not accustomed to wear the gown or 
surplice, but simply the plain linen band which has fallen 
into disuse. Rev. Stephen Jewctt, who had officiated two 
or three years in Pawlet, was the first rector of Trinity. 
Besides the churchmen already named in Pawlet and 
Wells, there were, among the early members of the church, 
Martin Lee, Wadsworth Bull, John Kirtland, Elihu Orvis, 



' By Uon. Hid Hollister. 



Harvey Rice, Nathan Doane, Isaac Bishop, and others, of 
Granville. The wardens were Josiah Smith and Martin 
Lee. The vestrymen, llayniond Hotchkiss, David Lewis, 
John C. Hopson, Daniel Goodrich, Jesse Tryon, Isaac 
Bishop, Wadsworth Bull, and John Kirtland. The first 
church edifice was of brick, built in 1815, on the site of 
the present one, and con.secrated by Right Rev. Bishop 
Hobart. The cost was about three thousand dollars. It 
was taken down in 1850, and an edifice of wood erected 
nearly opposite the Metliodist church. This was conse- 
crated by Bishop Wainwright, in 1852. It cost about five 
thousand dollars. This edifice was destroyed by fire in 
November, 1854. The society, with something of love for 
the very site selected by the fathers, returned to the old 
place and erected the present church, at about the same 
expense as the second house. Since Rev. Stephen Jewett, 
the first pastor, the succession has been about as follows : 
Revs. Moses Burt, 1818; Palmer Dyer, 1822; James 
McKinney, 1829 ; Alva Bennett, 1830 ; Reuben Hubbard, 
1832; Palmer Dyer again, 1835; Darwin B. Mason, 1837 ; 
John Scovill, 1840 ; Louis iMcDonald, 1843 ; Moore Bing- 
ham, 1845-48; Wm. H. Williams, 1850-53; Nathan 
Monroe, 1854-56; Nathan F. Whiting, 1857; Daniel E. 
Willis, 1858-59; Wm. G. Hyer, 1862-63; James A. 
'Upjohn, 1809-70; John Kiernan, 1871; Thomas Cole, 
1872-74; Thomas B. Berry, 1875-77. Catechetical ex- 
ercises were always maintained in connection with the 
church, and for the last forty years a more formal Sunday- 
school. Rev. Bethuel Chittenden was a brother of the first 
governor of Vermont, and, though of only common-school 
education, a zealous and an acceptable preacher. Rev. 
Daniel Barber, in his old age, left the Episcopal church, 
and became a Romanist. Rev. Abraham Bronson, D D., 
was a dignified and scholarly man, and commanded uni- 
versal respect. Rev. Stephen Jewett was an attractive 
and popular preacher, possessed of rare conversational 
powers. Rev. Palmer Dyer, under whom this church at- 
tained its highest prosperity, was a profound scholar and 
devoted minister. He met with a sad fate in 1844, being 
precipitated from a bridge over the Au Sable river, in Es- 
sex county, and drowned. His tomb is in the shadow of 
the church he loved so well, by the side of Rev. Darwin B. 
Mason, BI.D., who died in 1840. The clergymen who 
succeeded him have all served but brief periods. Bishop 
Hobart, who consecrated the first edifice in 1816, was in 
the habit of visiting this church once in two years when 
his diocese embraced the whole of New York State. He 
used to compliment the church on the beauty of its site 
and the surrounding scenery, pronouncing it the finest site 
in the diocese. 

Josiah Smith, of Pawlet, who more than any one else 
was the founder of this church, was killed by the kick of a 
horse in 1823. Hon. Martin Lee was a prominent leader 
in this church for a long period, being accustomed, in the 
absence of a minister, to conduct the services ; he was as- 
sociated also largely with the lute Hon. I. W. Bishop, Arch 
Bishop, and H. N. Graves. 

The present officers of the church are P. D. Everts and 
J S. Warren, wardens ; I. W. Thompson, George Tobey, 
Amos Wilcox, George W. Henry, and R. C. Betts, vestry- 








,_:^ 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



213 



nipi). There is a parish library belonging to the church. 
There are nearly fifty communicants. The congregation 
numbers about one hundred ; Sunday-school of about fifty. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT GUANVILLE VILLAGE. 

This church was organized in 1827, and services have 
been maintained uniformly since. The house of VForsliip 
was erected in 1832 at a cost of two thousand five hundi'cd 
dollars. Previously services had been held in the school- 
house. The first trustees were Nehemiah Nel.son, John 
Potter, Solomon Williams, David Lee, Lee T. Rowley, 
Thomas L. Wakefield, Daniel Loomis, Newman Spicer, and 
Jolin D. Bard.sley. 

The pastors of this church have been Joseph Ames, 
Reuben Westcot, Joseph Crawford, Peter M. Hitchcock, 
John W. B. Wood, Peter P. Harrower, William Griffin, 
Josiah Brown, Charles Drool, Lyman Prindle, Lunian A. 
Sanford, Bera 0. Meeker, William A. Miller, Charles C. 
Gilbert, J. Fasset, P. H. Smith, D. Lytle, P. M. Hitch- 
cock, C. Meeker, E. E. Taylor, D. II. Loveland, A. Rob- 
ins, H. C. Farrar, W. A. Miller, W. W. Whitney, C. C. 
Bedell, D. B. MeKenzie, J. Phillips, and A. Hall. The 
last named is the present pastor in charge. 

The liouse of worship is still in use, having been thor- 
oughly repaired in the summer of 1875. 

Present officers: Stewards, Chester Lee, L. H. Ayres, 
S. L. Potter, Hon. 0. F. Thompson, J. Usher, G. W. Race, 
T. F. Perry, A. De Kalb, T. P. Austin ; Class-Leaders, J. 
Usher, E. Monroe, M. P. Norton, E. D. Sherman, C. W. 
Race, H. W. Trouty ; 0. F. Thompson, recording steward. 

The charge includes Raceville. At that point is a neat 
and convenient chapel, and G. W. Race, at his own ex- 
pense, has ornamented the grounds of the chapel with a 
park of rare taste and beauty. 

METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH AT SOUTH GRANVILLE. 

This church was organized April 18, 1830. The various 
ministers have been George Smith, William Gone, Chand- 
ler Walker, George Smith, Ziba Boynton, Elbridge Drake, 
Peleg Weaver, Peter D. Esmond, John Dorris, Anson H. 
Spear, Reuben Buttolph, Levi S. Smith, and Reuel Hanks. 

They had a meeting-house on the hill southwest of Gran- 
ville. It was taken down about 1871-72. Meetings had 
been discontinued some years earlier than that. 

WESLEVAN METHODIST CHURCH OP GRANVILLE VIL- 
LAGE. 

This church was organized June 15, 1843, by the Rev. 
Lyman Prindle. It was formed by a secession from the 
Methodist Episcopal church, and by a union of those of 
siiliilar sentiments from Congregational and Presbyterian 
sources, growing out of the discussions upon the subject of 
slavery in that eventful period. Taking the name of the 
great founder of Methodism, they established a church 
that should express the most decided opposition to slavery, 
to the use of intoxicating liquors, and also to secret, oath- 
hound societies. 

The church was well sustained for several years, and its 
membership at one time was nearly one hundred. The 
preachers for this society were Lyman Prindle, John 



Lowery, Calvin J. Goodwin, George P. Taylor, Henry W. 
Stewart, John F. Crowl, Asa C. Hand, and Henry 
Hawkins. 

This Wesleyan organization continued until it was 
weakened by removals, about the year 1850. Not long 
after, most of those remaining returned to the older organi- 
zations. This society held their meetings in the school- 
house, and did not build. The first officere were Lyman 
Prindle, pastor ; Horace Campbell, W. Z. Manning, local 
preachers; William Baker, Anson Flowers, class-leaders; 
David Whitney, James F. Esty, B. F. Ottarson, stewards; 
and the la.st-namcd, clerk. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NORTH (IR.VN- 
VILLE 

was established in 1860. Services had previously been 
held for two years or more in the old academy, by Rev. 
S. McChesney and J. Noah. A class was formed under 
the leadership of Peter Grant, consisting of about twenty 
members. The house of worship was built in the summer 
of 18G0, at an expense of nearly five thousand dollars. A 
large amount was donated in labor and materials. " The 
people had a mind to the work." And when the house 
was finished, they had the profound sati.sfaction of dedi- 
cating a church free of debt. The first trustees were 
Andrew Wilson, Gilman Graves, and Peter Grant. Among 
the official or leading members of the church were also 
Charles Walker, William Frazier, Mr. Hall, Obadiah Smith 
and family. Philander Whitney, Loton Whitney. The 
ministers laboring here have been W. Foster, E. Marsh, 
Dr. Meeker, William Poor, A. C. Rose, H. Smith, D. 
Starks, D.D., J. Crary, L. Lawrence, H. Stewart. 

The last-named is the present minister. The present 
class-leaders arc James Johnson, Philander Whitney, 
Samuel McFaren, and Mr. White. Stewards, William 
Frazier, Lemuel Wing, Mr. Spinks, James Johnson, and 
Rodney Richardson. 

For these facts we are indebted to Andrew Wilson, 
chairman of the first board of trustees. He also had 
charge of the building of the house. 

THE WELSH CHURCHES. 

The slate-works led to the emigration of many Welsh 
families to Granville during the period from 1850 to 1870. 
John Pritchard and thirty others arrived at the middle 
village about the first of Augu.st, 1853. Tliey reached 
there Saturday night, and Mrs. Prilchard recalls the fact 
that the hotel was so thoroughly eaten out that night that 
the proprietor had to buy flour Sunday morning. Five 
families had previously settled in this vicinity. 

Under the lead of Mr. Pritchard and John Davies, re- 
ligious meetings and a Sunday-school were immediately 
commenced. They had occasional preaching in the village 
hall, and a union society was formed upon Congregational 
principles, and Rev. Griffith Jones preached for them in 
connection with Fairhaven, Vermont. In 1859 or 'GO 
there was a large number came over, and these were mostly 
Presbyterian in their sentiments. Two societies — one 
Presbyterian and the other Congregational — wore formed 
In 180(1. The i'rcsbvterian church elected John W. Hum- 



214 



HISTORY OF WASHLNGTON COUxVTY, NEW YORK. 



phrey, John Hughes, and Griffith Jones elders. Preach- 
ing has been maintained steadily since. The first pastor 
Wiis llev. John Jones. The society bought the iiouse that 
was built at the time the old Congregational church di- 
vided, and repaired and refitted it, at an expense of about 
si-K thousand dollars. The present officers are Rev. Hugh 
Jones, pa.stor; John W. Humphrey, Griffith Jones, Hugh 
1). Foulkes, and William R. Evans, elders ; Trustees, Wil- 
liam E. Jones, chairman ; Hugh Williams, secretary ; 
Thomas D. Jones, treasurer; John Williams, John H. 
Williams, Evan J. Roberts. They have a parsonage co.st- 
ing two thousand five hundred dollars. The communicants 
are about one hundred and twenty-six. The Sunday-school 
numbers from one hundred and seventy to two hundred. 
Evan J. Roberts is the superintendent. 

Under the labors of Rev. ]Mr. Davis a society of about 
thirty members has been formed at Granville village, with 
Isaac Roberts and John W. Edwards elders. The Sun- 
day-school numbers thirty to forty. Mr. Davis preaclies 
for tliem each Sunday afternoon in a village hall. 

THE CONGKEGATIONAL CHURCH, 

formed, as stated, in 1860, erected a neat and convenient 
house of worship at Middle Granville, at a cost of about 
two thousand dollars. The communicants number about 
sixty, and the Sunday-school averages that number. The 
successive pastors have been Rev. Griffith Jones, Llewyllen 
Howells, Samuel Jones, Giiffith Jones again; and since 
that the pulpit has been filled by temporary supply. 

While the slate-works flourished at Jamesville, in the 
northeast part of the town, a Congregational church was 
established there and a convenient house of worship 
erected. It was supplied by the same pastor as the Con- 
gregational church at Middle Granville. With the decline 
of the slate interests at that point and the removal of the 
people the church dissolved, and no services are now held 
at that place. 

The energy with which this people ha/e sustained re- 
ligious institutions is worthy of groat praise. Zealous for 
the faith of their fathers, they are laying broad and deep 
the foundations of Christian faith as certainly as they are 
developing the business interests of the town. 

The Presbyterian church has raised in the brief seven- 
teen years of its existence not less than thirty thousand 
dollars for the supply of the pulpit and for its general work. 
Doubtless the Congregationalists, in proportion to their 
numbers, have made similar sacrifices. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH, MIDDLE OUANVILLE. 

The Catholic society at Middle Granville, known to the 
church authorities as " Our Lady of Mount Carmel," was 
established in 1807. The first meeting was in January of 
that year. For various reasons, perhaps prudential, the 
movement was met with some hesitation by some Catholic 
authorities in the vicinity. But a request to the bishop of 
Albany for a pastor, received the response that when a 
church was built a pastor would be sent. Taking the good 
prelate at his word, without further negotiation abroad, the 
people erected the present commodious church. The build- 
ing committee was Wm. Lyon, Thomas Noonan, and James 



Murphy. The citizens of the village unhesitatingly award 
to Mr. Lyon, then a young man not twcnty-ono, great 
credit for the success of the movement. At the completion 
of the church he went to Albany in company with Thomas 
Noonan, and, no doubt with something of youthful enthu- 
siasm and just pride, reported to the bishop that they were 
ready to claim the fulfillment of the promise. There stood 
a finished edifice waiting the acceptance of the church. 
Vicar-General W^adhams investigated the location and the 
work. Bishop Conroy consecrated the church, and Rev. 
W. B. Hannett became the first pastor. He remained eight 
years. The church cost five thousand dollai's, and a pastoral 
residence worth seven thousand dollars was also added. 

Rev. J. J. Hayden, the present pastor, succeeded Father 
Hannett. 

The congregation numbers five hundred. 

ST. Patrick's church op north oranville 

extends back to 1852, or about that time. Meetings were 
first held at the house of Miles Cahoes by pastors from 
Whitehall. Soon after, a small chapel was built, super- 
seded by the present edifice in 18G6, at a cost of about four 
thousand dollars. It has been under the charge of the 
same pastor as the church at Middle Granville. 

baptist church at GRANVILLE VILLAGE. 

This is a recent organization. Meetings were commenced 
in the village hall, under the charge of Rev. L. A. Fish, in 
the spring and summer of 1870. The organization was 
made in March, 1870. A house of worship was erected 
and dedicated in March, 1877. 

First Trustees, E. C. Whiting, Willis II. HoUister, 
Daniel Woodard. Church Clerk, Willis H. Hollister ; 
Deacons, Daniel Woodard, Truman Temple, Wm. Nelson. 
House cost about two thousand five hundred dollars. Dedi- 
cation .services conducted by Rev. E. A. Johnson, of Green- 
wich. The pastor of the Hebron church officiates for this 
congregation. 

BURIAL-PLACES. 

The principal places of burial, old and recent, may be 
enumerated as follows : 

The one at Trulhville, near the Baptist church. In this 
there are the remains of many of the earliest settlers. It 
is a tradition in the neighboihood that at first the burials 
were upon the opposite side of the road, but the bodies 
wore removed to the present place so long ago that few 
citizens know anything about it. The new cemetery at 
North Granville was established about 1S,")1. The Catho- 
lics have a cemetery in connection with their church at 
West Granville Corners. Private burials were on the Wil- 
let place, — very old, — remains mostly removed. The Otis 
ground, within the limits of Fort Ann, is very old, and 
used largely by curly citizens of the northwest part of the 
town. 

The burial-place in the village of Middle Granville is 
very old. The following early names and dates are found 
in it. Lydia, wife of Jacob Egbarton, Nov. 25, 1779. 
A daughter of Solomon Baker, Sept. 2, 1787. Jerusha, 
wife of Benjamin Baker, April 0, 17D0. Benjamin Baker, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



215 



Nov. 4, 1798. Man-, wife of Ebenczer Backus, April IB, 
1794. Deacon Thomas Skinner, Dec. 14, 1797. 

The Masonic burial-ground wa.s set apart by the order at 
an early day, on the present farm of E. B. Temple, formerly 
that of Benaijah Hill. 

In Gi'anville village is the Bishop family ground, also 
the Episcopal church cemetery, and that at the Friends' 
meeting-house. At South Granville there are two burial- 
places, one on the Hartford road west of the village, the 
other north. The latter was cared for particularly by a 
Mr. Williams in early times. Dissatisfied at the action of 
certain others in relation to it, he is said to have declared 
that he would never be buried there as long as he lived ! 

The extensive cemetery of the Catholic church at Middle 
Granville is spoken of in connection with that church. 

A cemetery association designed to embody the whole 
town, and put an end to burials in small and unprotected 
grounds, was formed at (Jranville, in March, 18C2. Levi 
Crosby was chairman of the meeting for organization, and 
tlie officers elected were S. W. Wright, president; Levi 
Crosby, vice-president ; B. P. Ottarson, secretary ; William 
H. Allen, treasurer. About twelve acres were bought near 
Middle Granville, and laid out by a landscape artist. Burton 

A. Thomas, forming a beautiful resting-place for the dead. 
Some portions of the town have not united in the work 

as was expected, burials continuing in some of the older 
grounds. 

The present board of trustees are D. I. Day, president; 
William H. Allen, treasurer; B. F. Ottarson, secretary; 
Abram Barker, superintendent of grounds ; G. W. Baker ; 
S. Reynolds. 

On the academy grounds at North Granville is the grave 
of Mr. Whipple, a teacher, who died with no relatives here, 
and none came for the remains. He rests near the .scene 
of his labors, and the citizens erected the stone. 

SOCIETIES, BANKS, ASSOCIATIOiNS, ETC. 

A Masonic lodge was established in Granville in 179G, 
but neither the names of its charter members nor of its 
officers are preserved in the records. Some difficulty arose 
with the Grand Lodge in respect to the payment of dues, 
and in 1S06 Salem Town was sent as a delegate and se- 
cured a new charter under the name of Granville: lodfjo. 
The lodge of 1796 was called Liberty lodtjc. The now 
organization, however, retained the old number, 55, and 
have kept it ever since. The first officers (1800) were 
Salem Town, M. ; J. C. Parker, S. W. ; W. Sweatland, J. 
W. ; J. M. Stewart, See. ; Clark Northrup, Treas. ; Isaac 
I'hclps, S. D. ; Wm. Foster, Jr., J. D. The meetings of 
the lodge have never been interrupted for any long period, 
and it is now one of the oldest continuously working lodges 
in the State. The name of Salem Town heads the list of 
members in the old book, and the signatures of ninety-six 
others are appended, men well known in every part of the 
town and in every profession and business seventy years 
ago. The officers elected, Dec. 19, 1877, are Salford Rey- 
nolds, M. ; G. W. Henry, S. W. ; D. W. Ilerron, J. W. ; 

B. F. Ottarson, Sec; Deliverance Rogers, Treas.; George 
Tobey, S. D. ; W. H. Hollister, J. D. ; Julius Jones, Sr. 
M. C. ; Joseph W. Williams, Jr. M. C. ; R.W.Jones, 



Chaplain ; J. S. Goodspecd, Tyler. This lodge was at 
North Granville in the old times and down to 1804 or 
1805. It was then removed to Middle Granville, and 
about the middle of February, 1874, to Granville village. 

The Mntnal Lianrdncc Cowpam/, nf Wnsltiiigtoii County, 
located at Granville, was for many years a noted in.stitution. 
It did an extensive business, having upon its books at one 
time the names of one hundred and twenty-five thousand 
policy-holders, scattered through many States of the Union, 
and also in Canada. Having started among the earliest 
of such enterprises, it had the advantage of the upward 
swelling tide in favor ol' insurance, and especially in favor 
of farmers' companies. It was finally weakened by a host 
of competitors upon the same field, and was compelled, 
by the non-payment of as-sessments in several States and the 
difficulty or impossibility of enforcing collection beyond the 
limits of New York, to retire. Its affairs were closed by 
the courts, a receiver appointed, two wagon-loads of books 
passed into his hands, and the long and well-known com- 
pany ceased its operations. 

Granville Tent of Rechihites was organized April 10, 
1845. The fir.st officers were Dr. John Sarle, P. ; Dr. 
Albert Kendrick, D. P. ; C. G. Baker, Reading Scribe ; 
Addison Willets, Recording Scribe ; Samuel Dailey, Keeper 
of the Treasury; John Craig, High-Priest; Samuel Allen, 
Deputy High-Priest ; Thomas Worden, First Lavite ; Jo- 
seph B. Shumway, Second Levite; Cyrus Hinman, First 
Steward ; James Craig, Second Steward ; C. V. Dutcher, 
Warden ; C. R. Mann, Jonas C. Tanner, Philander Barnard, 
W. Scott, Smith Bateman, J. D. Drippen, Pjlders in Black. 

The society had a vigorous existence for a few years 
until .superseded by the Sons of Temperance. It wielded a 
powerful influence in saving men from habits of drinking ; 
and, in its own quiet way, carried the town by a large ma- 
jority against license. 

The division of the Sons of Ten)perance coTjfinued a ^l-'k 
years, and was followed by a lodge of Good Templars, which 
also failed after a few years. 

The National Bank of Granville was organizL>d in 1875, 
the certificate bearing date April 21. The first board of 
directors were Henry Cleveland, B. F. Bancroft, Daniel 
Woodard, Jr., William J. BIcCiellan, James Foster, Sher- 
man Weed, Edwin B. Temple, J. S. Warren, Truman Tem- 
ple, L. C. Thorne, John R. Staples, Luther R. Temple, 
Royal C. Betts, George L. Bulkley, M. T. C. Day. 

The first officers were Daniel Woodard, Jr., president ; 
Edwin B. Temple, vice-president ; George R. Thompson, 
cashier; D. D. Woodard, teller. The president and vice- 
president at the present time are the same. The cashier is 
D. D. Woodard, and the teller, Willie D. Temple. The 
capital is one hundred thousand dollars. They have a fine 
brick banking building in Granville village. 

La/ai/ettc Chapter, No. 9, Royal Arch Masons, was estab- 
lished very early at North Granville, and m-.!t in a hall of 
Elijah White's house. It dissolved about the time of the 
Morgan excitement. 

The Union Dairymen's Board of Trade, at Granville, 
was organized in Feb. 1875, with the following officers: 
Otis Dillingham, president ; J. E. Goodman, first vice-presi- 
dent ; M. T. C. Day, second vice-president ; E. L. Coy, 



216 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



third vice-president ; D. D. Woodard, secretary ; D. Wood- 
ard, Jr., treasurer ; M. B. Allen, 0. H. Siiuomla, C. E. 
Sheldon, executive committee. 

About forty checse-llictories are represented in the asso- 
ciation, scattered over several towns, both in New York and 
Vermont. Friday i.s the usual sales-day, regularly from 
the middle of Jlay to the middle of November. Samples 
are shown ; buyers from the cities make their purchases, 
and shipments are made the following Monday. The as.so- 
ciation represents a capital engaged in cheese-making of 
over one hundred thousand dollars. The present officers 
are M. T. C. Day, president; J. E. Goodman, first vice- 
president; Rufus Clark, second vice-president; Joshua 
Rogers, third vice-president ; D. D. Woodard, secretary and 
treasurer; S. S. Brown, lleury Welch, Henry McFadden, 
executive committee. 

W(isIiii>ff/on Coiinti/ Lodge., I. 0. 0. F., A^o. 105, was 
originally located in Hartford, under the same name and 
number as it now has in this town. It was organized in 
the early years of the order in this country. Its lodge- 
room and all of its books were burned in 1866. The 
lodge ceased to work until 1872, when it was revived; 
but for various reasons it was decided by a majority to 
move it to North Granville. This was done January 1, 
1873. The officers chosen then wore Edward J. Brown, 
N. G. ; F. T. Bump, V. G. ; John Graves, Sec. ; J. H. 
Kincaid, Treas. The lodge met for some years at Colton's 
hall, but recently has occupied the hall of the old academy. 
The present officers are J. J. Ingalls, N. G. ; John O'Brine, 
V. G. ; Wni. Robbins, Sec. ; Henry W. Palmer, Treas. ; 
J. J. Wing, D. D. G. M. for Grand District, Wajhiugton 
and Warren. 

There are some members of this lodge whose member- 
ship in the order has extended to thirty years. 

r/iwiilx Lr>d(/i; No. 150, /. 0. G. T., located at North 
Granville, was organized May 29, 1873. 

The first officers were J. J. Wing, W. C. T. ; John 
O'Brine, Sec; Mrs. O'Brine, F. S. ; Thomas Walker, 
Treas. ; Mrs. C. C. Wing, W. V. T. ; Elisha Noles, M. ; 
Austin Perrin, 0. G. ; Oscar Perrin, P. W. C. T. 

The lodge has occupied the same hall as the Odd-Fellows. 
The present officers are E. R. Rhodes, W. C. T. ; Mrs. 
Sarah Palmer, W. V. T. ; Win. R. Robbins, W. R. S. ; 
Wm. Stoddard, W. F. S. ; H. W. Palmer, W. T. ; Mrs. 
Rhodes, W. C. ; A. J. Wing, P. W. C. T. ; Mary F. 
Wing, W. R. S.; Mrs. Edith Ingalls, W. L. S. ; J. J. 
AVing, W. S. ; Mrs. C. C. Wing, W. G. ; Norman Stod- 
dard, W. M. ; Ellen Grant, W. D. M. ; J. J. Wing, D. D. 
G. W. C. T. ; John O'Brine, I. D. . 

A Good Templars" lodge was organized at Middle Gran- 
ville in 1807, and had a vigorous existence, — placing before 
the public many first-class lecturers. It was dissolved in 
1873. 

The North Granville Natiowd Bank. — " The Farmers' 
Bank of Washington County at Fort Edward" was organ- 
ganized Sept. 10, 1855, — George Harvey, president; Ran- 
som Stiles, vice-president ; George Clements, ca.sliicr. June 
28, 18G5, it became " The Fanners' National Bank located 
at Fort Edward," George Harvey continuing president and 
George Clements cashier. At the annual election, January 



10, 1871, Robert G. Dayton, of North Granville, was 
elected president, and John A. Russell, vice-president. In 
January and February, 1871, by a vote of two-thirds of 
the stockholders, it was decided that the location and the 
name of the bank be changed, — the same to be located at 
North Granville, and to be known as the North Granville 
National bank. The certificate of the comptrollers of the 
currency authorizing the organization of the bank at this 
place, pursuant to special act of Congress, bears date March 
21, 1871, and the bank commenced business in North 
Granville about the last of April. On the 1st of May, 
1871, George B. Culver was elected cashier in place of 
George Clements, resigned. The neat and convenient 
banking-house, with its strong vault, was erected in the 
fall of 1871. The present directors are Isaac V. Baker, 
president ; Levi Hatch, vice-president ; George B. Culver, 
cashier; I. V. Baker, Jr., N. T. Jillson, B. J. Lawrence, 
George Clements, E. S. Kirtland, Addison Willcts. 

The Meftowce Vidlc.y Agricultural Soclet)/, of Middle 
Granville, Washington Co., N. Y., comprising the towns of 
Granville, Hebron, Hampton, Hartford, Fort Ann, Pawlet, 
Wells, Poultney, Middletown, Rupert, and Fairhaven, was 
organized April 4, 1874. The first board of managers 
were David G. Blossom, president ; Truman Temple, vice- 
president ; E. C. Wliittcmore, secretary ; David Brown, 
treasurer; Chester Getty, Thomas B. Woodcock, Milo 
IngaLsbe, Sandford Carlton, and Abram Barker. 

In the by-laws it was provided that the annual fairs for 
five years should be held on the lands known as Peabody's 
driving-park. 

At the annual meeting held at Corinthian hall. Middle 
Granville, Feb. 1, 1878, the following officers were duly 
elected : 

President. — Samuel Culver, of Pawlet, Vt. 

V.ice-Frexlilents. — John Fife, Middle (jranvilie ; Lorenzo 
Nelson, North Hebron; Otis Dillingham, Granville; John 
Carpenter, South Granville ; F. I. Cliandler, West Gran- 
ville, D. I. Day, Granville. 

Recording Secretary. — \Vm. R. Savage, North Gran- 
ville. 

Corresponding Secretary. — L. Barnard, North Granville. 

Treasurer. — Abram Barker, Middle Granville. 

Directors — Leonard Brown, Granville; Truman Temple, 
Granville; R. J. Humphrey, Poultney, Vt. ; Sandford 
Carlton, Jr., North Granville ; Benjamin Bell, Hartford ; 
Franklin Hicks, North Granville. 

The Union Musical Association, of Granville, was or- 
ganized in December, 1861. Its object was declared to be 
" the advancement of the members in the science and art 
of music, especially vocal music ; the encouragement of 
thorough musical study among all classes of the community ; 
and the establishment of a public and general musical 
taste." The first officers were Rev. J. Sewall, president ; 
C. D. Barbour, S. W. Wright, 0. F. Thompson, vice- 
presidents ; J. M. North, musical director ; G. A. Meitzke, 
organist; R. J. Humphrey, secretary; B. F. Ottarson, 
treasurer ; R. D. Baker, auditor ; Rev. J. W. Sewall, S. 
W. Wright, G. W. Baker, executive committee. 

The present officers (1878) arc Rev. Wm. H. Poor, 
president; Rev. J. E. Baker, D. M. Westfall, and J. J. 




CC'cy^yt^u^^^^:^ ^/^/t^_„^^, 



GENERAL EDWARD BULKLEY. 



General Edward Bulkley traces his descent to Rev. Peter 
Bulkley, who emigrated from England, and settling in Massa- 
chusetts, died in Concord, Mass., 1659. It is said of him in 
hist«ry that " he was remarkable for his benevolence, kind 
dealings, and the strictness of his virtues." His father, Cap- 
tain Charles Bulkley, born in 1749, died Feb. 12, 1824. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Colchester, Conn., in 
the year 1789, and when about four years of age the family 
removed to Massachusetts. He was youngest son of the family 
of twelve children, and was educated in the State of his adop- 
tion. In the year 1806 he came to tha town of Granville, 
Washington Co., N. Y., where in the year 1810 he established 
himself as a manufacturer and dealer in hats and furs. 

Although his business was comparatively new in that section 
of the country, and his capital at that time quite limited, by 
strict attention to his business, economy, and judicious man- 
agement, his trade gradually increased with the increasing 
demands of the surrounding country, then fast developing. 
Subsequently he engaged in mercantile business and farming. 

Until within the last twenty-five years preceding 1878 he 
was a man of great activity in business, and possessed that 
resolution to carry forward to a successful completion whatever 
he undertook; a man of sterling qualities, and ripe judgment 
in all business matters. 

Genera! Bulkley was a decided and unswerving standard- 
bearer <if the old Wliig party, and always regarded the right 
of suffrage a boon conferred upon every American citizen. 
Since the formation of the Republican party he has been 
identified with its principles, and since the casting of his first 
vote, it is said, has never missed voting at every election in 
his town and county. He has lived under the administra- 
tion of every president of the United States until the time of 
writing this sketch, 1878. 

Known by the citizens of his town and county for his integ- 



rity, he has been elected to the office of supervisor of his town, 
and has held the office of county treasurer for two terms. In 
the War of 1812-14 he was ordered to Plattsburg, and subse- 
quent to that war was made captain of a company of State 
militia, and rose by regular successive gradations to the rank 
of brigadier-general, which title he still retains. 

General Bulkley has, since his residence in Granville, been 
a leading man in all school and kindred interests, and always 
lent his influence in support of all public enterprises looking 
toward improvement and reform. He has been an active 
member of the Presbyterian church of Granville for nearly 
a half-century, and has lived to see the various changes in the 
history of our country for nearly a century. He is now in 
his ninetieth year of age, and retains, to a very remarkable 
degree, the vigor of both mind and body uncommon to people 
of that age. He has always been a careful reader, and con- 
versant with the current topics of the day. 

In the year 1815 he married Miss Mary, only daughter of 
David Brown and Mercy Slade, of Hartford, Washington Co., 
N. Y. She was hern Aug. 27, 1795; was a lady of rare 
intellectual culture and refinement, and, by precept and exam- 
ple, reared and instructed her children in all that makes life 
honorable, and lends influence and character to society. 

To the General and Mrs. Bulkley have been born six 
children : Juliet S., wife of Hon. George Reed, of Wisconsin ; 
Mary J., wife of B. F. Bancroft, of Salem, N. Y. ; Frances 
C, widow of the late Henry Salisbury, of New York ; Edward 
B., of New York; George L., of North Granville, N. Y. ; 
and Charles E., of New York. The mother died July 18, 
1878. 

An incident worthy of note hare is that all the children, 
with their husbands and wives, together with seven grandchil- 
dren, celebrated the golden-wedding of this worthy couple at 
the old homestead in the year 1865. 



HISTORY OF WASIIINGTOx\ COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



217 



Joslin, vice-presidents; W. 0. Perkins, musical director ; 
H. I. Proctor, organist; R. J. Humphrey, secretary; B. 
F. Ottarson, treasurer ; George Tobey, auditor ; Rev. 
Win. H. Poor, Walter Scott, and Wni. R. Savage, execu- 
tive committee. 

SL.ITE-WOEKS. 

The importance of the slate business to the town of 
Granville justifies a brief statement concerning the geologi- 
cal and mineralogical character of slate as a preface to 
the notice of the companies developing it, taken from the 
catalogue of the Penrhyn company. Slate is one of tho 
most common and universally-distributed rocks, forming 
in some cases very extensive bods, and even tracts of 
country. The principal constituents of slate are alumina, 
silex, talc, mica, oxide of iron, manganese, magnesia, 
potash, carbon, and water; hence the different varieties are 
disiinguished by the names of" Mica Slate," " Hornblende 
Slate," " Chlorite Slate," " Talcose Slate,'" " Drawing Slate," 
" Red Slate," and last, but of the greatest value, " Clay 
Slate." 

1. Mica slate is a mountain rock of vast extent, com- 
posed of quartz and mica. The structure is foliated. 
The more compact specimens of this variety are used for 
door- and hearth-stones, and for flagging and curbing. 

2. Hornblende slate resembles mica slate, but does not 
break into thin slabs ; its toughness, however, makes it 
very valuable for rough paving purposes. 

3. Chlorite slate is known by its various tints, from pale 
to a bright green color, and is generally very hard and 
strong. 

4. Talcose slate is used for hones and scythe-stones. 

5. Drawing-slate, or black chalk, is used in crayon-draw- 
ings. 

tJ. Red slate is used, to some extent, in combination 
with other colors, in ornamental roofing and tiling. This 
description is, however, with some exceptions, very hard 
and brittle, perhaps from the predominance of oxide of 
iron and silica. 

7. Clay slate differs from mica slate from the particles 
being so fine as not to be distinguished. The purest and 
best kinds of this species, when freshly quarried, are so soft 
as to be easily worked ; yet after a little exposure to either 
the sun or atmosphere, become very hard. There are 
transitions frequently noticeable from a true clay state into 
the other varieties, or .sometimes even into different sub- 
.stances ; for instance, the finer kinds pass in some cases 
into " Chloride schist," of which the (/recn slules afford an 
example, while the coarser often alternate with the primary 
sandstone, passing into it by a gradual increase of quartz 
and loss of the alumina in their composition. The pure 
argillaceous substance sometimes becomes partially but 
gradually developed into hornblende schist. 

The tenacity with which different kinds of stone resist 
the effect of a blow is known to be infinitely various, and 
quite independent of their hardness ; and it must be recol- 
lected that the power of the hammer in splitting a rock or 
in detaching a fragment depends more upon its impulse 
than its heaviness. In slate the frangibility also varies in 
proportion to the water it may contain ; thus when freshly 
quarried it is often exceedingly tough, but comparatively 
J28 



sofb, being damp and cold to the touch, and in this state is 
easily divided into plates ; after a few days of exposure to 
the air the rock loses in part its fissile character, and a little 
of its toughness, although it becomes harder with age. 

As to the localities of slate, it may be remarked that the 
best kinds of drawing-slate still coms from Spain, Italy, and 
France. All the other descriptions are abundant in Great 
Britain, from the highlands of Scotland, where they form 
some of the most remarkable features of the .scenery, to 
the extensive masses of slate-rock which stretch from North 
to South Wales. But in our own and widely-extended 
country we also find all the varieties of slate-rock, and in 
ranges of almost boundless extent ; and this remark will 
apply to some of the new States and Territories, as well as 
to the older settled States, such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, 
New York, and Vermont, in all of which localities, to a 
greater or less extent, quarries have from time to time been 
opened, and many of them are now being actively worked. 

Colors of Slate. — The dark-blue or blackish varieties, 
which are generally of fine texture, but frequently very 
soft, are found in large tracts in the State of Pennsyl- 
vania ; some of these are peculiarly fitted for school slates, 
and are still used and preferred by many persons who are 
not familiar with the more beautiful and varied colors of tho 
varieties now extensively quarried in the States of New 
York and Vermont. The prevailing colors of the New 
York slate are bluish-gray, purple, green, and a variety in 
which two or more of these colors are blended ; and when 
these different slates are arranged with taste on the roofs of 
prominent buildings, either in strips or other distinct forms, 
they produce a most pleasing effect. 

Slate Paint. — Slate, when finely pulverized and kiln- 
dried, is readily combined with cheap mineral oxides and 
oil, producing an excellent and durable stone paint, which 
is found to be a suitable covering for many kinds of outside 
work, such as buildings, sheds, fences, fancy iron railings, 
etc. It is also used by floor-cloth manufacturers and 
others in a variety of ways. All the colors of slate can 
be judiciously used and blended in tho preparation of this 
paint. 

/Middle Granville Slate Compani/. — The discovery of 
slate near Middle Granville was about the year 1850. A 
gentleman having bargained for one of the farms upon 
which works now exist, and walking over the farm with 
the owner, and carelessly kicking over a stone or two, re- 
marked, " There is slate here." The remark awoke a train 
of thought in the proprietor, and the half-completed bargain 
was delayed to give time to investigate. Procuring two ex- 
perts from Vermont, an examination showed valuable slate. 
The bargain was not completed, but soon after, George N. 
Bates, in company with Stebbins and Garabrandt, purchased 
the farm. Wm. R. Williams and brothers were the first to 
open quarries, about 1853. The partnership was succeeded 
by the Empire Slate company, Mr. Bates retaining an in- 
terest. This dissolved in 185G, and nothing more was 
done until 18G0. Then the present Middle Granville Slate 
company w;is formed. The first officers were W. W. Angles, 
president; George N. Bates, secretary and treasurer; the 
capital stock, forty-eight thousand dollars. This property 
lies north of the quarries of the Penrhyn company. 



218 



HISTORY OF AYASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOEK. 



The Middle GraiiTille company manufacture only roofing- 
slate, averaging yearly about ten thousand squares. Their 
quarries are now leased for a series of years. John Fyfe is 
the president and acting secretary and treasurer. 

Tke Penrliyn Shite Covtpaiiy. — This association, orga- 
nized a few years later than the Empire Slate company, 
owns a tract of slate deposits very near to the village of 
Middle Granville, and are employing about one hundred 
and fifty men in the quarries and the mills. Their paid-up 
capital stock is one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The 
projectors of this company were Eleazer Jones and William 
E. Jones. The fomrer was the general manager of the 
company until his death, which occurred in 1873, and the 
latter superintendent of quarries, and Hugh Williams, 
.superintendent of factories. 

The company manufacture roofing-slate, and have also 
undertaken and successfully prosecuted the manufacture of 
a 1 arge variety of other slate work, plain, marbleized, enam- 
eled, and decorated. It is well worth a visit to their mills 
to witness the various processes of manufacture, and to 
their warerooms, Union Square, New York, to see the 
choice variety and the artistic display, rivaling in richness 
and beauty the costliest marbles of the world. There are 
.to be seen mantels of unique design and finish, wainscoting 
or paneling for rooms and halls, enameled slabs, for piers, 
tables, bureaus, sideboards, etc., billiard-table beds, hearths, 
tiles, cisterns, steps, and risers, baths, sinks, and filters, slabs 
and ridges for ornamental roofing, plumbers' .slabs, black- 
boards, and shelving of all kinds, laundry tubs, and enam- 
elled slate cofiins and caskets. 

The mills of the Penrhyn company are picturesquely 
located upon the Mettowee, and the fine bridge they have 
built over the stream for convenience of railroad connec- 
tion adds to the beauty of the arrangement. The heaped- 
up masses from their quarries, and the high, swinging der- 
ricks, aflbrd a background for a picture worthy the pencil 
of an artist. 

The present ofiicers of the company are R. J. Curtis, 
president ; Wm. H. Guion, treasurer ; and W. H. Kirt- 
land, secretary, all of New York city. 

Recently the Mettowee Red Slate company has been 
formed, consisting of Owen W. Williams, Wm. M. Jones, 
Charles Morris, and Elli.s Humphrey. 

In Jamesville the Empire Slate and Tile company and 
Union Slate company carried on business for a few years, 
but have latterly been discontinued. 

The slate business at Granville village was commenced 
about 1871. The quarries are over the line in Vermont, 
town of Pawlet, Hugh W. Hughes, proprietor. The quar- 
ries are worked by contract, about sixty men being em- 
ployed. The ofiice is at Granville. Mr. Hughes is also a 
dealer in slate, buying largely of others. His shipments in 
1876 were twenty-three thousand squares of roofing-slate. 

At the same village is located the Warren Slate com- 
pany, J. S. Warren, Edward Williams, and Wm. P. Fran- 
cis. Their quarries are also in Vermont. They manufac- 
ture sea-green roofing slate, employing from fifty to sixty 
men, making ten or twelve thousand squares a year. They 
are also purchasers to some extent from others for ship- 
ment. 



A few years since some quarries of slate were opened on 
the Northrup farm, in the southwest part of the town, but 
.soon after were discontinued. 

CURIOSITIES, HISTORICAL PLACES, ETC. 

There is a powder-horn to be seen at the post-office in 
Granville village — a rare and valuable relic — with a colonial 
map upon it. This was brought off of the battle-field at 
Bennington by Samuel Culver, whose son, Samuel Culver, 
Jr., kept a hotel in Middle Granville for some years. 

The old Standish Hotel, now the George Warren place, 
was somewhat noted as a gathering-place for importers who 
paid but little attention to national lines when bringing in 
goods, and also as the place where they were sometimes 
caught. At the bridge in Guilder's hollow, a loyalist was 
shot while driving away cattle to the Rritish army. Nelson 
Guilder states that the man killed was John Van Guilder, 
probably a cousin of the pioneer, Stephen, and that he was 
said to be the only Guilder siding with England in that 
struggle. 

Dr. Asa B. Cook states that, in digging for slate in the 
northeast part of the town, after removing ten or twelve 
feet of earth, a well-like pit was found, eight feet across and 
twelve feet deep. In the bottom was a boulder, goose-egg 
shape, three feet by two. The action of water upon the 
boulder, in remote ages, had evidently excavated the pit. 
Isaac W. Thompson adds, that several such have from time 
to time been found in this vicinity. 

Mr. Thompson also relates the following: In 1850, when 
he was building the dwelling now owned by A. S. Burdick, 
on the margin of the Pawlet, in Granville village, a com- 
pany of St. Francis Indians, carrying bead-work southward 
for sale, came here and desired to encamp for a few days 
upon his grounds. The leader was an intelligent man and 
quite civilized. He claimed the right, by virtue of imme- 
morial usage, to encamp at various places in this vicinity, 
and among them, on the beautiful spot Mr. Thompson was 
building upon. He said that it was the tradition among 
his people that their ancestors had for ages fished and 
hunted in this town, finding here their best beavers, and 
that in this section and at this place they had formerly 
come to make their arrows and hatchets. The chief's 
mother, traveling with him, an old woman of a hundred 
years, confirmed his account. Mr. Thompson, in the prog- 
ress of his excavations for building, had the pleasure of 
throwing up a quantity of defective arrow-heads and 
hatchets, clearly showing the truth of the Indian's story, 
that at this spot, for ages, they had made their weapons, 
and that here were the favorite hunting-grounds of the 
tribe. 

AGRICULTURAL. 

The soil of this town is described as a slaty, gravelly 
loam. It is particularly adapted to potatoes, and large 
quantities are exported at times. Sheep husbandry, treated 
of in the general county history, has prevailed exten- 
sively. In later years the dairy business has largely en- 
grossed the attention of farmers. The town of Granville not 
only contains within its own limits several cheese-factories, 
but it is the centre of the cheese- and butter-business for a 
large section of country beyond its own borders. The 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



210 



town is not, however, limited to any one form of rural in- 
dustry. There is no product of this latitude to which the 
soil of this town is not adapted. Its hillsides as well as its 
plains and the meadows on its water-courses are fertile and 
productive. 

There are .several cheese-factories in the town doin"; an 
extensive business. That of J. Stevens, Granville, makes 
about one hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds a year. 
One near Middle Granville, owned by Seymour Tanner, 
made in 187G one hundred and four thousand pounds. 
The one at North Bend, owned by a company and run by 
Wm. P. Beccher, si.Kty-five thousand pounds. Others, also, 
at South Granville, Granville, and other parts of the town, 
are doing a business similar in amount to those stated. 

A creamery is being erected the present year by Race, 
Farwell, Lee, and others, at Raceville. 

The town is peculiarly favored with commercial facilities, 
having the Rutland and Washington railroad on the east, 
which runs the entire length of the town, and has two sta- 
tions ; and the Champlain canal and the Rensselaer and 
Saratoga railroad on the west, but three miles from it« west- 
ern boundary, — thus giving the people a choice of markets 
and a choice in the mode of reaching them. 

Tiie population of this town is rapidly increasing, which 
is true of but few rural towns in the State. 

With reference to the sheep husbandry of earlier j'ears, 
it may be added — from Dr. Fitch's work, 1.S4S — that there 
were then many fine flocks in Granville. John Barker had 
a flock of four hundred. Isaac BLshop, in still earlier years, 
was very prominent in this business, having introduced 
valuable blooded stock from Long Island, the result of then 
recent importations from Spain. The number of sheep in 
Granville in 1825 was 8660; 1S3J, l!},46i; 18i5, 10,902. 

3IILITARY RECORD. 

The history of movements in this town during the War 
of the Revolution cannot be obtained with any complete- 
ness or accuracy. That there was considerable of a popu- 
lation here is evidently true, and that they shared in the 
prevailing excitement and in patriotic efl^orts for defense is 
also true. Rccoids of what was actually' done are not 
easily attainable. Among the " Williams Papers" (vol. i. 
p. ICl ) preserved at Salem is the following fragment : 

" A pay-roll of Capt. Silas Child's company, of Gran- 
ville, in Col. John Williams' regiment of militia, in the 
year 1778." 

Unfortunately, the list only contains three names, — 
Ebenezer Danforth, Henry Watkins, Daniel Stewart. 

There is also the following receipt, probably 1777 : 

"Oct. 18. Received of Col. John Williams 100 weight 
of lead and fifty flints for Granville precinct. 

"Nathaniel Sprino." 

The following are mentioned in the ■' National Official 
Register " as pensioners living in Granville in 1810 : Reuben 
Van Guilder, aged eighty ; Nehemiah Hulelt, seventy-five ; 
Noah Day, eighty-three; Bcnajah Hill, eighty-five; Jona- 
than Brown, eighty ; William Town, eighty-one ; Simeon 
Howard, eighty-seven ; Samuel Standi.sh, eighty-six ; Jacob 
Alien, seventy-nine; John Kirkland, eighty-two; Jesse 



Averill, eighty-si.'!;; Liwis Hatch, eighty; Samuel Weeks, 
eighty-two; Mason Liw, seventy-five; Isaac Djty, eighty- 
one. Twelve octogenarians at once. 

Lswis Hatch was a Revolutionary soldier from Cape 
Cod; cams to Granville in 1781-85 ; died in 1817. 

The detachment to which he belonged joined the Canada 
expedition under Montgomery at Skenesborough, having 
passed through Granville on the way. They reached 
Quebec a day or two after Montgomery had fallen. He 
was with the northern army through the dreary winter of 
1775-70, the varying campaign of 1776, and through 
1777 to the glorious capture of Burgoyne. While the 
army was at Fort Edward, Mr. Hatch was one of tiie 
party that ventured out and brought in the bod}' of the 
unfortunate Jane McCrea. 

His settlement in Greenville was upon lots 30 and 31 of 
Kelly's patent. Living here for sixty years, he passed a 
useful life, a patriot and a Christian. Upon his tombstone 
is the epitaph, "A soldier of the Revolution and of the 
Cross." 

He left three sons : Wait, who settled in Hebron ; T. 
D.ivis, in western New York ; Asa N , on the homastead. 
D.iughters: Mrs. Rowland Smith and Mrs. Nathaniel Be- 
dell, of Granville. Other daughters: Mary; Tabitha; Anne, 
married and settled in western New York. There was one 
other daughter, Phebe. 

Capt. Moses Amidon, a Revolutionary .soldier, removed 
from Hartford, Conn., to Granville in 1809. He died 
about 1834. He had a fiimily of nine children, five of 
whom were boys. Two of his sons, Henry and Davis, 
were in the War of 1812, and two of his grandsons, Henry 
and Edwin, were in the Mexican war. William, the young- 
est grandchild of the captain's youngest son, was in the 
war for the suppression of the late rebellion, — two years in 
the infantry, and then enlisted in the cavalry, — a patriotic 
record, extending through four wars, worthy of note. 

Caleb West and Hiram Chapell were also Revolutionary 
soldiers. 

WAR OF 1812. 

Capt. Jehiel Dayton commanded a company of volunteer 
artillery in the War of 1812. The company records are 
now preserved by his son, Robert G. Dayton, of North 
Granville. Tiie order directing the company to proceed to 
Whitehall bears date Aug. 1, 1812, and is signed by Lieut.- 
Col. Stephen Thorn. The company belonged to the 4th 
Regiment and 2d Brigade. The captain was directed to 
draft one in four of those who did not volunteer. 

Capt. Dayton's address to his company at Whitehall 
closes as follows : 

" I am well satisfied that you know the responsibility we 
are under at this post ; that the accomplishmsnt of our 
duty as soldiers, as citizens, as friends to our country, will 
protect drink and food for the thirsty and wearied soldiers, 
who have taken up arms in defense of tho.so dear-bought 
rights and privileges bequeathed to us by the bleeding and 
sufiering sages and heroes of the Revolution ; that pru- 
dence, care, and patience are necessary to form the leading 
features of our conduct, which, I doubt not, will be strictly 
adhered to. ' 



220 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The ccmpany was ordered out the second time, Sept. 9, 
1814, by Lieut.-Col. Pliny Adams. 

We add the roster of the company, iiichuling some, per- 
haps, residents of other towns. 

RvU of Copliilii Jehid Daytuns Compatitj (if ArtUkrij 
fur 1812, ordered to WliiteltuU : 

Captain, Jehiel Dayton ; first lieutenant, Elnathan 
Scraunton ; second lieutenant, Joseph Thomas; fir.st ser- 
geant, Joel Hyde ; second sergeant, Frederick Baker ; third 
sergeant, Russell Abels ; fourth sergeant, Levi Everts ; 
first corporal, Calvin Crippen ; second corporal, Alfred 
Tanner ; third corporal, Erastus A. Barker ; fourth corporal, 
Jonathan Hull ; first drummer, Rosley Darley, substitute ; 
second drummer, Amos Winters ; fifer, Wm. Foster, Jr., 
substitute ;. privates, — Roger F. Archer, Randall A. Ful- 
ler, James Dickey, Simeon Cornwell, Ralph Rowe, F]lias 
Newbre, James Chandler, Elkanah Comstock, Samuel B. 
Wait, Henry Mason, Elisha Norton, Walter .Colton, Samuel 
Andrus, Asahel Gillctt, Rufus Harvey, Wra. Hammond, 
Orrin Doty (substitute), Charles Chandler (substitute), 
Wm. Tanner, Major E. Fry (substitute), Wm. Norton, 
David Johnson, George Johnson, Stephen Baker, Lsaac 
Baker, Lemuel Jones, Norman B. Thompson (substitute), 
Wm. B. Williams (substitute), Nathaniel G. Piatt (sub- 
stitute), Patrick Roach (substitute), Sylvanus Robbison 
(substitute), Dcnnison Mason (substitute), Almon Walling 
(substitute), James P. McVein, Daniel Johnson, David 
iSIartin, Jr., Caleb Curtis, Robert Hamilton. 

(Signed) Wm. F. Baker, 

Acting Orderli/ Serr/erint. 

Roll of a Mdilia Comjxtvi/ commnidid hy Cdptaui 
Duty Sliiimu'uy, and ordered out dvriiiy tJie ll'ar c;/' 1812: 

Solomon Baker, Jr., James Thorn, Elias Hitchcock, 
Julius C. Abels, Byram Baker, Abiel Hathaway, Jr., 
Ebenczer Mudge, Calvin Crawford, Roswell Ellsworth, 
Jacob Spencer, Nehemiah Baker, George Smith, David 
Rhoades, Asa Farnam, Ilhamar Harvey, Daniel Needham, 
Joseph Tanner, David Brown, John Everts, Blarvin 
Averill, Collins Purple, Nathan Phillips, Robert Bruiford, 
Wm. Brown, Roswell Philley, Isaac Vandebogert, Lemuel 
Boomer, Thomas T. Sherwood, Joseph Kinyon, Mumford 
Northup, Elijah Billings, Dudley Everts, Henry Gardner, 
Truman Everts, Henry Reynolds, Ira Baker, James Bash- 
ford, Abijah Smith. 

In the War of 1812 there was a militia company at 
South Granville that was ordered to Whitehall at the time 
of the battle of Plattsburg. It belonged to a regiment 
commanded by Col. Adams. The captain of the com- 
pany was Hosea Day ; Asa Thompson, lieutenant ; Parley 
Whitney, ensign; Thomas D. Hatch, first sergeant; Noah 
Day, second sergeant. The latter recalls the names of the 
following members of the company who went to Whitehall : 
Three brothers Foot, — Foster, Erastus, and James, — Scot- 
toway Whitcomb, Pliny Whitcomb, Cornelius Whitney, 
Obed Washburn, Orscmus Thompson, Isaac Roberts, Eli 
Smith, Alvin Cooper, Mr. Tanner, John Becchcr, Luke 
Wilson, John West, Eli Whitcomb, John Wheaton, Wash- 
ington Z. Wait, two brothers Ander.sou, and Chauncey 
Beebe. 



Nathaniel Parker and Eliphalct Parker were in the Rev- 
olutionary army, under Arnold, in the expedition against 
Quebec ; also at the taking of Fort Ticonderoga by Ethan 
Allen, and the battle of Bennington, under Gen. Stark. 

In reference to the war for the suppression of the Rebel- 
lion, the town took the following action : A meeting was held 
at the house of R. D. Wing, in Granville, by the citizens 
of said town, Aug. 18, 1862. Rev. Seldon Haynes was 
elected chairman, and Albert S. Burdick, secretary. Res- 
olutions were adopted authorizing the supervisors to borrow 
the sum of five thousand two hundred dollars, to be used 
for the procuring of men to fill the quota under the call of 
the President for troops, one hundred dollars to be paid to 
each soldier enlisted to the credit of the town. This action 
was before the State had passed any law legalizing such an 
appropriation. To secure the matter beyond all fjuestion, 
the money was raised by the supervisors executing a note 
for the amount, and then one hundred and sixteen citizens 
signed an agreement indemnifying and protecting the super- 
visors against loss. 

Dec. 12, 18G3, another meeting was held. Rev. Seldon 
Haynes again acting as chairman. After a spirited discus- 
sion, resolutions were passed approving the action of the 
supervisors in raising moneys to provide for a bounty of 
two hundred dollars each to volunteers. 

At other meetings in the summer and fall of 18G4 
prompt action was taken to fill the quota of the town, and 
the bounty was carried up to three hundred and fifty dollars, 
and finally to one thousand dollars. So promj>t and thor- 
ough was the action of the town authorities, heartily sus- 
tained by the people, that in January, 1865, the town was 
found to have a surplus of men credited upon the books of 
the provost marshal. Very honorable action, too, was 
taken for the relief of the families of volunteers, and in one 
case, where a wife had moved from the town, the meeting 
voted to continue the aid. 

In the fall of 1864 twenty votes were received from 
soldiers in the army, and voted by proxy. 

The following list of those who went from this town into 
the army for the suppression of the Rebellion is prepared 
from the copy made by the town clerk in 1865, from the 
printed muster-in rolls of the State, and it has also been left 
for correction at the towu clerk's office several weeks, and 
advertised : 

Joel Aldons, enl. Dec. 2.5, 186:1, 10th .Art., Co. I ; disch.argcd. 
John Aldons, enl. Dec. 2G, 1S03, IGth Art., Co. I ; diaclmrged. 
Judson H. Austin, enl. Aug. 8, 18(;2, 123d Kegt., Co. K; pro. 2.1 lieut.; dis- 

cliarged. 
Henry E. Allen, eul. Aug. ~'. 1SC2, 123d Regt.. Co. K ; pro. coip. ; discliiirgid. 
Wm. Aniid..ii, enl. Aug. 0, 1SC3, 21st N. Y. Cav. ; had before served full time in 

311th Regt.; disih. July 3, 1860. 
Wm. Ausmeiit, eul. ISGl, 3Glh Regt.; died of consumption at Granville while 

in the service. 
Isaac Ausmeut, eul. 1801, Vermont Regt.; died at New Orleans, La. 
Homy Bush, enl. Jan. 7, 18C>, 93d Regt. 
John H. Babbitt, musician ; enl. OCtli Regt. 

Amos W. Babbitt, enl. OOlh Kegt. ; wounded ; disch. for disability. 
Wni. W. Brown, 1st lieut.: eul. Aug. 9, 1802, l-23d Begt., Co. U ; wounded in 

Gcol-gia ; disch. 1865. 
Joseph S. Blossom, eul. Aug 15, 1862, 12.ia Kegt., C... K ; disch. June 8, 1S65. 
David II. liaik.r, onl. Aug. 21, 1SG2, 123d Regt., Co. K; minor, not mustered 

into service. 
Nathauiel Bedell, enl. Sept. 2, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K; disch. Juno 8, 180,5. 
Visli Boudevin, eul. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Kegt, Co. K ; died in hospital near 

Chattanooga, Tenn. 
Martin V. B. lintler, enl Ang. 6, lSG2,'l23d Regt., Co. K ; discharged. 
Leioy L. Barnard, Corp.; enl. Aug. 0, If 02, 12^1 Ri'gt., Co. K ; discharged. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



221 



U. Balermo, enl. Aug. 1802, 123(i Regt., Co. K. 

Martin liowkcr, oiil. Aug, 22, 1802, 123<1 Regt., Co. K ; (iis(li..Tunc S, 18C5. 

Gcurgo W. Baker, enl. Aug. 18G2, 123d Kegt., Co. K; pro. 2U lieut., I»t lieut., 

and oipt. j.disch. June 8, 1805. 
Israel S. Barber, cnl. 12Ctli Regt.; disch. for disability. 
JIatthew W. Barber, enl. ]20th Regt. 
Peter Balis, enl. ISlil, 2-2d Regt. 

George F. Bra.vton, enl. 44th Itegt. ; disch. for disability. 
George R. Brown, ecd. Feb. 27. 1804, lOOth Regt., Co. D ; wounded ; disch. May, 

1S0.5 ; had served three years in the .Mexican war. 
Wm. H. Bowker, pro. ord.-sergt., sergt.-niaj.,lst lieut., and acting adj.; disch. 
Reuben Burgess, enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 2d Cav.'Co. F. 
Peter Bradley, Corp.; cnl. Sept. 19, 1801, 0th Cav., Co. D. 
George H. Bushnell, cnl. Sept. 14, 1801, Olh Cav., Co. D. 
Henry JI. Bailey, enl. Nov. 5, 1SC3, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. 
Joseph Burdett, enl. Ang. 19, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K. 
John W. Bnrrows, enl. Jan. 2, 1S02, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Itufns M. Boughton, enl. Dec. 3, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Elijah Chapman, enl. Dec. 10, ISOI, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
S.iniuel Carey, enl. Dec. 24, 1863, 10th Art., Co. I ; discharged. 
William Cooper, enl. Dec. 1803, 93d Regt., Co. 1 ; Imd served his time in 22d 

Regt. ; disch. Nov. 1805, serving four and a half yciira. 
Vim. H. Cowan, cnl. Sept. 1801, 49th Regt.; pro. sergt.; Ist lieut.; mustered 

out by consolidation oC regiment. 
Charles D. Cowan, enl. Ang. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; wounded in Georgia; 

pro. Corp., sergt., and oi*d.-8ergt.; disch. June 8, 1805. 
George H. Cowan, enl. Ang. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; prisoner at Richmond ; 

paroled ; detailed clerk at brigade headquarters; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Richard C(.sttllo, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; disch. .Tune 8, 1805. 
Ilaniel S. Carmody, cnl. Aug. 21, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K; died at StalTord 

Court-IIonse, March, 1803. 
Franklin CVjok, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Altadore W. Cook, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; disch. for disability. 
Lorenzo R, Coy, enl. Ang. 5, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. K ; pro. sergt. ; disch. June 

8, 1805. 
Daniel Chapman, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
Lucius Cluuse, enl. Sept. 1862, 93d Regl., Co. I. 
Palmer K. Clark, enl. Ang. 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A. 
Hiram Cook, cnl. March, 1804, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
.K.hn Cook, enl. Marx;li, 1SG4, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Elisha Cook, enl. Sept. 6, 1801, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. 

Edmunil Croak, enl. 1861, 93d Vet. Inf., Co. E; at the expiration of flrat enlist- 
ment he re.enlisted in tlie same company and regiment as a v eteran ; was 

disch. .July, 1S65. 
Horace Dowd, eul. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; died of disease, at Na.sh- 

v.Uc, Tenn. 
Michael Donahue, Corp., enl. Aug. 0, 1S02. 123d Regt., Co. K ; pro. sergt. 
Albert W. Doanc, cnl. Aug. 9, 1802, 12:ld Regt., Co. K ; died of wounds at Chan- 

cellorsville ; oneleg^llotoft'. When struck, exclaimed, "Boys, the devils 

have hit me ; but give Iheiu fits !" When last seen, was winding a gun- 
strap around the stump of the limb, and twisting it with a bayonet to 

stop the blood. 
Hugh Dorrence, enl. Sept. 28, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. F. 
'i'hon as Doluihue, eul. Aug. 20, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. K ; woumled ; lost use of 

arm ; iliscli. 1805. 
Edward Dnshou, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 12M Regt., Co. K ; disch. for disability; re- 

enlM Dec. 1S03. lOtli Art.; disch. Aug. 1SG5. 
Edward Donnelly, enl. Sept. 5, 1862, lOOtli Regt., Co. C. 
Henry K. Dnuton, eul. Sept. 7, 1801, 2J Vet. Cav., C... I. 
lloiace P. Eldridge, enl. Jan. 7, 1862, 93d Rout., Co. I : disch. 
Hiram Prazier, enl. Dec. 31, 1803, lOth Art., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1865. 
Daniel Flood, eul. Aug. 1802, 12;)d Kegt. 
Gilbert Fritcher, eul. Feb. 28, 1864, 93d Regt. 

James K. Ford,enl. Ang. 9, 1863, 121d Regt, Co. K ; disch. for disability. 
John Fish, enl. Feb. 1864, 90th Kegt.; wounded at Chapiu's Farm ; w.is one 

yeai' in hospital ; disch. 1805. 
Tdus E. Gilman, cnl. Aug. 1802, 123d Regt.; discli. June S, If 05. 
John Gorman, enl. Oct. 29, 1862. 
William Gallup, enl. ISOl, 93d Regt. 
James Gordon, cnl Aug. 22, 1862, 12:;d Regt., Co. K; died at Harper's Ferry, 

1863. 
John Ganey, enl. Dec. 31, 186 i, 16th Art., Co. I; h.xd before served full time iu 

22dRegt. ; disch. 
Francis A. Granger, enl. Feb. 1804, 93d Regt.; died at Andersouvillc prison. 
Ethan A. Granger, enl. Feb. 1864, 93d Regt.; disch. 
Chavmcey S. Guilford, cnl. Aug. 7,1862, 123d Regt., Co. K; pro. corp; woundud 

at Pe.ach-Tiec Creek; disch. June 8, 1S05. 
Joseph Gravlin, Old. May, 1861, 30th N. T. Vols.; woundud, rifle-ball through 

the right lung at the second battle of Bull Run. 
Pliineas Hall, enl. Jan. 7, 1862, 03d Regt., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1805. 
Ira Hall, enl. Dec. 1S&!; !)3d Regt., Co. I; wounded ; disch. Aug. 1805. 
David J. Humphrey, enl. Aug. 17, 1802, 12)d Regt., Co. K; wounded; disch. 

June 8, 1865. 
Noah S. Ilili; enl Aug. 8, 1802, laid Regt., Co. K ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
William M. Hill, enl. Ang. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; d s Jli. June 8, 1.S65. 
Andrew Harris, enl. Ang. 10, 18(i2, 123d' Regt., Co. Iv ; pro. corii.; di=ch. June 8, 



Edmund Hayes, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, ]2.1d Regt., Co. K. 

William K. Hills, cnl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; disch. June 8, 1865. 

Horace E. Howard, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Regt., (U>. K; pro. ord.-sergt.; 

wounded at Cliancellorsville, and died from cITects of wounds. 
Ralph E. Hall, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; died of diphtheria, at Har- 
per's Ferry, Va. 
William S. Hcndly, cid. Aug. 20, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K. 
Morris Harris, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 12!d Regt., Co. K ; detailed to ambulance 

corps; ilisch. June 8, 1865. 
Fayette Hale, ord.-sergt, enl. Aug. 180^ 123d Regt., Co. K; wounded; disch. 

June 8, 1805. 
Andrew Haley, enl. 123d Regt., Co. K. 
George Heath, cnl. 1862, 125th Regt.; wounded; disch. 
James Harris, enl. 1604, 123d Regt., Co. K ; dis. h. Juno 8, 1805. 
Roderick Harris, enl. Sept. 22, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. F. 
William Harvey, cnl. Nov. 23, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. 
Andrew Hickey, enl. Nov. .3, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Francis D. Hammond, enl. Feb. 23, 1862, woumlcd in the right thigh. In the 

Seven Days' battle on the Peninsula, near Savage Station, Va., June 28, 

1862; disch. Dec. 3, 1802. 
Nathan J. Johnson, capt., enl. Dec. II, 1801,93d Regt., Co. I; com. lieut.-col., 

115th Regt., Nov. 13, 1863 ; wounded at Fort Fisher ; disch. Juno 17, 1805. 
Morris E. Jones, enl. July 2, 1802, 134th R(.gt.,Co. B ; disch. 
David E. Jones, March, 1864, 93d Regt., Co. I ; suffered from starvation in Libl.y 

prison ; exchanged in spring of 1865; disch. 
Andrew .lonbert, enl. April, 1801, 22d Regt.; disch.; re-enl.GriswoldCav. ; disch. 
James B. Johnson, enl. Ang. 23, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. 
Jnel Jupson, eul. Oct. 1, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. 
Thomas Keuney, onl. July, 1802, lB9th Regt. 
Merrick H. Knapp, eld. Airg. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; pro. Corp. ; disch. Juno 

8, 1805. 
Andrew Lord, enl. Jan. 7, 1802, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

William U. Laugwiuthy, enl. Dec. 1863, loth Art. ; disch. Aug. 29, 1805. 
Lh-wellyn Lloyd, enl. Match, 1804, 93d Regt., Co. 1. 
John Lahue, Corp., enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; two years with regt.; 

trans, to navy; discli. July, 1865. 
Thomas J. License, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 12:id Regt., Co. K ; disch. June, ISCm. 
Nicholas Lamb, enl. July, 1802, 169,h llegt. 
Eratus Lowidl. enl. 109tli Regt. ; disch. for disability. 
John McDowell, enl. Feb. 1864, •2d Cav. 
James Muiphy, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K. 
Stephen McGowau, enl. Feb. 21, 1864, 146th Regt. 
John Murphy, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt , Co. K. 

John McCoy, enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 12 id Regt., C.i. K ; wounded ; discharged. 
Henry Moshicr, enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; wounded; iliscliarged. 
Th.iuias McKenneday, enl. Sept. 1862, 169tli Regt. 
Francis Mow, enl. Aug. 1802, 12 'd Regt. ; disch. June, 1865. 
Michael McUriau, enl. Sept. 1802, 169th Regt.; supposed to be killed in battle. 
Sylvester Maddock, eul. Pa. regiment;a prisonerat Andersouville; exchanged; 

diSLharged. 
Michael Maloney, enl. ISO!, 9.'id Regt. ; served term, a:id re-enl. same regt.; 

discharged. 
William Mairs, eul. Dec. 1861, lOlh Art.; disch. June, 1865. 
Harlan P. Martin, onl. Oct. 2.-), 1801, 'id Cav., Ga. F. 
George Marcy, eul. Sept. 18, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. 
Robert McMurray, cnl. Sept. 28, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., (.'o. I. 
William Mitchell, eul. Aug. 21, 1802, 12:!d Regt., Co. K. 
Daniel Morgan, enl. 93d Regt., N. Y. S. V.; killed. 
Willam Norton-, enl. Aug. 6, 1802, t23d Regt., Co. K ; lostau arm at Gettysburg; 

discharged. 
Jay Northrup, capt. ; enl. Dec. ISCl, 93d Regt., Co. I ; pro. to 2d lieut. ; disch. 

July, 1865. 
Albeit Nash, enl. April,{1861, 22d Regt.; discharged. 
Clark Nelson, enl. 1801, Vt. regt.; firat eul. iu 22d N. Y. Inf.; disch. May, 

1865. 
Edward Nye, enl. Oct. 21, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. F. 
Samuel L. Norcloss, enl. Sept. 4, 186!, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. 
George Osborne, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, l-23d Regt., Co. K, died of disease in N. C. 
Albert S. Porter, enl. Dec. 30, 1803, 16th Art., Co. I; disch. Ang. 29, 1865. 
Amos C. Potter, eul. Ang 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; wounded at Kesaca, Ga., 

May 15, 1861 ; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Stjicy K. Potter, cnl. Ang. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; detailed clerk at brig.ide 

lieadiinarteRj; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Philip Potter, eul. Aug. 13, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K; disch. June 8, 1865. 

The above were three brothers. 
Benjamin F. Pitts, cnl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; wounded ; discharged. 
Samuel A. Potter, enl. Sept. I, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K; disch. June 8, UKt. 
J.din Pitts, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. K ; killed at Kesaca, Ga., M ly 15, 

1864. 
Jonathan W. Potter, co:p. ; cnl. Aug. 22, 1862, 12:>d Regt., Co. K. 
Rilss. II U. IMts, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, l'23d Regt., Co. K ; discharged. 
Uzillo Pillcuir, enl. .\ug. 4, 1862, l'23d Regt., Co. K; detailed to ambulanco 

corps; disch. June 8, 1805. 
0-car Perriii, enl. 44lh Regt.; disch. fordis;tbility. 
A.lin H. Potter, enl. Sept. 10, 1861, Cth Div., Co. D. 
Jules Prescott, enl. Sept. 11, 1861, 6th Cav., Co. D. 
.Seraphim Pcrroul, enl. Sept. 21, 1863, 2d Vol. Cav., Co. I. 



222 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



George Phillips, enl. Sept. 17, ISO-I, 2.1 Vet. Cav., Co. I. 

Lyman Raymond, onl. Dm. 2J, 186:i, IGtli Art., Co. I. 

Oliver Reynolds, enl. Jan. 2, 18G4, ICth Ait., Co. I; diach. Aug. 1805. 

Fianklin E. Rnssell, enl. ICOIh Rcgt. ; diseliarged. 

David W. Rngere, enl. Aug. 21, 1802, 123d Itegt., Co. I ; pro. to 2d lieut. ; discli. 

June, 180.5. 
Edward B. Rasey, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 12:id Regt,, Co. K ; disch. June 8, 

1805. 
Barzilla Roquay, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123a Regt., Co. K; wounded; discharged. 
John W. Rasey, enl. Aug. 1802, 12:!d Regt., Co. K. 
Amos E. Biissell, enl. Fob. l«Gt, loth Cav.; had before served from Sept. 11, 

1801, in 6th Cav,, Co. D ; discharged. 
Edward Rock, enl. Feb. 19, 18G4. 123d Regt., Co. K; injured by falling from 

the cars; disabled; discharged. 
John Ryan, enl. Ang. 18, 1802, 12:id Regt., Co. K. 
Walter Smith, enl. Jan. 7, 1802, 9;)d Regt., Co. I; wounded at Gettysburg ; disch. 

1865. 
Kead C. Stewart, enl. Dec. 17, 1803, 16th Art., Co. I; b.a.l served in 22d Regt. 

two years; wounded at second Bull Run; disch. 
Jcdln Sherman, enl. Aug. 10, 1802, 12M Regt., Co. K ; wounded at Aiken's Rini. 
Amarilla Searles, enl. 90th Regt. 
Alonzo Searles, enl. 109th Regt. 

.Samuel Slilos. enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123a Regt., Co. K : disch. June S, 1805. 
Cyrus K. Smith enl. tid Regt.; wounded; diach. fi-om hospital. 
Wilbur Steid, enl. Sept. 1803, 2d Vot. Cav. ; had served two years in 30th Regt. ; 

discharged. 
Milo Shaw, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; supposed killed at Cbancel- 

loraville. 
AlonZM Shaw, enl. 1861, 2d Vt. Inf.; disch. ISO"). 
George Shaw, enl. 1801, 2d Vt. Inf ; disch. 1805. 
Wm, Sinnot, enl. Sept. 11, 1801, 0th Cav., Co. D. 
Waynan Stewart, enl. Sept. 10, 180 1, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. T. 
Siiniuel W. Thurber, enl. Jan. 7, 1SC2, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Edwin Thomson, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, I23a Regt., Co. K ; disch. July, 1 RO.i. 
Wm. A. Tooley, enl. Aug. 19, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K; killed while fording 

Jones' creek, near Goldsboro', N. C, April 10, 1865, the company at that 

time being deployed as skirmishers; the huit man killed in the regiment. 
Horace II. Tooley, enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 123d Kogt., Co. K ; killed at Dallas, Ga. 
Edward Tanner, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co.K; killed atChancellorsvillo; 

fii-st man killed in company. 
Nelson G. Thayor, onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; killed at Gettysburg. 
Warren Thomson, musician ; enl. Aug. 18, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; disch. June 

8, 1805. 
Welcome Thomson, enl. March, 1864, 93d Regt., Co. I ; died at Albany, July, 

1865, a few days before regiment was mustered out. 
James K. Tyler, enl. 9 Id llcgt.; disch. fordisability. 
Joseph Tellior, enl. Sept. 23, ISOl, 2d Cav., Co. F. 
Leoniird Thomas, enl. Sept. 4, 1863, 2a Vet. Cav., Co. I. 
John C. Thompson, residence, Granville, Washington Co., N. Y.; born in Gian- 

ville; enl. Nov. 19, 1861, 1st Vt. Cav. Regt., at Burlington, Vt. ; re-cnl. 

as veteran, Feb. 11, 1864, at Stevensburg, Va. ; pio. to lat duty sergt. ; 

discli. Aug. 9, 1865, at Burlington, Vt. 
James H. Van Guilder, enl. Jan. 7, 1862, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Alvin Van Guilder, onl. Dec. 1863, 93d Regt., Co. I ; wounded at Spott.iylvania ; 

discharged. 
Russell Van Guilder, enl. Sept. 1862, 169th Regt.; discharged. 
Frederick Van Guilder, enl. Sept. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; served nine months ; 

omitted from muster-rolls ; not paid ; left the regiment and enlisted in a 

Vermont regiment. 
Henry 0. Wiley, capt. ; enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; killed at PeacIiTi ee 

Creek, July 20, 1804. 
John R. Williams, enl. Sept. 3, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K. 
Foster Winchell, enl. Sept, 1802, 100th Regt. 
Edson Whitney, onl. Aug. 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; died at Fairfax, Va., winter 

of 1802. 
Philander Whitney, enl. Aug. 1802, 123d Regt,, Co. K ; disch. for disability. 
Philip Washburne, enl. Aug. 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K. 
John D. Warren, enl. Aug. 1862, 109th Regt. ; pro. Corp. ; killed at Fort Fisher, 

.Ian, 10, 1805. 
Truman H. Winchell, enl, 109th Regt.; discharged. 
Charl.a Wade, enl, July, 1802, 169tll Regt, 
Clark H. Waite, enl, March 26, 1804, 12 id Rejt,, C ). K ; died of disease, at Jef- 

fersonville, Ind, 
Benjamin F. Wiight, cnl, Aug. 8, 1862, 123a Regt, Co, K ; supposed died iu 

hospital at Nashville, Tenn, 
Isaiah Wright, enl. Aug. 11, 18C2, 121d Regt., Co. K ; trans, to Inv. Corps; 

discharged. 
Henry Welch, enl, Aug, 11, 1802, 123d Regt,, Co, K; pro, Corp.; wounded at 

Peach-Tree Creek ; di<ch. April 21, 180"). 
A, WillKon, enl, 1801, 17th Regt.; pro, capt. ; died of wounds, 
James Wilkinson, cid, Jan, 7, 1802, 9 id Regt,, Co, I. 

F.ayette Wilbur, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 12 id Rogt,, Co, K ; wounded ; discharged. 
Ellis Williams, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; disch. June, 1SG5. 
Samuel Wright, enl. Aug, 6, 1862, 12 id Regt , Co, K ; wounded ; discharged. 
James A, Wright, enl, Aug, 7, 1862, 123d Regt,, Co, K, 
Wili:am R, Williams, enl, Aug, 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; homo ou sick-leave ; 

did not return to regiment. 



ThomM Walker, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co, K ; disch. Juno, 1803. 

Benjamin F, Wyman, enl, Aug, 21, 1802, 12 id Regt,, Co. K. 

Edmund Warner, enl. Ang, 11, 1802, 12)d Regt,, Co, K. 

Henry Wilkins, cnl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt,, Co, K ; disch, June 8, 1805. 

C:issiu3 J, Waite, enl. Sept. 29, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; accidentally wounded ; 

discharged. 
George Wagner, cnl, 169th Regt. 
J.ames H. Wright, enl. Ang. 4, 1862, I2!a Bigt., Co. K ; in hospital fourteen 

months; disch. June, 1865. 
Benjamin F. Waite, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. K; disch. Juno, 1805. 
Ephraim Wilcox, enl. April, 1801, 22d Regiment; detailed for hospiUl service ; 

trans, to clerk in War Departmeut. 
Ancus Ward, cnl, 1801, 22d Regt, 

A, Iliile Ward, enl. 1801,53d Regt.; trans, to 17lli Rcgt. 
Obarlus II. Waite, enl. Sept, 21, 18G1, 77tli Inf„ U. S. Vols. ; wounded befor 

Yorktown, Va., Apiil 29 1802 ; di.scli. June 10, 1802. 
John A, Wiley, oul, 1804, 5th N, II, ; jiro, corp, ; served two years in 2d N. Y. i 

wounded at Petersburg; supposed died in hospital. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



LEONARD C. THORNE.* 

In quick succession one sad event follows another. Again 
lias death thrown its melancholy mantle of sorrow over our 
community by the demise of our mo.st respected townsman, 
Leonard C. Thorno, which occurred at an early hour Sun- 
d;iy morning, March 3, 1878, after a brief illness of pleuro- 
pneumonia. On no occasion since we entered upon the 
duties of journalism has it been our province to perform so 
distressingly sad a matter as chronicling the death of this 
gentleman, — one so much beloved and respected, — one who, 
by his magnanimity and philanthropic acts, has immortal- 
ized his name in the hearts and memory of our citizens. 
Mr. Thorne was born at Glen Cove, Queen's county, N. Y., 
Dec. 9, 1833. He entered a village store at an early age, 
and remained there about five years, when, in 1855, he went 
to New York as bookkeeper for the firm of which his 
brother William was a member. He rose rapidly in the 
estimation of the firm, and on Feb. 1, 1859, became a 
partner in the business, under the firm-name of W. H. & 
L. C. Thorne. In 1871 he became editor of the Herald nf 
Life, a religious paper published by the Life and Advent 
Union, with which he had been connected for some years ; 
but finding the duties of the paper too arduous fur him, 
with those of his business, he retired from the latter in 
1873, and continued the management of the paper until 
August, 1877, when he resigned. In 18G3 he assisted in 
organizing the Ninth National bank of New York, and was 
chosen a director in the same, a position which he held two 
years, when, its management becoming distasteful to him, he 
severed his connection, and associated himself with the 
Security National bank, in which he was also chosen a 
director. He has also resided in Brooklyn, N. Y., Orange 
and Bloomfield, N. J., — at each place gathering about hiiii 
the bast citizens as fast friends. His health continuing 
poor, he found it necessary to spend several winters in the 
south, and early in 1873 he went to Colorado, hoping there 
to build up his strength. He returned from the west in Oc- 
tober of the same year, and purchased his late residence in 
the village of Granville. In 1871 he published " Man not 
Immortal," a book of two hundred and sixty pages, review- 
ing a work of Rev. N. B. George, entitled " Annihilation 

» From the Granville Saitinel. 






J^^^^/^^^-^^^ a^. (2>^^,in^^>-,c^ 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



223 



not of the Bible," which has been widely read. He was an 
easy, clear, and forcible writer, and all his writings were 
thoroughly imbued with the spirit of Christian charity and 
courtesy. He was married, April 11, 1861, to Hannah E. 
Rogers, of this village. Since locating in this place we 
feel as though it is not necessary for us to make any prolix 
mention of his life and labors, as it is familiar to all. He 
a.ssisted in organizing the National bank of this village ; 
was chosen a director, a position which he held up to the 
time of his death. He was a Republican and an active 
temperance man. At one time the temperance district con- 
vention placed him in nomination Jbr member of Asscmblj', 
but he declined, fearing that the ticket might impair the 
•success of the Republicans. Through his efibrts, and these 
of the excellent gentlemen whom be called to his aid, the 
Reform club was organized at this place, of which he was 
president. He has labored a.ssiduou.^ly for all that was 
right and manly, for the promotion of that which would 
tend to improve the morals of society and community, and 
the depression of that which tends to degrade, debauch, 
and demoralize. That he has been successful is apparent 
to all. No man ever did more to improve the moral stand- 
ing of the town. Men who were wont to revile him in 
drunken song have been reformed, and now bow in deep 
sorrow at his death. He was loved and respected by all, 
and, although his life has gone out, he yet lives and will 
continue to live in the hearts of our people while life exists. 
His funeral obsequies took place at the Friends' meeting- 
house, and at no time iu the history of the town was such 
marked respect paid to any person on such an occasion. 
Every store, office, and shop was closed, and a Sabbath 
stillness was noticeable everywhere about the village. The 
funeral coitegc was made up of many carriages, the officers 
and directors of the bank, and the members of the Reform 
club, numbering from one hundred to one hundred and fifty 
persons, — among the party being many with grief unmis- 
takably marked upon their faces, and tears dimming their 
eyes. Many, too, were in the procession whom the deceased 
had, by personal efforts, induced to reform from habits the 
most demoralizing, and become useful and respected citi- 
zens. The crowd which assembled at the meeting-house 
numbered not far from two thousand, and the house, of 
course, was inadequate to accommodate so large a number, 
so services were held in the school-house and the basement 
of the meeting-house, in connection with those in the regular 
audienee-room. Aaron Maey, of Hudson, N. Y., and A. N. 
Pile, editor of the Herald of Life, of Springfield, Mass., 
conducted the principal services in the body of the church, 
where the remains — reposing in a rich and elegant velvet- 
covered and beautifully-trimmed casket — were placed. The 
casket was decorated with flowers arranged in different 
forms, emblematical of the life of the deceased, — one device 
being a cross, an anchor and heart attached, representing 
" Faith, Hope, and Charity,' surmounted by a white dove 
with spreading wings, denoting purity. This was placed 
at the foot of the casket, while at the head was a beauti- 
fully-wreathed crown of flowers, also a pillow of the same, 
representing " Rest," and a sheaf of ripened wheat, signi- 
fying that the departed was ready for Death's sickle. The 
services iu the basement and school hou.se were conducted 



by Nelson Hull, of Glen's Falls, Rev. D. B. McKenzie, of 
Hampton, and Rev. A. Hall, of this village, — and in each 
of the three places were very impressive indeed. As the 
speakers referred to the life of the deceased many who 
were not akin were moved to tears, and the fact was plainly 
demonstrated that one need not be a relative to mourn for 
the loss of such a man. After services were concluded at 
the church, and an opportunity given friends to look for the 
la.st time upon the loved form, the remains were conveyed 
to the Friends' burial-ground, in rear of the meeting-house, 
where they were interred, the grave being decorated with 
evergreens by the members of the Reform club. The fol- 
lowing gentlemen acted as pall-bearers: Truman Temple, 
Nathaniel Parker, Marcus Allen, J. E. Pratt, Warren Gray, 
and Abram Barker. Deceased leaves a wife and three 
children, who have the .sympathy of the whole community 
in this their hour of sorrow and affliction. 

On the death of Mr. Thorne, the directors of the 
National bank of Granville passed the following: 

" At a meeting of the board of directors of the Notional bank of 
Ciriinvillc, held March 4, 1S7S, iho following resolutions were ado|iled : 

" Wlierr:,i», The directors of the National bank of Granville have 
learned with deep sorrow of the death of their late colleague, Leonard 
C. Thorne, to whose wise counsel and faithful service this bank is 
indebted in a great degree fur its success and prosperity. In all rela- 
tions of life his record is an enviable one, — genial and courteous in 
social intercourse J a successful business man, who, in an honorable 
career, had by honest and generous dealings won the highest confi- 
dence of all associates in official trusts: faithful and vigilant, irre- 
proachable in private life, of an integrity whiter than snow, tolerant, 
charitable in thought and deed, the very soul of honor, he commanded 
and retained the respect, the confidence, and the affection of his fel- 
low-men, — his death will be sincerely mourned by .ill who knew hiin. 
He died before the measure of his years was full, but he has left a noble 
fame, the record of a life clear and clean in its aims, pure in public 
ways and private paths, full of busy, useful labors, and of duties well 
discharged, and crowned with honor. 

" lieaoUed, That we bow with reverence and resignation to the 
irrevocable decree that has deprived us of an associate and personal 
friend. While we may not murmur against the inscrutable ways of 
God, wc may still, in common with a stricken community, mourn the 
loss of our honored associate, a most exemplary citizen, Christian gen- 
tleman, and noble man. We tender to the surviving relatives of the 
deceased our deep sympathy, and afTectionately commend them to the 
only source of consolation in this hour of great affliction. 

" liesoheil, That the officers of this bank attend, iu a body, the 
funeral of deceased. 

" liesolred, That a copy of the foregoing be forw.irded to the family 
of the deceased, published in the village paper, and spread upon the 
minutes of the board. 

"Dasikl WuoDAnn, I'rcildeiil. 

"J. S. WAItREN, Sccretfirt/." 

The members of the Temperance Reform club held a 
special meeting, and prejiarcd the following resolutions on 
his death : 

" At a speciiil meeting of the Temperance Reform club of Granville, 
held March 4, 1878, the undersigned were appointed a committee to 
prepare for publication a tribute to the memory of our deceased 
brother, Leonard C. Thorne, in pursuance of which we have prepared 
the following: 

" Wherriie, It hath pleased -Minighty God in his wisdom to remove 
from us, by death, our beloved president, L. C. Thome; therefore. 

'• Jlffolrcil, That we reverently and submissively bow tn the divine 
will, as indicated by this mysterious anlictive dispensation of his 
providence. 

" /l,;i„lr,',l. That in the death of our beloved brother the cause of 
terjiperance, licnevrileuce, and religion have Inst one of their brightest 



224 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ornaments and most efficient promoters, and that the poor have lost 
a true friend, whose sympathizing heart could and did feel for bis 
neighbor in sorrow and distress, as commanded by the word of God. 

" Jieaolved, That in imitation of our deceased brother's kind and 
Christian spirit, as well toward the enemies as the friends of temper- 
ance, we will address ourselves anew, and with increasing earnestness 
and fidelity, to the prosecution of the temperance reformation to a 
complete and glorious triumph. 

" llenolced, That, desiring to manifest our respect for his many vir- 
tues, and an appreciation of his services in the faithful adherence to 
the cause of truth and temperance, we drape our club-room with 
suitable emblems, and that we, iu a bod3% follow his remains to their 
last resting-place. 'Brother, rest in peace j thine earthly labor is 
done.' 

" Jl<:8oh'ed, That we most cordially and fraternally extend to the 
bereaved family, relatives, and friends of the deceased, in their afflic- 
tion, our sympathies and condolence, commending them to 'Our 
Father in Heavea,' whom our brother loved, faithfully served, and 
in whose presence there are joys f<)revermore. 

" Jiesohed, That these resolutions be entered on the records of the 
society, and that a copy be presented to the family; also, that tbc 
same be furniphed the Granville Sentinel, JltniUl of Life, Living hsiie, 
and The ]yafcfiwor<.L 

"Ri:v. A. Hall. ■] 



■Ti 



Tkmplf 



"IJ. F. Ottaieson, 
" G. 11. Thompson 

"S. K. PoTTKIt, 

"K. R. JoNi:s, 
IN MEMORIAM. 

[The writer pens these lines, feelinjj; liow weak and feeble 
they are in expressing the grief and loss felt by our towns- 
men in the death of L. C. Thorne.] 

A great man has gone from the world's busy streets, 
And laid down the burden of life and its cares ; 

A bravc-hcarted worker, whom we neeied so much. 

But God called him in spite of our tears and our prayers. 

No pen can portray all his goodness of heart, — 

His hand ever ready the fallen to save; 
Kind-hearted and loving, and tender and true, — 

A ciniHC and unpeople will weep o'er his grave. 

'Mong the ransomed and blessed on the radiant shore 
Where is one more worthj' its glories to share? 

IHr work teas ice/l done, and God's fingers have placed 
Gems of love in the crown he forever will wear. 

Mourn not without hope, for your loved one has gone 
AVhcre no crire can disturb, or a sorrow shall come. 

lifif dead, nor yet shepinf/ ! oh, mystical words 
That thrill tu our hearts, he has ouly gone home! 



STEPHEN DILLINGHAM, 

Sim of Stephen and Amy Dillingham, was born in Granville, 
July 23, 1809. His father was born in Marshfield, ]Mass., 
and removed to Easton, Washington Co., and married 
Amy Tucker, a native of Chappaqua, N. Y., by whom 
seven children were born, of whom Stephen, Jr., is the 
fifth. Stephen, Sr., was an early settler in the county, Mid 
settled in Granville about 1800, and died at the age of 
about eighty-six, and wife about eighty. Stephen was 
reared a farmer, and this has been his occupation princi- 
pally through life. He married Miss Eliza E. Rogers, 
Oct. 17, 1827. She was born Sept. 9, 1809, in Danby, 
Vt., and settled in Granville about 1818, with her parents. 
By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dillingham live children 



were born, four of whom are living. Mr. Dillingham com- 
menced his married life by working in company with his 
brother-in-law, David Rogers, the home farm of Deliverance 
Rogers. This they continued for five years ; then Stephen 
removed on to another farm of D. Rogers for five yeai-s; 
then removed to Pawlet, Vt., and carried on another farm 
of Deliverance Rogers ; said farm contained about two hun- 
dred and seventy acres, which Deliverance Rogers gave to 
his daughter, Eliza R., at his death. 

Mr. Dillingham has been a very large farmer, raising 
stock and making butter and cheese being the principal 
business of his life. In politics lie is a Republican. 

He and his wife have always been members of the Soci- 
ety of Friends, and Mr. Dillingham is one of its most lib- 
eral supporters, and all the other calls of humanity find in 
him a sympathizer. He and Mrs. Dillingham are active 
workers in the temperance cause. About ISfiG, Mr. Dil- 
lingham sold out his farm and removed to Granville, and 
in 1876 purchased his present home, a view of which, and 
portrait.s of himself and wife above, may be seen elsewhere 
in this work. 



OTIS DILLINGHAM, 

son of Stephen and Amy Dillingham, was born in Gran- 
ville, Washington Co., N. Y., eighteenth of the eleventh 
month, 1811. His father, Stephen, was born in 1773, in 
Mar.shfield, Mass., and settled in Easton, Washington Co., 
in 1792. Stephen married Amy Tucker, in 1795. She 
was born in Chappaqua, N. Y., in 1775, and removed to 
Queensbury, Warren Co., while young, in company with 
her parent.^!. For five or six years after their marriage 
they lived in Easton, and then settled in Granville, where 
they continued to reside till their death. Otis was reared 
a farmer, and has followed it successfully ever since. His 
advantages for an education were limited, but by reading 
and reflection he has acquired a good practical education. 

He married Elizabeth Keese, a native of Peru, N. Y., 
twelfth of first month, 1832. She was born first of third 
month, 1810. By this union five children were born, 
three of whom, John K., Hannah K., and Elizabeth, are 
now living ; Edwin and Deborah are dead. Mr. Dillingham 
carried on his father's farm for thirty consecutive years 
after his marriage and until the death of his parents. 
During this time he had saved nearly enough so that he 
could pay off the heirs and become the sole owner of the 
old homestead of one hundred and ninety acres, to which 
he has added until now he owns some two hundred and 
fifty acres, on which are some of the very best farm-build- 
ings in the count}', together with a fine park and numerous 
trees which shade the entire premises, a view of which may 
be seen in another part of this work, with portraits of Mr. 
and Mrs. Dillingham above. Elizabeth Dillingham died 
the tenth of first month, 1845. Mr. Dillingham married 
Lydia Barker, a daughter of Isaac and Mary Barker, 
eleventh of third month, 1846. She was born twenty- 
fifth of twelfth month, 1821, in White Creek, Wa.shington 
Co., N. Y. Mr. Dillingham and both of his wives were 
birthright members of the Society of Friends, and were 
married according to the order of that society. In politics 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mr. Dillingham has always affiliated with tlie Republican 
party, but always preferred the quiet of domestic life to 
any political honors. He is one of the most highly-re- 
spected citizens in the town, and his life has been spent in 
trying to build up the moral and religious interest of his 
community. He is an upright citizen and an honest man. 
He is liberal iu his views and accords to others what he 
claims for himself Mr. and Mrs. Dillingham are among 
the earnest workers in the temperance cause of Granville, 
giving of their means to support that great and good 
cause. 

The historian wishes to say that no man in the county 
is more highly respected than JVIr. Dillingham, and no 
other man has done more to build up Granville than he. 
All men speak of him in the highest praise. 

We copy the following from the GnnwiUe Sentinel, of 
July 16, 1878: 

" Friday morning of last week our community was 
startled by the announcement that Otis Dillingham had 
been found dead in a field adjacent to his residence. He 
had started across the field, about eight o'clock a.m., in 
search of a choice cow which had strayed away from the 
barn, and his body was found about ten. No inquest was 
held. The physicians attribute the cause of his death to 
apoplexy. The deceased at the time of his death was 
about seventy years of age. He was born and lived here 
during his life. He has always been a member of the 
Society of Friends, and at the time of his death was presi- 
dent of the temperance organization. He was a man of 
great Christian principles, and a faithful champion for the 
promotion of the same in this community. We tender to 
the bereaved family and friends our most sincere .sympathies, 
recognizing that by their loss we, as a community, lose one 
of our noblest and most upright citizens. The funeral ob- 
sequies, which were largely attended, were held Sunday 
forenoon, at the Friends' meeting-house. Aaron Macy, of 
Hudson, and Thomas Fouk, of New York, ministers of 
that society, conducted the services. Remarks were also 
made by our village clergy. A large number of persons 
were present from Cambridge, Salem, Whitehall, and ad- 
joining towns." 



DEACON NOAH DAY AND HIS SON, 
MARCUS T. C. 

Deacon Noah Day is the son of Noah Day, Sr., and 
Alice, his wife, and was born in Killingly, Ct., Oct. 16, 
1789. He is one of a family of nine children, namely: 
Luther, Ilosea, Ruth, Hannah, Edith, Noah, David, Lydia, 
and Alva. Of this large and intelligent family, Noah and 
Alva are the only ones now living. 

The Day family is of Welsh origin, three brothers having 
come to America and settled in the New England States 
among the early settlers there. From those three brothers 
have descended some of the most intelligent and esteemed 
citizens ia our country, and many of their descendants 
have filled some of the most responsible positions in the 
gift of the people. They will be found in all the profes- 
sions of life, — on the bench, at the bar, in the ministry, 
professors or presidents of colleges, in all the manufacturing 
29 



interests, as well as mercantile and agricultural pursuits. 
The family of whom we write were and are fiirmers. 

Noah, Sr., was born Feb. 14, 1757, and removed to 
South Granville with his family in 1792 or 1793, and 
settled on the farm now owned by the grandson, Marcus 
T. C. Day. He died Jan. 10, 1840, having lived a good 
and useful life. He was a member of the Congregational 
church at South Granville, and deacon of the same. His 
wife died some years before ; she was a member also. 

Noah, Jr., was about four years of age when he came to 
South Granville with his parents, and this has been his 
home ever since. He continued to live with his parents 
till their death on the home-farm. 

He married on the 11th of June, 1812, Susan, daughter 
of William and Susan Wilson. She was born in Hebron. 
By this alliance four children were born ; two died in in- 
fancy. Their daughter, Mary E., married David W. Her- 
ron, and now resides with her father at South Granville, 
and the son, Marcus T. C, resides in Granville. 

In 1842, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Day joined the Congrega- 
tional church at South Granville, and Mr. Day was chosen 
deacon of the same in 1845, and continued till age com- 
pelled him to give place to some younger man. Mr. and 
Mrs. Day have always taken a deep interest in everything 
which pertains to the best interest of the church and 
society. Mr. Day has always been, and is now, though in 
his eighty-ninth year, one of the pillars of the church, 
always contributing largely to its maintenance. Mrs. Da)', 
having lived a good and useful life, passed away on the 12th 
of November, 1867, leaving a name which will grow 
brighter and brighter as the ages go by. In polities Mr. 
Day has been a Whig and Republican. He has never 
aspired to any political offices, though he has filled some. 
He has always been a fiirmer, and to-day is the owner of 
some three hundred and sixty acres of good land. At this 
writing (June, 1878) his mind is just as good as it ever 
was. He has lived longer in this town than any other man 
now living, and remembers well the things which transpired 
here more than eighty years ago. He is now at South 
Granville with his daughter, Mary E. Herron. Though his 
mind is so good, and his memory brings to view the in- 
cidents of his long and useful life, he reviews the past 
with no apprehensions of the future, only waiting for the 
time when the Master shall say, "It is enough: come up 
higher." 

Of his son, Marcus T. C. Day, little need be said in 
this connection. He inherited from his parents those 
manly virtues of mind and heart that ever characterized 
them, and to-day is one of the good, substantial business 
men of Granville. He was born in South Granville, Feb. 
23, 1821, and was married to Miss Elizabeth B. Potter, 
daughter of Stacy and Cynthia Potter, Dec. 21, 1843. 
Mrs. Day was born May 19, 1821, in Hampton. By 
this happy union three children were born, namely : David 
L., who died at the age of two years and four months ; 
Annette C, who married Mr. Willard J. Whitney, and 
now resides on the home-farm of her father at South 
Granville; and Noah G., who died at the age of one year 
and seven months. Mr. Day has been a farmer, and May 
3, 1877, left his farm for a home in Granville, where he 



226 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



now resides. In politics a Whig and Republican. He 
has been poormaster of his town ; assessor for six years ; 
chorister of the Congregational church at South Granville 
for more than thirty years ; county superintendent of the 
poor for six years. He is one of the board of managers 
of the Washington County Agricultural Society ; director 
in the Granville National Bank ; secretary and treasurer 
of the Union Dairymen's Board of Trade, Now York ; and 
president, salesman, and treasurer of the Granville Cheese- 
Manufacturing Co., No. 5, at South Granville. 



DANIEL WOODARD. 

Among the representative men of Granville, none are 
more highly spoken of than the subject of this sketch. He 
is the son of Daniel and Anna Woodard, and was born in 



namely, Lucina, Abraham, Archibald, William, Daniel, 
Lucinda, Mary, Anna, Martha, Phebe, and Eli. Martha 
and Eli are dead ; all the rest are married and settled in 
life, and, as a whole, are an industrious and intelligent 
class of people. Daniel was a farmer, and a very success- 
ful one, rearing his family to industry and economy. He 
and his faithful wife, early in life, united with the Baptist 
church at Hebron, and ever remained steadfast to the faith 
of his younger days. On their sixtieth anniversary they 
celebrated the occasion by having their children, grandchil- 
dren, and great-grandchildren meet them at the "old home." 
They continued to live together until 1877, when both died 
in May, there being only eleven days between their deaths ; 
the mother died first. Daniel, Jr., son of the above, was 
reared on the farm, and continued to follow it until 1875. 
His advantages for an education were limited to the com- 
mon schools, yet by reading and reflection he has to-day a 




DANIEL WOODARD. 



Hebron, Aug. 31, 1822. His father was born in Hebron, 
Jan. 28, 1792. His grandfiither, Archibald Woodard, 
was a native of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co., N. Y., and 
born about 1770. His great-grandfiither, Samuel Wood- 
ard, was a native of England, and emigrated to America, 
and settled in Dutchess county, a great many years before the 
Revolutionary war. Archibald Woodard settled in Hebron 
about 1787 ; by occupation a farmer. He reared a family 
of eight children, all of whom lived to be grown. He mar- 
ried Miss Anna Scott, a native of Dutchess county. She 
died in 1837, and Mr. Woodard died in 1838. Mr. Woodard 
was considered one of the wealthy men of his day. Daniel, 
Sr., was one of his eight children, and was born Jan. 28, 
1792 ; he was reared a farmer. He married Miss Anna 
Case, a daughter of Abram and Naomi Case, about 1813. 
Mrs. Woodard was born in Hebron, in 1794. By the 
union of Mr. and Mrs. Woodard eleven children were born, 



good practical business education. When about twenty 
years of age he made a trip to Wisconsin on business for 
his father, and was gone about a year. He married Miss 
Miriam McNitt, daughter of James and Lydia McNitt, of 
Salem, Jan. 7, 1845. She was born in Salem, April, 1826. 
By this alliance ten children were born, namely, Lydia, 
Emma, James Me., Frances, Daniel D., Martin, Eli, Archi- 
bald, Miriam, and Lucina. Of these, Frances and Archibald 
are dead. 

Mr. Woodard has been one of the large farmers of the 
county. Duriug this time, in 1865, he was elected vice- 
president of the National bank of Salem, and held that po- 
sition until he was elected president of the National bank 
in Granville, in 1875, which position he still continues to 
hold. In 1875, Mr. Woodard came to Granville, but did 
not remove his family until June, 1876. When he was 
twenty-six years of age he joined the Baptist church ; his 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



227 



wife jiiined at the same time. Since coming to Granville 
Mv. Woodard has been chosen deacon of the Baptist church. 
Ho has always been a very liberal man in the support of 
schools and churches, and was one of the principal men who 
gave liberally to build the present Baptist church and par- 
sonage. In politics Mr. Woodard formerly affiliated with 
the Democratic party ; but when the first gun was fired on 
Fort Sumter, on April 15, 18G1, he was one of the first to 
come out in the support of the war and of the putting down 
of the Rebellion. He found himself in accord with the Re- 
publican party, and, since 1861, has been affiliating with 
that ■ party. He is now fifty-six years of age, hale and 
hearty, enjoys the good-will of his neighbors, and seems to 
be surrounded by all the comforts of a happy home. 



EDWIN B. TEMPLE, 

SOD of Roswell and Elizabeth Temple, was born in Gran- 
ville, Jan. 8, 1825. His father was a native of Hartford, 
Washington Co., N. Y., and born June 3, 1801. His 
grandfather, Roswell Temple, was a native of Shrewsbury, 
Massachusetts, and married Betsey Baker, a native of Mas- 
sachusetts, by whom eleven children were born, — four sons 
and seven daughters. Roswell Temple, Sr., was among the 
early settlers of this county ; Roswell, Jr., was one of that 
large family. He married Elizabeth Case, January, 1824. 
She was born in Hebron, Washington Co., Aug. 8, 1803. 
By this union seven children were born, — six sons and one 
daughter ; and five sons are now livirtg. Mrs. Elizabeth 
(Case) Temple's parents, Mr. Abraham and Mrs. Naomi 
Case, were the first pioneers of Hebron, save a French 
family in West Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y. Roswell 
Temple, Jr., removed to Poultney, Rutland Co., Vt., when 
nine years of age, and in 1820 removed back to Granville, 
Washington Co., N. Y., and since then, for the greater part 
of the time, has been living in Hebron, where he now re- 
sides. Edwin B. was reared a farmer, and early learned 
those principles of industry and economy which are the 
cardinal principles in every successful man's life. At the 
age of twenty he left home to seek his own fortune. He 
commenced by working by the month, in Vermont, on the 
farm ; then followed making walls for some five years, then 
a year on the farm, then worked land on shares for two 
years. Sept. 5, 1852, he married Miss Mary Woodard, a 
native of Hebron, and who was born March 21, 1827. 
Her parents were natives of Hebron also. By the union 
of Mr. and Mrs. Temple eight children have been born, 
namely, — first, an infant, dead ; Charlotte E. ; Orla M. ; 
Roswell, who died at the age of three ; Ilorton, who died 
at the age of two; Edwin B., died at the age of five; 
Ralph R. ; and Roscoe C, died at the age of three. Mr. 
Temple settled in Hebron soon after he was married, and 
remained there twelve years ; thence to Granville in the 
spring of 1865, and purchased the Hopkins farm, one and 
a half miles from Pawlet, Vermont ; remained there a year 
and a half; then went to Salem, and resided seven months ; 
thence to Hebron. In 1868 came to Granville, on the 
place which he now owns, a view of which, and portraits 
of himself and wife above, may be .seen elsewhere. 



Mr. Temple's business has been a farmer and a general 
dealer in stock and wool and produce generally. In all his 
business transactions he has been generally successful, and 
to-day ranks among the enterprising and intelligent citizens 
of Granville. In politics he affiliates with the Republican 
party. For the past three years, ending March 2, 1878, 
Mr. Temple has held the office of supervisor of his town, 
and that to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He 
has been vice-president of the Granville National bank 
since its organization in the fall of 1875, and was one of 
the prime movers in the formation of said bank. Mrs. 
Temple is a member of the Baptist church, and Mr. Tem- 
ple is a regular attendant of the same. 



TRUMAN TEMPLE. 

Among the enterprising citizens and successful farmers 
of Granville may be mentioned the subject of this sketch. 
He is the son of Roswell and Elizabeth Temple, and was 
born in Hebron, March 5, 1834. His youthful days were 
spent on the fiirm, where he early imbibed those principles 
of success which have been the mainspring to his success 
in after-years. His advantages for an education were eon- 
fined to the common school until he was about fifteen years 
of age. He worked for his parents until he was nineteen, 
when his father gave him his time. At this early age he 
commenced to work land on .shares for two years. In 1855 
— March 28 — he was married to Miss Sarah Welch, who 
was born in Hebron, Feb. 15, 1837. Mr. Luther Welch 
was born in Warren Co., N. Y., and his wife, Phebe Tan- 
ner, was born in Granville. Mr. Welch is of Welsh origin, 
whose grandfather. came to America and settled in the New 
England States. 

By the union of IMr. and Mrs. Truman Temple four chil- 
dren were born, namely, Levi D., Alice M., Elizabeth C., 
and Laura P., all of whom are living. Soon after Mr. 
Temple was married he purchased a farm in Hebron of one 
hundred and two acres, on which he lived about one year ; 
he then bought, in company with his brothers, Luther and 
Abram, a farm of two hundred and thirty-five acres, at 
South Granville. Mr. Temple resided there five years, and 
in 1861 he sold out to his brother Luther his interest, and 
purchased a farm lying just south, containing some one 
hundred and eighty-six acres in all. Sold that in 1868, 
removed to Hebron, and remained three years, living on a 
small place, and in 1871 settled on his present fine ftirni of 
two hundred and thirty-five acres. He now owns one of 
the very best farms in the county ; none are superior. It 
lies on the east side of the Mettowee river, and extends east 
to the State line of Vermont. The buildings are fine, as 
may be seen by reference to a view of the same in another 
part of this work. In politics Mr. Temple is a Republican, 
and for two terms has been excise commissioner. Mr. 
and Mrs. Temple have been members of the Baptist church 
for twenty-nine years, and are among its liberal supporters. 
The cause of temperance has Mr. and Mrs. Temple's hearty 
'support. At the present time Mr. Temple is chairman of 
the Temperance Reform Club, at Granville. He succeeded 
Leonard C. Thome, upon the death of the latter, in the 
spring of 1878. 



228 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



LUTHER R. TEMPLE, 

third son of Roswell and Elizabeth Temple, was born in 
Granville, November 28, 1829. He lived with his parents 
till he was twenty, then worked by the month for three 
years, then carried on land for three years, making his 
home with his parents. He married Miss Delia M. Smith, 
daughter of Eli and Eunice Smith, of Hebron, April 9. 
1856. Mrs. Temple is the oldest of three children ; two 
only are living. Mr. Smith was a native of North Hebron, 
and Mrs. Smith of White Creek. Mr. Smith's father, 
Nathan, was born in Connecticut, and was, with his father, 
Aaron Smith, one of the early pioneers of Hebron. Mrs. 
Temple's maternal grandparents came from Rhode Island, 
and settled in White Creek very early. Mr. and Mrs. 
Temple have had four children, namely, William D., Eli 
S., Mary C, and Eunice L., — all living. Mr. Temple .set- 
tled on his present farm in 1856. He owns some two 
hundred and thirty-two acres of good, productive land in 
South Granville, on which are good buildings. In politics 
a Republican, he has been assessor for nine years. He is a 
director in the National bank at Granville. 

In November, 18C5, Mr. Temple joined the Bapti.st 
church in North Hebron, and has been clerk for many 
years, and is now. He has been Sunday-school superin- 
tendent for some three terms, and is one at present. He is 
one of the liberal supporters of the Baptist society. Mrs. 
Temple joined Dec. 3, 1848, and has been a member ever 
since. Mr. and Mrs. Temple are active workers in the 
temperance cause at South Granville, and he has been pres- 
ident. Mrs. Delia M. Temple was born August 4, 1832. 



ROYAL C. BETTS. 

Among the leading attorneys of Washington county. 
Royal C. Betts, of Granville, justly takes his place. His 
success in the conduct of his cases, both as a counselor and 
advocate, is marked, and he has arisen to an eminence in the 
ranks of his profession alike honorable to himself and pleas- 
ing to his many friends. He was born June 18, 1835, at 
Pawlet, Rutland Co , Vt., being the fifth .son of John and 
Lydia (Loveland) Betts, and was educated at the common 
school and Troy Conference Academy. He obtained his 
education and profession by his own exertions, without the 
aid of influential friends or pecuniary means, paying the 
expenses thereof by teaching district school, which he 
taught seven consecutive winters. At the age of twenty 
he entered the law-office of Fayette Potter, Esq.. of Pawlet, 
Vt, and began the study of the law. He remained in this 
office one year, and in the winter of 1856 went to Gran- 
ville, and entered the law-office of 0. P. Thompson, Esq., 
and punsued his studies in this office until May, 1859, when 
he was admitted to the bar, and immediately began the 
practice of his profe.ssion at Granville, which he has steadily 
and successfully followed until the present time. In 1863 
he was elected special county judge of Washington county, 
and again elected in 1867, holding the office eight years. 
In the spring of 1867 he was elected supervisor of his 
town, and re-elected in 1868. In the fall of 1868 he was 
elected district attorney of the county, and re-elected in 1871 , 



holding the office six years. In politics a Republican, com- 
mencing political life with the birth of the party, has been 
an earnest supporter and advocate of the principles of the 
party since its organization. 

On the 12th of February, 1861, Mr. Betts was united in 
marriage to Miss Melissa E., daughter of Joseph and Me- 
lissa Van Vorst Holmes, and a granddaughter of John Van 
Vorst, one of the earliest settlers of the city of Schenec- 
tady, and a niece of Hon. Hooper C. Van Vorst, judge 
of the superior court of the city of New York. Mrs. 
Betts was born in Schenectady, Nov. 10, 1838. Of three 
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Betts there are now living 
Frederick Willis, born Jan. 7, 1862 ; Anna Van Vorst, 
born Sept. 27, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Betts are members of 
Trinity church, Granville, he being one of the vestry. 

Mr. Betts possesses a genial nature, which, added to his 
courtesy and affability, makes him a pleasant and entertain- 
ing companion, and wins him many warm friends. 



SEYMOUR L. POTTER. 

Among the native settlers of this county may be men- 
tioned Seymour L. Potter, having been born in Hampton, 
Washington Co., N. Y., July 5, 1826. He is the seventh 
child and fifth son of Stacy and Cynthia Potter. There 
were eight children in the family. The Potter family is 
of English origin. Christopher Potter married Elizabeth 
Baker ; both of them were natives of Rhode Island. 
They had nine children, — Stacy, John, Mary, Philip, Sal- 
lie, Hannah, Elizabeth, Phebe, and Jeremiah. They set- 
tled on the farm now owned by Seymour L. Potter in the 
year 1800. 

Christopher died June 2, 1842 ; Elizabeth, March 26, 
1848. They were members of the Society of Friends. He 
was a carpenter and joiner by trade. 

Stacy was born October 7, 1788, and married Cynthia 
Hitchcock March 25, 1809. They had eight children,— 
Mary, John H., Russel F., Charles W., Elizabeth, Philip, 
Seymour L., Daniel S. John H., Russel, and Philip died 
while young ; Stacy was principally a farmer, but he also 
worked at the carpenter and joiner trade. Stacy, soon after 
marriage, went to Hampton, and resided there till about 
1837, when he removed back on to his father's farm ; re- 
•sided here till March, 1856, and then removed to Granville, 
and died July 10, 1856. Mrs. Stacy Potter died February 
26, 1848. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. He was a prominent Methodist, and contributed 
liberally to the .support of schools and churches. In politics 
a Whig. He was commissioner and assessor of Hampton 
for several years. He was one of the leading men in the 
Methodist Episcopal church, and was class-leader and 
steward. 

Seymour L. worked for his parents till his majority; 
then worked three years by the month for one hundred 
dollars per year ; then purchased one-half of the old home. 
Married, April 11, 1850, Lucy L. Lee, daughter of David 
and Polly Lee. She was born April 1, 1829. They have 
four children, — Libbie M., David S., John, Marcus, — all 
living. Mr. Potter now owns three hundred and fifty acres. 





LiTif Br I H EvtPTs ^.Tc *■" 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



229 



on which are good buildings. He is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal church, and wife also. He is steward 
of the same. In politics, Republican ; stockholder and di- 
rector in cheese-factory No. 5, and assistant salesman. Mr. 
Potter is one of the prominent men and farmers of Gran- 
ville, and is a man held in high respect by those who know 
him. A view of his place, and portraits of himself and 
wife above, may be seen in another part of this work. 



J. L. McARTHUH. 

J. L. McArthur, editor and proprietor of the Granville 
semi-weekly Sentinel, is a man of large stature and of quiet 
dignity. He was born in Putnam, this county, March 16, 
1853, being a son of the late Wm. McArthur. His edu- 
cational advantages were very limited, attending a district 
school in the winter and laboring on his father's farm, and 
in his carriage-shop the other seasons. At an early age he 
developed a strong taste for journalism. His parents 
bitterly opposed his aspirations in this direction, but at the 
age of eighteen he was secretly furnishing articles of high 
merit for several city literary and political journals. At 
the age of twenty-one years, and in the fall of 1875, he left 
the farm and workshop and established the Granville Sen- 



tinel, the largest weekly publication in the county, and the 
success of which has been quite phenomenal. But his 
active mind and progressive disposition were not satisfied 
with the monotonous routine of weekly journalism, and in 
June, 1877, he changed the Sentinel to a semi-weekly. 
By strict application to business, by good judgment and 
his eminent journalistic ability, he has succeeded in making 
his journal the leading and most complete epitome of local 
and general events to be found in the county, its weekly 
circulation aggregating nearly five thousand copies. He 
has also one of the finest equipped steam printing-ofiices in 
the county. Jan. 15, 1878, he was united in holy matri- 
mony to Miss Anna A. Lewis, youngest daughter of Mrs. 
Isabel and the late Nathan Lewis. 



BENJAMIN F. OTTARSON. 

Benjamin F. Ottarson, of Granville, was born in Pawlet, 
Vt., and commenced business at Granville, N. Y., in the 
year 1840. He married, Oct. 31, 1843, Miss Nancy F. 
Richardson, of Poultney, Vt., whose father was born at 
Leominster, and her mother in Lancaster, Ma.ss. 

Mr. Ottarson's father was born in Londonderry, Vt., and 
his mother at Middletown (now Portland), Conn. 



A R G Y L E, 



This town lies in the central part of Washinjiton County. 
It derived its name from the Duke of Argyle, of Scotland, 
and as originally constituted included the towns of Port 
Edward and Greenwich. The latter was set off in 1803, 
and the former in 1818. The present area comprises nearly 
35,000 acres, and is bounded north by Kingsbury and 
Hartford, east by Salem and Hebron, south by Greenwich, 
and west by Fort Edward. 

The surface is broken by moderate-sized hills in the 
west, and in the east by mountainous elevations and ridges, 
the sides of some of which are very abrupt. Several of 
these have received local names, the most prominent being 
Todd's mountain. In the northern part of the town is a 
cedar swamp, and south of it, along the water-courses, are 
pleasant valleys. The entire surface was originally timbered 
with the various hard woods and white pine. The latter 
grew to large size in the southeastern section, and a limited 
quantity yet remains. The soil is a clayey loam, intermixed 
in some localities with gravel or disintegrated slate, and is 
remarkable for its productiveness. The various cereals are 
cultivated, and grass yields well. 

Argyle is well watered. Its principal stream is the 
Moses Kill (probably a corruption of Moss' Kill, from 
Captain Moss, who early lived near its mouth), which flows 
diagonally through the town from the northeast, and empties 
into the Hudson, in Fort Edward. It has several fair' 
sized tributaries, the largest being a brook which is the 
outlet of Mud lake. This body of water is chiefly on lot 
83, and is so called from the character of its banks and 
bottom. In the southern part of the town, on an elevation, 
is Argyle lake, whose crystal waters and enchanting scenery 
have made it a favorable resort. It is tributary to Cossa- 
yuna lake, in the southeast, and partly the boundary be- 
tween the town and Greenwich. In extent, Cossayuna 
lake is about three and a half miles long and half a mile 
wide. Its waters are deep and clear, and well stocked with 
fish. The lake is surrounded by hills covered with pines, 
and has a fine island near its northern extremity, much 
frecjuented by pic-nic parties. In the southern part of the 
town are also several mineral springs. 

The entire area of the town was comprised in the Argyle 
patent. We have already told the story, in the general 
history, of the advent in this country of Captain Laughlin 
Campbell, about 173S, with a large number of Highlanders, 
whom he intended to colonize in this vicinity, of his dis- 
appointment and death, and of the granting of a considei'- 
able tract to his children after the French war. This latter 
event inspired the surviving comrades of Campbell and their 
descendants to seek a similar recompense for their hard- 
ships and disappointments. 

Accordingly, on the 2d of March, 1764, Alexander Mc- 
230 



Naughton and one hundred and six others of the original 
Campbell immigrants and their descendants petitioned for 
one thousand acres to be granted to each of them, " to be 
laid out in a single tract between the head of South bay and 
Kingsbury, and reaching east towards New Hamp.shire and 
westwardly to the mountains in Warren county. The com- 
mittee of the council to whom this petition was referred 
reported May 21, 1764, recommending that forty-seven 
thou.sand seven hundred acres should be granted to them, 
between the tract already granted to Schuyler and others 
(Fort Edward), and the tract proposed to be granted to 
Turner and others (Salem). The grant was made out in 
conformity with the recommendation of the council, and 
specifies the amount of land that each individual of the pe- 
titioners is to receive, two hundred acres being the Iciist and 
six hundred acres being the most that any individual obtains. 
It also appoints five men as trustees, to divide and distrib- 
ute the lands as directed. By the same instrument, the 
tract was incorporated as a township, to be named Argyle, 
and to have a supervisor, treasurer, collector, two assessors, 
two overseers of highways, two overseers of the poor, and 
six constables, to be elected annually by the inhabitants on 
the first day of May." Dr. Fitch, further says, " It is com- 
monly reported, and is currently believed to this day, that 
this town was granted directly from the king. This is erro- 
neous. The charter emanated from the same source with, 
and is in all respects similar to, the charters of the adjoining 
towns." This grant included a largo portion of what is 
now the northern half of the town of Greenwich, and a por- 
tion of the town of Fort Edward. 

The Argyle patent was subject to the following condi- 
tions, under which, at that period, all public lands were 
granted, viz. : " An annual quitrent of two shillings and 
sixpence sterling was imposed on every one hundred acres, 
and all mines of gold and silver, and all pine-trees suitable 
for masts for the royal navy, namely, all which were twenty- 
four inches or more in diameter, twelve inches from the 
ground, were reserved to the crown." 

This patent is on record in the library at Albany in " Pat- 
ents," vol. iv. pages 3-17, and a copy on parchment is in the 
possession of Dr. H. G. Barton, of Argyle village. The 
instrument is so much faded that but little of the writing 
is legible, and only a portion of the royal seal remains, but 
enough to denote the insignia. 

The five trustees above provided were vested with power 
to execute title-deeds to the grantees if they should claim 
their lands. The first instruments of this nature were issued 
in the winter and spring of 1764-65, by Duncan Reid of 
the city of New York, gentleman; Peter Middleton of the 
same city, physician ; Archibald Campbell of the same city, 
merchant ; Alexander McNaughton of Orange county, /ar- 



HISTORY OF WASUINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



231 



mer ; and Neil Gillaspie of Ulster county, farmer, of the 
one part, and the grantees of the other part. The parch- 
ment deed of lot 44, granted by the above to Duncan Mc- 
Arthur, bears date Jan. 15, 17G5. 

While the application for the grant was yet pending, the 
petitioners evolved a grand scheme for the survey of tiicir 
prospective domain, which should include a stately street 
from the banks of the Hudson eastward through the tract, 
upon which each of the allottees was to have a town-lot, 
where he might enjoy the protection of near neighbors, as 
well as tlie benefits accruing from their companionship. In 
the rear of these town-lots were to be farm-lots, where the 
grantees might, in time, open extensive demesnes, to be 
occupied by their tenants. Pleased by this plan the trustees 
instructed the survey of the grant to be made as nearly in 
accordance with it as the lessened area permitted, the street 
to extend from west to east, and to set aside a glebe lot 
for the benefit of the minister and schoolmaster. The 
surveyors, Archibald Campbell, of Raritan, N. J., and 
Christopher Yates, of Schenectady, N. Y., began their 
labors June 19, 1764. A street twenty-four rods wide 
was projected, extending through the width of the grant as 
near the centre as practicable. North and south of this, 
bordering on it, were lots running back one hundred and 
eighty rods and varying in width, so as to contain from 
twenty to sixty acres. One hundred and forty-one lots 
were thus located, and numbered fi'om west, on the south 
side, to east, seventy-two lots in all. The remaining sixty- 
nine lots were on the north side. No. 141 being at the ex- 
treme west end. The survey of the farm-lots, also 141, 
began at tVie southwest corner, the numbers running north 
to No. 6, then south to No. 11, and so on until No. 29 was 
reached, when the numbers no longer followed in the 
order of location. North of the " street" the order was again 
regular, beginning with No. 74 at the southeast corner, 
thence north and south in reverse order until lot No. 141 
was reached. 

The grant was now allotted, but it was soon found that it 
was finer in theory than in practice. No allowance had 
been made for the nature of the country, and the magnifi- 
cent "street" was located over hills whose proportions pre- 
vented its u.se as a public highway, while some of its lots 
were uninhabitable. 

The following is a list of the grantees, the number of the 
lot and its contents being set opposite the name : 



Acres, 

1. Catherine Campbell 250 

2. Elizabeth Cargill 2.i0 

3. Allan McDonald 300 

4. Neil Gillaspie 4o0 

5. Mary Campbell 350 

6. Duncan McKerwan 350 

7. Ann MoAnthony 250 

8. Mary McGowne 300 

9. Catherine McLean 300 

10. Mary .Anderson 300 

U. Archibald McNeil 300 

12. Dougall McAlpine 300 

13. David Lindsey 250 

14. Elizabeth Campbell 300 

15. Ann McDuffie 350 

16. Donald MoDougall 300 

17. Archibald McGowne 300 

18. Eleanor Thompson 300 

19. Duncan McDuffie 350 

-20. Duncan Reid 600 

21. John McDuffie 250 

22. Dougall McKallor 550 



23. Daniel Johnson 330 

24. Archibald Campbell 250 

25. William Hunter 300 

26. Duncan Campbell 300 

27. Elizabeth l-'razcr 200 

28. Alexander Campbell 360 

Glebe lot 500 

29. Daniel Clark 350 

43. Elizabeth Campbell 300 

44. Duncan McArthur 450 

45. John Torrcy 300 

46. Malcom Campbell 300 

47. Florence McKenzifc 200 

48. John MoKenzie 300 

49. Jane Cargill 250 

50. John McGowan 300 

59. John McEwcn 500 

60. John McDonald 300 

61. James McDonald 400 

62. Mary Belton 300 

72. Rachael Neviu 300 

7.3. James Cargill 400 



liots 29, 43, 44, 50, and G2 are partly in Greenwich, as 
the bounds are at present located, and the other lots, from 
29 to 73, not above enumerated, are wholly in that town 
and Salem. Their allottees will be given in connection 
with tho.se towns. 

The following lots arc north of the '• street :" 



71. 


John Cargill 


. 300 


103. 


Morgan McNeil 


250 


iti. 


Duncan McDougiill... 


. 300 


104. 


Malcom McDuffie 


550 


70. 


Alexander Christie... 


. 350 


10.6. 


Florence McVarick.... 


300 


n. 


Alc.\. Montgomery.... 


. 600 


106. 


Archibald McEwcn 


3111) 


7S. 


Marian Campbell 


. 250 


107. 


Neil Mcl),mald 


5IM> 


79. 


John Gilchrist 

Angus McDougall.... 


. 300 
. 300 


lO.S. 
109. 


Jill,,.- Cilli. 




.SO. 


A, .I,,!,:, Ill .M,- Dougall. 


450 


SI. 


Duncan McGuire 


. 500 


no. 


iM;,ii:.„ M. K»..n 


200 


S2. 


Edwar.l McK:,ll„r..,. 


. 500 


HI. 


rut.u:k .M.^V.thur 


350 


.S3. 


Alexiui.l.'r (ri!,.|,,i,i.. 


. 300 


112. 


John McGowne, Jr.... 


250 


84. 


Arcliilr:,!.! \l,c, ,11,11,1. 


. 360 


113. 


John Shaw, Sr 


300 


85. 


Archil,;. Id .M, ( ,,ii-.... 


. 300 


114. 


Angus Graham 


.300 


86. 


John JleCartcr 


. 350 


115. 


Edward McCoy 


300 


87. 


Neil Shaw 


. 600 


116. 


Duncan Campbell, Jr. 


300 


88. 


Duncan Campbell. ... 


. 300 


117. 


Jenette Ferguson 


250 


89. 


Roger McNeil 


. 300 


118. 


Hugh McElorov 


200 


90. 


Elizabeth Rav 


. 200 


119. 


Dougall Thomijson 


400 


91. 


James Nutt 


. 300 


120. 


Marv Graham. 


300 


92. 


D(mald McDuffie 


. 350 


121. 


R..l..rl M.'Mj.ino 


.300 


93. 


George Campbell 


. 300 


122. 


1 a.. Ti.ilur 


600 


94. 


Jane Widrow 


. 300 


123. 


I';ii/;,l"ll: r;,l,|well 


250 


9-> 


John McDougall 

Archibald McCartcr.. 


. 400 
. 300 


124. 
125. 


WilHuni rhiili 




90. 


Barbara McAllister.... 


300 


97. 


Charles McAllister.... 


. 300 


126. 


Mary Anderson 


300 


«S. 


William Graham 


. 300 


127. 


Donald McMullin 


460 


99. 


Hugh McDougall 


. 300 


130. 


John Shaw, Sr 


300 


100. 


James Campbell 


. 300 


131. 


Duncan Lindsey 


300 


101 


George McKenzie 

John McCartcr 


. 400 
400 


132. 
133. 


Daniel Shaw 




102. 


John Campbell 


300 



Ten lots, comprehended between Nos. 127 and 146, are 
comprised in the bounds of Fort Edward, and their allot- 
tees will be given in the history of that town. Each of the 
foregoing had a ''street" lot, with a corresponding number, 
and containing just one-tenth the area of the fiirm lots ; 
thus a lot of two hundred acres, the smallest area of a farm 
lot, had a "street" lot containing twenty acres, etc. 

A number of the grantees, among them the Reid, Gillis, 
McNeil, McKallor, Gilchrist, Taylor, and other families, 
came on to possess their lands ; and in some instances their 
descendants yet retain them. Others never claimed their 
lands, which were left unoccupied for a time, then pa.ssed 
into the hands of other settlers, or squatters, who were 
generally left in undisputed possession. 

This state of affairs, in connection with the large .size of 
the lots, had the effect of retarding the settlement of Ar- 
gyle, so that for the first forty years it did not keep apace 
with other towns, where the acquisition of small farms was 
more practicable. 

With more inviting conditions came a large number of 
settlers whose zeal in developing the true interests of the 
town soon gave it a position which has been retained to 
this day. 

Among a number who came about the same time the 
honor of being 

THE FIRST SETTLERS 

is shared, and equal credit must be accorded. 

Duncan McArthur was one of the Campbell immigrants, 
and drew lot 44. In the spring of 1765 he came on to 
his land, putting up a rude hut, in which he lived several 
years. In 1775 he put up a house of rude timbers, seven 
by sixteen inches, notched at the ends so that the logs 
touched each other in the wall. Its size was twenty by 



232 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



twenty-four feet, and at the cast end stood a huge stone fire- 
place and chimney, the capacity of which for fuel and sniolce 
was almost unlimited. The logs were taken down and 
put together a number of times, and the house stood in 
one form or other nearly a hundred years. McArthur was 
a brother-in-law of James and Alexander Campbell. His 
daughter, Margaret, born in 1767, married John Reid, 
whose son. Deacon John Raid., yet lives on the McArthur 
homestead. Duncan McArthur died in 1813, at the age 
of eighty-four years. 

The above-named John Reid was a son of William 
Reid, a millwright, who settled in Salem in 1768, and 
afterwards in Argyle, dying in 1833, aged ninety-five 
years. The sons of John Reid vrere Alexander, John, 
the deacon, Thomas, yet living in North Greenwich, 
Arthur, the author of " Reminiscences of the Revolution," 
and Archibald, who became a minister. The first and last 
two are dead. The brothers of the elder John Reid were 
William, — who had among his sous, William, a physician, — 
James, and John W. Another brother, Joseph, also reared 
a large family. 

James Gillis, the grantee of lot lOS, which is on the 
road between Argyle village and North Argyle, also came 
about 1765. His sons were James, John, Archibald, and 
Alexander, who reared large families, and many descend- 
ants live in town, some of them on the homestead. 

George Kilmore, or Kilmer, was not an original grantee, 
but was an early .settler, and one of the largest land-owners 
of his time. He came about 1768, purchased the mill 
site, which he improved, and put up a square log house, 
which stood until a few years ago. He had three sons, 
Simon, Adam, and Henry, whose descendants remain in 
town ; also a number of daughters, one of whom was mar- 
ried to John Allen, whose massacre by the Indians is de- 
tailed elsewhere. 

Duncan Taylor, the allottee of lot No. 122, came in the 
summer of 1765, with a family of two sons and five daugh- 
ters. One of the latter married a McNaughton, another 
Peter MoEachroo, and a third, David Smith. Of the 
sons, John became the father of Duncan, John, James, and 
Archibald. The first-named is the only survivor, living in 
the village, at the age of eighty-eight. Most of the Tay- 
lors have died in town. 

Duncan Gilchrist, settled in northern Argyle about 1770. 
He had several sons, — Duncan, the father of John, James, 
and Archibald, and John, the father of Alexander and 
others. They became a numerous family. 

Archibald McNeil, also one of the grantees, settled on 
lot 11. Here one of his sons, Archibald, wandered into 
the woods, and was seen no more. His other sons were 
John and Alexander. The former reared John, Archibald, 
Alexander, Daniel, and Robert ; and the latter a large 
family. The McNeils in town number several hundred. 

The Robertson family settled on lot 10-1, the sons being 
David, John, Nicholas, Robert, William, and Joseph ; and 
their numerous descendants became well-known citizens. 

Dr. Andrew Proudfit, a son of Rev. James Proudfit, of 
Salem, settled just north of the village, about 1790, as a 
physician. His sons were James, Andrew, John, William, 
Hugh, and Alexander. 



Judge Ebcnezer Clark, a son of Dr. Clark, of Salem, 
came about the same time, and was a prominent man. He 
had three sons, — Thomas N., Ralph, and John. 

IJdward Riggs was an early settler on the " street." The 
house stands as erected nearly one hundred years ago. 

Daniel Reid, who became the owner of the mills at 
Argyle, was an old citizen, and related to the Reids of 
Greenwich. 

Casparus Bain was one of those living on the lower 
Hudson that followed the first settlers. But he died be- 
fore moving to his new home, and the widow, with her 
sons, Ca.sparus, Hugh, Philip, William, James, and John, 
came on, and their descendants yet live in town. 

William Bishop, with his sons John and Archibald, 
came before the Revolution and settled in the southern 
part of the town ; soon after came John Harsha and his 
sons, James and John ; and members of these families yet 
live in town. 

In the same locality settled James, John, and Archibald 
McDougall, the McKallors, McKalpins, McQuaries, Lind- 
seys, Tinkeys, and Gifibrds, and other families of note. 

In the neighborhood of Cossayuna lake was Adam Dings, 
with a large fomily, and Peter and Neal McEachron. The 
former became a centenarian. His sons were John, Daniel, 
Simon, and George. Neal McEachron had six sons, — Jacob, 
Daniel, Cornelius, Philip, John, and Peter. Their de- 
scendants are very numerous. 

John Todd was an early settler on lot 85, which yet 
remains in the Todd family, having passed into the hands 
of John, Jr., born in 1790, and from him to his sons 
Thomas, David, and George, who now occupy it. The 
mountain in the neighborhood is named after the family. 

Daniel Stevenson settled at North Argyle before 1800, 
on lands formerly owned by John Johnson, an early settler 
who removed. Stevenson was a prominent man, but had 
no family. A brother, John Stevenson, settled in the 
southern part of the town, having sons, — William and Dan- 
iel. The latter lives at North Argyle. 

Among other early settlers here are members of the fol- 
lowing families : Williams, McDougall, Lester, Austin, 
Patten, Clapp, Robinson, Fenton, and Harsha. 

In the western part of the town lived John Smith, a 
Revolutionary soldier, whose son, Henry Smith, who died 
in January, 1878, was born on the place more than eighty- 
six years ago. The latter served in the War of 1812. 

Joseph Rouse settled at the village about 1800. He 
was a tailor by trade, and made clothing for the ofiicers in 
1812. Of the five sons he reared, John C., George, and 
Calvin live in town. Other old settlers at this place are 
John Ross, A. M. Rowan, and Dr. James Savage. 

The names of many others who lived in the town at an 
early period, and who were prominent in its history, can be 
seen by reference to the lists of town ofiicers, church ofli- 
cials, etc.- In 1815 the jury-list showed the residence in 
town of thirty-seven yoemen, one hundred and forty-five 
farmers, three joiners, five blacksmiths, two saddlers, three 
shoemakers, one surveyor, one inn-keeper, one doctor, two 
lawyers, and ten merchants. In 1845 the population was 
sixteen hundred and nine males and sixteen hundred and 
thirty-two females. 





Zlizabzth Reid. 



John rzid. 




&EORGE C.DENNIS. 





Jas.Willmmson, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



233 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 
The record of the first town-meeting bears date April 2, 
1771, and states that the meeting "was to regulate laws 
and to choose officers." This assembly was called, doubt- 
less, by virtue of the power granted by the Argyle patent, 
since the town was not officially organized by the State 
council until March 28, 1786. Tiie records mention the 
presence of Esquires MoNaughton and Campbell, but do 
not state where the meeting was held. The officers elected 
were ; Supervisor, Duncan Campbell ; Town Clerk, Archi- 
bald Brown ; Collector, Roger Reid ; Assessors, Archibald 
Campbell, Neal Shaw; Constables, John Offery, John 
McNiel; Poor Masters, James Gilles, Archibald McNicl ; 
Road Masters, Duncan Lindsey, Arcliibald Campbell ; 
Fence Viewers, Duncan McArthur, John Gilchrist. 

LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 

From 1771 to 1S7S the following have been the princi- 
pal officers; the first named justices of the peace having 
been elected for constitutional terms: 



Supe: 



CoMi'Ctyr.^. 



T.iwn Clerks. , 

1772. Duncan Campbell. ArchibaU Gampbell. Roger Reid. 

1773. " '• ••' " " " 

1774. " " " " " « 

1775. " 
177(). " 



Kthvard Patterson. 



John McNeil. 
Duncan (lilcbrist. 



1779. 

1750. " " 

1751. Roger Reid. 

1752. " " 

1753. James Bcatty. 
John McNaughton 
Peter Fiers. 

17S4,. Duncan McArthur. 

James Beatty. 
I7S,i. " " Alex. McDougal 

KSii. " " John MeNeil. 

Duncan McArthur. 

John McKnight. 

1787. Adiel Sherwood. 
William Reid. 

1788. " " 

1789. " " 

1790. " " 

1791. " 

1792. " " 

1793. " " 
179i. " " 

1705. " " 

1706. " " 

1797. " 

1798. " " 

1799. " " 

1800. " " 

1801. John Hay. 
1S02. William Reid. 

1803. Alexander' Cowan 

1804. " 

1805. Alex. McLangall. 
1800. " 



Duncan McArthur. 

" " Alexauder Gilchrist. 

Robert Christie. 

Duncan Gilchrist. John McFail. 



John McNeil. 



John White, Jr 



John Lind.-ey. 
Duncan Mclut 



Neal McEachrou. 

Neil Gillasjiie. 
Alexander Taylor 
James Gillis, Jr. 
David Tetrt. 
Hector Gillis. 



James Magee. 



Amos I.eigh 



Nathaniel (i.age. 
Amos Leigh. 



Neal McCounellee. 



Edward Riggs. 

I'cleg Bragg. " '* 

1807. Neal McConncllec. Anth'y M. Hoffman. Ichabod Davis. 

1808. " " " " Daniel McNeil. 

1809. " " " " 

ISIO. " " " " Amos Lci-h. 

1811. " 

I81-.'. John Reid. 

30 



Suitcrviso 
John Reid. 



ISl:!. 

ISM. 

181.i. 

1810. 

1817. 

1818. 

ISIU. 

1820. 

182L 

1822. 

1823. 

1824. 

1825. 

1825. 

1S27. 

1828. 

1829. 

1830. 

1831. 

1832. 

18.33. 

1834. 

1835. 

1830. 

1837. 

1838. 

1S39. 

1840. 

1841. 

1842. 

1843. 

1844. 

1845. 

1840. 

1847. 

1848. 

1849. 

1850. 

1851. 

1852. 

1853. 

1854. 

1855. 

1850. 

1857. 

1858. 

1859. 

1860. 

18G1. 

1862. 

1863. 

1861. 

180.5. " 

1866. " 

1SG7. John C. Sill. 

1868. " 

1869. " " 

1870. " " 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 



Alexander Gillis 
John Robinson. 



William Reid. 



Ransom Stiles. 



William R. Mills. 
Ransom Stiles. 
Anthony McK.-illor. 



David Sill. 

James Savage. 

.Jesse S. Leigh. 

Ransom Stiles. 
Freeman Hopkins. 

John Robcrtsoa. 

William Boyd. 

James Stewart, Jr. 

AVilliam Congdon. 

Arehib'd M. Rowan. 
Willi.am Clapp. 

Ransom Stiles. 
David Hall. 
Edward Riggs. 
William Lendrum. 

Alex. P. Robinson. 

Robert G. Hall. 

Charles G. Harsha. 

David ILill. 



Town Clorka. Collectors. 

Anth'y .M. Hoffman. Philip Gifford. 

" " Samuel Leigh. 

Daniel McNeil. 

" " Archib'd.!. Gilchrist 

Ransom Stiles. " " 

David McNeil. 



Charles McKallor. Duncan Thompson. 



1875. 
1876. 



George Shannon. 
David McDougall. 
Wm. Lendruui. 



John Ross. 
Duncan Tavlor. 



.Tames McDougall. 
.Tames Stewart. 
Gideon Caswel. 
Cornelius S. WilleU 
Daniel McNeil. 
David M. Harsha. 



Robert G. llall. 
Freeman UopUins. David M. Harsha. 

" " Chester Dennis. 

Henry K. White. " " 

John D. .McNeil. 
Lucius Cottrell. 

" " Joseph Ashton. 

Archih'd M. Rowan. " " 

" " .Tames (X Harsha. 

Alex. McFadden. Artcmas J. Rowland. 

William S. Ashton. Joseph H. Sloan. 

John C. Rouse. 



John T. Taylor. 
John C. Rouse. 
Alex. McFaddcu. 

Geo. M. Robinson. 
Boyd Madden. 

Andrew J. White. 



David 0. Crawford. 
Charles W. Taylor. 



Daniel M. White. 

John E. Rextraw. 

Theodore S. Ross. 
James K. Henry. 
James W. Tavlor. 



Boyd Madden. 
John Wcllnian. 



Jesse Spencer. 
Joseph H. Sloan. 
Stephen M. Tinkey. 

.Tohn Gilchrist. 
John J. McDougall. 
Alexander Bain. 
William Patten. 
Stephen M. Tinkey. 
William Patten. 
Alexander Bain. 
Neal A. Brown. 
Joseph H. Sloan. 
David Harsha. 
Wm. W. Hawkins. 
John Martin. 
Ebenezer Kinney. 
.Jos. M. McMurray. 
Geo. H. Robinson. 
Moses L. McNeil. 
Sylv'r S. McMurray. 
James Gilchrist. 
Robert Smith. 
Robert Williams. 
Henry Irwin. 
James E. Perry. 
William C. Skellie. 



1829. John Ross. 

1830. William Willet. 
Mason Martin. 

1831. John Robinson 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1833. Henry Shiphcrd. 

1834. Arcliibald Gillis. 

1835. Samuel F. Tomb. 
Samuel Hulburd. 



Samuel F. Tomb. 
1832. William Reid, Jr. 



183C. William Hall. 
1837. James Tilford. 



23J: 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1838. 


Henry Shiphcrd. 


1858. 


1839. 


J.imcs Tilford. 
Ilcnij K. While. 


1859. 


1840. 


William R. Mills. 


isr.o. 




Antiion^' McKallor. 


18B1. 


IS-H. 


William Cungdon. 


1SG2 


1S42. 


Henry Shipherd. 






John A. McXcil. 


ISfiS. 


1S43. 


James Tilford. 


1864. 


1844. 


William H. King. 


1SC5. 




Henry K. White. 


1866. 


1845. 


John A. McNeil. 


1867. 


1S4G. 


J.imes C. Coon. 




1847. 


Nicholas Robertson. 


1SC8. 


1848. 


William H. King. 




184«. 


John A. McNeil. 


ISfiO 


1850. 


Jesse S. Leigh. 


1871). 


1851. 


Nicholas Robertson. 


1871 




John Robertson. 


1872 


1852. 


William H. King. 


1873 


1853. 


George M. Robinson. 


1874 


1S54. 


Henry Shipherd. 


1875 


1855. 


John Patten. 


1876 


1856. 


William U. King. 


1877 


1857. 


Ebenezer Cam[)bell. 


1878 



Henry Shipherd. 

John Clark. 

John A. Patterson. 

John A. Patterson. 

Finley M. Congdon. 
, Henry Shinhcrd. 

Alexander P. Rubinson. 

John Chirk. 

John MeCi.lI. 

Finley M. Congdon. 
, Henry Shipherd. 

John Clark. 

William J. Annitagc. 
, William J. Armitage. 

W'illiam Chipp. 

AVilliam Lendrum. 
, Henry Shipherd. 
. William Clapp. 
, Wiiliiim J. Armitage. 
. William Lendrum. 
, John G. .^afford. 
, William Clapp. 
, William J. Armitage. 
, William Lendrum. 
. John G. SafFord. 



The following- cxtract.s from the town records will be 
read with interest : 

1772. — "All men from sixteen to sixty jcars old to work on the 
roads this year. Fences must be four feet and a hnlf high." 

1776. — " Duncan Reid is to be the constable for the south part of 
the patent, and Alexander Giilis for the north part; George Kilniore 
and James Beatty for masters. John Johnson was chosen a justice 
of the peace." 

1781. — "Alexander ^IcDougall and Duncan Lindsey were elected 
tithing men." 

1783. — "It is agreed that hogs may run with yokes of eighteen 
inches until September." 

17S7.— '* The town-meeting was held at tlie house of John Taylor; 
seven years later at the house of John White, who is afterwards 
spoken of as a farmer." 

1793. — "Voted that no stone horses shall run at hirge. on the pen- 
alty of the law." 

1799.— "A special town-meeting was held on Fri lay, Xov. l.i, 
*for the purpose of putting in force that part <ff the law of this State 
for the suppression of vice and immorality, which relates to Sabbath- 
breaking in particular.' Alexander Cuwnn was chosen moderator, 
and the following resolutions were adopted : 

*' • W/itreas, God halh inte'i>oKcd his anthortv, 1-y a dear and positA-e law, 
that he hath reserved for himself one dny in sevi-n ; that he hath conserrjited 
this portion of time, by his pn-ci-pt, exaiiipli*, ami bUs-ing, for a holy i est from 
secular employments and audi acts nl religions wor.-)iiii and aiiomtiun as 
creatures owe ro their Creator, — "Kemember On- Sabhath day tokei-p it Jmly ;" 
an J, by a wholesome law of this State, all secular employmfi'tK on ilic&d-bath 
(lay are prohibited by a pt-nalty. Notwithstanding both the>e aulhoiiiies, 
there are many who continue to violate this divine command of Goil and com- 
mendable law of man, to Ihe great di^turbanco of those who would wish cou- 
scientiously to observe said day. 

** * Itesolofd, therefure, That every person composing this meeting conceive 
themselves to be bound in conscience to use evt-ry lepal exertion to enforce tlio 
law of this State against vice and iiimiorality, and to stop, or give information 
against, every person who is found triiveling, laboring, fishing, or hunling on 
the Sahbath. 

'• ' i^eso/rcd. That proper characters he appointed to apprt-heud such as are 
found violating i he Sahbath by traveling or otherwisr-; and it is recommemled 
that when such ofTcnders aro unknown, they bu detained until after the Sdb- 
balh,antl tlien delivered to a justice of tin- peace, lo be fined jw Ihe law directs; 
but if Ihcy he persons whoso names aro known, information shall be given to 
a magistrate of the town within three days nfter such offense is committed, 
that they may be duly convicted and fined, according to law. 

"'Jlasolvrd, That John Gikhrist, James McGet-, Alexander Giilis, Andrew 
Haggart, Neal SlcConneJIe, Dotigal McKallor, William MeC^y, John McCleary, 
Thomas Wiigiit, Jolin Hermon, Joseph Heath, ('aspurus Bain,. John Ueid, 
■William McDougal, Jr., Peter McKadiron, ■ Peter McEathiMn, Jr., Edwiird 
Uiggs, Rohei t Perrigo, Jr., Thomas Bentley, John Hall, Pardon T.-fft, .lohn 
Uarsha, Juhn AlcNeil, Martin Hopkins, Roger Campbell, Joseph Barber, David 



McKnight, Alexander Livingston, Thomas Hopkins, and Joseph Hall be ap- 
pointed for the above purpose. 

"• Rfsnlve<lt That a committee of four be appointed for the purpose of corre- 
sponding with other towns for the above oiject. anrl that faiil roinnntteo ho 
composed of the Rev. George Blaii-s, the Rev. Archibald M'hite, Williimi Reid, 
and Kheuezcr Clark, Es(ts.'" 

This law was re-affirmed at the followinir town-meeting. 

1803.— "A .special meeting was held Jan. 31, 1803, at the house of 
John AVhyte, 'for the purpose of eonsidering the propriety of peti- 
tioning Congress for a post-road through the town and Hartford, for 
carrying the mail from Troy to Whitehall, and for considering the 
propriety of this town being divided into two towns.' Judge Clark 
was appointed moderator, and, after proper deliberation, James 
Green, Jr»hn Reid, Ebenezer Clark, Simon Stevens, and Alexander 
Giilis were appointed to memorialize Congress as to the need of such 
a route. It was also voted that the interests of the town did not 
demand its division. 

]SO-i.—" lUxoheJ, That $15 be given for every full-grown wolf 
killed within the town of Argyle, providing that the' said wolf or 
wolves be actually found in the town, not led in to defraud the town." 

1807. — " This may certify that a negro child, named Sue, daughter 
of a negro woman named Sue. a slave for life in my own right, in my 
service, was born Feb. S, 1S07. 

(Signed) " Andrew pRornpiT." 

1810.—" I David Russell, attorncy-at-law. in the town of Argyle, do 
certify that there was born of my negro woman, a slave, on the 23d 
of August last, a female child, whose name is Ann Mariah Rosetta. 

"May 2, ISIO." 

ISM.— "That no cattle be brought from Saratoga or any other 
place to run on our commons, under penalty of §5." 

1812.^" A special meeting was held Jan. 25, whtn Daniel Ship- 
herd, John White, Samuel T. Shipherd, Reuben AVhalen. and John 
Reid were appointed a committee to memorialize the legislature to 
repeal the Insolvent Act." 

1813. — " That no cattle be permitted to run i 
the house of Joseph House, inn keeper, during 

1814.—" Broke into my fields, 

A couple of pigs, 
BeloDging to someboily, 

Maybe to Eiggs. 
The one is a red one, 

The other a wiiifc, 
Therefore, Mr. Clerk, 

In your book you must write 
How I've had tlieni a montli, 

Tliat the owner must come, 
And if ihey are his, sir, 

Why, then, take them home. 

" AUGYLK, Oct. It. IS 14. 

RoBKUT MoXai euros. 
" N. B.— I forgot, iMr. Clerk. 

To inform you before. 
That one is a sow, sir. 
And the other a bore." 
1S4G.— "A s|iecial mcoling was held May 19, to determine the senti- 
ment of tlie electors on the sale of spirituous liquors. Five hundred 
anil twenty-one voles were east, of which number four hundred and 
seven were inscribed "No License,' and one hundred and fourteen 
* For License.' " 

1847.— "April 27 the question was again te tod, when of four hun- 
dred and ninety-nine voters there were three hundred and seventeen 
who expressed themselves opposed to a license system, and one hun- 
dred and eighty-two favored the sale of liquor under the conditions 
imposed by the act of May 14, 1S45." 

1SG8. — "A special meeting was held Jan. 11, to consider the expe- 
diency of taking such action as would secure the location of the con- 
templated new county buildings at .\rgyle. An offer of an eligible 
site for the proposed buildings, and twenty-five thousand dollars for 
their construction, was made. Hon. Alexander Barkley, P. C. Hitch- 
cock, Wm. Clapp, David Hall, Edwin Hill, and Win. D. Robertson 
were appointed an advisory committee to represent the claims of 
Argyle before the board of sujjcrvisors." 



itbin half a mile of 
the fall, win'.er, and 



HISTORY OF WASniNGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



2:55 



were located at an early day, and at tlie first niootiiij; two 
overseers or masters were appointed to see that tliey were 
properly worked. In most instances the principal roads 
remain as located a hundred years ago, or have met with 
minor changes only. In general the roads of the town 
present a good condition, and ample provision for their 
care has been made by the formation of ninety-two districts. 
Although Argyle has no railway communication witliin lier 
own boundary, easy access is afforded by way of 

The Anjijh and Foi-f Kihaird Ptuiih-Rond to Fort 
Edward, distant five miles, where is one of tlie principal 
thoroughfares of the country, as well as facilities for canal 
transportation. The above-mentioned road was constructed 
by a eompaii}' iiicoiporated in lS5t), with a capital stock 
of ten thousand dollars, and which is at present controlled 
by a board of trustees, of which James Savage is presi- 
dent and Edward Dodd secretary. 

CEMKTKIUES. 

It is generally believed that the death of Mrs. Archibald 
Brown, June 22, 1770, was the first in the present town. 
Her remains were interred on " Out" lot No. 23, which at 
that time belonged to JMr. Brown, and was for a long time 
the only one at a place which became the first cemetery in 
town. It is a plain spot on the public highway ; but con- 
tains the graves of many who were once prominent in the 
history of the town. For many years the Associate Re- 
formed church stood near this locality, and the cemetery 
was under the supeivi.sion of the congregation. 

In 1855 a new burying-ground was opened at Argyle 
village, which received the appropriate name of 

The Prospect Hill Cemetery. — To this spot many of 
those interred in the old ground have been transferred. 
The cemetery contains about ton acres, pleasantly located 
on a brook, beyond which is the elevation which has given 
the place its name. It is controlled by an association 
which numbers more than three hundred members, and 
whose first board of trustees was organized May 15, 1855. 
It was composed of Ransom Stiles, John S. Gilchrist, 
James Savage, A. 31. Rowan, W. H. King, and John A. 
Patterson. 

The improvements have enhanced the nntural beauty of 
the place, making it very attractive. 

A. M. Rowan is the present president, and Edward 
Dodd .secretary. 

The North Argi/le Cemetery is controlled by an associa- 
tion whose organization is dated April 23, 1873, and its 
incorporators were William Gibson, John S. Lundy, Daniel 
Stevenson, Robert McGeoch, George P. Liddle, Nicholas 
Robertson, Alexander Copelaud, George Lester, and James 
11. McDougall. This body purchased three acres of ground 
north of the old burying-ground, which had been given to 
the church opposite, in 1830, by Daniel Stevenson. The 
whole has been 1 eatly inclosed and improved, and now 
forms a very handsc me cemetery. The officers from the 
beginning have been : President, James II. McDougall ; 
Secretary, Daniel Stcver.son ; and Treasurer, Nicholas 
llobertson. 

In the southern part of the town intermcnt.s are gener- 



ally made in the cemetery connected with thj eluirch, 
which is one of the oldest in town, and the resting-place of 
many pioneers. In life they loved this spot for its peace- 
ful and quiet repose, and in death their reciuiem is chanted 
by the venerable pines growing here among the beautiful 
monuments of marble which grace the ground. 

Northeast, and at the head of that pleasant sheet of 
water, is 

The Cosaai/iaia Luke Cemelerij. — Although first used 
many years ago. it was not incorporated until Sept. 2, 
1877. The association at that time was com|)osed of Na- 
thaniel Reynolds, John A. Lasher, Theodore McIOachron, 
Charles A. McE.ichron, James L. MeFaciiron, Adin Me- 
Intyre, John Living.ston, James Barkley, John Keys, and 
Robert Randies. 

In addition to the foregoing there arc a few other small 
burying-grounds in town, which are cared for by individuals 
living in those localities. 

Agriculture being the principal industry of the people of 
Argyle, and as there is but a limited water-power, 

THE M.^NUI-'AC'TIIRING INTERESTS 

have never attained to any great prominence. Nevertheless, 
the town has had some mills and factories which deserve 
mention. 

George Kilmer erected a mill on the Closes Kill, near 
the site occupied by the present mill at Argyle, before the 
Ilevolution. It was built of logs, and was a rude affair, 
but served the purpose, and was patronized by people living 
forty miles away. Mr. Kilmer was a generous, hospitable 
man, and used to entertain his customers, sometimes for 
several days, until their grist was ground. In 1789 Chris- 
tian Schriver was the miller, working for Adam Calder- 
wood, who had rented it. A new mill, on the opposite 
bank, the present structure, took its place, which has for 
more than fifty years been operated by Daniel lleid and liis 
fatnily. It is a small mill, having but two run of stones. 
Several miles below this, Thomas N. Clark put up saw- and 
grist-mills seventy years ago, which have been operated ever 
since ; and on the east branch of the Moses Kill were grist- 
mills owned by Shannon and Gillis, both of which have 
been abandoned. At the same point Jes.se Mack had a 
tannery, which has also been discontinued. That business 
was started at the village a hundred years ago by a man 
named McLean, and afterwards carried on by Jesse JIack. 
In 1822 A. M. Rowan took the tannery, and yet carries it 
on in a small way. 

About 1815 chairs were manufactured in a building that 
stood near the woolen-factory, and a saw-mill at the same 
place was swept away by a freshet. 'J'ho woolen-factory 
was erected by the Reid family, and has been operated by 
George W. Harsha and Nelson Keefer. It has been idle 
since 1860. A fulling-mill, erected below the village by 
Ransom Stiles, was subsequently turned into a feed-mill, 
and is still used as such by William Williams. 

On the brook which is the outlet of Argyle lake were 
several saw-mills to cut up the pine growing in that local- 
ity ; but these have long since been abandoned. At the 
head of the above lake an enterprise was attempted many 



236 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



years ago which ought to be mentioned in this connection. 
It was a tunnel projected and successfully constructed by 
Mrs. E. Giftord, who was a woman of more than ordinary 
energy. Iler purpose was to turn the waters of the lake by 
this means to a spot where she had put up a woolen-factory. 
Of course, the idea met with ridicule, and the impossibility 
of the thing was decried, as tunnel-building was at that 
time an unknown art in this country. The day appointed 
for its opening brought an immense concourse of people, 
who confidently expected that it would prove a failure, and 
" that the water would not run the wrong way." But it 
did run to such an extent that the mill-owners at the natural 
outlet secured an injunction to prevent her from diverting 
the course of the lake, thus depriving Mrs. Gifford of tiie 
reward to which her genius and pluck entitled her. 

At North Argyle, the power afforded by the Moses Kill 
was used at an early day by the Duncan Gilchrist family 
to operate saw-mills, and after 1833 by Nicholas Robertson, 
who added a feed-mill and a plaster-mill. Afterwards a 
flax-mill was operated by Daniel S. Guthrie, which was 
diSro^d by fire. In former times there was, also, a fulling- 
mill. At present there are saw- and feed-mills. 

Of late years more attention has been paid to dairying, 
and as a result several cheese-factories have been estab- 
li.'-hed. 

THE SOtTTH ARGYLE DAIRY ASSOCIATION 

was the pioneer, and was formed in 1S74, with AVm. D. 
Robertson, president ; Albert Stewart, secretary ; William 
Lendrum, treasurer ; and H. B. Sybrant, D. W. Reid, Wm. 
Ellis, S. Mathews, and A. Armstrong, trustees. A fine 
factor}' was erected in the hamlet, costing, complete to 
operate, four thousand dollars. The factory is supplied by 
twenty dairies, and the annual product of cheese is about 
forty tliousand pounds. 

Albert Stewart is the present secretary. 

A year later, twenty-five farmers of North Argyle formed 

THE NORTH ARGYLE DAIRY ASSOCIATION. 

Filing the certificate of incorporation Feb. 4, 1875. The 
trustees were James Fenton, AVilliam J. Armstrong, John 
S. Lundy, James H. McDougall, and Hirum W. Bardin. 

A very fine two-story factory was erected east of the 
hamlet, where the manufacture was begun that year. The 
entire cost of the establishment was three thousand one 
hundred and four dollars. The association has had various 
obstacles to contend with, but has had an encouraging in- 
crease of business, as will be seen from the following pro- 
duets: 1875, 25,252 pounds; 1876, 32,085 pounds; 1877, 
43,000 pounds. 

George M. Hunt is the present secretary. 

EDUCATION.\L INTERESTS. 

The early school-history of the town is somewhat vague, 
and to a large extent traditional. It is well known that 
schools were early maintained, but the first satisfactory 
record is that of 1815. That year, twenty-three districts 
were reported, having twelve hundred and thirty-eight 
pupils between the ages of five and fifteen years; and 
seven hundred dollars was paid for their instruction. It 



would seem that the inspectors were somewhat lax in their 
duties, as in 1818 the following action was taken : 

''As it appears to the inhabitants of tlic town, in meeting assem- 
bled, that there has been an unaccountable neglect on the part of Ihe 
"inspectors in vi.-iting the schools, as the law requires ; therefore, 
JiemtU'cdf That hereafter the inspectors be required to report the 
number of schools visited, and at what time, at the annual meeting. 

"N. B. The above was passed by a large majority."' 

It is not on record whether this produced the desired 
effect, but we are led to believe that there was a reaction in 
favor of the derelict inspectors, since the law was repealed 
soon after. 

In 1875 the town had sixteen whole and a number of 
fractional districts, containing eight hundred children of 
school-age, and the amount paid for the support of schools 
was seventeen hundred and thirty-five dollars and twenty- 
six cents. 

ARGYLE ACADEMY, 

a mathematical and classical school, was incorporated on 
the petition of twenty-five citizens, by the State regents, 
May 4, 1841, with the following trustees: Ransom Stiles, 
Jesse S. Leigh, James Savage, George Mairs, Jr., Gideon 
Gifford, George Gillis, Archibald M. Rowan, John Bishop, 
Thomas M. Clark, John Robertson, James M. Hall, An- 
thony McKallor, Samuel Donaldson, Joshua Selfridgc, Jo- 
seph Rouse, James Stewart, Edward Dodd. Ransom Stiles 
was elected president of the board, and Edward Dodd 
secretary. 

To accommodate this school, a substantial brick house, 
twenty-eight by forty-four feet, and two stories high, was 
erected in 1840, on half an acre of ground in the southern 
part of Argyle village, at a cost of three thousand one hundred 
dollars. A library of one hundred and sixty-nine volumes, 
and apparatus worth one hundred and thirty-five dollars, 
were also provided, and the school opened, with flattering 
prospects, in the fall of 1840, under the principalship of 
Earl Larkins. Since that time the principals have been 
D. W. Wright, Charies H. Taylor, Joseph McCracken, 
Robt. McClellan, Robt. Cruikshauk, James S. Dobbin, Wm. 
McLaren, J. McNought, George D. Slocum, A. G. Cochran, 
James Dobbin, Grenville M. Ingalsbe, H. W. Hunt, W. 
L. Klein, George A. Hoadley. 

The school is designed for the education of both sexes, 
and has a department presided over by a preceptress. The 
lady who first filled that position was Maria McLean. The 
position has since been occupied by Jane M. Jones, Juliette 
Buchanan, Sarah A. Pettis, Mrs. James S. Dobbin, Marion 
Barkley, Phebe A. Wilson, Mary Lourie, Abby Perry, 
Harriet E. Crocker, Elizabeth Wright, E. A. Burch. 

The last named and George A. Hoadley are at present in 
charge of the academy. The aggregate yearly attendance 
is ninety students, from ten to twenty passing the reciuired 
regents' examination, and many of the citizens of Argyle 
were here educated. The library numbers nearly a thousand 
volumes, and the apparatus is ample for the wants of the 
school. The entire academic property is worth five thousand 
three hundred and fifty dollars, and is under the control of 
the trustees, of which A. M. Rowan is president, G. D. 
Stewart secretary, and J. C. Sill treasurer. 

The people also strove to educate themselves by means of 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



237 



the iiistiuctioii aflForded by books in libraries, and several 
wore established. 

THE ARCYLK LUillARY 

was formed at the house of Peieg Bragg, May 1, 1805, and 
the following trustees chosen : George Mairs, Ebenczer 
Clark, Andrew Proudfit, James Green, and Alexander 
Cowan. It became an incorporated body, atid was an 
acknowledged power in its day, but deelinod after a number 
of years, leaving no further records. 

THE ARGYLE SOCIAL LIBRARY 

was couiposed of twenty odd members, and was incorporated 
March 26,1823; the meeting for this purpose liaving been 
lield at the house of Joseph Rowe. 

The trustees, AVilliani llcid, Jr , David Sill, James 
JleDougall, Alexander Bachop, George W. Snyder, Pliny 
Freeman, and Jesse S. Leigh, attested the subscription of 
more tlian forty pounds, as the law required, and proceeded 
to procure a good assortment of standard books. These 
were kept at the county clerk's office, Jesse S. Leigh ser- 
ving as librarian. As soon as periodical literature was more 
generally diffused the library was abandoned. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 
The first settlers of Argyle were imbued with strongly 
religious sentiments, which early manifested themselves in 
the formation of religious societies, and the consequent 
building of churches where they and their posterity might 
worship. These houses, though humble at first, were 
erected to keep apace with advancing civilization and its 
attendant styles of architecture. Early pronounced in their 
professions, the sincerity of the people of the town has been 
I'ully sustained by a judicious provision for fine houses of 
worship, whose presence denotes the wealth, refinement, and 
morality of .sons and daughters of a God-fearing people. No 
portion of tlie history of Argyle will be read with greater 
interest than that embraced in this chapter. 

Some years after the settlement in Salem- of that staunch 
Presbyterian the Rev. Thomas Clark, members of that 
faith came to the wilds of Argyle to found themselves 
homes. These were sometimes visited by their reverend 
pastor, who preached to them, although there was no regu- 
lar congregation prior to his leaving for South Carolina, in 
1780. His successor at Salem was the Rev. James Proud- 
fit, who came from Pequa, Pa., in 1783, and, as he belonged 
to the Associate Reformed synod, his congregation also 
adopted those principles. 

A few years later, the settlers of Argyle were joined by 
Andrew Proudfit and Ebenezer Clark, sons of Drs. Clark 
and Proudfit, who began to exert themselves to form a 
congregation of the faith of their fathers ; but this purpose 
was not immediately accomplished, and several years elapsed 
before a congregation was formed, from wiiicli ■■sprang the 
present 

UNITED PRESBYTEUIAN COXGREOATIO.V OP ARGYLE. 

The history of that body has been so faithfully portrayed 
by Alexander P. Robinson that we compile this sketch 
largely from his matter. Mr. Robin.son says: 

'• The first church building erected by the society in Ar- 



gyle was a frame about thirty by forty feet in size, built on 
land belonging to Dougall McKallor, about one mile south 
of the present church building, near the old cemetery. In 
this church the congregation was organized by the election 
of three elders in the month of November, 1792. Rev. 
James Proudfit preached on the occasion, from Psalm 28, 
and 9th verse, ' Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: 
feed them also, and lift them up forever.' Ebenczer Clark, 
James Batty, and Alexander Cowen were elected, and on 
the 18th day of December following they were ordained to 
be ruling elders in this congregation by Rev. John Dunlap, 
who had been settled over the A.ssociate Reformed congre- 
gation of Cambridge in the year 1790. 

"About this time the congregation applied to the Legis- 
lature and obtained a charter, the corporate name being the 
First Incorporated Congregation of Argyle, under the care 
of the Associate Reformed synod. In addition to the 
Presbyterian element mentioned above, Argyle had a popu- 
lation of different nationalities, quite a large number of 
Dutch settlers, and its full proportion of mere adventurers, 
such as usually locate in new settlements, where land is free 
or can be had at a nominal price, many of these being un- 
able to either read or write, with little or no early religious 
training, and all classes being addicted to the use of intoxi- 
cating liquors. Argyle was ajtparently a not very desirable 
place to attempt to build up a large and prosperous congre- 
gation. In the good providence of God the congregation, 
now fully organized, were soon to have their own spiritual 
teacher. 

" On the 2d day of May, 1793, Rev. George Mairs, who 
had for some years been settled over a congregation at 
Coothill, in Ireland, demitted his charge of said congrega- 
tion to the presbytery of Ballybay, of which he was a 
member, and received from the said presbytery a letter of 
dismission, with the purpose of emigrating to the United 
States of America. Accordingly he, with his family and 
his brother (Rev. James Mairs) and family, sailed on the 
15th day of the same month from Ireland for New York, 
where they arrived in the following August, and preached 
the first Sabbath after their arrival for Rev. John 51. Mason, 
of the Associate Reformed church of that city, and by his 
advice set out the next day for Salem, Washington County. 
Rev. G. Mairs supplied the vacant congregations of Hebron 
and Argyle a few Sabbaths. His preaching was so accepta- 
ble that a meeting of the two congregations was called in 
the church, then recently built in Hebron, on the 27th day 
of September, 1793, at which Rev. John Dunlap presided, 
and moderated a call, which was unanimous, for the Rev. 
George Mairs to become the pastor of the united congre- 
gations above named, offering as support £120, being $300. 
This call Mr. Mairs accepted, and was installed as pastor of 
the united charge on the 14th day of November thereafter. 
Rev. James Mairs preaching the sermon from the 2d Co- 
rinthians, 4th chapter, and 5lh ver.sc, Rev. James Proudfit 
giving the charge. The call of Mr. Mairs was signed by 
the following-named elders and trustees of the Hebron 
congregation : 

" Elders : Samuel Crosett, Charles Hutchans, and Alex- 
ander JlcClellan. Trustees: James Flack, John Wilson, 
and William Lytic. 



238 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



" Of Arayle congregation, by Elders Ebeiiezar Clark, James 
Batty, and Ales. Cowan. Trustees: Edward Patten, John 
White, Jr., Dougall McKallor, Jolin Johnson, Duncan Gil- 
clirist, and Duncan Shaw. 

" In addition to these there were about forty male mem- 
bers, and eighty-five male adherents signed the call from 
the two congregations. 

" Mr. Mairs was in the thirty-third year of his age when 
settled as above stated, and his labors from the first were 
most abundant. His services on the Sabbath were very 
lengthy, always lecturing on the first psalm sung in the 
morning, and, except in winter, two services in addition, — 
occupying the greater part of the Sabbatli. There seemed 
to be a necessity for these protracted services on the Sab- 
bath, as many families had little or no religious reading 
except the Bible and Catechisms ; con-sequently their relig- 
ious instruction was mostly from the living teachers. In 
addition to the services of the Sabbath, Mr. Mairs visited 
all the families of his charge one part of the year, and during 
the other part had catechizings in the different neighbor- 
hoods, so that all might attend. Thus twice each year Mr. 
Mairs, in the family or neighborhood gatherings, met old 
and young of his charge, requiring the latter to learn first 
the questions of the shorter and then the larger catechism. 
And when we consider the extended boundaries of the 
united charge and the state of the roads at the time, it 
seems almost incredible that one man could perform all this 
labor. Mr. Mairs continued to labor in this double charge 
for about four years, when each congregation desired to 
obtain bis entire labors. Presbytery, in accordance with 
his own inclinations, decided in favor of Argyle congrega- 
tion, and the late Dr. James Grey was settled over Hebron 
congregation in the autumn of 1797. 

" Mr. Mairs' labors from the first in Argyle seemed to 
be greatly blcs.sod. In November, 1794, oue year after his 
settlement, forty-six persons united with the church, and 
in May, 1797, forty-three were admitted, with several at 
each intervening communion. From the state of society 
in Argyle, as above de.scribed, when Mr. l\lairs settled, as a 
matter of course ofFcn.ses would come ; but the discipline 
of the church was very .strict and seemed to have the de- 
sired efiect, — few, if any, fleeing to other churches to escape 
discipline. 

" Mr. Mairs from his settlement was sustained by an able 
session, and as the congregation increased in numbers fre- 
quent additions to the first session were made. The 13th 
of April, 1794, Neal McEacbron and James Gillis were 
ordained to be ruling elders. In the spring of 1795 John 
McDougall, James Lytic, and Samuel JMcFadden were 
added to the session. In April, 1798, Wm. McCoy, Nicho- 
las Mills, and Alex. McDougall were ordained to be ruling 
elders. 

" The congregation had so increased in nienilicrs by the 
j'oar 1800 that it became necessary for their accomnioua- 
tion to build a hirger church. For this purpo.se a lot of 
one acre of land was purchased in the village of Argyle, 
where the present church building now stands, from John 
AVhitc, for twenty-five dollars, — the deed bearing date the 
8th of December, 1800, from John White to Wm. McKee, 
Ebenezor Clark, Andrew Proudfit, James Lytic, Edward 



Biggs, and John White, trustees of the first incorporated 
Presbyterian congregation of Argyle, under the care of the 
Associate Bcformed synod. 

"The congregation built on the lot purchased in the vil- 
lage a church about forty-five by sixty feet in size, with a 
porch about sixteen feet square, intending to finish a steeple 
with belfry. But this was never done. The church was 
finished in about the style of country churches seventy- 
five years since. In this church the congregation wor- 
shiped until after the decease of the senior Mr. Mairs. 

"In 1801 the congregation commenced to occupy the 
new ehuruh. In this year Archibald Stewart, who had 
been an elder before coming to Argyle, was elected and 
installed an elder, and in 1802 Archibald Gillis was or- 
dained and installed an elder. About this date the num- 
ber of members belonging to the congregatio:i as recorded 
was four hundred and fifty-two, the bounds of the con- 
gregation being probably forty miles in circumference, — no 
other church except South Argyle being within eight or 
ten miles of our village. 

" And the labors of Mr. Mairs, as before described, to- 
gether with visiting the sick, attending funerals, and many 
other incidental duties, made a most laborious charge, the 
routine of his duties continuing for some thirty years after 
his settlement. Without Sabbath-school or congregational 
prayer-meeting, a large number was gathered each year into 
the church through the promised blessing attending his 
faithful ministrations. 

" In December, 1808, the fullowingnanied persons were, 
by election and ordination, added to the session : John 
Bobinson, Edward Biggs, Philip McEacbron, and John 
Lester; and in June, 1817, Alexander JMcDougall, Archi- 
bald Crawford, and Gordon Bull were elected and ordained 
ruling elders. Although large accessions were yearly re- 
ceived to the membership of the church, yet many families 
who settled in Argyle soon i-emoved to other localities, and 
some, from the prevailing evils of the times, went out from 
us, showing that they were not of us. From such causes 
it is believed that the congregation seldom numbered more 
than given above. 

" xVfter thirty years of faithful labors in the congrega- 
tion, Mr. Mairs, feeling the infirmities of age approaching, 
consulted with bis session as to the propriety of obtaining 
an assistant. The result was that, in the summer of 1823, 
the congregation called his son and namesake, George 
Mairs, Jr., to be his colleague in the ministry. Accord- 
ingly, he was ordained and installed on the ^id day of Sep- 
tember following. 

"The routine of duties in the congregation conlijiued 
about the same after the settlement of the colleague as 
belbre, the senior minister generally taking the forenoon 
services, the other the afternoon ; each doing part of the 
other's labors necessary in the congrcgaiion. But as tlie 
infirmities of age increased, the labors of the firet pastor 
decrea.sed, for a time explaining the first psalm sung, and 
prayer. A few years before his decease his mental facul- 
ties failed, and he sank into second childhood. His death 
occurred on the 10th of October, 1841, and his remains 
were followed to the grave by a large concourse of sym- 
pathizing friends, who cherished his memory with affec- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



239 



tion, and many were ready to say of liiui, ' An Israelite 
indeed in whom was no guile." 

"In 1823, previous to Mr. Mairs' scttleiiioiit, John 
McCoy was elected and ordained a ruling elder. During 
the ministry of Rev. G. Mairs, Jr., the followinsr-nanied 
persons were elected and ordained to be ruling elders in 
about 1828: John Beatty and James- Barkley ; in the 
summer of 1831, Thomas McFadden, John Graham, 
Anthony SltKallor, and George Harsha; and in the winter 
of 1842, James Telford. James Stevenson, John W. Flack, 
David Robert.son, James B. Taylor, Archibald M. Rowan, 
Alexander P. Robinson, Edward Riggs, and Cornelius 
McEaebron. 

"In the winter of 184-1 the congregation resolved to 
take down the church building and erect one more in con- 
formity wiih modern style. Accordingly, early in the 
spring, the old church was taken down and another raised 
and partly finished, when, on the 4tb of July in that year, 
the new building, the remains of the old, and the sheds on 
the church lot were entiicly destroyed by fire. The con- 
gregation, however, soon entered into a contract to build 
another on the same plan of the one consumed, which was 
finished in the spring of 1845, and was soon after oc- 
cupied by the congregation. Tiiis church was somewhat 
larger than the former one, and would seat nearly seven 
hundred persons. In this church Mr. IMairs' labors con- 
tinued about the same. But finding the labors more than 
he could well ]ierforn), in the autumn of 1850 he read a 
long communication to the congregation, stating that on 
account of the feeble state of his health, and the amount 
of labor necessary in his present ehargo, be would soon ask 
to be released, in part or in whole, from his labors in the 
congregation. In April, 1851, at a congregational meeting, 
the vote was against calling a colleague. Consequently, 
at a meeting of the presbytery in May following, Mr. 
Mairs asked to be and was relieved from the congregation. 
Thus for about fifty-eight years, without a vacancy, the 
congregation had the Messrs. Mairs — father and son — as 
their ministers; and the latter stated, in the communication 
above referred to, that during this long period the sacra- 
ment of the Lord's Supper was dispensed three times each 
year, and on every occasion, except one in about 18UG, 
some were added to the communion of the church, averag- 
ing from eight to twelve each communion ; and as far as the 
records of admission can be found they sustain the asser- 
tion, making near seventeen hundred and fifty during their 
ministry. 

" Mr. Mairs is still living in Argyle, and a member of 
our church. 

" At a meeting of the congregation held on the 24th of 
November, 1851, a call was made out for the Rev. James 
B. ScouUer, then of Cuylerville, N. Y., who accepted the 
same, and was installed May 31, 1852, as pastor of the 
congregation. Mr. Scouller had been settled at Philadel- 
phia and Cuylerville, N. Y., before being called to Argyle, 
and had the reputation of being a very able preacher, and 
this reputation was well sustained in Argyle until his 
health failed. He spoke with a loud and clear voice, that 
at once drew and held the attention of his hearers. Soon 
after his settlement the church was filled with attentive 



hearers to its utmost capacity, and lai-ge additions were 
yearly added to the membership of the church. He had 
two services on the Sabbath, often a sermon and a lecture. 
His lectures in course, through several of the Epistles and 
Revelations, were very interesting and instructive. A Sun- 
day-school and Bible-class were started and held part of the 
time during his ministry, and weekly prayer-meetings were 
held in the congregation. Some seven or eight years after 
his settlement his health began to fail, aiul continued to 
decline until, the winter of 18(52, lie demitted his charge 
to the presbytery, and in March following removed from 
Argyle to Philadelphia, nuieh regretted by the congregation 
and the surrounding community. There were about two 
hundred and seventy-five received into membership during 
the ten years of his ministry. He is now living at New- 
ville, Pa., but unable to resume his ministerial labors. 

" Soon after Mr. Scouller removed from Argyle, David 
M. Ure, ii licentiate in the United Presbyterian church, 
preached several Sabbaths to the congregation, and on May 
19, 1862, a call was made for him to become their pastor, 
which was accepted, and he was ordained and installed 
during the meeting of the synod, on Oct. 9, 1862. Mr. 
Ure was considered an able preacher, and at each com- 
munion during his ministry some were added to the mem- 
bership of the church, and at two communions following a 
revival the large number of sixty-two. Under the pastorate 
of Mr. Ure the Sabbath-school became a more permanent 
institution, and finally a sermon in the forenoon and Sab- 
bath-school in the afternoon became the order of exercises 
for the Sabbath. There were added to the membership of 
the church during Mr. Ure's ministry one hundred and 
ninety-six, and the following-named persons were, by the 
rules of the church, added to the session : John Armitage, 
David Hall, James Savage, M.D., James Stott, and William 
McMurray. 

"Near the 1st of jLinuary, 1872, Mr. Ure notified the 
congregation that he considered it his duty to ask for a dis- 
solution of the connection existing between hiui.self and 
congregation. The connection was dissolved by the pres- 
bytery ill January, and Mr. Ure left Argyle and has been 
laboring as an agent in raising an endowment fund for 
Monmouth College, Illinois. 

" After Mr. Ure's dismission the congregation remained 
vacant, having a regular supply of preaching until May 17, 
1873, when a call was made for Wm. P. Kane, a licentiate 
of Steubenville presbytery, who accepted and entered upon 
his labors Sept. 21, and was ordained and installed on the 
20th of November following. During the week of prayer, 
in the winter after Mr. Kane's settlement, there was an 
earnest religious feeling manifested in the congregation, 
particularly among the young, which resulted in an admis- 
sion to the church, at the communions of Jan. 7 and May, 
of about fifty members, and some have been added to the 
membership at each oommunion since that time. About 
the 1st of January, 1874, the congregation discu.ssed the 
propriety of repairing their church building or of erecting 
a new one, and as the old chuicli had no room suitable for 
Sabbath-schools, and needed pretty extensive repairs, it was 
resolved to take down the old church and build of brick 
a more substantial one, with lecture and Sabbath-school 



240 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



rooms, etc. A buildinp; committee was appointed, com- 
posed of J. C. Sill, John Barkly, and William Stewart, 
who adopted plan.s prepared by Nichols & Ilalcott, archi- 
tects, of Albany, N. Y. The building was coinraonced in 
the spring of 1875, and was ready for consecration on the 
18th of July, 1876. 

" It is of Gothic style of architecture, .sixty-five by one 
hundred and fifteen feet on the ground, with a spire one 
hundred and thirty feet high in the centre of the front of 
the building, with a dwarf tower, surmounted with a pin- 
nacle on each of the front corners. There is a transept in 
the rear, containing two stories, with a lecture-room in the 
first and Sabbath-school rooms in the second stories, with 
stairs leading from rear hall to second story. 

" The remainder of the building is compo.sed of vestibule 
in front with stairs leading to the gallery and doors leading 
to the auditorium, which is fifty-eight by seventy feet, with 
a seating capacity of six hundred persons. Number of 
seats, one hundred and twenty, which are arranged on a 
curved line, all being nicely cushioned. There are four 
roomy aisles and three double rows of seats, — pine, with 
black walnut ornamental work. The building is wains- 
cotted throughout three and a half feet high, .surmounted 
by black walnut railing. The gallery, which is directly 
over the vestibule and extending to the right and left, is 
for the accommodation of the choir and others. 

" The exterior walls are of brick, with buttresses mounted 
with stone copings projecting from each of the corners, 
and between each of the windows. The roof throughout 
the building is of slate, and decorated with an iron crest- 
ing, extending along all ridges and all points on pedestals, 
mounted with an iron pinnacle. Surroundings are attract- 
ive, being nicely graded, and having a chain fence, sup- 
ported by cut stone posts, around the entire lot, which 
covers about one acre. The fence is relieved by three 
gates, one (double) in front and two on the south. 

"The cost of the elinrch, I'urnished complete, was about 
thirty-two thousand dollars. 

"The dedication sermon was preached by the Rev. W. 
A. Makenzie. 

"The congregation is in a flourishing condition, and 
numbers nearly five hundred members." 

THE t'.N'ITED PRE.SBYTEItl.VN CO.NGIIEG.ITIOX OF SOUTH 
AH<1YI,E. 

This body was formed, and for many years was known, 
as the Associate Presbyterian congregation of Argyle. 
The original members were mostly emigrants from Scot- 
land who had been in communion with the anti- Burghers of 
that country, and would not accept the terms of the union 
of the various presbyteries in the country in 1782, but 
adhered to the associate presbytery of Pennsylvania, which 
refused to go into the union, as more nearly representing 
the principles of the synod of Scotland. Accordingly, in 
1785, the organized congregation in the eastern part of the 
county petitioned the Pennsylvania presbytery to be taken 
under its care and be supplied by it with preaching. That 
body gave the petition a favorable reception, and appointed 
the bearer, the Rev. Thomas Beveridge, who had come 
from Scotland in 1784, to take the care and oversight of 



these steadfast supporters of the original principles. In 
obedience to this appointment he returned to his people as 
their authorized minister, and at once began to extend his 
work. In the summer of that year, 1785, he organized the 
congregation of Argyle, under the shade of a tree, on the 
farm of John and David McKnight, now owned by George 
and John Christie. Here John McNeil, John McKnight, 
and \\\n. Reid were elected the first ruling elders. The 
labors of Rev. Beveridge were now divided between the 
older congregation in Cambridge and the one in Argyle, 
preaching at the latter place — probably first in private 
houses — once a month, and dispensing the Lords Supper 
once a year. It is believed that his last service with the 
congregation was in the ministration of the sacrament in 
June, 1798, his death occurring a few weeks later, on the 
23d of July. The congregation also enjoyed occasional 
preaching by the Rev. Archibald Whyte, who came about 
1798, and who, although ninety-three years old, was a 
sound theologian and one of those good old Scotsmen who 
honestly believe that " reading is not preaching." 

Bleantime a church had been erected on a part of the 
glebe lot, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, the 
remainder having been given to the Associate Reformed 
congregation, and a portion sold to aid in building the 
house. It was built of white-pine logs, thirty by forty 
feet, and had a gallery in the east end. Opposite this 
was a high pulpit, shaped much like a square box. It 
was innocent of paint or tapestry, and was the simple pine 
as the carpenter left it. In front was the choristers' seat, 
and the seats for the audience were rough pine slabs, bark 
and all, supported by plain wooden legs. This una.ssuniing 
structure was built in 1787—88, and it is a matter of interest 
to know who contributed to its erection. It is probable 
that those who a few years later subscribed to maintain the 
work were also interested in building the hou.se, and per- 
haps in the same proportion. The list of 1789, agreeing 
to pay the sums set opposite their names to John McKnight 
and John McNeil, is here produced for that purpose, and 
to show also, in the absence of other records, who were 
among the original members : 



ArcliibaM CiUiipholl... 1 

ArcliibalJ Livin;;.-<ti>ii.. 

John Fcrsuson II 

DuMcvii Cam).liell II 

John Metjuire II 

Kobfit McNabb 

John McF.lrlin 

I'etcr Christie 1) 

James Maii-s 

Aichihiihl McNeil II 

John McNeil II 

Alexander McNeil 

M:ilcoIm McNaughtun 1 

Williiun Robertson 

Hcnrv Tinkcy 

Daniel Livingston 

William Itoi.l 2 

Robert iMcNau.'hton... 



Ale 



.ler Ma 



John McICnighl 1 

Ale.vaniler McKnight.. 1 

William Campbell (I 

Roger Rei.l II 

))uncan McArthur 1 

William Ui.ho|i II 

ArchibaUl Mclvallor... II 

WiJovv Bain 1 

James Beatly 

John lieatrv'. 

John McDougiill II 

John White II 

D.iniel Mefiilvery II 

Joseph Patterson 

Allen McLean 

John Miller 

Casparus Bain I) 



In 1800, Rev. Thomas Allison preached to the congre- 
gation ten Sabbaths, but declined a call to the pastorate. 
On the 2Clh of June, 1800, George Dunn, Robert Robert- 
son, John Reid, and John Harsha were elected elders. 

The congregation was incorporated Oct. 28, 1801, and 
the following trustees elected to take care of its temporal- 





Photos, by Nims, Fort Edward, N. Y. 



ROBT. CUTHBERT. 



MRS. ELEANOR CUTHBERT. 





JAS. FOSTER. 



rbutus. by Nims, Furt EUwaril, N. Y. 



MRS. JAS. FOSTER. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



241 



ities: Casparus Biiin, Wm. Robertson, Robert Robertson, 
David McKiiight, John ReiJ, and John Harsha. 

In 180-t a call was extended to the Rev. Robert Lang, 
signed by thirty-five male members, promising a salary of 
three hundred and fifty dollars, and the use of the glebe 
and parsonage; and in the fall of 1805 Mr. Lang accepted 
the call, being installed the following March. He was. an 
excellent preacher, but his conduct out of the pulpit did 
not please his parishioners; so that it was said, " When Mr. 
Lang is in the pulpit, he should never go out; and when 
out, he should never go in." The pastoral relation was 
dissolved Sept. 2, 1811. 

In the mean time a parsonage had been erected near the 
church (in 1805), and in 1807 the old log church gave place 
to a good frame meetlDg-house, costing three thousand dol- 
lars. To defray the expense attending these buildings, 
forty acres of the glebe lot were sold, reducing the land 
owned by the congregation to one hundred and twenty 
acres, which are still retained by it. 

From the time Mr. Lang left the church until 1818 the 
congregation had no regular pastor, but had prerfching by 
stated supplies. March 4, 1818, the Rev. Peter Bullions 
was installed, and served as pastor until 1824, when he re- 
signed to accept a professorship of languages at Albany. 

For five years the congregation was without a pastor, 
when the Rev. James P. Miller was called, and assumed 
charge in September, 1829. The following year a number 
of members withdrew and formed a new congregation at 
North Argyle. The leaders in this movement wore Daniel 
Stevenson and Robert Robertson, and under their direction 
the new congregation at once entered upon a pro.sperous 
existence. On the 9th of May, 1849, another portion of 
the congregation withdrew for the purpose of forming a 
new society at East Greenwich, thus again diminishing the 
membership of the Argyle congregation. Mr. Miller 
served as pastor twenty-one years, and in 1851 left to a.s- 
sume the duties of a missionary in Oregon. Rev. James 
Thompson was next installed as pastor, July 13, 1852, but 
remained only a short time. Calls were subsequently ex- 
tended to Joseph and Alexander Thompson, brothers of the 
first, but neither was accepted, and the congregation was 
again for a time without a pastor. 

About this time a new church was erected, — a com- 
modious frame, forty-six by eighty-two feet, with vestibule, 
gallery, and session-room, frescoed walls, fine pulpit, and 
cushioned seats, making it one of the most comfortable 
country churches in the county. A few years later a new 
parsonage was erected, and other improvements were sub- 
sequently made in tlie church property, so that it is now 
(1878) in good repair. 

In February, 1857, the Rev. James A. Duff was or- 
dained, and remained until his death, Oct. 6, ISfiO. Three 
years later, Rev. James H. Andrew assumed the pastoral 
relation, but remained only a year. Since July 1, 1875, 
the Rev. A. W. Morris has been the pastor, and under his 
ministrations the congregation is highly prosperous. The 
membership is about two hundred and forty, and its ag- 
gregate membership has been very largo, giving to the 
world many able men, and rearing the following ministers : 
James Martin, D.D., Finley McNaughton, Archibald 
31 



Whyte, Wm. Easton, John S. Easton, D.D., George M. 
Hall, John W. Harsha, A.M., John SkcUie, Archibald 
Reid, James A. Shankland, Andrew R;jveridge, Gilbert 
Small, Gilbert H. Robertson, D.D., William James Reid, 
D.D., and some others whose studies are not yet completed. 
The congregation assumed its present name in 1858, 
when the union of the Associate and Associate Reformed 
churches was effected. The present elders are John Rjid, 
William Lendrum, William McNeil, R. 0. Robertson, and 
George Henry. A flourishing Sabbath-school of two hun- 
dred members, superintended by Robert Alexander, is 
maintained. 

THE UNITED PRESBYTEBI.VN CONGREGATION OP NORTH 
ARGYLE 

is a branch of the congregation of South Argyle, and was 
organized in 1830, in response to a petition to the Associate 
presbytery of Cambridge, as the Associated Congregation 
of North Argyle. Its southern bounds were fixed on the 
" street" road, and it was established to accommodate mem- 
bers living in the north and western part of town, many 
having been obliged before this to go ten miles to attend 
services. The persons who thus associated themselves wore 
Daniel Stephenson, Sr., and wife ; Robert Robertson, wife 
and daughters, Ann and Mary; William Shepherd and 
wife ; Duncan Shepherd and wife ; John Stevenson and 
wife; John Tilford and wife; Alexander McGeoch and 
wife; William Swale and wife; Nicholas Robsrtson and 
wife; Robert G. Hale and wife; Alexander Bachop and 
wife ; Nathaniel Reynolds and wife ; William Wahle and 
wife; Mary Walsh, Andrew Haggard, Phoebe Coulter, 
Sarah Coulter, Mrs. Archibald Gillis, and John Robertson. 

The first meetings were held in the school-house, and 
preaching was supplied by the Rev. Lang and others. The 
first ruling elders elected were George Lendrum, William 
Stevenson, and Rjbert Robertson, at a meeting in 1830, 
over which the Rev. J. P. Miller presided. The congre- 
gation erected a house of worship the same year on the 
site occupied by the present edifice, Daniel Stevenson 
being the chief contributor for this purpose ; and while he 
lived he paid one-half of the ministerial support and char- 
itable contributions. The first session of the congregation 
was held April 4, 1831, and in the fall of that year the 
Rev. Duncan Stalker became the first pastor. About the 
same time the number of elders was increased by the addi- 
tion of William Wahle and Nicholas Robertson. The 
Lord's Supper was first commemorated July 28, 1832. 
In 1835 the session of ciders was still further increased by 
the election of Walter Edgar, Benjamin Skellie, and John 
Snell. 

Considerable trouble arose about this time in the Asso- 
ciate presbytery of Cambridge, relative to the case of Alex- 
ander Bullions, D.D., which extended to congregations out^ 
side the Cambridge presbytery. In 1841, the deposed 
ministers of several presbyteries lield a meeting at Cam- 
bridge, and formed themselves into a synod. Thus there 
were two bodies in the county claiming to be the Associate 
presbytery of Cambridge. In this issue the congregation 
of North Argyle and its pastor allied themselves with Dr. 
Bullions' party. 



242 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In the summer of 184(3 the church was enlarged and 
improved, the congregation meanwhile worshiping in the 
adjacent woods. Tlie following year the pastor was af- 
flicted with an attack of paralj'sis, which prevented him 
from attending to his duties. He tendered his resignation 
in June, 1852, to the congregation he had so faithfully 
served for more than twenty years. Rev. Stalker died in 
1854, aged seventy years. 

In June, 1853, Rev. W. E. Henning was settled over 
the congregation, and still serves it in the pastoral relation. 
His labors have tended to tlie prosperity and welfare of the 
congregation, greatly endearing him to the people. 

In 185(> the congregation withdrew from the new As.so- 
ciate presbytery of Cambridge, and asked to be received 
into the old. This action had the effect of hastening the 
union of the two presbyteries, which took place later in the 
season. Two years later the congregation a.ssumed its 
present name, in consequence of the union of the Associate 
and the Associate Reformed branches of the I'resbyterian 
church. 

The present church edifice is a very neat and attractive 
frame, forty-five by seventy-two feet, with a well-propor- 
tioned spire, and was completed in 1866, at a cost of eleven 
thousand dollars. The pulpit furniture was the gift of 
Anna Stevenson. The hou.se is on ground deeded to the 
society by William Lundy. The burial-ground opposite 
was the gift of Daniel Stevenson, and at present forms a 
part of the North Argyle cemetery. North of the church 
a parsonage was erected in 1833, which has since been 
renovated and now forms a comfortable dwelling. The 
congregation has also received the following legacies : In 
1842, from William Wahle, two hundred and fifty dollars; 
1847, from Daniel Stevenson, Sr., one thousand dollars; 
1853, from Aim Robertson, one hundred dollars; 1869, 
from Thomas Murray, one thousand dollars; and in 1875, 
from Mary Robertson, two hundred dollars. These have 
been properly invested for the good of the society. 

The present membership of the congregation is neaily 
two hundred and fifty, and every communion season wit- 
nesses accessions. Of the original communicants at North 
Argyle but three survive, namely, Elizabeth Stewart 
Guthrie, Sarah Coulter Harsha, and Nicholas Robertson. 
The latter has been clerk of the church since its formation, 
and has always rendered it faithful and elEeient service. 
Much of the prosperity also is due to Daniel Guthrie, the 
precentor, whose services of song have an edifying efl'ect. 
The benevolent contributions of the church are truly praise- 
worthy, more than five hundred dollars having been raised 
the past year. 

An excellent Sabbath-sehool has been connected with the 
church, which is largely attended by old and young. It is 
at present superintended by John McGeoch. 

The first trustees, consisting of Daniel Stevenson, Wil- 
liam Stevenson, Alexander McGeoch, David Harsha, John 
Robertson, and Archibald Bishop, filed their certificate of 
incorporation Dec. 1, 1832. 

Several churches have become extinct in Argyle, and 
whatever history they may have had is involved in obscu- 
rity, no records having been preserved. The first of these, 
in point of organization, was known as 



THE BEFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH UNION CHURCH IN 

ARGYLE, 
and its official board was to be distinguished, from and after 
Oct. 16, 1809, as the ministers, elders, and deacons of the 
above-named body. The first board was composed of Ileze- 
kiah Swiner, Ludwig Yungler, Jacob Dings, Casparus 
Schultz, and Cornelius Sehermerhorn. 

About 1814 a plaiu wooden meeting-house was erected 
in Argyle village, in which services were held by the Rev. 
Isaiah Johnson, the Rev. Van Hook, and others. The 
changes in the population of the town affected the church 
so much that the work was abandoned. The meeting-house 
subsequently became the property of the Methodi.sts. 

Another obsolete body was known as 

THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 

which was legally constituted April 14, 1828, with the 
following officers: Rev. James W. Stewart, minister; Wil- 
liam Thompson and Neal McNeil, ruling elders; and Wil- 
liam Shaw and John Hall, deacons. 

The body was generally known as the Cameronian 
church, and had no pastor besides Mr. Stewart. A small 
frame church was erected on the Site at present occupied 
by the public hall, which was removed and changed into a 
furniture-store by John Ross. Whatever other interests 
remained were transferred to the church in Hebron. 

The earliest record of Methodism in Argyle bears date 
Jan. 16, 1815, when a meeting was called at the house of 
Ichabod Davis for the purpose of forming a legal society. 
G. Pierce was chosen chairman, and James Thompson 
clerk. The trustees elected were Joseph Allen, Thomas 
Carl, James Stewart, John Sprague, and William F. Swift. 
From this period until 1836 no records have been kept, 
but meetings were held in school-houses in various parts 
of the town where clas.ses existed. About 1835, Rev. 
Daniel Brayton was appointed to the circuit, who at once 
urged the members to unite and procure a church. This 
was done soon after ; the old Dutch church was bought for 
this purpose, and meetings were now held with greater 
regularity. 

On the 20th of November, 1850, 

THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF AROVLE 

was formally incorporated, and the following trustees elected : 
James Pollock, Edward Hunt, and Charles C. Wills. The 
meeting-house was enlarged and repaired, and preaching 
was regularly held by the following ministers : David P. 
Hulburd, Ezra Sprague, William P. Graves, William Henry, 
S. Young, I'aul P. Atwell, Ensign Stover, Thomas Dodson, 
William A. Miller, J. L. Cook, Aaron Hall, Amos Osborne, 
W. W. Foster, Ward BuUard, D. Lytle, J. M. Webster, 
J. L. Slauson, J. F. Craig, Daniel Rose, D. Brough, A. 
Hall, and J. W. Shank. The latter came to the place in 
the spring of 1877, and atonee instituted measures to erect 
a new church, the old frame house having proved inade- 
quate for the wants of the society. A building committee, 
composed of C. W. Taylor, Daniel Baker, and J. W. Shank, 
was appointed. May 26, 1877, and the erection of the pres- 
ent edifice was soon after begun on the site occupied by 
the old house, which was removed. It is a very handsome 



.A.-~;,.;^,JW;^^JJj.i?3i.J^^:l,^.,t 




Residence: OF Wm CLAPP, JVorth Atoyle Washin&ton Co Ny 







Residence OF JOHN R. HARSHA ,/Jorth Argyle, Washington Co, NV 



HTSTORV OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



243 



brick structure, having an audience-ronm forty-five by fifty- 
thrue feet atid twenty-five feet high, witli a two-story tran- 
sept in the rear twenty-one by forty-eight feet long. The 
lower story of this part of the building has been fitted up 
for parlors, pastor's study, etc., while the upper portion 
forms a session-room. The front of the church has a 
shapely tower one hundred and ten feet high, and the 
Gothic roof is relieved by appropriate crestings. The inte- 
rior of the house has been finished in good style, the pulpit 
work being especially fine. The entire cost of the church was 
about nine thousand dollars, a large proportion of which 
w;is contributed by Daniel Baker. A parsonage, worth 
one thousand dollars, was erected many years ago. The 
trustees controlling this property are A. P. Wills, Aaron 
Pollock, and Daniel Baker. The membership of the church 
is eighty-five, and under the ministrations of the Rev. Shank 
the work has become very prosperous. The church also 
maintains a Sunday-school of seventy -five members, which 
is under the superintendence of Aaron Pollock. 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ARGYLE 

is the corporate name of a branch of the Presbyterian 
church, formed in Argylc village in the spring of 1873. 
Its doctrines are similar to those of Dr. Hall's New York 
city church, and it is a member of the Troy presbytery. 
The organization was effected June 29, 1873, when thirty- 
eight persons subscribed to the Articles of Faith, and 
John Wollman, John L. Gilchrist, and William Cook were 
chosen elders. No regular pastor was connected with the 
church until June, 1874, when George Ainslie, of the 
Princeton Seminary, assumed that relation, and still con- 
tinues. That same season the building of a house of Avor- 
ship was begun in Argyle village, which was consecrated 
in April, 1875, by Revs. Robinson and Irwin, of Troy. 
It is an attractive frame edifice, thirty-six by sixty-eight 
feet, built in modern stylo, and finished throughout with 
good taste, at a cost of nine thousand dollars. The church 
is in a flourishing condition, having ninety members. John 
H. Smith and Freeman Mclntire have been added to the 
board of elders. It supports, also, a good Sunday-school 
of eighty-five members, which was organized in 1873, and 
of which John H. Smith is superintendent. 

In addition to the foregoing churches there are several 
religious and benevolent societies in town, the most promi- 
nent being 

THE ARCYLE BIBLE AND TRACT .SOCIJITIES. 

These were formed Feb. 6, 1837, as the Young People's 
Bible Society, with John Small president and John Rob- 
ertson secretary. The present names were adopted about 
1870, and the first society is auxiliary to the American 
Bible Society. About two hundred and fifty dollars are 
contributed annually to the treasury of the society. 

SECRET ORDERS. 

Somewhere about 1800 there was a lodge of Masons at 
Argylc, embracing among its members some of the leading 
citizens of that day. In common with other lodges it went 
dowu during the Morgan excitement, and the records have 
been lost. 



Argyle Lodge, No. 5G7, F. & A. M., was chartered 
June 27, 18G5, with the following officers : William Cook, 
W. M. ; John McCall, S. W. ; A. J. White, J. W. ; E. 
Hill, Sec. ; R. Shannon, Treas. The present Master is E. 
H. Snyder, and P. F. Dixon is Secretary. The lodge has 
fifty-one members, and meets in a comfortable hall. 

Argi/Ic Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted in 1848, its 
first officers being Allen Gibson, N. G. ; George C. Har.sha, 
V. G. ; John A. Walker, R. S. ; Joseph Kinney, Treas. 
The lodge has long since discontinued its meetings. 

In 1848 a division of Sons of Temperance was also in- 
stituted, which had a very flourishing existence for a num- 
ber of years, but has also gone down, leaving no record of 
its usefulness other than that furnLshed by memory. 

The, Alpha Fraternal, No. 1, of the Order of Monadic 
Riielliana, was a secret association, whose object was to 
cultivate literary and scientific qualities. A tonple was 
established at Argyle, having as officials Gilbert Small, 
Arch Elder ; James D. Gourlay, Scribe ; Allen Gibson, 
Deacon ; G. H. Robertson, Warden. We cannot learn 
that the order is yet in existence, or that it accomplished 
its purpo.ses. 

Besides the foregoing there have been other societies, 
the data concerning which we have not been able to pro- 
cure. 

The town has several villages within its bounds. The 
least of these is commonly called 

THE HOOK, 

and is simply a cluster of houses at the forks of the roads, 
on lot 89, two miles northeast of North Argyle. Store was 
kept there at an early day by Joseph Hall, Samuel Don- 
aldson, and others, and a tavern by Arthur Barker, as well 
as a number of mechanic shops. Tiie latter are yet carried 
on. The place was formerly called " Coot Hill," and in 
1829 a post-office was established by this name, with Samuel 
Donaldson postmaster. lu 1830 it was removed to 

NORTH ARGYLE, 

and Daniel Stevenson appointed postmaster. Ho was the 
first to engage in business at this point, which was formerly 
known as " Stevenson's Corners." It is a pleasantly-located 
hamlet, two and a half miles from Argyle village, contain- 
ing some comfortable homes and several hundred inhabitants. 
Besides Daniel Stevenson, other members of the family were 
successfully engaged in trade, as well as Marvin Clapp & 
Co. and Archibald Gillis. Cuthbert & McDougall are at 
present in trade in a fine business block, whose arrangements 
permit them to carry a large stock of goods. 

In 1845, William Stevenson, Jr., became the postmaster, 
and the office has since been held by Nicholas Robertson, 
Theo. Clapp, Seth H. Terry, John Walsh, W. D. Stevenson, 
and A. S. Cuthbert. There is a tri-weckly mail. The 
various trades are carried on in half a dozen shops. 

At Mack's Mills, James Haggart had a store at an early 
day. John Shannon is at present in trade. 

In the southern part of town, on lot 14, is the hamlet of 

SOUTH ARGYLE, 

with about a hundred inhabitauts. 



244 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The place became a business point about 1824, when 
John Jlitchcll opened a store. He was soon succeeded by 
Wm. G. McMasters, an active merchant, who left about 
1835. The place was then occupied by McNaughton & 
Proudfit, and afterwards by Aaron McCall, and at present 
by Albert Stewart. In the northern part of the village, 
Samuel Stewart opened a store in 1840, whioli he has eon- 
ducted ever since. 

The post-ofiice was established about 1830, at the house 
of Rev. J. P. 31iller, the first postmaster. It was shortly 
after removed to the hamlet, and William G. McMasters 
appointed. His successors in office have been William 
McNaughton, William Congdon, John H. Ferguson, Mrs. 
Eliza MtCall, and the present incumbent, Albert Stewart. 
The office has a daily mail. 

Mechanic shops were put up in 1827, by Wn). Congdon, 
who has carried on wagon and carriage making ever since. 
Other tradesmen that remained a long period of years were 
William Christie, Simon Schermerhorn, the French family, 
and Moses McNeil. The place has at present its full com- 
])loment of shops. 

ARGYLE VILLAGE. 

This rising place is finely situated on an elevated plain, 
on the Moses Kill, a few miles west of the centre of the 
town. Settlement was first made here by George Kilmer, 
who fiirmerly owned the village site. It has always been 
the most important place in the town. But its growth was 
slow, and John Ross recollects that in 1817 there were only 
half a dozen houses in the place. It was incorporated in 
1838. There are several good business houses, a number 
of fine homes, and beautiful churches, ranking the village 
among the foremost in the county. Population, eight 
hundred. 

One of the first to engage in trade on a large scale was 
Alexander Backup. His first place of business was in a 
house that occupied the site of the carriage-factory. He 
afterwards located in the southern part of the village, con- 
tinuing in trade many years and being highly respected. 
His old stand was subsequently occupied by leading mer- 
chants, as by Carl & Dodd, Edward Dodd, and the present 
J. Armitage for the past fifteen years. At the lower end 
of the village, James IMcNaughton, Carl & Terry, Robert 
Campbell, and Clark & Stewart were successively engaged 
in what has, since 1832, been the stand of the present John 
C. Rouse. The old house was destroyed by fire in 1867, 
when the present building was removed to this place. Near 
the centre of the village Stiles Ransom was in business 
before 1815, and was for nearly forty years a leading mer- 
chant. His stand is at present occupied by Taylor & Strain. 
John Ross has been in the furniture trade more than half 
a century. The place has eight or ten stores in the difltr- 
eiit branches of trade. 

A tavern was kept opposite the county clerk's office soon 
after the Revolution by Peleg Biagg and others. About 
1800, Joseph Rouse became the proprietor, and continued 
it as a hotel and stage headquarters many years. All the 
buildings connected with the old hostelry have been re- 
moved. Directly opposite, at the present stand, John Ran- 
som kept a public-house — and a portion of the building 



he used is yet standing — more than seventy years. The 
changes of landlord here were quite frequent, James Stew- 
art, Daniel Buck, James Carl, Dennis & Harrison, George 
Shannon, and Shannon & White following as successors 
of John Ransom. The house has been enlarged, and is 
adequate for the wants of the place. 

The post-office was established about 1807, the mail being 
supplied by a line of stages running from Troy to White- 
hall. Joseph Rouse was the postmaster for the first thirty- 
four years. Since 1841, the office has been held by John 
C. Rouse, Wm. H. Rouse, John A. Pattison, James Hall, 
Henry Shipherd, and John C. Rouse, who holds it at pres- 
ent. 

The office has two mails per day from Fort Edward, and 
mails 125 letters per day ; receives 100 letters. Registered 
letters mailed per quarter, 90 ; received, 30. More than 
500 newspapers ai'e distributed each week. 

The public hall is a commodious frame edifice, with 
accommodations for five hundred people, erected in 1865, 
by an association formed for this purpose, and of which 
Edward Dodd is the secretary. 

The cornet-band was organized in November, 1873, with 
seventeen members. Has at present ten members, under 
the leadership of John Hopkins. 

The village has had a liberal supply of professional 
men. In medicine there were many able practitioners. 
Among them, Dr. Andrew Proudfit, a student of Dr. Rush, 
of Philadelphia ; settled in Argyle in 1790 ; removed to 
Troy, in 1807, to engage in trade; returned in 1818, and 
died in 1822. He was the earliest physician of which there 
is any record. Dr. Robert Cook, a student of the above, 
practiced twenty-five years; Dr. Thomas Clark, another 
student, practiced about the same length of time shortly 
after; Dr. Robert Clark, a few years, about 1801; Dr. 
James Green, from Salem, several years before 1815 ; Dr. 
Zebulon Rood, from Massachusetts, about 1812, until his 
death in town in 1824; Dr. Worthy Watts, prior to his 
death in 1828; Dr. Andrew Proudfit, Jr., about 1820, 
removed to Stirling, N. Y. ; Dr. William Wicks, educated 
by Dr. Green, from 1820 to '24; Dr. William Marshall, in 
1835; Dr. George Gillis, a student of Dr. Cook, in prac- 
tice until 1859; Dr. Hugh Proudfit, prior to 1850; Dr. 
Freeman Hopkins, removed to Kalamazoo, Mich.; Dr. 
James Savage, located at Argyle in 1820, where he yet 
resides, was a surgeon under Gen. McClellan, a member of 
the Assembly, etc. ; Dr. Andrew Savage, son of the above, 
died in 1863 ; Dr. David Martin, from 1845 to 1848 ; Dr. 
John C. Sill has been in practice since 1848 ; Dr. James 
S. McNeil, since 1858; Dr. Pierce is also in practice. 
(Hher phy.sicians in town were Doctors John Stevenson, T. 
Z. Gibbs, B. F. Ketchum, Sharpe IMcFaddeu, Arnold Dake, 
John and William Stewart, Daniel Harvey, and David 
Lester. 

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 

The village was incorporated under a special act of the 
Legislature, passed March 27, 1838, which provided for the 
annual election of five trustees ; from whose number a 
president shall be chosen, and other officers, and conferred 
the powers usual to such cases. 

The first election was held June 5, 1830, with the fol- 



\ 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



245 



lowing result ; Trustees, Ransom Stiles, George Gillis, John 
31. Stewart, James Caul, James Savage ; Clerk, William H. 
King ; Assessors, Benj. Caswell, George W. Harsha, and 
Ma.son Martin ; Collector and Constable, James Stewart. 
Ransom Stiles was chosen president. Since 1838, the fol- 
lowing have been the presidents and clerks : 

PresiJeiits. Cleiks. 

ISIill Ransom Stiles. Pidm-y Mathews. 

1840 Jesse S. Leigh. William K. Mills. 

]S41 " " " '• 

1842 J.Tmes Savage. " " 

JS43 Ransom Stiles. Alex. MeFadJen. 

1844 " 

1845 .John Robertson. " " 

184fi Ransom Stiles. A. Gibson. 

1847 •• •' '• •' 

1848 " " R. G. Clark. 

1849 " " 

1830 James Savage. '• " 

1851 " •' Henry Shipherd. 

1852 Ransom Stiles. " " 

185,'i James Savage. John C. Ronse. 

1854 Joseph Rouse. " " 

1855 Cornelius Sharp. Boyd Madden. 

1856 James Hall. 

1857 Cornelius Sharp. *' " 

18.58 " " John C. Rou.5e. 

18.5!) Edward D.idd. '■ " 

18B0 •• 

18BI " " " " 

1862 John C. Sill. "' " 

1863 James Saviigc. 

1864 " " .Tohn McOall. 

1865 " " E. Hill. 

186fi " " 

1867 .lohn C. Sill. " 

1868 E. Hill. O. I.. Whitcomb. 

ISfi'J Alex. BarUlcv. C. W. Tavlor. 

1871) Edward Dodd. 

1871 " 

1872 " " O. r,. Whileonib. 

1873 George Shannon. 

1874 R. G. Clark. J. K. lUnry. 

1875 " 

1870 James S. McXeil. 

1877 David Hall. 0. L. Whitcomb. 

In 1845 the board of trustees purchased a fii-e-engiiie, 
and commissioned seventeen persons as members of " Argyle 
Fire Co., No. 1." Additions to the membeiship were made 
from time to time, and in one form or other the company 
had an existence for about twenty years. On the 5th of 
Oct., 18G6, a new company was formed, and the organiza- 
tion reported and received the sanction of the council, who 
provided a new engine and apparatus, costing about nine 
hundred dollars. An engine-house was also secured in a 
central locality, and the department was made subject to 
wholesome regulations. Unfortunately, the organization has 
been permitted to become ineffective, and the place is now 
without a regular company. 

The incorporation of the village has contributed much to 
its present handsome appearance, resulting from the action 
of some of the first councils, ordering the planting of trees, 
and making provision for their protection ; also, in adopting 
measures to promote the cleanliness of the village. Some 
amendments have been made to the original charter, but its 
general character remains unchanged. 

THE COUNTY BUILDINGS. 
Owing to the central position of Argyle, several county 
institutions are located within her bounds. The county 
clerk's office was fixed at Argyle village as an intermediate 
point between Salem and Sandy Hill, where the courts are 
held, in 1806. At that time Daniel Sliipherd was clerk, 
and had his office in the nei<;hborhood of the United Pres- 



byterian church. Subsequently a building was erected just 
west of the present office, which was used until 1870, when 
the present structuie was erected. It is a plaiu but neat 
two-story brick, well arranged with office conveniences. 
C. W. Taylor is the present clerk. 

The county poor-house is located on a farm of two hun- 
dred and forty acres, situated on lot 18, about two miles 
south of the village. It is a substantial brick building, 
erected in 1827, and enlarged to meet growing demands for 
room. Jo.seph Stewart was the first keeper, and G. S. 
Lake is the present. The farm is in a good state of culti- 
vation, the buildings in good repair, and the institution Ls 
creditably managed. 

REVOLUTIONARY. 

Although Argyle was not the direct theatre in which 
were enacted the stirring scenes of the long struggle for 
independence, some important incidental events have trans- 
pired within her bounds. The people felt the power of the 
heavy hand of war, and the toix-h was applied to many 
lowly homes, causing the occupants to flee for their lives. 
Thus it appears from the town records of 1791 that Robert 
McNaughton, living on lot 30, was expelled from his farm 
by the incursions of the enemy, and a year later William 
and Gilbert Robert.son petitioned to be exempt from paying 
quitrent for similar reasons. The conduct of the treach- 
erous Indians that had allied themselves to Burgoyne's 
army occasioned especial alarm, and justly so, for they 
swept through the country as with the besom of desolation. 
How terrible their work, and how sad the fate of those iu 
their pathway, is graphically told in the following 

REMINISCENCES OP THE REVOLUTION.* 

" Incidents of the Revolution must be interesting to 
every American citizen, and particularly so to the surviving 
friends and relatives of those immediately connected with 
such incidents, as well as tliose now residing in the vicinity 
where such iicidents occurred. 

" It is perhaps worth while to rescue from oblivion the 
following reliable reminiscences of the Revolution, which I 
had from various sources, but particularly from the lips of 
my aged aunt (lately deceased), who was eight years of 
age at the time these incidents transpired, — a time of lili; 
in which the memory is in full vigor. The impr&sions 
then made arc vivid and lasting. The accumulating cares 
and toils and sorrows of after-life can never eradicate them. 
And even in old age, when the mind is incapacitated for 
receiving new impressions, — when the passing events of the 
day are soon obliterated, and leave scarcely a trace upon the 
mind, — incidents, even the most minute, connected with 
youth, or even childhood, are recalled without any apparent 
effort, with vivid and startling accuracy. The human mind 
being thus constituted, early recollections may be received 
as reliable information, and may be recorded as such on the 
historic page. 

" In the latter part of the summer of 1777, a .scout ing- 
party of Indians, consisting of eight persons, received an 
injury, or a supposed injury, from some wliite persons at 



Ry Ihe late Arthur Reid, who was a native of the to 



246 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



New Perth, now Salem, Washington Co., New York, for 
which tiiey were determined to have revenge. 

" At the above date, the inhabitants of New Perth and 
vicinity had erected a temporary fort, to which they resorted, 
especially at night, for protection. The inmates of this 
fort, observing the scouting-party of Indians above alluded 
to prowling around, fired upon them from the fort and 
killed one of their number, at which the seven surviving 
Indians were exceedingly exasperated. With a spirit of 
revenge rankling in their bosoms, they swore, according to 
their custom, that for the blood of their comrade they would 
exact the blood and scalps of the first white family that 
came in tiieir way, as a plenary, expiatory sacrifice. This 
oath was taken in the presence of a white man, a prisoner, 
then in their possession. AVho this prisoner was, where 
he resided, how, where, and when they became in possession 
oP him, is not now known ; to each of these inquiries 
history is silent; and all that is known of his future history 
will appear in the sequel. 

" The party of Indians alluded to was a part of a large 
body who had assembled, according to previous arrange- 
ments, at the place where the invading army, under General 
Burgoyne, was then encamped, which was on the banks of 
the Boquet, a romantic and picturesque little river upon 
the west bank of Lake Champlain, and not far distant in a 
northerly direction from Crown Point. In order to inspire 
the savages with eourag-e, General Burgoyne considered it 
expedient, in compliance with their custom, to give them a 
war-feast, at which they performed many rites and cere- 
monies peculiar to themselves, indulging in the most ex- 
travagant manoeuvres, gesticulations, and exulting vocifer- 
ations, such as lying in ambush and displaying their rude 
armorial devices, and dancing and whooping and yelling, 
and brandishing their tomahawks and scalping-knives. 
Such barbarous conduct, preparatory to engaging in war, 
must have been looked upon by the assembled civilized 
troops with suspicion and disgust. 

" This particular band of Indians was in command of an 
Iioquois chief, who, i'rom his bloodthirsty nature, was 
called Le Loup, the wolf. Ho was bold and fiercely re- 
vengeful, adapting him well to lead the party which com- 
mitted these atrocities. 

"About a month after the above date we find Le Loup 
and his party in the vicinity of Salem, as before related. 
Although more than three-fourths of a century has elapsed 
since that time, and although all the busy actors of the 
stirring scenes of the Revolution have passed from ofF the 
stage of time, yet may the bloody trail of these fierce ma- 
rauders still be traced. 

" Accordingly, Le Loup and his band started from Salem, 
en route to the place where the van of the invading army, 
under General Burgoyne, was then encamped, which was 
about four miles north of Fort Edward, with a full deter- 
mination of massacring and scalping the first white family 
that came in their way. 

" My grandfather's — Duncan SIcArthur — family was the 
first that came in the Indians' way on their direct route 
from Salem to the encampment. At that epoch the country 
was exceedingly sparsely settled. The margins of streams 
and lakes were dotted .here and there by small clearings ; 



the vast intervening wilderness was almost entirely unin- 
habited, except by the Indians and the wild beasts of the 
forest. At that time a few families had settled along the 
right bank of the On-du-wa, now Batten Kill, between 
what is now called Fitch's Point and the bend of the Kill, 
about two miles north of Battenville. The Indians passed 
north of this settlement. 

" My grandfather's family consisted of six persons, viz. : 
the parents and four children, the eldest of whom was ten, 
and the youngest four years of age. 

" As the Indians approached the clearing upon which 
the dwelling stood they halted in an opening in the forest, 
according to their custom, in order to make preparations 
for executing their fiendish design. They examined their 
implements of warfare ; they looked at the powder with 
which their fire-anns were loaded ; they picked their gun- 
flints; they sharpened their tomahawks and scalping-knives, 
and returned their gleaming blades into sockets prepared 
for their reception, in broad leathern belts around their 
swarthy waists, to be drawn the instant they were needed ; 
they put their ammunition in the most convenient place 
for momentary use. After partaking of a hasty repast,— 
the material of which was a fruit of their plunder, — they 
painted in spots their faces, necks, and shoulders with a 
thick coat of vermilion, and arrayed themselves with their 
customary ornaments of warfare. Thus the naturally 
savage and ferocious appearance of the Indians was greatly 
enhanced by the artificial lueans studiousl}' employed by 
them, in order to make themselves appear more hideous 
and terrific to their enemies. Nature and art being thus 
combined in producing the ferocious and terrifying appear- 
ance of the savage, this appearance needs only to be accom- 
panied by his characteristic yell, — so much dreaded by the 
early settlers, — to strike terror to the bravest spirit, and 
to make the stoutest heart quail. All things being now 
ready for the expected conflict, the munitions of war 
having been put in the best possible order, Le Loup and 
his party moved slowly forward with stealthy steps to the 
very edge of the forest, and again halted in order to take 
a survey of the premises around the house, and to mature 
a particular plan of attack. They were particularly cautious 
not to expose themselves to view from the house, con- 
cealing themselves behind the trunks of trees, and cautiously 
peering through small interstices in the foliage. After 
having made as thorough an examination of the house and 
its surroundings as the circumstances would admit, they 
retired a short distance, and assembled in council. 

" It was so ordered by the overruling hand of Provi- 
dence that on that very day — an unusual occurrence — two 
men from a distant neighborhood were assisting my grand- 
father in harnessing and breaking a young horse. The 
Indians, on discovering three men about the premises, 
were not a little disconcerted. They were still more in- 
timidated on discovering what they took to be three dwell- 
ings on the place. The temporary dwelling that my grand- 
father had first erected was still standing, and also a rude 
barn erected about the same time, making three buildings 
on the place, with the one the family lived in. The 
Indians were led into the belief that each of these build- 
ings was occupied by a distinct family, from the fact of 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



247 



there being three men about the place. They hesitated 
about making an assault upon the house. Accordingly, 
they convened a council to take into consideration the 
practicability of carrying out their premeditated plan. 
The members of the council were divided in their opinions; 
but the probability of there being three families on the 
premises had the preponderance. It caused them to hesi- 
tate, and finally to abandon the undertaking. 

" Thus, by the interposition of a kind Providence, a foniily 
was saved from a fearful doom. If the overruling hand of 
Providence liad not directed the footsteps of the two men 
thither, undoubtedly the fiimily would have fallen a sacri- 
fice to the relentless cruelty of the savages. 

" Although Le Loup and his comrades had been frustrated 
in accomplishing their design upon the family, and were not 
a little irritated and chagrined at the failure, yet their thirst 
for blood was not at all abated. After they had abandoned 
tho undertaking, they passed rapidly onward, with elastic 
step, in Indian file, winding along among the umbrageous 
forest-trees. In about an hour from the time they started 
they came in sight of a clearing upon which a dwelling 
stood, occupied by a family by the name of Allen. As the 
Indians nearcd the clearing they slackened their pace, and 
as they approached still nearer they used more caution, 
looking in every direction to see that they were not discov- 
ered, and finally, with muffled steps, they proceeded to the 
very edge of the forest in order to get a view of the premises. 
It was wheat harvest ; the men were in the field reaping 
their grain. The Indians, after having recounoitered the 
place as well as they could without being discovered from 
the field or the house, held a short consultation, and unani- 
mously agreed, as it was near mid-day, to wait till the men 
in the field went into the house to dinner. They considered 
that time as the most favoi'able opportunity to approach the 
house undiscovered, and to perpetrate their diabolical design 
upon the family. 

" From the house that the Indians had just left, Mr. 
Allen's dwelling was situated at the distance of about two 
miles, in a northwesterly direction, and about three-fourths 
of a mile northeasterly from the present South Argyle. 
The land upon which the house stood is now owned by 
Charles T. Fullerton, and is situated at the distance of about 
twenty rods in an easterly direction, on a rise of ground, 
from the residence of Mr. Fullerton, and about the same 
distance in a southerly direction from the dwelling of Archi- 
bald Armstrong, Jr. 

" Mr. John Allen's family, for the time being, consisted 
of nine persons, viz. : himself and Mrs. Allen, and three 
children, and temporarily residing in the family, Sirs. 
Allen's sister, two colored men, and a colored woman. 
These colored people were slaves owned by Mr. George 
Kilmore, who was Mr. Allen's father-in-law. George Kil- 
more (or Yerry, the German name by which he was then 
called, George being the English of Yerry) resided in a 
northerly direction, at the distance of about three miles from 
Mr. Allen's house. Mr. Kilmore's house was situated on 
the northern suburbs of the present Argyle village, on the 
left bank of Moses Kill. 

" On Friday morning Mr. Kilniure sent three slaves to 
assist his son-in-law harvest his wheat. Mrs. Allen's sister 



went along with them. Whether the slave woman was 
assisting harvest the grain, or whether she was assisting 
about the domestic affairs of the house, is not known. The 
reapei-s were in the harvest-field when the Indians arrived, 
as before related. 

" There is some doubt as to the time when the ma.ssacre 
occurred, .some placing the date as Saturday, July 26, and 
others Friday, July 25, 1777. All the circumstances seem 
to indicate the latter as the more probable date. 

" It will be recollected that we left the Indians waiting 
till the reapers retired from the field to dinner. They had 
nothing to do but to wait quietly till the time arrived. All 
their paraphernalia of warfare had been put in order for the 
occasion, as before related, and had not been used, and was 
still iu readinass. The time fixed for the perpetration of the 
deed was rapidly approaching. The prisoner made an earnest 
request that he might be allowed to remain behind, and not be 
compelled to witness the heartrending scene. The Indians 
at first seemed disinclined to grant his request, but, after 
the prisoner had made repeated earnest entreaties to spare 
his feelings, they finally consented to grant his request. 
Accordingly, it was agreed that one of the Indians was to 
remain with him and guard him, while the others were to 
go forward and execute the deed. 

" Hark ! the signal for dinner was announced from the 
house. The men retired from the field to the house. The 
family sat down to their last dinner. Little did they think 
that the signal inviting them to the table was also the sig- 
nal for the approach of the mes.sengers of death. But no 
time was now to be lost ; the Indians forthwith issued from 
the forest with all their hideousness and blood-thirstings, 
and approached the house, and, with a terrific yell, they — 
But what followed can only be gathered from the different 
positions in which the different members of the fomily 
were found, as no eye saw it, save the All-seeing Eye, and 
the eyes of the perpetrators of the deed. 

" Although more than eighty-one years have elapsed 
since that time, and although the actors in that frightful 
scene have probably long since departed this life, yet even 
now, in attempting to describe the horrible scene that pre- 
sented itself after the awful tragedy was enacted, the imag- 
ination sickens, and a noticeable tremulousness of our pen 
may be observed as we write. 

" Mr. Allen was found at the distance of a few rods iu a 
northerly direction from the house, about midway between 
the house and barn. It is supposed that when alarmed by 
the Indians he had escaped through a back door or win- 
dow, and had proceeded thus fiir when shot down by the 
Indians. Mrs. Allen, her sister, and the youngest child 
were found in the same direction from the house with that 
of Mr. Allen, but nearer, and had probably got out of the 
house in the same way. It is likely that the women had 
hold of the child's hands, and were escaping with all pos- 
sible speed, when overtaken by the Indians, tomahawked, 
and scalped. The other two children, when alarmed by tho 
Indians, had secreted themselves in a bed, and were there 
found tomahawked and scalped. One of the colored men 
was found with his body in the house, his back downwards, 
his head protruding from tho door, his neck across the 
threshold, his body gashed and mutilated in a horrible 



248 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTi', NEW YORK. 



manner, his scalp torn off, and his lips skinned and turned 
back on his face and chin, thus presenting a shocking sight. 
From the numerous wounds found inflicted on his body, it 
is supposed that he made a dcsparate resistance, and prob- 
ably wounded .some of the Indians, and, in order to gratify 
their revengeful dispositions, they thus mutilated his body, 
and left it in this condition. The position in which the 
colored woman and the other colored man were found is not 
distinctly recollected. Thus, in and around the hou.se, lay 
nine inanimate gory bodies, their scalps torn off, and their 
bloodshot eyes protruding fearfully from their sockets. 

" Mr. Kilmore expected his daughter and slaves home on 
Friday evening, but as they did not return at that time, he 
supposed that they had not finished harvesting the wheat, 
and that they would return in the forepart of the succeed- 
ing day. But hour after hour of that day passed away, 
and they did not return. Mr. Kilmore waited, with the 
expectation that they would make their appearance, until it 
was too late to send and ascertain the cause of their de- 
tention. On the next (Sabbath) morning he sent a colored 
lad on horseback to find out the reason why they were thus 
detained. As the boy approached the house, the keen- 
scented horse stopped, and refused to go forward, — he 
snielled the blood of the slaughtered family. It was with 
the greatest difficulty that the horse was urged forward till 
his rider got a view of the appalling scene. He was not 
long in conveying the fearful tidings home. A few men in 
the neighborhood of Mr. Kilmore's assembled on that day 
and buried the dead. The men, while performing the burial 
.service, were greatly afraid of the return of the Indians. 
Whilst some stood with rifles in their hands, the others 
dug two graves, and spread a sheet in each, and deposited 
the bodies of the whites in one grave, and the blacks in the 
other. Although the plow now passes over the ground 
where the house stood, and where the graves were made, 
yet their situation can still be pointed out. Until recently, 
boards have been kept up at the graves to designate the 
spot. Two aged apple-trees stand near the place, and it 
is supposed they were young trees at the time the scene 
was enacted ; if so, they are living witness of that eventful 
tragedy. 

" On Monday evening following, the news of the mas- 
sacre of the Allen family reached my great-grandfather's, 
who resided some two miles north of Battenville, on what 
is latterly known as Dwellie's hill. When the information 
of the foul murder had arrived, the family thought it was' 
more than probable that their near family relatives had 
also became the victims of savage cruelty, from the fact of 
their nearness to the massacred family. In order to relieve 
the awful suspense under which the family labored, Archi- 
bald Campbell, my grandmother's brother, was determined 
to ascertain what might be the truth of the matter. He 
endeavored to get some one to accompany him in his un- 
dertaking, but as no one seemed willing to go, he was 
about to start alone, when Mr. Neil Gillaspie (whose 
daughter, Mrs. Bain, is still living at an advanced age in 
the township of Argylc) volunteered to accompany him. 
The two started on hoi-seback, under the covert of the 
night and the forest-trees, — the distance being about four 
miles, — with the expectation of bringing back — if, indeed. 



they came back — mournful tidings respecting the fate of 
the family. When they were within about half a mile 
of the clearing, they dismounted and tied their horses to 
trees, and proceeded on foot in order to make as little 
noise as po.ssible. They considered it expedient to ap- 
proach the house with great caution ; for they were ap- 
prehensive thiit the family had been massacred, and that 
the Indians miglit still be lurking about the place or had 
perhaps taken up a temporary residence in the house. As 
the two man crossed the stream on the south side of the 
house, they were not a little alarmed at liearing something 
that resembled the groans of a person. This groaning, 
intermingling with the murmuring of the water in the 
stillness of the night, sounded dolefully upon their cars. 
They supposed that the family had been murdered, and 
that the groans proceeded from some of the members of it 
who had been left for dead. But on a more particular ex- 
amination, they ascertained that the noise proceeded from 
a swine-sty, and was occasioned by the snoring of its 
inmates. Encouraged by this discovery, they went for- 
ward to the barn-yard, and there found the cattle lying, 
quietly chewing their cuds. They looked upon this as a 
good sign that all was safe. They proceeded to the gate 
that led to the house, and found it shut. They considered 
this another good sign ; for if the Indians had been there, 
they would likely have left the gate open, and all would 
have been in confusion. And finally, they groped their 
way to the house, and found its inmates sleeping soundly, 
— unconscious of any danger. This was the first intima- 
tion of the probable danger they had been in, and of what 
had befallen the Allen family. But as yet they knew 
nothing about the council of Indians that had convened a 
few rods from the house for the purpose of determining 
their fate. 

" Although the family wore not fully aware of the great 
danger they had been in, yet they knew sufficient to alarm 
them greatly. Without delay, they arranged their affairs 
as well as they could, and started that night for Duncan 
Campbell's. They put the children on the horses, and 
groping their way through the dense forest, arrived in 
safety at the place of destination. 

" At this time, a few families had taken up their resi- 
dence at the head of the Cossayuna lake, and in that 
vicinity. On the northern margin of the lake one of 
these families lived, whose name was McEachron. The 
maternal head of this liousehold was a daughter of Mr. 
George Kilmore, and a sister of Mrs. Allen's, whose 
melancholy fate is recorded on a preceding page. The 
lineal descendants of Peter McEachron 's family reside, at 
the present day, only a few feet distant from the same 
place. 

" On hearing of the direful calamity that had befallen 
their near relatives, this family, with the others in the im- 
mediate neighborhood, resorted without delay to the Cos- 
sayuna island, as the nearest place of comparative safety. 
This island, as before stated, was situated towards the 
northern extremity of the lake, and nearly equidistant, 
about one hundred and fifty rods, from the west, north, 
and east shore of the lake ; and towards the south the lake 
extended to the distance of some two or three miles. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



249 



" These terror-stricken families disposed of tlieir tempo- 
ralities as well as they could ; and taking along with them 
such of their effects as could be easily removed, including 
some of the smallest of their domestic animals, they re- 
moved to the island, and there encamped for the space of 
two or three weeks. In choosing a location for tlieir en- 
campment, they were particularly careful to select a spot 
that was well screened by the thick foliage of the surround- 
ing forest-trees, in order to prevent exposure from the lake- 
shore. During the time they sojourned there they were 
continually apprehensive that they would be ferreted out 
by the keen-scented savages. In order to secure their 
safety, if possible, they took turns in standing sentinels, 
especiallj' during the silent watches of the night. The 
sentinels were stationed so that they could have a command- 
ing view in all directions ; and if the Indians attempted to 
approach the island with stealth and muffled oars they could 
give the alarm to their companions, and thus be prepared 
to make a defense. The party on the island deemed it 
necessary to keep as quiet as possible, so as not to attract 
the attention of the Indians. They used every means in 
their power to prevent the wailing of their younger chil- 
dren and the boisterousness of those that were older, the 
barking of their hunting dogs, and the crowing and cack- 
ling of their fowls ; for they were fearful that the noise 
occasioned by their bipeds and quadrupeds would reveal 
their whereabouts to the lurking savages. But when Bur- 
goyne had left Fort Edward, and the Indians had disappeared 
from around the lake, these families cautiously returned to 
their former homes. 

" Dismayed and terrified, the settlers no longer relied 
upon Burgoyne's promised protection. The panic-stricken 
patriots and loyalists, on hearing of the massacre of the 
Allen family, and other similar depredations committed by 
the Indians, fled with all possible speed to some place of 
protection. 

" Most of the families residing along the On-da-wa, or 
Batten Kill, and in that vicinity, went to Fort Edward, and 
among them was our ancestral family. After the different 
families had arranged their respective affairs as hastily as 
possible, they assembled and started for Fort Edward, tak- 
ing along with them some indispensable necessaries, and 
driving their cattle before them. The company went by 
way of my grandfather's, and thence to the place where 
the Allen family were murdered. There the party made a 
halt, and took a melancholy view of the place where the 
bloody tragedy had been so recently enacted. Among other 
things that attracted their notice was a bloody cap — with 
a long cut in it, made by the blade of a tomahawk — lying 
on a stump, that had been worn by one of the family at 
the time of the murder. After taking a brief survey of 
the place, they hastened on towards the encampment. 

" From Friday afternoon, the 25th of July, until Sab- 
bath morning following, the whereabouts of Le Loup and 
his band cannot now be designated. But on that morning 
they made their appearance on the brow of the hill north 
of Fort Edward, and then and there a shocking tragedy 
was enacted; and well may it be said, in reference to it, 
that ' truth is stranger than fiction.' It was the massacre 
of Miss Jane McCrea, an amiable and intelligent lady, 
32 



under peculiar circumstances. She was attired in her wed- 
ding-dress, and about to be joined in marriage to Mr. David 
Jones, who was an officer in the British army. The indig- 
nant patriots, on hearing of the atrocious conduct of the 
Indians, were fired with an extra stimulus, and were deter- 
mined to make a desperate effort to avenge these cruelties, 
and to free themselves from the arbitrary domination of 
Great Britain. Not allowing their excited passions to cool, 
the colonists, with all possible ha.ste, rushed from the moun- 
tain sides and the intervening valleys, and from the extended 
plains, to the battle-field, and by their daring deeds of valor 
forced General Burgoyne and his army into an uncondi- 
tional surrender. This defeat exerted a deleterious effect 
upon the whole of the British arms in America, and event- 
ually resulted in the withdrawal of the whole army. It is 
possible that the blood of the victims, shed by savage 
cruelty, sealed the fate of the American Revolution." 

MILITARY. 

Among those who rendered service as soldiers of the 
Revolution was John Smith. He was once taken prisoner 
by the Indians, and narrowly escaped with his life. John 
Taylor did service in the patriot cause as a teamster, and 
others served in various capacities. 

In 1812 a number responded, and hastened with alacrity 
to the defense of the northern frontier as members of the 
118th N. Y^. Regt. Jesse S. Leigh was a paymaster in 
the above organization. John Ross, Duncan Taylor, Henry 
Smith, James Bain, Asa Bristol, and John Todd were 
among the men that went to Plattsburg. 

In the support of the government, in the trying hours 
of the late civil war, the town was not wanting. Appro- 
priations were frequently voted, at annual and special meet- 
ings called for this purpose, to encourage enlistments, and 
the taxes for this purpose aggregated nearly one hundred 
thousand dollars. Wm. Congdon, P. C. Hitchcock, James 
M. Hall, Alex. Barclay, John McCall, and David Hall 
were a war committee, and their action secured the requi- 
site quotas. 

Appended hereto is a list of the citizens of Argyle who 
did service for their country in the Rebellion : 

Jolm Armstrong, pnl. Dec. 29, 186:i, lOtli Art., Co. H ; discli. Aug. 29, 186.5. 

William Anintning, enl. Deo. 29, ISO), ICth Ait., Co. H ; died of dise.Tse nt 
Wilsoirs WImrf, Dec. 19, 1864. 

Chfiilea A. Ackley, eul. Dec. 29, 1863, 10th Art., Co. H; disch. Aug. 29, 1805. 

■William J. Armstrong, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. F; disch. Jan. 4, 1804. 

John Bain, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. F; liisch. June 8, 1805. 

Orlando D. Beattie, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch June 8, 1805. 

William Bready, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Uegt., Co.F; wounded at Chantollors- 
ville ; disch. June 8, 1805. 

Garner Baker, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. F; wounded and taken pris- 
oner May 3, 1863; died. 

George K. Bain, enl. July 31, 1802, 123d Regt,, Co. F; disch. Nov. 30, 1862. 

James D. Brown, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

William J. Bain, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 9.id Regt., Co. X. 

Heury P. Briggs, enl. Nov. 7, 18(11, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

James C. Brijrgs, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Kegt., Co. I. 

Zachariah D. Baird, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Hegt., Co. I. 

David Bain, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

Ileriry V. D. Brown, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Kegt., Co. I. 

Walter C. Brlggs, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

HaUey Brislol, enl. Dec. 29. 1863, 16th Art., Co. H. 

James M. Crawford, 2a liuut.; eul. Nov. 15, 1861, 93.1 Regt; pro. to chap. ; 
discli. Junes, 1865. 

Andrew L. Crawford, sergt.; enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. F; pro, to 1st 
lieut. ; diM-li. .1 ^8, 18i;.'>, 

James H. Crawford, eul. Aug. 13, 1802, I23d Regt., Co. F ; d sell. June 8, 1865. 



250 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



James K. Cronk, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Kegt^ Co. F ; wounded at Gettysburg ; 

disch. March 3, 1805. 
James H. Conklin, cnl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F ; disch. Mny 18, 1863. 
James Currons, eul. Aug. 13, 1802, 133d Regt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Walter Chapman, eul. Dec. 26, 1803, lOtli Art., Co. H ; disch. Aug. 29, 1806. 
Chirk Curtis, enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Uegt., Co. F; disch. July 7, 1803. 
Wni. B. Caiul>ljell, enl. Aug. U, 1S02, 123d Regt., Co. F; wounded May 25, 1804 ; 

disch. Juno 8. ISCi. 
Charles Carter, enl. Aug. 10, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 186:!. 
Wni. J. Copeland, enl. Aug. 17, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Simon D. Curtis, enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 12 id Regt., Co. F; disch. July 15, 186.3. 
Joseph Cart%vright, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, I23d Eegt., Co. F; died in New York, 

April 21, 1865. 
George Congdon, enl. Dec. 19, 1803, lOtli Art., Co. H; died at Elmira, Feb. 28, 

• 1864. 

Henry C. Carter, enl. Sept. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; trans, to COtli N. Y. Inf. 
J.acob Dings, eul. Aug. 31, 1861, 44th Regt., Co. K; wounded; disch. Oct. II, 

1864. 
Charles Dings, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, I23d Reg(., Co. F; prisoner March 9, 1865; 

disch. June 17, 1805. 
James S. Dobbin, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; in q.m. dept.; disch. 

May 27, 1865. 
Schuyler Durkee, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F ; pro. to corp. ; disch. 

June 8, 1865. 
Thomas Dennison, enl. Aug. 20, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Martin Davis, enl. Nov. 7, I86I, 03d Regt., Co. I. 
Ezra Durham, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I, 

Alva Durkee, enl. Dec. 7, 1863; in Libby prison, 1804; disch. Aug. 29, 180.5. 
Phineas F. Dunn, enl. 123d Regt,, Co. A. 

Stokes Ellsworth, enl. Aug. 22, 1S62, liSd Regt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Wui. 11. Emerson, enl. Aug. 9,1802, 123d Regt., Co. F; died at Stafford Court- 

House, Va., Feb. 10, 1863. 
Henry Everett, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

George H. Farnsivorth, enl. Dec. 30, 1663, 16th Art., Co. H ; disch. Aug. 29, 1805. 
John French, enl. July 31, 1862, I23d Regt., Co. F; pro. to sergt.; disch. June 

8, 1866. 
Russell Fnllertou, enl. Aug. 31, 1802, I23d Regt., Co. F; wounded; pro. to Corp.; 

disclj. March 14, 1865. 
Simoon IS. Foster, enl. Nov. 7, I80I, 03d Regt., Co. I. 
Cortland Faxon, e:il. Dec. 6, 1801, OJd Regt., Co. I. 
James Gilchrist, blacksmith; enl. Sept. 1861, 7th Cav., Co. A ; disch. April 3, 

1802. 
Michael Gleason, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. 1. 
Augustus A. Gorham, cnl. Nov. 7, 1801, O-Jd Regt., Co. I. 
William W. Hawkins, enl. Dec. 0, I86I, 93J Regt., Co. I ; pro. sorgt. ; wounded ; 

disch. July 12, 1665 ; died Aug. 6, 1870, Ironi eflects of wound. 
Henry C. Hopkins, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch. Aug. 26, 1863. 
Theodore Haggart, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. F; died at Harper's 

Ferry, Va,, Jan. 6, 1863. 
Taylor A. Hopkins, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; killed at Peach-Tree 

Creek, July 20, 1804. 
Henry C. Hutchens, cnl. Aug. .5, 1862, I23d Regt., Co. F; died at Fairfax Sta- 
tion, Va., Jan. 15, 1863. 
Lewis R. Harsha, cnl. June 0, 1801, 22d Uegt., Co. B; disch. June, 1863. 
I.ynnin Howard, Jr., enl. Nov. 7, 1801, Oid Regt., Co. I. 
Samuel K. Huggius, eid. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Geoigc Henry, enl. Nov. 11, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
James T. Hoy, enl. Sept. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; wouniled Sl.ay 10, 1864, Re- 

saca, Ga.; disch. Juno 8, 1865. 
David Irvin, cnl. Aug. 4, 1862, 12:)d Regt., Co. F; wounded April 10, 1S05, at 

Goldsboro' ; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Henry Irvin, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps ; 

disch. June 28, 1805. 
Edward T. Jackson, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Samuel Johnson, cnl. Sept. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1805. 
William T. Knickerbocker, enl. July 31, 1802, 12 id Regt., Co. F; wuunded; 

trans, to Invalid Corps; disch. July 3, 1865. 
Ebenezer Kinney, eul. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Kegt,, Co. F ; wounded July 20, 180J, 

at Peach-Tree Creek, Ga. 
James Kelly, cnl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
John Kenyon, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, Old Regt., Co. I. 
Archiliald Killmer, enl. Sept. 4, 1802; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Duncan Londrum, 2d lieut. ; enl. ISUI, 22d Regt. 
William Lackey, cnl. Aug. 11, 1862, 12.id Eegt., Co. F; wounded; .lis.h. June 

11, 1865. 
Samuel A. Lester, enl. Dec. 29, 186 i, ICth Art., Co. K; disch. Aug. 29, 1865. 
William A. Lant, enl. Aug. 20, IS62, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch. March 16, 1863. 
Joseph La Port, enl. Aug. 1, 1862, 12 Id Regt., Co. F ; discli. March 27, 1863. 
Alexander I). Lester, eul. Nov. 7, 1861, 9 id Eegt., Co. I. 
Morgan Lulher, enl. Dec. 10, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
John Lotrace, enl. Dec. 18. 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Erskiiio Lester, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, 16th Art., Co. U. 
Zenas Langworthy, enl. Nov. 30, 1861, 9!il Regt. 
Andrew II. McWhorter, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F; pro. to corp. ; lost 

right arm; di.sch. June 15, 1863. 
William H. Blorrisju, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Begf., Co. F; disch. June 8, 

ISO.). 



George McKibben, enl. Aug. 1, 1862, I2:id Regt, Co. F; killed at C^ancellors- 

villc. May 3, 1863. 
George Mickel, onl. Aug. 22, 1862, 12.3d Regt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Joseph M. BIcMurray, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; wou]ided ; disch. 

Feb. 15, 1863. 
Jacob Mickel, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, I23d Regt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1863. 
Patrick Malone, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. F. 
William J. McCollum, enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F; pro. to sergt.; 

disch. June 8, 1865. 
John K. McMillan, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; pro to sergt; disch. 

May 27, 1865. 
Sylvester McMurray, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F ; pro. to sergt. ; disch. 

June 8, 1865. 
John Miirlin, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 12.3d Regt, Co. F; pro. to Corp.; wounded; lust 

right leg; disch. July 19, 1865. 
Daniel M. McClellan, enl. Aug. 4, 1862,123d Regt, Co. F; pro. to Corp.; disch. 

June 8, 1865. 
Duncan E. McDougi\ll, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. F; pro. to Corp.; 

disch. Junes, 1865. 
John McCluskey, musician ; enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Regt, (k). F; disch. June 

8, 1865. 
Moses L. McNeil, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co F ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Matthew McCandless, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 123d Eegt., Co. F; disch. June 9, 1863. 
Alexander I. McDougall, enl. Aug. 9,1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch. June 9, 

1863. 
Joseph H. Morrish, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F ; died at Atlanta, Ga., 

of dropsy, Oct 28, 1864. 
John Murray, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123.1 Eegt., Co. F. 
John McPhillips, enl. Dec. 31, 1863, 16tli Art, Co. K. 
William Mabb, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. I. 
Hugh .Martin, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Eegt, Co. I. 
James McLane, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Rigt, Co. I. 
Patrick McCall, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. I. 

Sylvester McMorris, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. 
William J. Nelson, enl. July 30, 1862, 123d Eegt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. 
James E. Perry, enl. Aug. T, 1862, 123d Regt , Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Robert A. Pendergniss, enl. .lug. 11,1802,123d Regt, Co. F; disch. Juno 8,1805. 
Duncan A. Peterson, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123,1 Eegt, Co. F; tiiken prisoner. May 

3, 1S63; disch. June 8, 18C5. 
Duncan Eobortson, capt ; onl. Aug. 11, 1862. 12id Eogt.Co.F; disch. June 8, 

1865. 
Williiuii Randies, 1st lieut. ; enl. Nov. 1.5, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. A ; pro. to capt. ; 

wounded; disch. April 5, 1865. 
James M. Ronan, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Eegt, Co. F; pro. to sergt.; died of 

wounds, June 24, 18i;4. 
Donald Reid, 1st lieut; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 12:id Bcgt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 

1865. 
Robert S. Robertson, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 9 Id Regt., Co. I. 
John E. Rice, enl. Dec. 29, 1862, lOlh Art, Co. 11; pro. to artificer; disch. 

Aug. 29, 1805. 
William J Rice, enl. Feb. 9, 1864, 16th Art, Co. H; disch. Aug. 29, 1865. 
Peter D. Robbins, eul. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F ; wounded ; disch. March 

30, 1804. 
George H. Robinson, enl. Aug. 21, 18G2; 123d Eegt, Co. F; lost right arm; 

d sch. June 5, 1865. 
Orville C. Robinson, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co F; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Charies W. EobinsOLi, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, 16th Art, Co. 11 ; disch. Aug. 29, 1863. 
John K. Eeckstraw, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Alexander Robinson, enl. Aug. 18(i2, 123d Regt, Co. F; pro. to Corp.; disch. 

Dec. I, 1862. 
George Robinson, 2d lieut ; old. Aug. 1802, 123d Regt, Co. K ; pro. to 1st lieut; 

disch. June 8, 1865. 
Alexander Reid, enl. Aug. I, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Charles E. Reid, enl. Aug. 4,1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch. Juno 8, 1865. 
Thomas Rogers, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Eegt, Co. F; wounded at Allatoona; 

disch. May 22, 1865. 
Zenas Ui.binson,cnl. Aug. 22, 1802 ; 123d Eegt, Co. F; disch. Feb. 4,1863. 
Clark Bice, enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 123d Eegt, Co. F ; pro. com.-sergt 
Harvey M. Reid, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. F ; d.e.l at Stafford Court- 

House, Feb. 26, 1863. 
.Sylvester Ray, eul. Dec. 29, 1861 ; 16tli Art., Co. I ; disch:ir.;ed. 
Cliailes Rice, enl. Nov. 12, 1861, 9.ld R.-gt, Co. I. 
Archibald Itobci tson, ml. Dec. 20, 1801, 03d Regt, Co. I. 

Orville C. Robinson, enl. Sept. 4, 1862. 123<l Regt, Co. F ; disch. June S, 1803. 
John E. Rexstraw, enl. Sept. 4, 1802. 123d Eegt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1804. 
George L. Robinson, enl. July 24, 1862, 12 id Eegt, Co. F; pro. to sergt.; disch. 

April 21, 1803. 
Z.nas S. Kol.inson, enl. Sept. 4, 1861, 123d Regt, Co. F ; disuh. Jan. 20, 1803. 
Harvey Reynolds, enl. in Co. E, 12.id Regt 
John Scott, enl. Dec. 29, 1801,10tli Art, Co. F ; died at Fort Fisher, N. C, Feb. 

19, 1805. 

Alexander Stewart, enl. Doc. 20, 180 i; 16th Art, Co. H ; disch. Aug. 29, 1805. 
Walter Scott eul. lite. 29, 1863, 161h Art, Co. H ; disch. Aug. 29, 1865. 
William C. Skellie, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 12:W Regt, Co. F; wouniled at Chan- 

cellorsville; disch. .A.ug. 12, 1865. 
James N. Stowe, enl. Aug. 28, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F; wounded; discli. Jan. 

20, 1863. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



251 



Aimer Q. Scott, enl. Aug. It, 1802, 123(1 Ri-gl., Co. F ; discli. Juno 8, 18C5. 
William II. Scott, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123il Rogt., Co. F ; pro. to coiTi. ; discli. 

June 8, 18G5. 
Robert Smilb, enl. July 31, 18G2, laid Rogt., Co. F ; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Eusaell C. Smith, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. F; discli. June 8, ISW. 
■Williiim H. Kinitli, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. F; discli. June 23, 1805. 
John T. Selfridge, enl. Aug. 21, 1802, 12!d Regt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Theodore Stanley, enl. Aug. 1, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F ; pro. to Corp.; disch. 

March 23, 1803. 
James S. Schermeihorn, enl. Aug. 20, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; wounded; pro. 

to sergt.; trans to V. R. C; disch. July 20, 180.5. 
George S.-otl, enl. July 31, isivi, 123d Regt., Co, V ; pro. to Bergt. ; disch. Juno 

8, 1805. 
David G. Stewart, enl. Aug. 4, 1S62, 123d Regt., Co. F; died of wounds, June 

22, 1864, at Gulp's Farm. 
John Smith, ciil. Nov. 12, 1801, 93rt Regt., Co. I. 
Jerome Sears, enl. Dec. 26, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Harvey J. Sanders, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, ICth Art., Co. II. 
Jolin S<!ott, enl. Sept. 4, 1802,123d Regt., Co. F; wounded June 22, 1S04, .it 

Culp'a Farm, Ga.; disch. June 8, 1805. 
■William Sheffield, enl. Sept. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F ; discli, June 8, 1S65. 
Theodore C. Taylor, enl. Dec. 29, 1803, 10th Art., Co. II ; iliscli. Aug. 29. 1805. 
John A. Taylor, eul. Dec. 29, 1863, 10th Art., Co. H ; pro. corp; disch. Juno 4, 

1805. 



James W. Taylor, enl. Aug. 15, 1802,123d Regt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Simon Tucker, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. F ; disch. June 8, 1805. 
George I.. Taylor, enl. Aug. 19, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. F ; wounded May 3, 1863 ; 

supposed died a prisoner. 
James Tuclier, enl. Jan. 5, 1804, 90lli R"gt., Co. I; disih. Feb. 0, 1806 ; 3d sergt. 
Glenroy Williamson, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, 16th Art., Co. H; di^ch. Aug. 29, 1865. 
Daniel McN. White, enl. Aug. 8, 1S02, 123d Regt,, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Robert McM. Williams, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. F ; prisoner; disch. 

Junes, 1805. 
John D. Williams, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. F ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Jacob Williams, enl. Aug. 4, I8G2, 12 Id KBgt.,Co. F ; discli. Sept. 25, 1804. 
Chiistopiier Wilson, enl. Aug. 21, 1802, I23d Regt., Co. F; disih. Juno 8, 1805. 
William J. Wood, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. F ; killed at Chancel l.irs- 

ville. May 3, 1803. 
Ebeneler Willett, enl. Dec. 19, 1803, ICtb Art., Co. II ; disch. Aug. 29, 1S65. 
Samuel Willett, enl. Dec. l:i, I8G 1, lOlli Art., Co. H ; disch. Aug. 29, 1865. 
Arthur Wllaley, eul. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Albert Wait, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt,, Co. I. 
Elijah Warren, enl. Nov. 7, 18G1, 93d Regt,, Co. I. 
Joseph R. White, enl. Dec. 29, 1803, 10th Art., Co. II. 
William Wilson, enl, 1751h Regt, 
0. L. Wbitcomli, enl. May 18, 1801, 2d Regt. Yermont Vols, ; in firet battle of 

Itull Run, July 21, 1801 ; pro. hospital steward, regular army, June 2U, 

1802 ; disch, June 20, 1805. 



CAMBRIDGE. 



When first erected Caruhridjie included its present terri- 
tory, the towns of Jackson and White Creek, and a part of 
Vermont, and was within the jurisdiction of the county of 
Albany. 

By the act dividing the county of Albany into districts, 
passed on the 12tii of March, 1772, it was enacted that all 
that part of Albany county lying north of Schaghticoke and 
east of Saratoga be what was then called a district, and 
named Cambridge, and it was thereby enabled to elect cer^ 
tain officers to manage its local affairs, and a supervisor to 
act in county affairs with those of the other districts. It 
remained as a district in the county of Albany till it was 
organized as a town in 1788, and as such continued in that 
county till annexed to the county of Washington, in the 
year 1791. 

It will be observed that the town never belonged to 
Charlotte county, the name of which was changed to Wash- 
ington in 1784, nor to the latter until seven years after the 
change of name. In 181G the towns of White Creek and 
Jackson were set off, leaving Cambridge with its present 
area, twenty-two thousand six hundred and fifty-seven acres, 
and the following bounds: north by Jackson; east by 
White Creek, the boundary line being the turnpike; south 
by the Huosick river and Rensselaer county ; and west by 
Easton. Its position relative to the other towns in the 
county is the southernmost in the middle tier. 

The surface of the town is pleasantly varied by hills and 
dales, the summits of the hills rising from two hundred to 
three hundred feet above the valleys, and decreasing in ele- 
vation towards the Hoosick river, where the country is gen- 
erally level. Along the eastern border is a portion of the 
valley of the Owl Kill, or the famous Cambridge valley, 
whose reputation fur fertility and beauty is world-wide. 
The town was originally well timbered, a considerable por- 
tion of the lowlands with pine. A fair proportion of the 
uplands are yet covered with fine groves, whose contrast 
with the well-tilled fields and attractive buildings produces 
a happy effect. The soil is a loam, varying from a sandy 
composition to a light clay, with occasional lots of a gravelly 
nature. It is generally very productive, and especially 
adapted fur the cultui'e of flax, potatoes, and garden seeds. 
The production of the latter forms an important industry. 

The town has but few streams, and none larger than a 
brook, but these are well distributed and afford good drain- 
age. 

Cambridge embraces a part of the Hoosick patent, which 
was granted on both sides of that stream in 1G88. the prin- 
cipal portion being in Rensselaer county. About four thou- 
sand acres are included in Cambridge. The remainder of 
the town w;is a part of the Cambridge patent, granted in 
17G1 to Isaac Sawyer, Edmund Wells, Jacob Lansing, 



Wm. Smith, Alexander Golden, Guldsbnro Bangor, and 

others, on condition that immediate settlements be made. 

The tract included thirty-one thousand five hundred acres, 

north of the Hoosick patent and extending up the valley, 

which took the name of the patent. 

To induce settlements on this land, the patentees gave one 

hundred acres to each of the first thirty families who would 

become actual settlers. The names which are now known 

of the first settlers are John McClung, James and Robert 

Cowan, Samuel Bell, Colonel Blair, George Gilmore, George 

Duncan, David Harrow, Wm. Clark, John Scott and 

Thomas Morrison (whose son was the first-born child among 

the settlers). These came on the lands in 17<Jl-()3. 

Other early settlers in the vicinity were Ephraim Cowan, 

Robert Gilmore, Austin Wells, Samuel Clark, Jonathan 

Slorrison, Edwin Wells, John Allen, David Sprague, Seth 

Cha.se, John Woods, John Harroun, Thomas BIcCool, 

-Thomas A.shton, Simeon Fowler, John Younsr, Josiah 
' ' J 

Dewey, Rael Beebe, Samuel Clark, Wm. Eager, Wm. Sel- 

fridge, John Younglove, and John Corey. 

The names of other early settlers are given in the record 
of those who were disturbed in possession of their lands by 
reason of the Revolution, and which for a time were ex- 
empted from quitrents on that account. They were James 
Cowden, Ephraim Bessey, Benjamin Smith, John Morri- 
son, Wm. Cooper, Isaac Gibbs, James S. Cowden, Samuel 
Cowden, David Cowden, George Searl, Wm. Block, Archi- 
bald Campbell, John Campbell, Wm. Campbell, George 
Telford, Winslow Heath, Timothy Heath, Wm. King, 
Amos Buck, James Warner, Eben Warner, John Austin, 
on the Cambridge patent. Many who had taken up lots 
previous to the Revolution left them during that period, 
some from fear of disturbance by Tories and Indians, who 
were prowling about the country for plunder, and some, 
who chose to desert their friends and join their enemies, 
left this region altogether. The lands of some of these were 
confiscated by the government after the war, and sold to 
other settlers. 

Very many of the foregoing settled in what is now White 
Creek, and a few in Jackson. A few of the more important 
settlers arc noted at length in the following pages. 

Edmund Wells was descended from an English stock. 
His father, Thomas Wells, was born in Dudley, Worcester- 
shire, England, in 1G94, and. came to America in 1712, 
and settled in Saybrook, Conn. Here he was united in 
marriage with Elizabeth Merrill, in May, 1720. Edmund 
Wells, one of the original proprietors of the Cambridge pa- 
tent, was born in Saybrook, Feb. 19, 1721. In 1773 he 
removed with his family from Hebron, Conn., and settled, 
in what is now the town of Cambridge, on the farm now 
owned and occupied b Thomas Cornell. He is the only 




—5 A--- ' ^-Jiv.w;.Air. i 



'.^5^ 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



253 



one of the patentees who came to live upon the patent. 
His children were John Howell Wells, lived and died' in 
Connecticut. Edmund Wells, Jr., born in 174G ; graduated 
at Yale College, Sept. 14, 1768 ; came with the family in 
1773. He was a prominent man in the town. He died 
on the homestead, Sept. 2(3, 1826, aged eighty years. 
Mary Wells, married Walter Raleigh, and lived and died 
in Cambridge. Henry Wells, died young. James Wells, 
was a lieutenant of dragoons in the Continental service. 
He died at Croton River, Sept. 23, 1701, aged thirty years. 
Sarah, married Joseph Peters, and lived and died in Cam- 
bridge. Au.stin, lived and died on his farm in White Creek, 
Dec. 8, 1849. 

Captain Daniel Wells was born in Hebron, Conn., in 
1754 ; in April, 1776, enlisted and joined the army then 
stationed on Long Island under the immediate command of 
General Washington. He held the rank of orderly-sergeant, 
and was selected as the bearer of a dispatch from General 
Washington to General Sullivan, containing sealed orders 
apprising him of the intended retreat. The duties were 
discharged with promptness amidst darkness and storm. 
Sergeant Wells' term of enlistment having expired while 
the army was at White Plains, he received his discharge, and 
returned to Hebron, Conn., where he stood as a minute- 
man. In 1779 he removed with his family to Cambridge 
and settled on the farm now owned by William Curtis. 
Here he lived with the companion of his youth for more 
than half a century, and was blessed with a family of six- 
teen children. He died May 6, 1840, aged eighty-six years. 
He was a man of strong mind. Respected by his fellow- 
citizens, he had been honored with various posts of office, 
both civil and military, which he filled with fidelity. 

Descendants of the Wells family are yet living in this 
and the adjoining towns. 

On the west of the Owl Kill, several miles below the vil- 
lage of Cambridge, settled the Cowdens and Longs, when 
James Cowden opened the first tavern in the old town of 
Cambridge, in a log house. It stood on the west side of 
the road now known as the turnpike, and consequently in 
the present town of Cambridge. 

Major Cowden was somewhat peculiar in his tastes, and 
originated the checkered style of painting, after the original 
log house was substituted with a frame building. He was 
buried in the "old grave-yard," July 30, 1800, aged sixty- 
five years, where he lies by the side of his wife, Mrs. Sarah 
Hall, who died May 9, 1811, aged sixty-five years. She 
(Sarah Comstoek) was first married to Thomas Comstock, 
a descendant of the Puritans, who heroically fell in the 
battle of Bennington, Aug. 16, 1777 ; then to Captain 
Edward Long, of Revolutionary memory ; afterwards Major 
James Cowden ; and last to Burgess Hall. The heroic 
death of her first husband in defense of his country con- 
stituted her a heroine at the recurring anniversary of the 
battle of Bennington, which she invariably attended. 

Many years ago, Edward Long repainted the " Chcckei-ed 
House'' on the north and south ends and front side. When 
the house was remodeled in 1853, at a considerable ex- 
pense, he painted the front side only in checkers, which 
serves to perpetuate its name. 

The late Edward Long resided in the hou.se nearly 



seventy years, and died Aug. 10, 1860, when the property 
came into the possession of Colonel Berry Long, and is now 
occupied by tenants as a private residence. 

Phiueas Whiteside, Esq., was born in Ireland, county of 
Tyrone, June 31, 1716. When a young man, he and a 
brother emigrated to this country, and settled in Linoaster 
Co., Pa. Shortly after, his brother returned to Ireland. 
About the year 1766, Mr. Whiteside purchased eight hun- 
dred acres of land from the Cambridge patent, in the south- 
wast part of the town, and contracted for six hundred acres 
more ; but the War of the Revolution breaking out before 
he got a title, he was unable to do so after the war closed, 
and consequently took a perpetual lease at a rental of one 
shilling per acre. This lease was terminated by a purchase 
of the land in the year 1877. As his sons came of age he 
gave to each two hundred acres of land. John, the eldest 
son, made choice of the farm now owned by a grandson, 
Robert McMurray, who lives in the brick house built in 
1794. 

William, the second son, chose the farm now owned by 
David Hawley, who married a granddaughter, and by Mrs. 
Fuller, another granddaughter. 

Peter, the third son, located on a farm now owned by F. 
Thayer ; Mrs. Thayer is a granddaughter. Thomas settled 
on a part of the six-hundred-acre tract, on the northwest 
two hundred acres. The frame house, built in 1796, is yet 
standing. The whole is now owned by Mr. Thomas C. 
Whiteside, a grandson. Edward, the fifth son, settled on 
the southeast corner of the leased tract, and it is now in 
possession of Henry Whiteside, a great-grandson. Oliver 
remained on the homestead of his father. It is now owned 
by F. Thayer. 

Mr. Phineas Whiteside was a very patriotic man, and 
during the War of the Revolution espoused the eau.se of 
the colonies, and subscribed one thousand pounds to aid the 
colonial government. He also exerted himself in behalf of 
some men who had straggled from the army in search of 
provisions which their officers had neglected to furnish. 
They were arrested and tried by cotlrt-martial for desertion. 
In defending them he used so much skill that he procured 
their acquittal, and the officers were reprimanded. The 
members of the Whiteside family created a church in 1800, 
which will be noticed elsewhere. 

John Shiland and family emigrated from Galway, Scot- 
land, in the year 1774, and .settled first in the town of Una- 
dilla, Otsego county. During the War of the Revolution 
they were driven away from their lands by the Indians. 
They came to the town of Cambridge about 1780, and set- 
tled on the present homestead, now owned by a grandson, 
Mr. Thomas Shiland. 

Tlie children were John, who lived and died on the 
homestead. May 2, 1844 ; William, kept a store at an early 
day in the vicinity of the homestead, afterwards moved to 
Montreal, and died there; Ann, became Mrs. Wm. Hanna, 
and lived and died in Montreal. The children of a second 
wife were James, moved to Argyle, and Thomas, moved to 
Delaware county. 

Nathaniel Kenyon and family moved from Rhode Island 
before the War of the Revolution, and settled in the town of 
E;iston. His sons, Muniford and Perry, settled in the town 



254 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of Ciinibridsic about the same time. Munifbrd located on 
a farm now owned by 11. Ely. Of liis children, Chiri-ssa 
became Mrs. Asa Ilill, and lives in Micbicraii ; Elisha lives 
in Jackson ; Nathaniel and John live in Cambridge. Of 
Perry Kenyon's family, Martin lived in Canibridj;e ; Benj. 
B. lives in White Creek ; Ruth married Cornelius Willett; 
and Plucbc became Mrs. Elliott Lee, — they are living in 
Canibridjje. Thomas E., a grandson, is now postmaster at 
Centre Cambridge. 

Samuel Willett moved from New Jersey at the close of 
the Revolutionary war, and settled on a farm now owned 
by the estate of Seneca Wright. There were four sons, 
John, Cornelius, Samuel, and Sidney. 

Hugh Larmouth (now Larmon), from Scotland, was a 
very early settler. The farm was in the possession of de- 
scendants until a few years ago ; it is now owned by David 
English. John Galloway, a pioneer from Scotland, settled 
on a farm afterwards owned by John Cowan, an old settler. 
It is now owned by the estate of R. Wiigbt. Among 
other old settlers and families in the centre of the town 
are David Burrows, Calvin Skinner, Alexander Marshall, 
and the Almys, Tiltoiis, Mayhews, and Brownells. In the 
Sherman family Polly Sherman lived to be upwards of one 
huiidrod years old. 

Among the early settlers in the southwest corner of the 
town of Cambridge was Elihu Giflbrd. Ho was one of 
tlie crew of a privateer during the War of the Revolution, 
and the following incident is related of him. The vessel 
to which ho belonged captured a British merchant vessel, 
which proved to be a rich prize, as she had on board a large 
amount of silver. The money was transferred to the pri- 
vateer and the merchant vessel sent into port. For gallant 
conduct he was promoted, and made mate of the privateer 
immediately after the capture. The privateer caught a 
Tartar in the next .ship she undertook to capture. She 
proved to be a British seventy-four-gun ship-of-war in 
disguise, and the saucy privateer was captured. Mr. Gif- 
ford and others were confined in the hold of the British 
ship, which was to sail the next day for England. They 
were then off the coast of the island of Cuba. Mr. Gif- 
foid, who was a large, powerful man and an excellent swim- 
mer, proposed to a comrade to escape that night by swimming 
to the land. The comrade said he " could not swim so far." 
" Then I will help you," Mr. Gifford said. As soon as it 
was dark (bey let themselves down into the water quietly 
and .struck out for the shore, some three miles distant, 
which they reached in safely. Mr. Gifford made his way 
to the States, and after awhile settled in this town. His 
son Nathan still lives in the town, a hale and hearty old 
man, aged eighty-seven years. He was in the Cambridge 
company in the War of 1812. His captain refusing to go, 
Mr. Gifford took the command. 

East of the Giffordswere .several Lee families at an early 
day, and descendants yet reside there. One of them, John 
Lee, was the first president of the Greenwich & Johnson- 
ville Railroad. 

George Gilmore emigrated from the north of Ireland 
about the year 1774-73, and settled on a farm between Cam- 
bridge village and Coila. At the time Baum's forces passed 
through the town the family had sixty bushels of wheat 



stored in the chamber of their house. This the enemy 
took, and fed to their horses. Captain Gilmore took part 
in the War of the Revolution, and was at the battle of 
Saratoga. Of the children, Jenny became Mrs. Daniel 
Patten, and moved to Utica, N. Y. ; Sarah became Mrs. 
Watson, and 7noved to western New York ; Betsey married 
Robert Law ; James settled near Coila ; John moved to 
Oneida county ; Jielsey moved to the town of Easton. Of 
the children of James in this county are Mrs. Ham (living 
in Coila, aged eighty-four); Martin, living in Cambridge; 
and Mrs. Culver, living in Coila. 

William Stevenson, Sr., was born in Stranraur, Scotland, 
February, 1772, and emigrated to America in 17S)5, settling 
in Cambridge at what was known as Stevenson's Corners, now 
Coila, where he established himself in the mercantile busi- 
ness. He was united in marriage, Oct. 16, ISOd, with 
Mary McNeil, of Argyle. She died Jlarch 28, 1815, leav- 
ing four children, Jane, William, Anna Maria, and James. 
Jane married Rev. Donald C. McLaren ; she died in Gen- 
eva, N. Y. William lived and died in Cambridge. Anna 
Maria married Rev. John G. Smart, D.D. When he re- 
tired from the ministry, in 1850, he came to Cambridge 
and took up his residence at Coila in the Stevenson home- 
stead. Several of his sons have become well-known minis- 
tei^s. James S., another son, has been a member of Con- 
gress, and is the editor of the WKshiiiffton C'liinlij Post. 
James M. resided in Troy, and edited the Dm'/)/ W'/iitj. He 
was a graduate of Union College, and a lawyer by profession. 

Wm. Stevenson, Sr., was married a second time, July 8, 
1817, to Fanny McAllister, of Philadelphia. She died 
Nov. 22, 1823, leaving three children, — Sarah Mary, who 
died young, John JIcAllistcr, and Frances Wardale, who 
died at Geneva, N. Y. John McAllister Stevenson was 
born in Cambridge, and always resided there till his de- 
cease. He received a classical education at the Cambridge 
Academy and Union College. Soon after graduating from 
the latter institution, in 1832, he studied law and was ad- 
mitted to the bar, but did not enter upon the practice of 
his profession, the large estate left by his father requiring 
all his care. 

He was united in marriage, Sept. 2(1, 1843, with Miss 
Seraph H., daughter of Rev. E. H. Newton, and leaves 
her surviving him with (piite a large fiiniily. 

Other settlers of prominence and note were Arthur Ack- 
ley, Samuel Bowen, John Webster, John Green, John Weir, 
Jesse Averill, Luke English, John Wait, Abraham Wright, 
and James Coulter. 

The nanies of many others will appear in connection 
with early church histories and the villages in which they 
resided. The population in 1843 was, males, 1049; fe- 
males, 1126. In 1875 there were 1250 males and 1022 
females. Of this number 1577 were natives of Washington 
County, 294 of Ireland, and the remainder of four other for- 
eign countries. 

CIVIL OOVERNMENT. 

We extract from the '' Town-book for Cambridge, in the 
County of Albany and Province of New York, for the In- 
habitants of Cambridge Di-strict," the following: 

" Officers cho.sen at the annual meeting held at Cam- 
bridge, in ye county of Albany and in the province of 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



New York, on the fii-st Tuesday in May, 1774 : First, for 

moderator, Morrison, Esq. For supervisor, Simeon 

Covel. For sessurs, David Sprai;uo, of Wliite Crock, and 
Micliael Ryan, of Cambridj;c. For town treasurer, Isaiah 
Y''ounj;lovo, Esq. For overseers of tlie road, Samuel Hetli, 
for the west quarter; John Morrison, Edward Wells, and 
Robert Edmundson, for the middle division ; Nathan Smith, 
for Kyhir's patcntj, Jolin Soule and Samuel Hodges, for 
White Creek; Harv&rd Wilco.x, for Walloomsaek ; Andrew 
Thomas, for Quassacook ; Tliomas Asliton, for Ashgrove ; 
Simeon Berry and Jabez Mo.sher, for Fowlis. For over- 
seers of tiie poor, John Lake, of Wliite Creek, and Robert 
Gilmore, of Cambridge. For coUeetor and constable, Geo. 
Giimore, of Cambridge, and Ebenezer Allen, constable of 
AViiite Creek ; Peter Halley, for Allentown ; John Corey, 
for Shaft-sbury. For fence-viewers and appraisers, Seth 
Chase and David Sprague, of White Creek ; Samuel Ileth 
and Hugh Gray, of Cambridge. For firemen, John Wyer, 
James Morrison, Hazard Wileox, Jabez Mosher, Isaiah 
Younglove, and Ebenezer Wright. For poundmasters, 
James Cowden, Samuel Hodges. Hogs voted by a ma-" 
jority of votes to run at large, being yoked and ringed. 

" An occasional meeting held at Simeon Covel's, White 
Creek, Feb. 1, 1775. Simeon Covel cho.sen moderator. 
Voted to petition the Assembly to be set ofi" from Cam- 
bridge. Voted to petition the Assembly for an increa.se 
of commissioners. New ones to be chosen, wliich were 
David Preston, David Sprague, and Jonathan Walker. 
Voted to petition the Assembly to have district lines run. 
A''oted to j)elition to the A.sseml)ly to let the people keep 
bloodhonnds. Voted that Simeon Covel sliould wait on 
the Legi.slature with the petitions. 

" Officers chosen at the annual meeting held at the house 
of Simeon Covel, in White Creek, in Cambridge district, 
in the county of Albany, and province of New York, on 
the first Tuesday of May, 1775: Samuel Hodges, moder- 
ator; Nicholas Mosher, town clerk; Simeon Covel, super- 
vi.sor ; Abraham Lake and Asa Flint, assessors ; Simeon 
Covel, town treasurer; Seth Chase and Samuel Hodges, 
poormasters ; Noah Wilcox, for White Creek, and Joseph 
West, for Shaftsbury, constables ; Noah Wilcox, collector ; 
Samuel Hodges, Ebenezer Allen, James Parrot, and Jabez 
Mosher, pathmasters ; Seth Chase and Levi Preston, fence- 
viewers ; Samuel Hodges, poundma.ster ; William Brown, 
Edward McDaniel, and Thomas Lake, firemen. 

"At the annual distrietmeoting of Cambridge, held at 
the hou.se of Simeon Covel, at White Creek, the first Tues- 
day in May, 177(5, Lewis Van Wort, moderator; John 
Younglove, clerk ; David Sraug, supervisor ; Joseph Y'oung- 
love and Seth Chase, assessors; John Younglove, treasurer; 
l.saac Wood, Jabez Mosher, James Cowan, and Jolin Jlor- 
rison, pooruuistei-s ; James Patterson and David Slarrow, 
constables ; David Sterrow, collector ; Philip Van Ness, 
Samuel Hodges, Simeon Covel. John Allen, Jabez Mosher, 
Jiihn Morrison, Isaiah Younglove, John Wood, Captain 
Henry Sherman, Samuel Bell, Joseph Younglove, Captain 
Edmund Wells, Moses Cowan, James Ashton, Elisha 
Wadsworth, Samuel Hetli, and Richard JlcClaughrey, 
pathmasters; Joseph Wells, Gershom Woodworth, Samuel 
Hodges, Jolin Hogel, fence-viewers and ajipraisers ; Isaac 



Ferine, Abraham Wright, John Pierce, Benjamin Tiffany, 
Oliver Selfridgc, Alex. Skelly, Samuel IMorrison, Robert 
Christie, firemen; Samuel Hodges and James Cowden, 
poundmasters. Voted five pounds' fine for any person or 
persons who shall willfully or through neglect fire the 
woods; to be collected by the committee, and appropriated 
to mending the highways. A'^otcd that every male above 
the age of sixteen years shall work on the roads six days, 
unless lightened by their bail ; and any who sliall neglect 
or refuse to conform to this vote shall be mulcted the sum 
of five shillings, — three of the members of the committee 
to grant a warrant to the overseer of the highway for the 
recovery of said fines, — which, also, is to be laid out on 
the highways. Voted as cominittee-men : Comfort Curtis, 
David Preston, Phineas Whiteside, John Y^ounglovo, Jas. 
Ashton, Samuel Hodges, John Blair, and Henry Smith. 
Voted as committee in reserve : Edward Rigg, James 
Green, Levi Preston, Gershom Woodworth, Cornelius 
Djty. Voted that the field-officers for the Eighteenth 
Regiment of militia be chosen the lUh instant, at tlie 
house of Captain John Wood, by the plurality of votes. 
Voted that the next annual meeting be at the house of 
Captain John Wood. May 11, 177G, met, according to 
the vote, at the house of Captain John Wood, and voted 
LewLs Vandevort, colonel ; John Blair, second colonel ; 
James Ashton, first major; Ebenezer Allen, second major; 
John Younglove, adjutant; Asa Flint, quartermaster. 

" The meeting for 1777 was held at Captain John 
Wood's, ' by order of Congress,' first Tuesday in April. 
John Younglove, moderator; Edmund Wells, Jr., town- 
clerk ; John Younglove, supervisor ; Ebenezer Allen, James 
Cowden, Edward Rigg, Asa Flint, Joseph Younglove, 
Elisha Allen, asses.sors ; Edmund Wells, Jr., treasurer ; 
Henry Smith, John McKellip, James Green, Samuel 
Hodges, Joseph Wells, Elias Golden, overseers of the poor ; 
I'hilip Van Ness, collector ; David Slarrow, Benjamin 
Wells, constables; Hartnian Van Duzen, Asa Flint, Job 
Green, John Allen, James Morrison, Edmund Wells, Mor- 
gan Powell, Josiah Rathbone, Samuel Bell, Simeon Berry, 
Oliver Selfridge, Moses Cowan, Thomas Ashton, Andrew 
Thompson, Daniel Heath, Thomas McClaughrey, Samuel 
Dennis, overseers of the roads; Jo.seph Wells, Gershom 
Woodworth, Samuel Hodges, Nathaniel Lucas, fence-view- 
ers ; Isaac Ferine, Abraham Wright, John Preston, Ben- 
jamin Tiffany, Joseph I'ounglove, Alexander Skelly, John 
Morrison, Jr., Robert Christie, John Mushat, Thomas Gal- 
loway, fircmasters ; Job Green, James Cowan, poundmas- 
ters; Joseph Younglove, Edmund Wells, David Preston, 
William Cooper, Robert Gilmore, road commissioners. 

" Viilcil, That hounds shall not be allowed to run. 

" Votcil, Tli.it hogs shall run with lawful yokes. 

" The district met at James Cowan's on the first Tues- 
day in May, agreeable to charter, and confirmed the above 
proceedings, and likewise voted that the annual meeting 
shall be held for the future at the present dwelling-house 
of James Cowan, and that the inhabitants shall work on 
the roads as ordered last season. 

1782. — " Meeting at the house of James Cowan. John 
Heron, moderator. John McClung was chosen as treasurer, 
an office that seems to have continued for some years. 



256 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Only two firemen were chosen this year, — William Ellis 
and John Clark. Swine not to run at large. 

1783. — " A pound was directed to be located on the east 
side of the road by Captain Edmund WclKs' house, Captain 
Jo.seph Well.s to build it, and Captain Edmund Wells to be 
poundmaster. Slocks were also voted. They were to be 
built by Captain Joseph Wells near the pound. 

178G. — "It was voted that a pound be at Ebenezer 
Allen's by subscription. There were forty-six pathma.sters 
appointed. 

1787. — " Certificates are recorded showing that AVilliam 
Gilmore had been obliged by the incursions of the enemy 
to leave a farm in this patent of one hundred and fifty 
acres; also John McClung a farm, — the north halves of 
lots 4 and 9, one hundred acres. Signed by Abraham 
Ten Broeck, judge. 

1789. — " Voted, To meet for the future at the 'old 
meeting-house.' 

1791, March 14. — " Edmund Wells, Esq., moderator of 
a special meeting. 

" Voted, That Andrew White, Benjamin Colvin, Phin- 
eas Whiteside, and Ebenezer Allen be appointed as a com- 
mittee of correspondence to confer with the eastern and 
northern parts of the county of Washington with regard to 
proper measures to be taken in consequence of our being 
annexed to Washington County. 

" Voted, That the town-clerk transmit this day's pro- 
ceedings to the clerk of Easton and to sundry gentlemen in 
the western and northern parts of Washington County. 

1794. — "Philip Bell, by his own agreement, is to keep 
Hugh Wright for fifteen shillings and six pence per week, 
to be paid quarterly, until the next annual meeting. 

1795. — " Captain David SafTord agreed to keep the said 
Hugh Wright for ten shillings three pence." 

Many of the early town-meetings about this time were 
held at the house of Reuel Beebe ; sometimes at the house 
of James Comstock. 

1812. — "One hundred and four pathniasters were ap- 
pointed, covering the territory that soon after became the 
three towns of Cambridge, White Creek, and Jackson." 

The following items relative to the institution of slavery 
in the " old town of Cambridge" have been extracted from 
the town records. It will be noticed that the sentiment 
against it produced the manumission of many servants : 

" April 1, 1802, John Younglove, Esq., manumits his 
negro slave man, Prince Acker, aged thirty-one years." 

" Sept. 18, 1802, Austin Willis certifies to the birth of a 
female negro child named Jude. Same date, Thomas Green 
certifies to the birth of a male negro child named Pomp." 

" Paul Cornell certifies that, on the 8th day of Nov., 
1804, was born of his female slave named Ann, a female 
child named Fanny." 

"Jeremiah Stillwell eertifies that Jan. 20, 180G, there 
was born of his female slave named Isabella, a female child 
named Harriet." 

" Philip Smith manumits his negro man, ' Sam,' March 
25, 180(5." 

" Abraham Van Tuyle had born in his house, Sept. 29, 
1807, of his negro slave named Rachel, a female child 
named Susan." 



" Jeremiah Stillwell manumits his negro man slave named 
Salem Bedeau, and negro woman slave named Arabella, his 
wife, Aug. 24, 1810." 

" Wm. McAuley manumits his slave man named Samuel, 
April 8, 1810." 

" Austin Wells manumits his slave woman named Han- 
nah, Feb. 13, 1813." 

" John Dunlap manumits his female negro slave, Nell, 
Sept. 30, 1814." 

" David Simpson manumits his negro man slave named 
Harry Van Schaick, Oct. 8, 181G." 

" Henry Ham manumits his negro man slave, Thomas 
Thompson, March 24, 1819." 

PRINCIPAL TOWN OFFICERS SINCE 1774. 



Supervisors. 
Simeon Covcll. 

David Praug. 
Juhn Younglove. 
Edmund Well?. 
John Younglove. 



Town-Clerks. 
William Brown. 
Nicholas Mosher. 
John Younglove. 
Edmund Wells, Jr 



1781. 

1782. 

178.3. 

1784. 

1785. 

1786. 

1787. 

1788. 

1789. 

1790. 

1791. 

1792. 

179.3. 

1791. 

1795. 

179B. 

179 

17S 

1799. 

1800. 

1801. 

1802. 

1803. 

1801. 

1805. 

1806. 

1807. 

1808. 

1809. 

1810. 

1811. 

1812. 

1813. 

1814. 

1815. 

1816. 

1817. 

1818. 

1819. 

1820. 

1821. 

1822. 

1823. 

1824. 

1825. 

1820. 

1827. 

1828. 



James Cowden. " " 

John Younglove. Johu MeClung 



John Harroun. Edmund Wells, Jr 

Andrew White. " " 

Daniel Wells. " " 



Andrew White. 
Lewis Berry. 



Daniel Wells. 



" " (probably) ** " 

Jonathan Dorr. '■ " 

'* '* Ira Parmeley. 



James Stevenson. " ** 

William Richards. " ** 

Missing from the books. 
Missing from the books. 
James Stevenson. Sidney Wells 



Collectors. 

Edward Akin. 
Noah Wilcox. 
David Slarrow. 
Philip Van Ness. 

James Cowden. 
Edward Akin. 
Joseph Henry. 
James Patterson. 
Wm. Woodworth. 
James Barber. 
Walter Raleigh. 
Samuel Dennis. 
Joseph Heath, Jr. 
AValter Wood. 
Philip Cooke. 
David Saft'ord, Jr. 
John Weir. 
Jonathan Chase. 
Reuben Pride. 
Gibson Sprague. 
William Adams. 
Samuel Deming. 
Elizur Skinner. 
James S. Cowden. 
Christopher Allen. 
Alexander Skelly. 
James Smith. 
Ira Parmeley. 
Erastus Orcutt. 
Obadiah Brown. 
Joshua Brownell. 
Ira Parmeley. 

Christopher Allen. 
Sidney Wells. 
Adin Sanger. 
Reuben Stone. 
Daniel II. Pralt. 
Benjamin Perine. 



William Frazer. 



Philip V. N. Morris. Bunj. Brownell, Jr. 



Philip V. N. Morris. Henry AVhiteside. 

Edward Long. '• '•' 



William Frazer. 
Benj. Brownell, Jr. 
Thomas A. Corey. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



257 



1S29. 
IS.-iO. 
1S3I. 
1832. 
is:!3. 
lS3i. 
18.35. 
1836. 
1837. 
1833. 
1839. 
1810. 
1811. 
18-42. 
1813. 
1814. 
181,1. 
1S4G. 

isir. 

1848. 
1819. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
185B. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 
1801. 
1862. 
1803. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1809. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



.Supervisors. Town-Clerks. 

Phili)) V. N. Morris. Henry WhitcsiJe. 
Sidney Wells. John Dennis. 

James Stevenson. Julius Phelps. 
Jusiah Dunton. " " 

Benj. F. Skinner. - " " 



Jesse Pratt. 
Julius Phelps. 



John Stevenson. 



Morris L. Wright. 
Julius Phelps. 
Isaac Gilford. 
Anson lugraham. 



Anson Ingrahain. Julius Phel|)a. 

Thomas S. Green. Elijah P. Fcnton. 

Anson Ingraham. 
Thos. C. Whileside. 

Benjamin Ilall. 
Zina Sherman. " ** 



Berry Long. 
Garret Fort. 
Berry Long. 

James Kenyon. 
Andrew Wood. 
Orrin S. Hall. 



John Larmon. 
James Kenyon. 



John Larmon. 
John B. Wri>rht. 



Thomas E. Kenyi 



Berry Long. *' 

Jacob S. Qaaekenbush. " 

Berry Long. " 
Azor Culver. 

.John L. Hunt. " 

Lemuel Sherman. " 

James McKie. " 

Ira S. Pratt. 

William Dimiok. 

Henry Darrow. *' 

John 1 
Thomas F. Cornell. " 

Parisinus Burch. " 

U. R. Eldridge. " 



Collectors, 
id Gordon. 



John Dennis. 
Hiram S. Pratt. 
Ephraim Burrows. 
John S. Carpenter. 
Uriah N. Pratt. 
Noah Fowler. 
J. S. Quackenbush. 
Noah Fowler. 
Pardon Durfeo. 
Daniel Burroughs. 

Robert Skellie. 
John S. Carpenter. 
Clark McClelland. 

Edmund C. Wait. 
Esek Browncll. 
Edward Wood. 

Hezekiah K. Wood. 
Robert Skellie. 
Wm. Livingston. 

Benj. S. Closson. 
Seneca A. Green. 
. Larmon Green. 

Russell 6. Allen. 
Esek Brownell. 

Wm. E. Doild. 

David A. Kenyon. 
James D. Sherman. 
Jacob Dodd, Jr. 
George H. Overacker. 
James A. Bassett. 
Inman AV. Thomas. 
James MeClellan. 
David Whipple. 
Fits G. Hall. 
Andrew Pratt. 
Charles B. James. 
John Jenkins, Jr. 
Henry Gray. 
Ira King. 
McCrea Hodges. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE. 



1830. 


Henry Whiteside. 


1843. 


Chauncey S. Ransom 


1831. 


Josiah Duuton. 




Garret Fort. 


1832. 


Wm. Perry. 


1844. 


Philip Pratt. 


1833. 


Sidney Wells. 




Wm. I'erry. 




Wm. King. 


1845. 


William Perry. 


1834. 


Henry Whiteside. 


1S4B. 


Alexander H. Wells. 


1835. 


Josiah Dunton. 


1847. 


Elijah P. Fenton. 


1836. 


Wm. Perry. 




Thomas Shiland. 




Anson Ingraham. 


1848. 


AValter Skellie. 


1837. 


Anson Ingr.aham. 




William Hall. 


1838. 


Isaac Gifford. 


1849. 


Philip Pratt. 




John Stevenson. 




Julius Phelps. 


1839. 


Joseph Green. 


1850. 


Philip Pratt. 




Thomas C. Whiteside. 




Thomas Shiland. 


1840. 


Uriah N. Pratt. 


1850. 


James Skiff. 




Harvey E. Pettys. 


1851. 


William ILall. 


1841 


Courtland Skinner. 




Thomas C. Whiteside 




Wm. Perry. 


1852. 


Samuel Skiff. 




Thomas Shiland. 


1853. 


Philip Pratt. 


1842. 


Thomas Shiland. 




Herman K. Sharpc. 




Robert McMurray. 


1854 


Thomas Shiland. 




33 







1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 
1861. 
1802. 
1803. 
1864. 
1865. 
1806. 
1867. 
1S6S. 



Herman K. Sharpc. 
Ebcnezer McLean. 
Thomas Shiland. 
Philip Pratt. 
John W. Martin. 
Samuel Skiff. 
Thomas Shiland. 
John L. Pratt. 
John M. -Martin. 
Samuel Skiff. 
Thomas Shiland. 
James McKie. 
Edward J. McKcrnan. 
Courtland Skinner. 



1868. 
1809, 
1870. 
1871, 
1872, 

1873, 



William Dimmick. 
Thomas Shiland. 
Charles W. Darrow. 
Alexander M. Sherman. 
Samuel Skiff. 
Leonard Fletcher. 
Thomas E. Kenyon. 
Isaac W. Durfee. 
Ebcnezer A. Balch. 
Samuel Skiff. 
Thomas Shiland. 
E, James Burroughs. 
lsa.ac W. Durfee. 



TURNPIKES AND RAILROADS. 

The provisions for locating and improving tlic roads of 
the town have been noted in the extracts from the town 
records. But the necessity for an improved road, loading 
to points south, became early apparent, and led to the con- 
struction of the northern turnpike. 

The Northern Turnpike Company was incorporated in 
1799, with Wm. Hay, Edmond Weils, Jr., David Long, 
Martin Van Buskirk, John Williams, Edward Savage, and 
others, directors, and the road was constructed soon after- 
wards from Lansingburg through Cambridge, and became 
a continuous road on to Burlington, Vt. Tiiis was by far 
a more valuable improvement for a new country than was 
generally acknowledged, and though many would patronize 
the shunpike to avoid the toll, they were glad to avail 
themselves of the better road in wet seasons. There was 
much complaint about the location of tliis road over Oak 
Hill, and justly, for the little distance saved was no com- 
pensation to the public for climbing over the steep grade 
of this hill. 

The turnpike retained its importance until the Rutland 
railroad was built in 1852 along its general course, and has 
since become a public highway. The above railroad does 
not run through the town of Cambridge, but so near it, in 
White creek, that it supplies good .shipping facilities. A 
station is provided at Cambridge village. Railroad facili- 
ties were extended the western part of the town in 1870 
by the completion of the Greenwich and Johnsonville rail- 
road. Its general course is along the Wampecack creek. 
There are stations in the town at Summit, West Cambridge, 
South Cambridge, and Lee. 

THE CEMETERIES 

of the town deserve a passing note. William Smith, one 
of the original owners of the Cambridge patent, gave a 
lot of land of about one hundred and twenty acres to en- 
courage the object, on whicli was erected a house of wor- 
ship, and a parsonage house for their minister. According 
to the custom to which they had been bred, they wished 
for a burying-ground near their place of public worship, 
which in those times was often called " the church-yard." 
Accordingly, on the south side of this glebe, so-called, on 
the west side of the highway, and some sixty rods south of 
the church, a parcel of ground was selected for this pur- 
pose, and is the same ground which has been called for a 
long time " the old grave-yard on the turnpike," and is 
about half a mile south of Cambridge Washington Acad- 



258 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



eniy, and is supposed to bo the oldest public burial lot in 
the original township. 

It is a matter of tradition that the first person interred 
was a young man who died with the small-pox, in a log 
house near the residence of the late Robert Wilcox, and 
that Mr. Wells assisted in carrying the body through the 
woods to the " glebe'' lot, about 1775. 

In connection with this event, according to tradition, 
there was no saw-iuill in Cambridge, and no boards were to 
be had for a coffin, and it was thought too indecent to split 
out plank from a tree for the purpose, and that the late 
]Mr. James Cowden, step-father of Colonel Edward Long, 
now living, went to Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., and obtained 
a coffin made, excepting the putting together, and brought 
it to Cambridge on horseback upon the pummel of his 
saddle, which was the first coffin used in the said " old 
grave-yard." How great the contrast between that and 
the present time, when coffins are used of the best material 
and finest finish, conveyed in a hearse of corresponding 
excellence ! 

The " old grave-yard" was considered common ground, 
free and open for the use of all classes. Within the memory 
of some who still survive, there was but here and there a 
scattering grave ; that for several years the deceased for 
eight or ten miles around, and especially of Scotch and Irish 
settlers, were brought to this yard for interment. From 
time to time the yard has been enlarged, and contains a 
larger number of interments than any other grave-yard 
within the limits of the old township. Generally it has been 
kept in good condition, and is respectable for the number 
and value of monuments erected to the memory of deceased 
friends. Yet it is a sad and melancholy fact that the 
grounds have been so long occupied that, in some instances, 
in the absence of monuments, all appearances of graves 
have been obliterated by age, and in digging new graves 
the remains of former occupants gave the first evidence of 
suspicion of an intrusion upon the mouldering dust of the 
deceased, unknown and forgotten. 

In this yard is buried the body of the late Rev. John 
Dunlap, once a pastor of the Associate Reformed congre- 
gation, but dismissed .some time before his death. 

In 179.3, the First United Presbyterian congregation of 
Cambridge was organized ; their house of worship was 
erected in 1792, but not finished until some time afterwards, 
and painted white. This gave rise to the name by which 
it has been designated as the " Old White Mccting-IIouse," 
or " White Church." A few rods to the north of this 
house, William King gave a parcel of ground, supposed to 
be one acre, for a burying-place, free and open to all classes, 
without charge. The first burial was the body of Mrs. 
Abigail, wife of Mr. Seth Rising, who died June 18, 1794, 
as specified by the inscription upon the stone at the head 
of the grave. Those grounds, with some exceptions, have 
been well kept, and contain a largo amount of interments, 
and are well studded with suitable monuments, and in some 
instances inclosed with substantial iron fences. This, as 
has been stated of other similar places, has been occupied to 
an extent requiring enlargement, which has been done by 
individual enterpri.se. Hero sleeps a large congregation to 
be awakened to the judgment when the last trumpet shall 



be blown. In this yard was originally buried the body of 
the late Rev. Asahel B. Crocker, pastor of the Congrega- 
tional church, in the city of New York, who, while on a 
visit to his friends in this place, was taken sick and died, 
and whose remains have recently been removed to the Wood- 
lands Cemetery. 

The Whiteside grave-yard is situated by the Whiteside 
church, in the westerly part of Cambridge, and was estab- 
lished in May, 1790. The first person there buried died 
May 7, 1790, an infant of Thomas and Elizabeth White- 
side, aged eighteen days. The second burial was Phineas 
Whiteside, Esq., who died April 1, 1793, in the seventy- 
seventh year of his age. He took an active part in the 
American Revolution, and was one of the few who pledged 
himself for the credit of his country to the amount of 
£10,000. His monument is thus inscribed : 

" In memory of Phineas Whiteside, Esq., bj' birth a Hibernian ; 
WHS born .Tune 31, 1716. He saw this and many parts of America a 
wilderness. He saw Columbia struggling for liberty, in which he 
toolc an active part; he saw her successful. He died April 1, 1793. 

" Full ripe in virtue as in age, 
For endless bliss he quit the stage." 

Here is also buried the Rev. Edward F. Whiteside, of 
the Methodist Episcopal church, born July 17, 1806, and 
died Feb. 23, 1853. The yard contains many graves, and 
some valuable headstones and monuments sacred to the 
memory of those crumbling to dust. 

The King meeting-house grave-yard, in the southeast 
part of Cambridge, was deeded to the Methodist Episcopal 
church, 1823, and the first interment was the remains of 
Hezokiah King, Esq. The yard has been used since by 
that denomination, who have extended privileges to others, 
and now contains many graves and valuable monuments. 

Attached to the grounds of the North Cambridge 3Ieth- 
odist Episcopal church is a graveyard of about twenty 
years' standing. It being comparatively new, it is not as 
fully occupied as those of an older date, but contains many 
graves and some headstones with inscriptions. 

It may also be stated there are a number of private 
burying-grounds in the township, in which the owners of 
lands selected a spot on their farms for the burial of the 
members of their own families. Some of these farms have 
since been sold and gone out of the possession of relatives. 
These small patches occupied by graves are liable to become 
an annoyance to present or future occupants as being in 
the way of farming purposes. 

It may be said that the monuments referred to are almost 
wholly of white or clouded marble. Some few of the old- 
est are of the Conueeticut red sandstone. Many of the 
inscriptions are of an interesting historical character, plainly 
to be read, and not obliterated by age, as in many instances 
in the older .sections of our country. 

WOODLANDS CKMETERY. 

In view of the crowded coi.dition of the old graveyard 
on the glebe lot, and the demand for a more suitable site 
for the future cemetery of the place, John M. Stevenson, 
Esq., caused an examination of several localities to be 
made as early as 1852. For this purpose he secured the 
services of J. C. Sidney, of Philadelphia, a civil engineer 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



259 



and rural architect of good repute, who selected the pres- 
ent site as the most eligible in the immediate vicinity of 
Cambridge, and prepared a map of the same. But noth- 
ing further was done until the 10th of November, 1857, 
when a public meeting was called to take such measures 
as would secure the desired cemetery. As a result of the 
deliberations, the " Cambridge Valley Rural Cemetery As- 
sociation" was formed, with the following trustees : John 
M. Stevenson, Calvin Skinner, B. Porter Crocker, J). M. 
Westfall, J. G. Smart, Peter Hill, Elisha Billings, George 
McGeoch, B. W. Walkley, Thomas Shiland, Richard Bar- 
ton, and Lewis Nicholson. 

The first officei-s were: President, John 51. Stevenson; 
Vice-President, Calvin Skinner; Secretary, D. M. West- 
fall ; Treasurer, B. P. Crocker. 

On the 16th of January, 1858, the cemetery site sug- 
gested by Mr. Sidney was purchased for two thousand two 
hundred and fifty dollars. The ground thus secured lies 
about a mile north of the village, on the west side of the 
old northern turnpike, and was a part of the James Coul- 
ter farm. There were nearly sixteen acres, about equally 
divided between plain and elevated laud, so situated that 
many fine views of the surrounding country are obtained, 
while the ground itself admits of varied and easy improve- 
ment. The natural drainage also is excellent. The fol- 
lowing April, Mr. Sidney commenced the survey of the 
grounds into one thousand lots of two hundred square feet 
each, divided into sections, with appropriate walks and 
avenues. On the eighth of the same month the first in- 
terment occurred, — Mrs. Mary, wife of William McMillan. 
The first monument was erected by Henry 0. and Mial P. 
Barton, to the memory of their departed wives, who died in 
the spring of 1858. 

The cemetery was dedicated on the 2d of June, 1858, in 
the presence of a large assemblage of people, with appropri- 
ate exercises, consisting of religious services and an address 
by the Rev. A. D. Gillette, of New York city, as the 
" Woodlands Cemetery," the name having been changed by 
an act of the Legislature, on the 12th of April, 1858. 

In 1805 the cemetery was enlarged by the addition of 
nearly six acres on the north, making its present area nearly 
twenty-two acres. The grounds have been adorned by 
many chaste and beautiful works of art to the memory of 
loved ones gone before. There are also several monuments 
which deserve to be especially noted. The most conspic- 
uous is the Embury monument. It stands on a command- 
ing eminence, from which a fine view of the valley 
southward is obtained. The material is Barre granite, 
worked in five sections, so as to make a shapely pile thirty- 
one feet high. On it are engraved the simple words 
" Philip Embury." The monument was erected by the 
National Preachers' Association, at a cost of two thousand 
four hundred and fifty dollars, Rev. Arthur Mooney being 
the supervising committeeman. It was unveiled Oct. 20, 
1873, in the presence of a vast assemblage, by Bishop 
Simpson, who led in appropriate ceremonies. Addresses 
were also made by Bishops Janes, Campbell, and Dr. J. B. 
Wakely. In front of the monument, supported by low 
pillars, is the tablet placed over the remains at Ash (Jrovc, 
and which, now covers all that is mortal of the humble but 



honored Embury. It bears the inscription dictated by the 
eloquent Maffit: 

. "PHILIP EMBURY, 

The earliest Amcric.in minister of the Methodist ehurch, here found 
his last earthly resting-place. 

" Born in Ireland, an emigrant to New York, Embury was the lirst 
to gather a tittle class in that city, and to set in motion a train of 
measures which resulted in the founding of John Street church, the 
cradle of American Methodism, and the introduction of a system 
which has beautified the earth with .salvation and increased the joys 
of Heaven." 

By the side of this pioneer minister repose the remains 
of David Brown and John Boxby, two fellow-preachers of 
Methodism. 

Not far from this spot is the Newton memorial, plain, 
yet attractive. Ephraim Holland Newton, D.D., was a 
descendant of John Holland, of the " May Flower," and a 
scholar and divine whose memory is loved and cherished in 
the community. He was born at Newfane, Vt., June 13, 
1787, and died at Cambridge, Nov. 26. 1853. Here, also, 
is the unassuming shaft which marks the grave of the hon- 
ored Dr. Bullions, whose life-work gave the community a 
distinction which has made the name of Cambridge a cher- 
ished term throughout the land. Not far from this is the 
plain monument of Hon. John McLean, whose services as 
a jurist have not yet been forgotten. 

On a con.spicuous spot is the soldiers' monument, erected 
in 1868, by the citizens of the "old town of Cambridge," 
in memory of the heroic dead of the late civil war from 
those towns. It is simple, but very chaste, consisting of a 
shaft of Italian marble, surmounted by a draped urn. On 
the shaft is some fine carving representing implements of 
warfare. Below is a marble die, on which are engraved 
the names of the fallen heroes, and the whole rests on a 
granite base, giving an entire height of twenty-one feet. 

The following names appear on the monument : 

"22d New York.— Captain 11. S. Milliman, C. J. Eaton, C. C. Green, 
J. W. Arnold. 

"93d New York. — Lieutenant R. L. (Jray, Sergeant- Major N. W. 
Gray, Corporal W. H. Pierce, Corporal A. M. Lawton, A. 
McGeoch, L. N. Ford, C. B. Pitney, N. P. Gray, A. Batie, E. 
Fairbrothcr. 

" ."iOth New York.— A. E. Gage. 

"12.5th New Yo:-k.— G. E. Hatch, P. Williams. 

" lOth Heavy Artillery.— Sergeant H. B. Cook, .1. Crozier, C. Cobb, 
Ira Hawthoi-nc. 

"2d Veteran Cavalry.— M. L. Moore, J. Smith, \Y. Pratt. 

" ITOth New York.— J. M. Austin. 

"5th Vermont.— T. W. Taylor. 

"nth Vermont.- N. Cody. 

"20th Colored Infantry.— L. P. Cha.se. 

"123d Now York. — Sergeant C. Darrow, Corporal C. L. Coulter, J. 
Herman, W. SkcUie, C. C. Parker, W. J. Scott, J. P. Wood, 
A. J. Coon, R. K. Bishop, J. .1. Macomber, J. Foster, R. Hen- 
nelly, ,T. L. Skellie, D. Baldwin, Jr., W. H. Martin, R. W. Skel- 
lie, P. Crombie, W. H. Welch, W. H. Phelps, H. King." 

The cemetery has been well managed from the first. 
John M. Stevenson was president until his death, in 1872, 
since which time B. P. Crocker has filled the position. 
W. P. Robertson has been secretary and treasurer since 
1869. 

SCHOOLS. 

At the annual meeting in 1813 the town voted to accept 
the provisions of the school law of 1812, and raise a sum 



260 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of money equal to the amount proposed to be gi-anted to 
the town by the State. 

Sis inspectors were cliosen, Erastus Fenton, David 
Simpson, John P. Putnam, James Stevenson, William 
Richards, and Asahel Morris. 

Tiiree commissioners of common schools were also 
chosen according to the law, Gcrret Wendell, Ira Parmley, 
William Nicliolson. During the succeeding years to 1843, 
the following citizens also served one or more years each in 
tlic office of commissioner : Asahel Morris, John Cornell, 
William Stevenson, Abraham Van Tuyl, Oliver Sherman, 
Benjamin F. Skinner, Robert JIarshall, Edward White- 
side, Peter Hill, Rufus Pratt, Gideon Gilford, John 
Dennis, Philip V. N. Morris, Edward Long, John Lee, 
George McKie, Isaac Gilford, Ama.sa Pratt, Wm. Steven- 
son, Jr., George W. Jermain, Wm. King, Pardon Allen, 
Sidney Wells, Wm. Hall (2d), Henry Marshall. 

The following during the same period served in the 
office of inspector one or more years each : 

Alexander Bullions fifteen years, John Dunlap, David 
Chapell, Jacob L. Viele, Zadock Norton, John L. Wen- 
dell, David S. Benway, Philip V. N. Morris, Matthew 
Stevenson, James McNaughton, Joseph Allen, Donald C. 
McLaren, Sydney Wells, Benjamin F. Skinner, Ira C. 
Backus, Robert Marshall, William Wright, Isaac Gilford, 
Francis N. Empey, iVbrahara F. Pruyn, Morris Pratt, 
Justice Daily, Zina Sherman, John Stevenson, John 
Dennis, Freeman A. Fuller, Morris L. Wright, Thomas 
Shiland, Harvey E. Pettys, James Coulter, Ebenezer Rob- 
ertson, Jacob Myers, John M. Stevenson, Elijah P. Fenton. 

The system was succeeded by that of town superintend- 
ents, in which office the following persons served : 

William Hall (2d), elected 1844-46 ; John C. Durfee, 
1847-48; Ebenezer Baleh, 1849-50; Wilber Dennis, 
1852; Owen F. Bacon, 1853; Wm. S. Smart, 1S54; Wm. 
Coggeshall, 1855. 

In June, 1856, the entire town system of supei'vision 
was abolished, and the schools passed under the control of 
commissioners elected by Assembly districts. 

The earliest school report seems to be for 1821, which 
shows six hundred and fifty-nine children in town between 
the ages of five and fifteen. The public money appro- 
priated for teachers' wages was three hundred and eighty- 
nine dollars and twenty-six cents. The boundaries of the 
.school districts had been readjusted by the school commis- 
sioners in 1817. 

The condition of the schools is shown to some extent at 
the present time by the commissioners' apportionment, 
March, 1876: 

Dislricls. Cliilrlicii between Liliniry Pulilic Money, 
five iiii.l twenty-one. Bloriey. Tiachei-s' Wages. 

No. 1 210 $6.03 $466.08 

•' 2 80 2.30 149.51 

" 3 40 1.15 Ofi.S? 

" 4 54 1.56 116.48 

" 5 55 1.58 114.13 

" 6 10 .29 61.10 

" 7 76 2.18 150..S0 

" 8 61 1.76 129.11 

" y 68 1.96 123.76 

" 10 52 1.50 111.84 

" 11 32 .92 89.79 

" 12 46 1.31 56.96 

" 13 26 .74 82.41 

"14 49 1.41 106.84 

" 15 45 1.2'J 112.18 



NORTH CAMBRIDGE 

is a small hamlet on lot 70, about four miles west of Cam- 
bridge village. Esek Brownell and John Willis were 
among the early settlere. The former had a store, and 
was appointed postmaster, an office which has been discon- 
tinued. The business of the place is at present limited to 
a few mechanic shops. 

Not far from the hamlet is a Methodist Episcopal 
church, in which worships a society that was organized in 
1838. The first trustees were Peter Hill, Sr., Isaiah 
Darrow, and Edward F. Whiteside. A meeting-house, 
costing fifteen hundred dollars, was erected, and Rev. 
Reuben Wescott preached as the first pastor. The society 
is at present connected with the Easton circuit. Rev. H. 
M. Muncie preacher in charge. 

CENTRE CAMBRIDGE 

is, as its name implies, near the centre of the town, on 
the old thoroughfare popularly known as the " shunpike." 
The surrounding country is rich and beautiful. 

Among other early settlers were the Whitesldes, Kenyons, 
Aliens, Shermans, Hills, Skinner, Pratt, Burrows, Miller, 
Hall, and Willett. Jo.seph Palmer kept a store at an early 
day, in which afterwards James H. Hall was long engaged 
in trade. The post-office was established in 1829, with 
James H. Hall as postmaster. The office has also been held 
by A. Ingraham, James Kenj'on, Job S. Wait, and Thomas 
E. Kenyon. 

Soon after 1800, Valentine Randall opened a public- 
house, which is still used for tavern purposes. From 1833 
to 1845, John Kenyon was the keeper, and the house was 
much patronized. 

Dr. IMorris, near this place, was the first to practice 
medicine, and Dr. John Ashton is the present practitioner. 

A mile west is the station on the Greenwich and John- 
sonville railroad, and just beyond this is 

THE WHITESIDE CHURCH. 
This edifice was erected in 1800 by the Whiteside family, 
from whom it received its name. Mrs. Phineas Whiteside, 
at her death, left one hundred pounds for the building of a 
church in this locality. Other members of the family 
contributed enough money to complete it. The church is 
situated on a hill, and commands a fine view of the sur- 
rounding country. The building, as originally built, had 
a high, .steep roof; the doors were in east (the main or 
front entrance), west, and south sides, with aisles leading 
from them. The pulpit, which was a high one, was on the 
north side. The pew backs and sides were about four feet 
high. The galleries were on three sides, but not finished. 
In 1825 the house was rebuilt, the roof was lowered to a 
quarter pitch, the south and west doors were closed up, the 
galleries finished, and the pulpit lowered. This was taken 
out a few years since and replaced by a desk. The build- 
ing will seat about two hundred persons. There has never 
been any regular church organization here, though it was 
at first a branch of the United Presbyterian of Cambridge 
village. Rev. Mr. Dunlap was the first minister to preach 
here. Regular services are held by Rev. Henry Gordon, 
ofCoila. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



2GI 



THE KING METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
is east of Centre Cambridge. A class of this faith was in 
existence here as early as 1813. Foiincr Kiiijr was the 
leader and most active promoter of the work, hcMce the 
name of the society. 

On the 15th of March, 1823, a legal organization 
was effected, under the stylo of the Methodist Episcopal 
church of East Cambridge. The first board of trustees 
was composed of Fenner King, Horace Warner, and T. 
Thomas. A church was erected, costing one thousand 
dollars, which has been rebuilt at a further cost of two 
thousand dollars. The first preacher was Rev. Samuel 
Draper ; the present is Rev. J. Wood, who also serves the 
class of Methodists worshiping in an old Friend.s' meeting- 
house at South Cambridge. A full account of Methodist 
work is ibund in the interesting sketch of the Ash Grove 
(Cambridge) church. 

Along the line of the Greenwich and Johnsonvillc rail- 
road several small hamlets have sprung up since 1870. At 
West Cambridge a post-office has been established in the 
depot building. There is a steam saw-mill. Two miles 
further south is the hamlet of South Cambridge, which 
contains a store, post-office, and several mechanic shops. 
The surrounding country is extremely beautiful, and was 
formerly called the Quakerhood, a number of families 
belonging to that sect having settled there very early. 
Among these were Jonathan Allen, Adam Allen, Gershom 
Allen, John Dennis, and Job Allen. 

On the Hoosick river, and partly in the town of Cam- 
bridge, is the village of 

BUSKIRK's BRIDGE. 

The place derived its name from Martin Buskirk, an 
early settler, who built the first bridge across the stream. 
He was also a pioneer tavern-keeper, his house on the Cam- 
bridge side having a wide reputation. Philip Van Ness, 
John Quackenbush, and Colonel Lewis Van Wort, of Revo- 
lutionary times, were among the early prominent .settlers 
near Buskirk's. There was a store kept by Carpenter, and 
afterwards by Allen, which enjoyed a large trade in those 
daj'S. But the business interests have all passed to the 
Rensselaer county side. 



The pleasant little village of Coila is located on the town 
line and partly in Jackson, about one mile from Cambridge 
village. The locality was first known as the Green settle- 
ment, from early settlers by that name, and subsequently 
as Stevenson's Corners, in honor of William Stevenson, a 
prominent resident. The present name has been substi- 
tuted as more appropriate and reminding the inhabitants 
of bonnie Scotland. 

Wm. Stevenson had a store at this point at a very early 
day, doing a large business. He was succeeded by McNeil 
& McNaughton. John Gow has been in trade since 1840, 
and is also the postmaster. A little west of this place 
Coulter & McClellan carried on a mercantile business a 
number of years. 

In 1800 a small tannery was erected by a man named 
liich. This passed into the hands of the Robertsons, in 



181G, and is at present carried on by J. E. Robertson. 
The tannery has been much enlarged, and at present has a 
CHjiacily of two thousand hides per year. In the lower 
part of the village is another tannery, which has long lain 
idle. 

THE UNITKD PRESB YTERI.VN CHURCH OF COIU.A. 

This body originated from and was in reality a part of 
the old " Protestant Presbyterian Congregation of Cam- 
bridge." It was that portion which adhered to Rev. Thos. 
Beveridgc, in the controversy between the " Burgher" and 
"Anti-Burgher" elements. Until the spring of 1786 the 
histories of the two bodies are identical, and are detailed 
in the sketch of the present " United Presbyterian Congre- 
gation of Cambridge." Both churches had the same hum- 
ble beginning, and any fact bearing upon the early history 
of the original body will prove of equal interest to the 
members of both churches. From an old church book we 
note the observance of one of the ordinances, the holy 
communion, as it gives the names of those composing the 
original body at that time. 

The first Lord's Supper was celebrated Aug. 13, 1785, 
before the division of the congregation. This took place 
in the meeting-house on the turnpike, near the old grave- 
yard. At this communion, including the minister, seventy- 
eight persons commemorated the love of a crucified R(!- 
deemer. Their descendants would no doubt like to read 
the names of those to whom they are so much indebted. 
They are as follows: Minister, Rev. Thomas Beveridge ; 
Elders, Alexander Skellie, James Edie, James Rolls, James 
Small, and William McAuley ; Members, Alexander Cowan, 
William Skellie, John Skellie, Mrs. Skellie, William Edie, 
Mrs. Edie, Mrs. Rollo, David French, Mrs. McKie, Mrs. 
Cowan, Mrs. French, Jonathan French, Peter McGill, Sr., 
Peter MoGill, Jr., Mrs. McGill, Mary McGill, Robert Som- 
mers, Janet Sommers, William Edgar, Henry Crawford, 
John Blair, Sr., Mrs. Blair, John Blair, Jr., Mrs. Blair, 
Mrs. Fotheringame, Janet Fotheringame, Mrs. Groen, Mrs. 
Small, James McGeoch, Walter Bell, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. 
Miller, Alexander Hill, Mrs. Hill, George Miller, Mrs. 
Miller, Alexander Fraser, William Reed, Mary Barnct, 
Jean Millar, James Millar, Mrs. McAuley, Sr., Blrs. 
MeAuley, Jr., Jlrs. Green. William Mushet, David iMushet, 
Mrs. Mushet, Elizabeth Robb, James Irvine, Sally Coulter, 
Mrs. Boyd, Robert Weir, Mrs. Weir, George Easton, Mrs. 
Irvine (from New Perth), Robert McClellan, James Thomp- 
son, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. iNIathews, Janet Thompson, 
John Foster, James Foster, Jonah Foster, Mary Foster, 
Joseph Nelson (from Black creek), Andrew Beveridgc 
(from the new city), James Hamilton (from Argyle town), 
Duncan McArthur, Mrs. I\IeArthur, John McKnight, John 
McNeil. 

Rev. Dr. Beveridge and his followers having withdrawn 
from the original congregation, proceeded with the organ- 
ization of the new society, which received the name of 
"The Associate Presbyterian Congregation of Cambridge." 
In July, 1781), half an acre of ground was obtained from 
Jonathan French, on which was erected the famous yellow 
meetinghou.se, where for years were given the soundest and 
ablest expositions of the Bible to the largest audiences in 



262 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tills part of the Stato. Summer's heat and winter's cold 
did not prevent the regular attendance of large numbers 
who often walked seven miles to attend the regular Sab- 
bath services, which were never suspended. It is said that 
in the first seventy j'ears of the church not a single omis-. 
sion occurred. There was preaching twice a day, which 
was listened to with devout attention in spite of the cold — 
tlie house Wiis not warmed by fire then — or the sweltering 
heat of August days. Unaffected zeal and true piety 
abounded. From pastor to humblest member there was 
no deviation from a purpose to do the right as it was re- 
vealed to them by their religion ; and no people were ever 
more rigid in the observance of the customs of the church 
than the members of the " old yellow meeting-house" so- 
ciety. It is said that one of the old members forgot the 
announcement of a day of fasting, on a certain Thursday, 
and engaged to melt some tar over the hearth-fire. Twice 
he failed in his efforts ; and, when on the third trial the tar 
took fire with a large blaze, the remembrance of the last 
Sabbath's announcement came to mind. Throwing down 
the pot, he exclaimed, " It is no wonder ; the judgments of 
the Lord are upon me for neglecting his ordinance !" It 
was too late for church then, but all household work was 
immediately suspended, the family was assembled, and the 
remaining hours of the day were spent in reading the Bible, 
singing psalms, and repeating the catechism. Such was the 
character of the early members of a church whose influ- 
ence has always been a power in the community. 

On Sept. 10, 1789, Mr. Bevcridge was permanently in- 
stalled as the first pastor of the church. During his minis- 
try his labors were abundant and successful. He preached 
in Argyle, near South Argyle, in Black creek, near West 
Hebron, in Florida, a towii.ship west of Schenectady, and 
in Putnam, and may, with truth, be said to have laid the 
foundation of all these congregations. In June, 1798 he set 
out for Barnet, Vt., to assist Mr. Goodwillie at his com- 
munion, whore he contracted the di.sease that terminated in 
his death. When the church here heard of his sickness 
they sent two of the elders, James Small and Robert Oliver, 
to render what assistance might be necessary, there, as on his 
return home. These not coming as soon as the people here 
expected, they sent two others, who just reached Barnet as 
the people were returning from the funeral. The remains 
of the first minister lie in Vermont, over which the con"re- 
gatiun erected a suitable memorial. There is still in the 
church one of Mr. Beveridge's children, Jlrs. Geo. Lcwrie, 
sjrving as a link between the present and the past. She 
is full uf years and greatly respected, not only on account 
of the name she bears, but also on account of her many 
excellent social and moral virtues. The congregation was 
not long vacant. The death of Mr. Beveridge took place 
in July, 1798, and November 20 of the same year we have 
an account of Rev. John Banks preaching, the second 
minister of the church. The pastorate of Mr. Banks was 
not very pleasant. In 1803, receiving a call to the church 
in Florida, N. Y., the presbytery dissolved the relationship. 
Afterwards he was called to the Walnut Street church, Phil- 
adelphia, where he preached and acted as professor in the 
theological seminary until he died, full of years and useful- 
ness. The third pastor of the chuich was Rev. Alexander 



Bullions, who came to Cambridge in 1807. Here for lialf 
a century he labored with great zeal, in season and out of 
season, always the warm advocate of every good cause. In 
1842 the Rev. D. G. Bullions was unanimously called to 
be the assistant of his father. In the spring of 1857 he 
received and accepted a call from the Presbyterian church 
of West Milton, N. Y., where he labored faithfully until 
removed by death in 18(54. 

In May, 1857, the present pastor, the Rev. Henry Gor- 
don, commenced preaching, although Dr. Bullions still held 
the relation of pastor. This position he retained until his 
death, June 26, 1857, in the eightieth year of his age. He 
was a man of noble intellect, and the impressions of his 
pastorate, extending through half a century, are yet felt by 
the church. He has a worthy successor in Rev. Gordon, 
who for nearly a quarter of a century has ably carried on 
the work ititrusted to him at the death of the honored 
divine. 

In spite of the troubles which have beset the church it 
has always been a vigorous body, and has had an aggregate 
membership of about one thousand. In 1833 the congre- 
gation left the " old yellow meeting-house" for a commo- 
dious brick edifice, which, in a repaired condition, is the 
present meeting-house. It is an imposing structure, and 
amply meets the wants of the congregation. 

THE VILL.\GE OF CAMBRIDGE 

comprises, since its incorporation, in 1866, what were for- 
merly known as Cambridge, North White Creek, and Dorr's 
Corners. It is very pleasantly located across the valley, 
about one-third in the northeastern part of the town of 
Cambridge, extending eastward into the town of White 
Creek. The present village occupies the plain between the 
ranges of hills which at this point bound the valley, and is 
distant from Troy thirty miles; from Salem, twelve miles; 
and from Greenwich, eight miles. The Owl Kill and other 
brooks run through the place, but no water-power is afforded. 
These streams, however, secure good drainage and help to 
produce that neat appearance which characterizes the vil- 
lage, and which places it among the finest in the State. 
The streets arc plea.santly shaded, and there are many fine 
public and private buildings. The inhabitants are esti- 
mated at twenty-five hundred, and are noted for their thrift, 
indu.stry, and intelligence. 

Settlement was luade in this locality as early as 1770. 
The village site originally belonged to James and Thomas 
Morrison, a son of the latter being the first person born in 
the place. No effort was made to locate a village, and it 
grew up as a simple .settlement on the cross-roads, whose 
business importance increased with the development of the 
rich surrounding country. Its real growth as a village did 
not begin until alter the completion of the Troy and Rut- 
land railroad, in 1852, which has a station at a point which 
was until that period the west part of North White Creek. 
The giound on which the depot stands was a meadow on 
which parades and musters were held in the times of bat- 
tallion drills. Since the railroad gave the place an assured 
future, the growth has been steady, though not rapid, and 
all the improvements have been made in obedience to a 
normal demand, crea'ed by a substantial business. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



263 



The early and prominent settlers of the place will be 
noted, in connection with its business, churches, and socie- 
ties, in the following pages. 

Ruel Beebe was an early settler, who owned a lot of ten 
acres in tlie neighborhood of the Presbyterian church. 
Where that building stand.« he opened the first tavern, and 
kept it many years. His house was well conducted for 
those times, and was a conspicuous landmark for many years. 
In front of it was a green, on which the youth of those 
days assembled to play ball and other games. This is now 
covered with tall trees. The old iiotcl, on the opposite cor- 
ner, was erected, in part, as early as 1795, and was first kept 
by Adonijah Skinner. While he had it another story was 
added for a Masonic lodge room, giving the house a tall 
and quaint appearance. Major John Porter succeeded 
him, and kept it until about 1815. Since then the tavern 
lias been best known as " Comstock's," and at present as 
the " Fenton House." 

The brick hotel at this place was built on a smaller scale, 
in 1842, by James Durwell, the first keeper. The changes 
of host have been very frequent. The house was enlarged 
to its present size — four-story brick — by Charles Stroud, 
and then received its present name, the " Irving House." 

On the turnpike crossing was a pioneer tavern kept as 
long ago as the last century by a man named Peters. After- 
wards Aaron Chase became the keeper, and remained many 
years. About 1850 the Feutons enlarged the house and 
gave it a reputation which secured for it a large patronage. 
It was known as the " Union Hotel." A fire in 1875 com- 
pletely destroyed it as well as other buildings in the locality. 
At present a commodious frame house is building on the 
old site, to be used for tavern purposes. 

At what is now Dorr's Corners was kept the first store, 
by Jeremiah Stillwell. He was succeeded by Rice & Bil- 
lings, whose fame as merchants was widely known. F]ddy 
& Brown also kept there. The old house was burned. At 
the meeting-house corner Paul Dennis was in trade many 
years, where the Irving House now stands. On the site of 
Fuller's Block, Clark Rice, Jr., had a store, and goods have 
been sold there ever sinoe. Among those in trade at that 
place were the Rices, Ransom Hawley, Kellogg & Crocker, 
B. W. Walkley, and the present Porter & Hawkins. The 
store opposite, now occupied by W. P. Robertson, was built 
and kept by J. D. Crocker. Farther down the street were 
Aaron Crosby and B. F. McNitt. B. P. Crocker was the 
first to open a store near the railroad. The building now 
occupied by him was erected iu 1850. On the turnpike 
Leonard Wells had the first store, on the northeast corner. 
He was in trade man}' years. Diagonally opposite were 
Carpenter & Livingston, and afterwards H. Carpenter, yet 
in trade, and one of the oldest merchants in the place. 
Others who should be named as having been here many 
years are Charles Porter, B. P. Crocker, W. P. Robertson, 
and B. F. McNitt. The village has about thirty stores, 
doing a large aggregate business. H. 51. Wells has carried 
on photography many years. 

The Cambridge post-office was established about 1797, 
with Adonijah Skinner as the first postmaster. It is prob- 
able that he was at that time inn-keeper of the place, and 
kept the offiio in his tavern near the white meeting-house. 



The mail route was from Albany to points north, with 
another route shortly thereafter from Bennington to Sara- 
toga. Mr. Skinner's successor was Paul Dennis, in the 
same locality, and he in turn was succeeded by Clark Rice, 
Jr., and about 1829 by Matthew Stevenson. The latter 
changed the location of the office to a place half a mile west, 
on the " old turnpike." This led to the establishment of 
another office a year later in the old locality, which received 
the title of " North White Creek," which was at that time 
the name of that part of the village. L. J. Howe was the 
first postmaster. His successors in the order named were 
B. P. Crocker, B. F. McNitt, and Charles Porter. While 
in charge of the latter, in 186C, it was merged into the old 
office, which was removed to a central location of the now 
united villages. 

Mathew Stevenson's successors in the old Cambridge 
office were James P. Robertson, Joseph Green, Oliver Cook, 
Clark McClellan, William Livingston, Leonard Wells, 
Mrs. Leonard Wells, and Ezra Smith. The latter changed 
the location of the office, as before stated, and held it until 
his death, in 1867, when the present incumbent, B. P. 
Crocker, succeeded to the position. In 1869 the office took 
rank among those of the third class, and in 1870 was desig- 
nated a postal money-order office. The amount of orders 
issued per quarter, in 1877, was three thousand and twelve 
dollars ; of orders paid, one thousand seven hundred and 
eighty dollars. About three hundred and fifty letters are 
mailed daily, and from three to four hundred are received. 
More than twelve hundred papers are distributed per week, 
exclusive of those sent away in bags. The office has six 
mails per day, and sends an equal number out. 

In the village but little manufacturing has been done. 
Soon after ISOO there was a saw-mill on the Owl Kill near 
the turnpike, which was operated until it got out of repair. 
In 1860, Cornelius Wendell put up a large grist-mill on this 
spot, but to be operated by steam. It was operated only a 
short time, when the machinery was removed, and the build- 
ing was idle until it was transformed into a seed warehouse, 
for which it is still used. 

The next enterprise was inaugurated in 1800 by Alfred 
Woodworth and William Qua, who put up a saw-mill near 
the railroad, using power from a splendid two hundred and 
fifty horse-power engine. A planing-mill and sash-and- 
blind-factory was added, and as many as sixty hands em- 
ployed. In 1876 all the buildings north of the engine- 
house were destroyed by fire. The same year the present 
saw-mill was erected by A. A. Beveridge and T. E. MeCou- 
nell. The latter still operates it, and employs six men. 
The feed-mill, on the other side of the engine, was put up 
in 1872, and also belongs to SIcConnell. On the opposite 
side of the railroad was another saw-mill by Woodworth & 
King, which was burned down in 1872. 

A small furnace was erected on the site of the Beebe 
tavern, about 1840, by S. W. Warner and Levi Tilton, 
which, after a few years, was changed to the site of Love- 
joy's blacksmith-shop, and a new firm formed, — Warner & 
Lovejoy. In 1861, the location of the shops was changed 
to Dorr's Corners, using power from the east branch of the 
Owl Kill. In 1865, C. D. Warner was associated with the 
firm, and the capacity of the business increased. Twenty 



2G4 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



men were employed, and much work was produced. A 
specialty was made of saw-niill machinery, which was 
shipped to all parts of the world. These shops were de- 
stroyed by fire in 1875, but were rebuilt tlie next year, and 
are at present conducted by A. Walsh. The main shop is 
thirty by si.xty-five feet, one and a half stories high, and 
there are a number of side shops. Plows and all kinds of 
ai^ricultural implements are made, as well as a water-wheel 
governor, patented by Walsh in 1808 and 1870. 

In the early history of the place a man named Page had 
a hat^faotory near the meeting-house, which employed a 
number of persons. Ransom Hawley succeeded to the 
business, and afterwards B. F. McNitt, who discontinued 
the business. 

The village has had the usual (juota of mechanic-shops, 
and is at present well supplied by a number of large and 
well-conducted shops, in which the diiferent trades are car- 
ried on by skillful mechanics. 

The legal profession found an early and able representa- 
tive in (i. Wendell. His office was in the western part of 
the village, at the Academy Corners, where he also had the 
county clerk's office a short time about the beginning of the 
century. Wendell was familiarly known as the " old law- 
yer," and was much consulted. John L. Wendell was an- 
other pioneer attorney, and attained an honorable position 
in his profession. He was a first judge, and held other 
offices. 

John P. Putnam came ne.Kt. He was a grandson of 
Gdneral Israel Putnam, and after having graduated at Wil- 
liams College, in 1809, he was admitted to the bar in 1812, 
and came to Cambridge the same year. He continued in 
practice until about 1830, but remained in the village until 
his death, in 1867. It may be mentioned here that the 
famous Pitcairn pistols which fired the shot at Concord, in 
1775, " that echoed and re-echoed until its sound was heard 
all around the world," were the property of Mr. Putnam, 
and are now preserved at Cambridge. In the order of 
time, G. W. Jermain was the next attorney, having an office 
«here the Irving House now stands. Luther J. Howe was 
a contemporary, and built an office on the street towards 
Dorr's Corners, living in the village until his death. Both 
of these wore associate judges. Colonel John Crocker 
studied law in Judge Howe's office, and practiced at Cam- 
bridge until his removal. H. K. Sharpe, an attorney, died 
in the village in 1877. R. King Crocker and D. M. WestM 
have been practicing attorneys for the past twenty-five 
years. Other lawyers are Shi^ldon Corliss and Lemuel 
Fletcher. 

Dr. Jonathan Dorr, the owner of a large tract of land 
at the corners which took his name, was one of the first 
prominent physicians in the village, living here until his 
death. Dr. William Stevenson was another early practi- 
tioner of note; and Dr. Henry C. Gray was a leading phy- 
sician until his death but a few years ago. Drs. William 
Wright, Joseph Stewart, Cyrus Sayles, Oliver Cook, and 
others have been located in the village; and Drs. B. F. 
Ketchum and T. C. Wallace, allopaths, J. F. Niver and 
L. A. Clark, homoeopaths, and J. L. Smith, eclectic, are 
the present physicians. The Washington County Post, a 
weekly journal of nnusual excellence and influence, is pub- 



lished in the village. A full account of this paper, and 
others published at this point, appear in the paper on the 
Press of the county. 

CAMBRIDGE SEED BUSINESS. 

Simon Crosby cultivated garden and vegetable seeds as 
early as 1816, having a small seed-house at Coila. He was 
succeeded by his sons Otis and Aaron, and in 1836 by S. 
W. Crosby, having occupied, meantime, the Tracy building 
and a house at Dorr's Cornens. About this time Roswell 
Rice was also engaged in the business. In 1834 the .seed- 
trade was started in Salem by R. Niles Rice in a very small 
way, (disposing the seeds from a wagon, worth about fifty 
dollars, with which he traveled through the country. He 
increased his business from year to year, finally locating at 
Cambridge, in 1844, and purchasing the interests of R. Rice 
and the Crosbys, with a view to engage on a larger scale. 
His efforts have been attended with a large measure of suc- 
cess, and the business has attained such proportions that 
it is the principal interest of the place. In 1865, Mr 
Niles Rice associated his son, Jerome B. Rice, with him 
in the management of the business, which now extends 
through all the New England, Middle, and many of the 
Southern States. A large number of men and women are 
employed, and the arrangements for the distribution of the 
seeds are in .strong contrast with the humble beginning forty 
years ago, some of the wagons used costing more than five 
hundred dollars, and other things are, in the same propor- 
tion, more complete and extensive. Besides the seeds grown 
at home, the Messrs. Rice have a large farm in Illinois where 
many tons of vegetable seeds are grown annually. The 
firm has originated .several choice vegetables, among them 
tomatoes, and Rice's " Perfection" sweet corn, which is re- 
puted the nc plus ultra of that vegetable. 

THE CA.MBRIDGE VALLEY B.VNK 

was organized Sept. 15, 1855, with a capital stock of one 
hundred and fifteen thousand dollars, which was subscribed 
by one hundred and thirty-seven persons. A board of eigh- 
teen directors was chosen, composed of A. B. I^aw, George 
W. Wilcox, Solomon AVarner, James McKie, B. P. Crocker, 
J. BI. Stevenson, Anson Ingraham, Calvin Skinner, 
Nathaniel Barnett, George Barker, T. A. Fuller, B. P. 
McNitt, Benjamin Long, Jonathan Hoag, 0. Kellogg, 
James Thompson, Henry C. Gray, and B. W. Walkley. 
These selected Orrin Kellogg president, and James Thomp- 
son cashier. 

In 1859 the capital stock was increased to one hundred 
and seventy-two thousand five hundred dollars, but was re- 
duced March 20, 1876, to its present capital, one hundred 
and thirty thousand dollars. 

In May, 1865, it became a National bank, with a board 
of twelve directors. At present there are thirteen directors 
and one hundred and nineteen stockholders. In 1869, 
James Thompson was elected president, and J. E. Smith 
cashier. Since 1872 the present officers have served, — M. 
D. Hubbard president, and James Thompson cashier. 

In 1867 the association erected a very handsome banking- 
house on Main street, near the railroad, at a cost of twelve 
thou.sand dollars. It is of brick, two stories high, with a 











John P Putnam. 



Mrs.£liz/<beth Putnam. 



JOHN P. PUTNAM. 



John P. Putnam was a grandson of General Israel Put- 
nam, of Revolutionary fame. He was born at the old 
Putnam homestead, in Brooklyn, Conn., on the 9th of May, 
1786, and was the fir.st male child horn in the town of 
Pomfret after its incorporation. He was brought up on 
a farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres, given in part 
to his father by his grandfather, General Putnam, and lived 
there till 1805, when the family removed to Williamstown, 
Berkshire Co., Mass. His father sold his farm and settled 
in Williamstown, in order to educate his three sons, which 
were all of his childi-en. 

The early education of John P. Putnam was commenced 
by his mother, whom he regarded as his best instructor, 
although a private teacher was employed in the family, and 
he attended district school a mile and a fjuarter from his 
home, after he became old enough to walk that distance, 
night and morning. After the removal to William.stown 
lie entered Williams College, where he was graduated in 
1809, and immediately commenced the study of law in the 
oflSce of Abraham Van Vechten, at Albany, N. Y. He 
was admitted to practice at the August term of the Supreme 
Court, in 1812. In November, 1812, he entered upon his 
practice in Cambridge, N. Y., where he spent the remainder 
of his days. 

On the 5th of January, 1813, he was united in marriage 
to Elizabeth, second daughter of Jonathan Dorr, M.D., a 
distinguished physician and surgeon of Cambridge, many 
years since deceased. They had one son, who died in in- 
fancy. Mrs. Putnam and two adopted daughters, residing 



respectively in Brooklyn and Cambridge, N. Y., are the 
only surviving members of the family. 

Among the relics of General Israel Putnam, preserved 
by the family descendants, Mrs. Putnam has in her posses- 
sion a pair of pistols of beautiful workmanship. They be- 
longed to Major Pitcairn, and fired the first shot in the 
Revolution, at Lexington, and were afterwards presented to 
General Putnam, and carried by him through the memor- 
able struggle for independence. 

John P. Putnam continued the practice of law in Cam- 
bridge till 1826, when he disposed of his office, and was 
engaged in other business till the time of his decease. He 
died on the 10th of October, 1867, aged eighty-two years, 
leaving behind him a record singularly free from any stain. 
He lived the advocate of everything refined, noble, and 
pure. In the Bible-class, the Sunday-school, and the 
church he was especially active and influential. " His 
erudition, varied and extensive, lent a charm to his conver- 
sation that made him a most agreeable companion, and en- 
abled him to illustrate, as he lived to do, the word and 
providence of God. He was an ornament to society and a 
strong right arm to help in church affairs ; but the place 
wherein he shone brightest and best was the home circle. 
A most affectionate husband and father, his unruffled tem- 
per and calm judgment enabled him always to do for the 
members of his household the most judicious thing at the 
opportune moment. By his universal kindness and true- 
hearted affection he won a love in return that can find no 
consolation for his loss." 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



twenty-eight foot front and forty-six foot rear, and is well 
adapted for the wants of the bank. 

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMKNT. 

The privileges attending incorporated villages wore be- 
stowed upon this place by a charter of the Senate and As- 
sembly, passed April IG, 1806, wliich provided that the 
villages should thereafter be known by the corporate title 
of " Tlie Village of Cambridge." The charter has been 
amended several times, but its essentials remain unchanged. 
The limits of the corporation were fixed so as to include all 
the territory from the cemetery southward about two miles, 
and from west to east about two and a half miles. Two 
districts were formed, with the railroad as the dividing line, 
which were to have equal representation on the board of 
trustees, and one each of the street commissioners, firewar- 
dens, and police constables. The council is presided over 
by a president, elected with the trustees, and a clerk ap- 
pointed by the board. The first oflacers were : President, 13. 
V. McNitt; Trustees, W. J. Bockes, J. N. Hodge, Solomon 
W. Warner, H. M. Wells, Fletcher Baker, J. J. Gray; 
Clerk, Henry Noble ; Treasurer, Harvey Carpenter ; Street 
Commissioners, Merrit Hurd, Robert Blair ; Firewardens, 
John W. Eddy, Simeon Browncll ; Police Justice, L. W. 
Gunn ; Police Constables, Hiram A. Rice, James H. 
Archer ; Poundmaster, Nathan E. Rice. 

Since 18G6 the following have been the presidents and 
clerks of the village : 

Presidonts. Clerks. 

ISfiT B. P. McNitt. Henrv Noble. 

iscs •' " " ■ " 

ISfiy L.W.Kennedy. " " 

1870 Charles Porter. Charles G. Harsha. 

ISn Solomon Fuller. Charles T. Hawley. 

1S72 0. W. Hiill. " " " 

1873 Azor Culver. John F. Shortt. 

1S74 John W. E.lily. " " " 

lS7o .James Thompson. James L. Robertson. 

IS76 .\lfred Worth. Robert R. Law. 

1877 " •' Lewis P. Worth. 

One of the first acts of the board of trustees, in 1866, 
was the formation of a fire department. Several com- 
panies were formed, but only one was officially recognized. 

The J. J. Gray Fire Company, No. 1, was organized 
with forty-four members, on the 19th day of May, 1866. 
The officers elected and approved by the board. May 26, 
were: Foreman, C. S. Shattuck ; Finst Assistant, G. II. Over- 
docker ; Second Assistant, F. Dickinson ; Secretary, W. C. 
McLean ; Treasurer, A. H. Comstock. 

At the same time the J. J. Gray Hose Company was 
formed, with J. P. Howden, foreman ; C. W. Arnold, first 
assistant. 

These companies were named in compliment to J. J. Gray, 
Esq., a prominent citizen of the village, who generously pro- 
vided handsome uniforms for the men, and Mrs. Gray pre- 
sented the company with an elegant silk flag, procured from 
Paris. The latter part of the same month, May, a good 
second-hand engine was purchased of the Troy fire depart- 
ment, on the recommendation of the chief-engineer, R. H. 
Noble, as well as other suitable apparatus. The engine was 
built by Davis, of that city, and has a nine inch cylinder 
and a sixteen-inch stroke. But two machines of this pat- 
tern were ever constructed. Its appearance is uncouth, and 
does not indicate much power, but its peculiar construction 
34 



gives it superior force, so that, in contests with other ma- 
chines, it generally proves victorious. At the muster in 
Burlington, Vt., in September, 1874, the J. J. Gray threw 
a large stream of water the extraordinary distance of two 
hundred and four feet and seven inches, winning the prize 
of four hundred dollars, in competition with ten other com- 
panies. Prizes have also been won at Saratoga, Hudson, and 
other places, aggregating more than thirteen hundred dol- 
lars. In 1868 a neat, two-story engine-house was erected 
for the use of the companies, at a cost of nearly two thou- 
sand dollars. The assembly-room in the upper story has 
been very attractively fitted up aud adorned with works of 
art, which have been donated by an appreciating public. 

A fine hook-and-ladder company has lately been organ- 
ized and thoroughly equipped. The department is at pres- 
ent under the control of Chief-Engineer Jerome B. Rice. 
The hose company numbers nineteen members, aud the 
engine company has a membership of forty-eight men, 
under the command of Captain S. II. Whittaker. 

THE W.ISHINGTON LIBRARY 

was formed in the town of Cambridge, Jan. 12, 1802, at a 
meeting called at the house of Reuben Pride, innkeeper. 
The incorporators were John Dunlap, Daniel Wells, Jr., 
Gerrit Wendell, John Lee, Austin Wells, Jesse Fairebild, 
Wm. Hay, Johu Porter, Reuben Pride, Adonijah Skinner, 
James Comstock, Martin Lee, Hermanns C. Wendell, Fred- 
erick A. Dawson, John L. Wendell, and Jonathan L. West. 
Nothing further concerning this society can be learned. 



The Camhrldge Valley Lodge, No. 481, F. and A. M., 
is the second lodge of the order instituted in the valley, the 
first being noted in the history of White Creek. The pres- 
ent lodge was chartered June 12, 1860, with Hiram House, 
W. 51. ; John S. Crocker, S. W. ; and James E. Robertson, 
J. W., and twenty-sis charter members. 

A fine hall has been secured in the Fuller block, and 
the lodge is in a prosperous condition. The present ofiicers 
are J. F. Niver, W. M. ; L. Fletcher, S. W. ; and C. S. 
Arnold, J. W. 

HLSTORY OF THE CAMBRIDGE W.4^SIIINGT0N ACADEMY.* 

The early settlers in the Cambridge valley brought with 
them love of liberty, love of learning, and love of God. 
They had the indomitable spirit which everywhere character- 
ized the Scotch-Irish blood. Accustomed to oppression in 
the mother-country, they fully appreciated the blessings of 
liberty, both political and religious ; and our beautiful valley 
was fortunate in being selected as their home. Schools 
were early instituted, and the log school-house and the log 
church were among the first buildings erected. After a few 
years the valley becoming more thickly settled, the need of 
better educational facilities was felt, and a subscription was 
circulated with the following result : 

" We, the subscribers, do promise to pay to William McAuley, AVil- 
liam Hay, and Jesse Fairchilds, or to their order, the sums annexed 
to our respective names, for the purpose of building a house suitable 
for an academy or school-house, to be erected within thirty or forty 

"^By Robert R. Law. 



2G6 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



rods of the new ilwelling-house of Wm. Ilay, on or before the first day 
of May next; as witness our hands this 14th day of September, 1799: 
"Gerritt Wendell, $30; Jonathan Dorr, $20; Wm. Hay, a deed of 
half an acre of land; Archibald Kohcrtsou, $12; Timothy Rugglcs, 
$10; Elizer Skinner, $10; Colin Gibson, $S ; Lott Woodworth, $10 
in timber and boards ; Benjamin Boycc. $8 ; Patrick Robertson, $5 
in work; Archibald MoVeccar, $20 in materials; John Dawson, $10; 
James Gilmorc, $15; Daniel Pattin, $5 ; John Blair, $15 ; William 
Stevenson, $6; Benjamin French, twenty pounds of nails; James 
Mather, $5 in timber or work ; Robert Thompson, $4 in work ; James 
Irvine, $10: John McDoual, $5 in work: William McAuley, $15; 
James Hues, $6; William Mushet, $6; John Miishet, $4; Thomas 
Green, $10; James Small, $10; George Fleming, $5 in work ; John 
RoUo, $S; Lauohlin Wright, $10 in blacksmith work ; John Dunlap, 
$20; John Cowan, $5 in boards or timber; David French, $10 in 
boards or limber: Walter Wright, $4 : Roderick King, $4 in work ; 
Andrew White, $2; Jesse Fairchild, $20 ; John Miller, $10; James 
Hay, a thousand feet of boards ; Lemuel Sherman, $2 ; Ira Savonsley, 
$2.50 ; John L. Wendell, $2.50 ; C. Wendell, $2.60 ; John Green, $5 ; 
Daniel Wells, $fi in work and materials: David Adams, $3; David 
Rice. $4; John Armitage, Jr., $5; John Adkins, $2.50; Matthew 
Gibson, $2.50; George Coulter, $5; James Fleming, $2; Jonathan 
French, $6 ; James Mooney, $5 ; Robert Wallo, $2.50 in boards ; 
John Kctchum, $2.50 : Solomon IjCC, $2.50 ; A. Skinner, $5 in boards ; 
Wm. Robertson, four day.s' work with team ; John Stratton, $4 in 
work; George Barber, $15; Wm. V. Kirk, $5 ; Edmund Wells, Jr., 
$10; Solomon Dean, $5; Reuben Pride, .$5; Abraham Van Tyle, 
$15; Patrick McGill, $5 ; Ale.i. Marshall, $5 ; Gerritt Wendell, .$20. 
Total, $559.50." 

With the avails of tliis subscription a building was 
erected on the lot of land donated by Wm. Hay, and a 
school was maintained in it for a number of years. During 
the greater part of the time, however, instruction was con- 
fined to the common English branches. The lot was con- 
veyed in trust to Cornelius Wendell and others, by deed 
dated April 2, 1800, for the purpose of erecting thereon 
" an academy or school-house." The deed contained the 
proviso that if the building to be erected should remain un- 
occupied for a year or upwards at any one time, the land 
should revert to the donor or his legal representatives. 
About the year 1814, this reversionary interest was con- 
veyed to the trustees by Herman Van Veghtou, in whom 
it was then vested. 

In the year 1814, with a view of estiiblishing a perm:i- 
nent fund, and obtaining an act of incorporation, the fol- 
lowing subscription was circulated among the original sub- 
scribers and others : 

"The subscribers, duly impressed with the necessity of encour- 
aging literature, and bringing the means of education within the 
reach of many who, from the remoteness of their situation from 
seminaries established for the purpose, are deterred by various con- 
siderations from receiving the benefit of a regular and correct educa- 
tion, promise to pay and to secure to be paid annually forever here- 
after, the sum set opposite their respective names to such trustees as 
shall hereafter bo appointed to take the charge of the academy to be 
supported in the town of Cambridge, in the county of Washington, near 
thccentreof the town, and to the successors of such trustees; in which 
academy shall be taught reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, 
geography, astronomy, belles-lettres, Latin, Greek, and such other 
languages as the trustees shall from time to time determine. And 
we further promise that wc will either pay or secure to the said 
trustees, or their successors, such principal sum as at an interest of 
seven per cent, per annum will produce the annual sum subscribed. 
Provided, always, that the academy contemplated shall be recognized 
by the regents of the University of the State of New York. Dated 
July 25, 1814." 

(The following subscriptions were secured, the sum named 
being the principal subscribed :) 



G. Wendell, $500 ; Wm. Stevenson, $500 ; John Dun- 
lap, $100; Alexander Bullions, $50; Herman Van Vegh- 
tcn,$200; John L. Wendell, $200 ; H. C. Wendell, $200 ; 
Anna Wendell, $200 ; Francis McLean, $20 ; Alexander 
Marshall, $20 ; James Hill, $5 ; Whiteside Hill, $5 ; Timo- 
thy Hyde, $5 ; Rogers Hyde, $2.50 ; M. Kenyon, $5 ; Mrs. 
Margaret Hill, $5; Marcha Hill, $5; James Stevenson, 
$50 ; Samuel McDoual, $25 ; PMward Lauderdale, $5 ; Ezra 
West, $5; James Coulter, $20; John McMillan, $15; 
David Simpson, $50; Alexander Livingston, $5; Michael 
Kerr, $5 ; Kirtland Warner, $5 ; Sylvester Warner, $5 ; 
John Younglove, $15; Graves Warner, $1 ; John Dunni- 
hugh, $2 ; James Gilmore, $50 ; Nathaniel S. Pruyn, $25 ; 
Solomon Wells, $5 ; Daniel Wells, $5 ; Charity Hay, $5 ; 
John Thompson, $10; Robert Wilcox, $25 ; Joseph Gil- 
bert, $25 ; John McClelland, $10 ; Austin Wells, $25 ; Wm. 
Gilmore, $25 ; Hercules Rice, $25 ; Clark Rice, Jr., $25 ; 
James Post, $25 : yThias Johnson, $15 ; Clark Rice, $25. 

Upon the completion of this subscription a memorial was 
prepared and forwarded to the regents of the University of 
the State of New York. 

The memorial stated that the sum of two thousand three 
hundred dollars had been collected ; that the association 
had the use, free of rent, of a commodious house, and re- 
quested that articles of incorporation be granted. It was 
signed by John Dunlap, Alexander Bullions, Herman Van 
Veghten, Wm. Stevenson, Edward Lauderdale, John L. 
Wendell, and G. Wendell. Upon receipt of this memorial, 
the regents granted the act of incorporation. 

The first meeting of the board of trustees was held March 
29, 1815. At a subsequent meeting, held April 6, Rev. 
John Dunlap was elected president, and John L. Wendell, 
secretary and treasurer. 

A call was extended to Rev. Mr. McJinipsey, but he 
declined. David Chassel was then engaged at an annual 
salary of sis hundred dollars. Mr. Chassel came from the 
town of Peacham, Vt., and was a man of ability, whom the 
trustees were fortunate in securing. 

The academy was opened for the reception of scholars on 
the 16th d;ty of August, 1815, although it was not formally 
dedicated until September 5 of the same year. The academy 
was " dedicated with due solemnity, and with prayer to 
Almighty God for his divine maintenance and blessing on 
this infant institution," saith the minutes of the meeting. 
The opening prayer was made by Rev. Dr. Bullions, the 
dedicatory address by the president. Rev. John Dunlap, and 
the closing prayer by the Rev. Mr. Ostrander. 

The school opened with fifty-one scholars, fourteen in 
the classical department and thirty-seven in the English. 
Among them were Wm. Stevenson and John Robertson, 
afterwards for many years trustees of the academy. 

The following was the course of study proscribed by the 
trustees, Oct. 23, 1815 : 

CLASSICAL DEPARTMENT. 

Latin — Adams' Grammar (to be used as the first book, 
except in those eases in which the preceptor may judge it 
proper to be preceded by Rudimau's Rudiments) ; Bige- 
low's Latin Primer, with the introduction to making Latin ; 
Caesar's Commentaries ; Ovid s Metamorphoses, with Latin 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



267 



Prosody ; Sallust ; Virgil ; Cicero's Select Orations ; Horace ; 
Cicero, De Oratore ; Tacitus. Greek — Moor's Grammar ; 
Translation ; Testament, with Neillson's Exercises ; Collec- 
tanea Minora ; Collectanea Majora ; Homer. 

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT. 

Murray's English Grammar and Exercises ; Morse's 
Geography, with maps and globes ; Blair's Lectures on 
Rhetoric ; Watt's Logic ; Enfield's Natural Philosophy ; 
Paloy's Moral Philosophy; Euclid's Elements, by Simpson. 

This course of .study was maintained, with some slight 
additions, during the whole period the school had an exist- 
ence, though the text-books used were frequently changed. 

The Rev. John Dunlap resigned the presidency of the 
board Sept 27, ISIG, on account of removal from town, and 
Rev. Alexander Bullions was elected to fill his place. In 

1817, the number of students having increased to ninety- 
five, — -thirty-eight in the classical, and fifty-seven in the 
English department, — John Alden was employed as a.ssist- 
ant, at a salary of three hundred dollars, and it was also 
found necessary to employ one of the more advanced stu- 
dents to assist. James Martin was elected to the position 
of usher (as it was then called) at a salary of ten dollars 
per month and his tuition. Thomas Clarksou was after- 
wards employed in the same position. 

May 1, 1818, the number of trustees was reduced to 
thirteen on account of the difficulty of securing a quorum 
at the meetings. 

Mr. Chassel resigned his position as principal October 5, 

1818, and Rev. Alexander Bullions took his place, John 
Alden being retained as assistant. Mr. Bullions remained 
in charge one year, when Mr. Chassel returned, and in 
November, 1819, again assumed the po.sition of principal. 
June 18, 1821, Mr. Chassel, having received a flattering 
call from Fairfield Academy, at Herkimer, N. Y., relin- 
quished his position in Cambridge. He was a talented 
teacher, and under him the Fairfield Seminary attained 
considerable prominence. Mrs. Maria M. Cummins, a 
daughter of Rev. N. S. Prime, in a letter written July 23, 
1857, to the New York Observer, makes this mention of 
Mr. Chassel : " He was an accomplished scholar . . . and 
one of the most distinguished and successful classical 
teachers." 

The school was now without a teacher ; but Rev. Alex- 
ander Bullions, who so often saved the institution from 
death, came to the rescue, taking charge July 24, 1821. 

Rev. Andrew Stark was now called as principal, but 
did not accept. The position was then ofl^ered to Rev. 
Nathaniel 8. Prime. He accepted. The entire avails 
from tuition and the money received from the regents was 
given him as compensation. Mr. Prime took charge of 
the academy Nov. 28, 1821, and remained as its principal 
until May, 1824. He was assisted by Alexander McCall 
and W. E. Lauderdale. About this time (1824) the trus- 
tees became embarrassed, partly on account of the failure of 
many of the subscribers to pay their subscriptions, and 
partly on account of the decline in the number of students. 
From ninety-five students in 1817 the number fell to sixty- 
four in 1820, forty-five in 1822, and in 1823 to thirty- 
seven, of whom only twelve were cla,ssical .scholars. 



After Mr. Prime relinquished his charge of the school 
the classical department was taught for a few months by 
Alexander McCall, who took it upon his own responsibility. 
Alexander McCall, over forty years after this, wrote the 
following letter to the board of trustees, which explains 
itself: 

"Tnor, March i, 186.i. 

"Drar Sir, — For one year, from the spring of IS22 to the spring 
of 1823, I was a student in the Cambridge Washington Academy, 
while fitting for college. During my junior year in college, in 
the spring and summer of 1824, I taught the academy two quarters. 
In both the periods alluded to I was treated with great kindness by 
the people of the place, and obtained many warm friends. I wish 
now, after a lapse of more than forty years, to present, through you, to 
the trustees of the academy, as a token of remembrance, a donation 
of five hundred dollars, — for which I enclose my check, — to be used 
by them as they shall judge best for the interest of the institute. 
" Respectfully yours, 

"J. M. Stevenson', Esq. "Alexaxder McCall." 

Mr. McCall was a well-known citizen of Troy, and for 
some time an editor of the Troy Whiy. 

From 1824 until 1827 were dark days for the Cambridge 
Washington Academy. The trustees had not sufficient 
funds to maintain the school, and '' preferred an entire sus- 
pension of instruction to its continuance by the temporary 
engagement of young and inexperienced teachers," and 
the doors of the institution were closed. 

In September, 1827, by unusual effort, the school was re- 
opened. Rev. Nathaniel S. Prime again taking charge. He 
was a.ssi.-jted by Miss Maria 51. Prime, who was the first 
female teacher employed. The school was never afterwards 
closed. In 1828, when the first catalogue was published, 
there were sixty-four students in attendance. Thirty-five 
of these were in the classical department and twenty-nine 
in the English department, of whom fifteen were males 
and fourteen females. 

On the 24th of December of the same year the bell, 
which for over fifty years has rung through this valley, 
calling lagging students to their labors, was hung in the 
belfry of the old academy. It cost ninety-six dollars and 
seventy-five cents. The money for its purchase was raised 
by subscription. 

At a meeting of the trustees held March 17, 1828, the 
following preamble and resolutions were offered by the 
Rev. Alexander Bullions, and unanimously adopted : 

" Whereas, There are many indigent, talented, and pious young 
men desirous of obtaining an education for the gospel ministry, and 
whose services are urgently demanded for the supply of our popula- 
tion, — comparatively destitute of public religious instruction ; and 
whereas the scantiness of our finances as an academy not permitting 
us to extend gratuitous instruction to many, 

"Uisoh-ed, first. That the trustees of the Cambridge Washington 
Academy apply to a generous, patriotic, and Christian public to aid 
them in carrying into effect their desires and exertions to extend to 
indigent j'oung men of piety and talents opportunities to pursue, 
without the expense of tuition, preparatory studies with a view to the 
gospel ministry. 

"Second, That for this purpose the trustees establish scholarships, 
to be endowed by one or more individuals united, whose name or 
names said scholarships shall bear. The endowment of a scholar- 
ship shall be two hundred dollars. For every scholarship endowed 
to that amount the trustees pledge tljemselves to teach annually, for 
all time coming, as long as the academy and tuition therein can be 
maintained, one pious, talented, and indigent young man intending 
the holy ministry. The nomination of candidates shall be with the 



208 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



individual that endows the scholarship or any other whom ho may 
appoint. 

" Third, That the moneys advanced for such endowment may never 
be lost nor misapplied, the trustees bind themselves and their suc- 
cessors in office to have the same invested in secure or landed estate 
of good titles; and if at any time those funds are not appropriated 
for the particular object for which they are advanced, — provided 
suitable candidates offer, — it shall be at the discretion of the regents 
of the university to dispose of them in conformity to the intention 
of the donors, unlcfs the donors themselves shall otherwise direct." 

Eev. Alex. Bullions, Thonia.s Stevenson, of Cambridge, 
Daniel Stevenson, of Argryle, and John McAllister, of Phil- 
adelphia, immediately advanced two hundred dollars each 
and secured a scholarship. The money was invested in a 
lot adjoining the academy. It contained one acre and 
thirty perches of land and cost six hundred and sixty- 
five dollars. Upon the lot was a commodious house for 
the use of the preceptor. Afterwards, April 20, 1844, 
Nathan Culver subscribed two hundred dollars for a schol- 
arship. 

Kev. N. S. Prime resigned his charge of the school May 
10, 1830. Rev. Alex. Bullions again assumed the duties 
of principal until arrangements could be made to secure a 
permanent teacher. June 9, of the same year, Rev. John 
Monteith was elected principal. August 19, of the same 
year. Miss Maria Prime relinquished her charge of the 
female department of the school, and Mrs. Abigail Mon- 
teith was elected in her place. Mr. Monteith remained in 
charge until March 19, 1832, — a little less than two years, 
— when he resigned, and Dr. Alex. Bullions again came to 
the rescue and took charge of the school. During the 
years 1829, 1830, 1831, and 1832 the school averaged 
about forty-five scholars, there being but little variation 
from this. 

The trustees now .secured the services of Wm. I). Beattie, 
who came in May, 1832. He received as compensation all 
moneys arising from tuition and moneys received from the 
regents. The school remained under the care-of Mr. Beat- 
tie for seven years. He was a graduate of Union College, 
and was twenty-nine years of age when he first came to 
Cambridge. April 20, 1839, he resigned his position, and 
the academy was again without a teacher. Mr. Beattie died 
in New York, July 7, 1861. The records of the institu- 
tion are not very full from the years 1833 to 1839, but 
from what knowledge we can glean we are led to believe 
that the school did not have an average attendance of over 
forty. During a portion of the time Mr. Beattie had 
charge of the school ho was assisted by Miss iMaria H. 
Ilaswell. 

Since the division of the town into districts, under the 
common school law, a common school had been kept in a 
vacant room of the academy, and at last the district raised 
a claim to a perpetual use of the room. In 1838 the trus- 
tees of the academy procured the relinquishment of this 
claim of the district by the payment of one hundred dollars. 

Addison Lyman, a student in Williams College, was next 
secured as principal. He was twenty-six years of age and 
had just graduated. He received five hundred dollars per 
annum. The trustees secured the services of Miss Roxanna 
Bixby as assistant. She received eight dollars per month 
in the winter, and ten dollars per month in the summer. 



Mr. Lyman remained in charge until 1841, a period of two 
years. The school flourished under Mr. Lyman. In 1839 
there were seventy-three in attendance, — thirty-eight gentle- 
men and thirty-five ladies, — and in 1841 the number rose 
to one hundred and twenty-eight — seventy-three gentlemen 
and fifty-five ladies. 

He was succeeded by Russel M. Wright, a graduate of 
Williams College. Miss Bi.xby was retained in charge of 
the female department. Fletcher Hawley, of New York, 
was also employed to deliver a cour.se of lectures on chem- 
istry. 

Mr. Wright had charge of the school but one year. He 
was succeeded by Rev. Thomas C. McLaurie, who received 
as compensation for his services the income arising from 
tuition and the moneys received from the regents. Blr. 
McLaurie remained in charge one year, resigning July 2, 
1843. 

Rev. Ephraim H. Newton was now called as principal of 
the school. For compensation he received all incomes of 
the academy, from whatever source, except seven per cent., 
which was given to the trustees. He was bound by con- 
tract to employ "a competent instructor in the Latin, 
Greek, and French languages; also a female teacher." The 
contract was signed Sept. 15, 1843. 

The school now rapidly increased in .size, and the need 
of a larger edifice was felt. As early as May, 1841, reso- 
lutions were passed by the board of trustees in regard to 
the desirability of erecting a new academic building, and 
from time to time after that similar resolutions appear on 
their minutes It was not until the spring of 1844, how- 
ever, that they received suflBcient encouragement from the 
people of Cambridge and vicinity to warrant the undertak- 
ing. The plans of the new building were drawn by Dorris 
Eldridge, Sylvester E. Spoor, and Ludawig Esman. The 
plau of the front was drawn by Eldridge, the roof and 
ground plans by Spoor, and the seats by Esman, each plan 
being amended by the board of trustees. The dimensions of 
the first floor were as follows : lobby, twelve by twenty- five 
feet; school-room, twenty-one by thirty-two feet ; recitation- 
rooms, fifteen by twenty-one feet. On the second floor there 
was a music-room, directly over the lobby, a hall occupying 
the remainder of the floor, termed in the specifications " the 
chapel." The contract was awarded to Dorris Eldridge and 
Ludawig Esman, jointly, for three thousand four hundred 
dollars. The new edifice was built a few feet north of the 
old building. The building was occupied for examination 
and exhibition September IS, although it was not finished 
till later in the autumn. The work of the contractors was 
formally accepted Nov. 15, 1844. 

About this time .some property of Janet Stratton, de- 
ceased, was deeded to the academy by Dr. Bullions, in 
whose possession it was. The trustees accepted it, paying 
all debts against the estate, and voting to erect " grave- 
stones, not to exceed ten dollars, for Janet Stratton." The 
estate of Margaret JlcClellan, a lunatic, who died without 
heirs, \p)6, by act of the Legislature of 1848, conveyed to the 
academ-y. It amounted to four hundred dollars. These 
two benefactions aided the institute materially. 

Under Rev. E. H. Newton the .school attained a greater 
degree of prosperity than it had ever previously enjoyed. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



2G9 



The attendance in 1844 reached two hundred and seventeen, 
one hundred and sixteen of whom were gentlemen, and one 
hundred and one hidics ; and in 1845 we find the names of 
two hundred and forty-three on tlie rolls, one hundred and 
thirty-one gentlemen and one hundred and twelve ladies. 
The assistant teachers in 1844 were: gentlemen's depart- 
ment, Alexander B. Bullions, William Bullions (in Greek, 
Latin, and mathematics), William Hall ; ladies' department, 
Miss 3Iary W. Arms, Miss Mary R. Whitney, Miss Olivia 
P. Rider, Miss Jane 31. Jones (in music and French), Miss 
Elizabeth P. Beadle, Miss Lydia A. Foster, assistant pupils. 
In 1845, Andrew M. Beveridge took the place of Alexan- 
der Bullions as assistant; Miss Sarah Loomis, the place of 
Miss Mary W. Arms; Miss Laura 0. Norton, the place of 
Miss Olivia P. Rider; and Miss Eliza M. Draper, the place 
of Elizabeth P. Beadle as assistant pupil. 

Rev. Mr. Newton resigned at the end of the spring term 
of 1848, after having labored five years with great success. 
He was succeeded by Rev. Andrew M. Beveridge, who had 
been a tutor under Rev. Dr. Newton. Mr. Beveridge re- 
mained in charge two years, resigning July 2, 1850. Mr. 
Beveridge was assisted by William Hall, teacher of English, 
and Robert H. McClelland, teacher of chemistry, in the 
gentlemen's department; Miss Sarah Beveridge, Miss Mary 
A. Sheldon, Miss Mary A. Munsou, in the ladies' depart- 
ment ; Miss Caroline A. Branch (French, music, drawing, 
and painting) ; Miss Julia A. Davis (primary department). 
He maintained the excellence of the academy. He now 
has charge of the Presbyterian church at Lansingburg, 
N Y. 

The trustees now called to the management of the school 
Charles S. Robinson. He was engaged for a period of two 
years, and as compensation received all incomes of the 
academy, except twelve per cent, thereof, which the trustees 
reserved. Mr. Robinson was an accomplished scho'ar, and 
under him the school flourished. He is now settled over a 
church in New York city, and is one of the most successful 
preachers in that city. Ho was assisted by William Hall, 
in the gentlemen's department ; Miss Sarah S. Barnes, in 
the ladies' department; Miss J. E. Robinson and Miss Car- 
oline M. King, music, painting, etc. ; and Miss Julia M. 
Wright, assistant pupil. The school under him numbered 
about two hundred and forty-one. 

Mr. Robinson was succeeded by Charles H. Gardner, 
who was elected principal July 14, 1852. He resigned, 
March 13, 1854, on account of ill health. Mr. Gardner 
was assisted by James H. Parsons, gentlemen's department; 
Miss Lucy E. Edmans, Miss Elizabeth S. Olmstead, Miss 
Caroline V. Burns, Miss Harriet M. Crocker. The 
number of students under Mr. Gardner was two hundred 
and twenty, one hundred and nineteen of whom were 
gentlemen. 

John Henry Burtis was secured to teach the summer 
quarter of 1554, and was afterwards engaged for a year, 
making one and one-fourth years the school was under his 
direction. He received all the incomes of the school, with 
the exception of twelve per cent., which the trustees 
reserved. 

The trustees next scoured the services of Aldeu P. 
Beals, who took pos.session of the school in the autumn of 



1855. His as!5istants the first quarter were Rev. E. H. 
Newton ; Miss Francis A. Bacon, preceptress ; Bliss Mary 
E. Jones, teacher of French and botany; Miss Mary Pierce ; 
Miss Maria R. Nims, music, painting, and drawing. The 
attendance for 1855 and 1856 was one hundred and 
seventy-seven. Miss Bacon was succeeded as preceptress, 
during the principals!) ip of Mr. Beals, by the following 
ladies, in the order named : Miss Martha D. Billings, 
Miss Clara Dodge, Miss Maria L. Harrison, Miss Maria 
Cary, Miss Martha H. Sprague, Bliss Blartha Feary, Bliss 
Kate S. De Witt. 

Rev. Alexander Bullions died June 26, 1857. In him 
the school lost its most ardent supporter and warmest friend. 

Rev. Dr. Bullions was succeeded in the presidency by 
Rev. E. H. Newton. About this time the board of trus- 
tees lost another valuable member by death, Hon. Luther 
J. Howe. 

In 1858 the academic year was divided into three terms 
instead of four, as formerly. The first term now com- 
menced on the first Blonday of September, continuing 
fifteen weeks ; the second term commenced the last Blonday 
of December, and continued fifteen weeks; and the third 
term commenced the third Blonday of April, and continued 
fourteen weeks. 

In 1862 the board of trustees met with a serious loss in 
the death of Rev. John G. Smart, D.D. He became a 
member of the board January 17, 1855. 

In 1863 the academy building was repaired and en- 
larged by an addition in the rear of brick, twenty-four by 
forty-two, and two stories in height. The old building 
was also repaired and painted, new seats were substituted for 
the old ones, and new slate blackboards for the old wooden 
ones. The entire cost of improvements was two thousand 
nine hundred and forty-five dollars and twenty-five cents. 

On the 26th of October, 1864, Rev. Ephraim H. 
Newton, president of the board of trustees, died. In him 
the school lost a warm friend and an earnest supporter. 
The board attended his funeral in a body, and passed reso- 
lutions of respect. 

December 29, 1864, BIr. Beals, the principal, offered 
his resignation, which was accepted by the board of trus- 
tees, February 1, 1865. BIr. Beals had charge of the 
school ten years. He was a thorough scholar, an accom- 
plished gentleman, and a successful teacher. Under him 
the school reached the height of its prosperity. The school 
lost in him more than was realized at the time. The 
school averaged about two hundred students during the 
time he was in charge. 

BIr. Beals was succeeded by Wm. S. Aumock, BI.D. 
He came to this place from Amsterdam, N. Y., and took 
charge of the school in the autumn of 1865. BIr. Au- 
mock received the incomes of the school, excepting twelve 
per cent., for his compensation. He was assisted by Miss 
II. Hettie Baker, as preceptress ; Bliss Charlotte Kellogg, 
teacher of drawing and painting ; Bliss Isabella G. Osborn, 
teacher of music; Bliss Ella BI. Barnes, primary depart- 
ment. 

In the autumn of 1865, John BI. Stevenson donated to 
the school a piece of land adjoining the school grounds, 
containing one hundred and twenty-five rods of laud. Tliis 



270 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



autumn the board of trustees lost its oldest member, in the 
death of Leonard Wells, who had been a member since 
1832, a period of thirty-three years. 

In 186G a new piano was bought, the old one, which 
had been in use since 1853, being worn badly. The trus- 
tees at the same time purcha.scd a Goodman melodeon. 

From the earli&st days of the institution there was a 
literary society maintained, under the supervision of the 
trustees. Dr. Bullions actively maintained this society. 
This society gathered a number of books, some being pur- 
chased by the trustees and some being gifts of friends of 
which was called, in the early days, the Philologian society. 
the institution. April 20, 1868, the trustees received a 
cimimunication from the Young Men's Association of 
Cambridge, a society which had been organized two years 
previous to this time. The communication stated that 
the society had two hundred dollars in its treasury, which 
they desired to donate to the academy upon certain con- 
ditions, the most important being the following: That the 
money be expended in the purcha.se of books ; that the 
privileges of the library be extended to all members of the 
Young Jlen's association ; that upon the decease of said 
association, the trustees should open the library to the 
public upon the payment of a fee, not to exceed one dollar; 
that the board elect a librarian, subject to the approval of 
the association. The trustees accepted the proposition. 
The association passed out of existence shortly afterwards, 
and the library was opened to the public. It now contains 
over two thousand volumes. It is located in the addition 
to the academy, in the room originally constructed for a trus- 
tees' room. John M. Stevenson, Jr., was first librarian. 

After having charge of this school two years, in August, 
1SG7, W. S. Aumock tendered his resignation, which was 
accepted. The number of students under Mr. Aumock's 
charge was two hundred and four. 

His successor was Rev. Geo. I. Taylor. As compensa- 
tion he received all incomes of the institution, from what- 
ever source, less ten per cent., which was reserved by the 
trustees, he paying his assistants. He was assisted by Miss 
Helen M. Foster, preceptress; Miss H. B. Taylor, teacher 
of music ; Mrs. l\Iaria T. Conant, teacher of drawing and 
painting; and Miss Ellen M. Barnes in the primary depart- 
ment. Mr. Taylor remained in charge of the school one 
year. The number of students under Mr. Taylor was one 
hundred and ninety-four. 

The trustees next engaged Daniel March, Jr., at a salary 
of twelve hundred dollars per annum. He assumed the 
duties of his position, September 2, 1868. Mr. March 
remained as principal of the school two years. He was a 
successful teacher and a gentleman, and was highly es- 
teemed by all who knew him. The assistant teachers were 
the same under Mr. March as under Mr. Taylor, with the 
exception of Miss Amelia Merriam, preceptress, and Miss 
Eliza A. Campbell, teacher of music. 

He was succeeded by J. P. Lansing, who took charge of 
the school in September, 1870, and who remained as prin- 
cipal one year. Miss Amelia Merriam, who had been 
preceptress since 1868, was next installed over the school. 

John M. Stevenson, president of the board of trustees, died 
September 8, 1872. He had held tlie office of trustee since 



1844, and of president since 1865. Always interested in 
whatever was for the public weal, he had been a strong friend 
and supporter of the academy, and his loss was a severe one. 

Miss Merriam was assisted by Miss Sarah E. Sears ; and 
by Miss Eva S. Pease, teacher of music ; Miss Maria T. 
Conant, teacher of painting and drawing; and Miss Nettie 
Harsha, primary department. 

In 1873, on account of financial embarrassment, the 
trustees were at a loss how to sustain the institution. 
Unless the school could be endowed it must be closed. 
An effort to secure an endowment met with little encourage- 
ment ; an eff'ort for a Union school failed, and the academy 
was finally leased to the trustees of the west district. . 

Thus, after an existence of fifty-eight years, the Cam- 
bridge Washington Academy was virtually closed ; for 
although the trustees of the Union school district bound 
themselves to maintain an academic department, and have 
since done so, the school lost its distinctive character as an 
academy when this agreement was signed. The school had 
an honorable career, and no student of the Cambridge 
Washington Academy need blush for her record. 

Instruction has been maintained in the academy by the 
Union school district to the present time. The school has 
been under the charge of the following teachers : Wm. E. 
Faulkner, Miss Maggie Shiland, James McCoy, James L. 
King, and M. J. Oatman. Mr. Oatman has now charge of 
the school. 

The following tables show the names of all the presi- 
dents, secretaries, treasurers, trustees, and principals of 
Cambridge Washington Academy, from the date of its in- 
corporation until the building was leased to the Union 
school district, with dates when they were elected and the 
dates when their office was vacated : 



PRESIDENTS. 



Na 



Elected. Office Vacateil. 

Rev. .John Diinlap April 6, 1815 Sept. 27, 18IB 

Rev. Alex. Biillion.>i Sept. 27, 1816 Jan. U, lS.i7 

Rev. E. H. Xewton Jan. 14, 1857 Oct. 26, 1H65 

J. M. Stevenson Jan. 20, 18(15 Sept. 8, 1S72 

*Rov. Henry Gordon Nov. 1, 1872 



SECRETARIES. 



Rev. N. S. Prime 1825 

Gen. Martin Lee 1827 

Dr. jMatthew Stevenson 1S29 

Dr. William Sumner 18:!2 

Wm. Stevenson 18.35 

Rev. J. G. Smart 1856 

Rev. Chas. H. Taylor 1802 

«11. K. Sharpe.....". 1870 

TREASURERS. 



Office 
Vacated. 
1825 
1827 
1829 
18.32 
1835 
1856 
1802 
1870 



Offlci 



Names. Elected. Vo 

John L. WenJcll 1815 1821 

Wm. Stevenson 1821 18U 

John M. Stevenson 1844 1805 

II. Carpenter 18115 1872 

■•:• James Harper 1872 



PRINCIPALS. 



Offlc 



Names. Elected. Vaciited. 

David Chassel 1815 1818 

Rev. Alex. Bullions 1818 1819 

David Chassel 1819 1824 

Rev. Alex. Bullions 1821 



HoUlinj; office when the t 



; leased to the school district. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



271 



Namea. Elected. 

Kev. N. S. Prime 1821 

Kcv. N. S. Prime 1827 

Rcv. Alex. Bullions IS.'SO 

Rev. John Monteith 1S.10 

Rev. Ale.x. Bullions... ]S:!2 

Wm.D. Beat tie lS.'i2 

AJdison Lvman 18.!'J 

Russell M. Wright ■ 1811 

Rev. Thomas C. McLaurie 1812 

Rev. E. H. Newton lSj;i 

Rev. A. M. Bcveridge 184S 

Rev. Charles I. Robinson 1850 

Charles H. Gardner lSo2 

John Ilenrv Burtis 1854 

Alden P. Beals 1853 

AVm. S. Aumock 1865 

Rev. Geo. I. Taylor 1867 

Daniel March, Jr 1868 

J. P. Lnnsing 1870 

Miss Amelia Merriam 1871 



Vaeiiled. 
1824 
1830 



]S:i2 



I8:',9 
1841 
1842 
1843 
1848 
1850 
1852 
1854 
1855 
1865 
1807 
1868 
1870 



March 29, 
Bept. 27, 
.June 26, 
Sepl. 15, 
Jan. 7, 
May 9, 

May (1, 
M,ay- 1, 

August 21, 
May 9, 
Ma"y 1, 
March 19, 
May 1, 



lateil. 
1844 
1816 
1857 
1830 
1841 
1825 
1819 
1S25 
1818 
1827 
1815 
1825 
1818 
1832 
1818 



Sept. 27, 1816 

1827 

March 25, 1835 
March 15, 1837 
March 19, 1827 
February, 1827 

1827 

1S29 

June 20, 1857 
April 26, 1845 
Feb. 9, 1835 
Feb. 9, 1835 



TRUSTEES. 

Names. Elected. 

Wm. Stevenson March 22, 1815 

JohnDunlap 

Alex. Bullions " 

Nathaniel S. Prime " 

Gerrit Wendell " 

James Gilnuire " 

liarmau Van Veghten " 

James Stevenson " 

Harmanus C.Wendell " 

David Simpson " 

James Hill " 

John L.Wendell 

Joseph Gilbert " 

Robert Wilcox " 

Samuel McDoual " 

Austin Wells 

Wm. Gilmore 

Edward Lauderdale August 21,1815 

Clark Rice. Jr Sept. 27, 1816 

Thias Johnson, Jr Sept. 27, 1810 

Geo. W. Jermain, Esq May 9, 1825 

Dr. M.Stevenson " 

Rev. Donald McLaren " 

Martin Lee, Esq July 27, 1827 

Wm. Robertson " 

Dr. M. Stevenson August 24, 1827 

Rev. Wm. Howden July 30, 1829 

Dr. W. Sumner " 

Rev. Wm. Lusk Sept. 12, 1829 

Rev. John Monteith Sept. 15, 1830 

Wm. Stevenson, Jr March 19, 1832 

liConard Wells *' 

Wm. D. Beattie June 8, 1832 

Geo. W. Jermain Feb. 9, 1835 

John Robinson " 

Kev. 0. P. Hoyt " 

Aaron Crosby March 25, 1835 

Peter Hill Dee. 12, 1836 

Rev. E. H. Newton March 15, 1837 

Edward Small May 4, 1839 

Ahira Eldridge " 

Luther J. Howe June 1, 1840 

Thomas Rice 1840 

John M. Stevenson March 29, 1844 

Rev. Archibald Reid April 20, 1845 

James McKie, Esq Jan. 18, 1848 

Rev. Isaac A. Filmore March 13, 1854 

Rev. J. G. Smart Jan. 27, 1855 

«Rev. W. B Shortt May 19, 1855 

Rev. J. H. Patterson Jan. 9, 1856 

James E. Small June 15, 1857 

*Freenian A. Puller " 

Peter Hill Sept. 4, 1857 

Calvin Skinner " 

Rev. J. H. Nixon " 

«Rcv. Henry Gordon March 30, 1860 

«Thomas Shiland Oct. 9, 1861 

Rev. Chas. H. Taylor " 

®Berry Long July 31, 1862 

H. Carpenter Jan. 25, 1865 

D. M. Wcstfall Dec. 4, 1865 

«H. K. Sharpe Oct. 22, 1867 

*James Thompson Nov. 4, 1869 

*Jaines S. Smart " 

*James Harper Oct. 27, 1872 

James E.Robertson '• 

«H. G. Blinn " 

*Azor Culver " 



' Holding ofBce when the academy was leased to the school district. 



June 8, 
Feb. 21, 
Dec. 4, 

Dec! l'2, 
Oct. 22, 
March 15, 
June 1, 

Oct. '26, 
Jan. 27, 
June 20, 
Sept. 4, 
March 13, 
Sept. 8, 
Jan. 18, 
Jan. 27, 
Jan. 9, 
July 19, 



1832 
1860 
1865 

.1839 
1836 
1867 
1837 
1840 

.1861 
1864 
1S55 
1857 
1857 
1854 
1872 
1848 
1855 
1856 
1862 



June 14, 
Oct. 28, 



1857 
1872 



Oct. 9, 1861 
Nov. 4, 1869 
Oct. 9, 1861 



Nov. 4, 1869 
Oct. 28, 1872 



To the list of teachers .should be added the name of 
Daniel M. Westfall, who taught the summer term of 1865. 
INIr. Westfall was assisted by Miss S. E. Smeed and Jennie 
E. Arms. The assistant teachers under Mr. Burtis were 
D. M. Westfall, male department ; in the female depart- 
ment, Maggie Hill, who was succeeded by Miss Barstow 
and Miss Smeed ; in music and painting. Miss Jennie Arms, 
succeeded by Miss Jennie Blakley. 

THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OF CAM- 
BRIDGE. 

The organization of this body closely followed the early 
settlements in Salem and Cambridge. It is probable that 
the Rev. Thomas Clark preached to the settlers in the fitll 
of 1765, and afterwards at occasional intervals, until his 
removal to the south in 1780. In 1765, a petition was 
forwarded to the synod of the Secession Church of Scot- 
land, requesting the services of a preacher. In response, 
Rev. David Telfair came to the New World, and visited 
Cambridge, but did not remain to form a congregation. 
Failing in their efforts to secure a minister from the Scotch 
synod, the associate presbytery of Pennsylvania was next 
verbally petitioned. In response thereto, Dr. Clark was 
instructed, on the 19th day of April, 1769, to organize a 
congregation at Cambridge. It is altogether probable that 
this was done, as, soon after, a glebe lot was donated for a 
building site by William Smith, one of the original Cam- 
bridge patentees. On the northern portion of this a house 
of worship was begun in 1775, or earlier, but which was 
not finished until after the treaty of peace, in 1783. The 
building stood about sixty rods north of the old grave-yard, 
and was most likely used, before its completion, for occasional 
meetings. After the war many settlers came to Cambridge, 
and the desire ibr regular services now became so strong 
that it was resolved to petition the presbytery of Pennsyl- 
vania in person. This mis.sion was undertaken, in the sum- 
mer of 1784, by a devout Irish woman. Widow Nancy 
Hinsdale, who belonged to Dr. Clark's Salem congregation. 
Pilgrim-like, with a bundle of clothing and provisions, she 
began and completed the toilsome journey, walking all the 
way to Philadelphia. Fortunately, the presbytery, at that 
time, composed of but two ministers, had convened to 
deliberate what should be done with the Rev. Thomas 
Beveridge, who had just arrived from Ireland, with a view 
to preach in America. The petition was most opportune, 
and Mr. Beveridge was at once appointed to Cambridge, 
where he arrived in the fall of 1784. His labors were 
followed, Jan. 5, 1785, by the legal organization of the 
new body as the " Protestant Presbyterian Congregation 
of Cambridge." The trustees chosen were Josiah Dewey, 
John Morrison, Edmund Wells, Phineas Whiteside, John 
Younglove, James Ashton, John McClung, John Welsh, 
and Joseph Wells. Edmund Wells was cho.sen president ; 
John McClung, clerk ; and Edmund Wells, Jr., collector. 
This board secured a deed for the glebe lot, and made pro- 
vision for its future disposition. 

Unfortunately the troubles which were at that time agi- 
tating the Presbyterian churches also affected the Canjbridge 
congregation in so pronounced a manner, that it resulted in 
the withdrawal of a portion of the members adhering to 



272 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mr. Beveridge, who belonged to the " Burghers." This 
led to the temporary cessation of services, the locking up 
of the meeting-house, and the formation of a new society, 
which is at present known as the United Presbyterian 
church of Coila. The claims of the Beveridge and anti- 
Beveridgo parties to the ownership of the meeting-house 
were adjusted, after a great deal of iiard feeling, on the 5th 
of iMay, 1786, by a board of arbitration, which decided that 
tlie Beveridge party should be paid in equity for what it 
had contributed towards the erection of the house. 

The meetings of the congregation were now resumed. 
Revs. Annan, Ma.son, Proudfit, and others, preaching as 
supplies. A call was finally extended, July 7, 1786, to 
Rev. James Snodgrass, signed by one hundred and seventy- 
four persons, which shows that the congregation was, in 
.spite of its division, yet a strong body. Mr. Snodgrass as 
well as a !Mr. Young, who was afterwards asked to become 
pastor, declined to assume this relation. The effort to 
secure a Congregational minister, a Mr. McCoy, was at- 
tended with no better success, and it was not until June 
22, 1791 that the Rev. John Dunlap was ordained as the 
first regular pastor. He was a native of Scotland, and 
came with bis fathei; to America in 177-1. Both espoused 
the American cause, and served in two campaigns. He 
was a student under Dr. Mason, and was licen.sed to preach 
by the Associate Reformed presbytery of New Yorlc. He 
devoted much of his time to mi.ssiouary work, and left in 
1816 to establish missions in western New York. He 
afterwards returned to live in Cambridge, where he died 
in 1829. 

The congregation was without a pastor until 1820, when 
Rev. Donald C. McLaren was ordained, and gave it six years 
of faithful service, leaving in 1826. Again the pastoral 
office was unoccupied, except by supplies, until 1829, when 
the Rev. W. Howden was installed. He was born in Eng- 
land, where he served as a Congregationalist minister. His 
connection continued until 18.36, when he resigned to en- 
gage in missionary work. Mr. Howden's immediate suc- 
cessor was Rev. Peter Gordon, who had been a student at 
the Glasgow University, but completed his studies under 
Rev. Alexander Bullions, D.D., of Cambridge, N. Y. He 
was with the congregation until about 18-10, when he also 
left to resume his duties as a missionary. In 1812 Rev. 
T. C. McLaurie was installed as pastor, and remained until 

1852. During his administration the congregation left their 
old house of worship on the glebe lot for a more comfort- 
able building on Main street, in the village of Cambridge. 
It has a very pleasant location, and, with the improve- 
ments and repairs made since its erection in 1815, is a 
substantial and neat edifice. The glebe lot has passed into 
private hands, under the provisions of a special act of the 
Legislature, passed May 27, 1855. In the early part of 

1853, William B. Shortt, a licentiate, came as a supply, and 
on the 23d of December, of the same year, was installed 
as the pastor. Mr. Shortt was born in Ireland in 1826, 
and there received his education. He has been the pastor 
of the congregation ever since 1853, and is highly esteemed 
by his members, who at present number about one hundred. 
In 1858 the congregation assumed its present name, but 

he trustees are still known by the old title. The first 



elders were Phine:is Whiteside, James Ashton, James 
Stevenson, Fortunatus Sherman, Archibald Robertson, and 
Jo.seph Wells. The present elders are Zina Sherman, 
James Thompson, George McGeoch, and John R. Mc- 
Arthur. 

A Sabbath-school was organized about 1810, which is 
attended by seventy-five members. There is a fine library 
of three bundi-ud volumes. John McGeoch is the super- 
intendent. 

THE FIRST UNITED rilESBYTERI.\N CHURCH IN CAM- 
BRIDGE. 

About 1792 a plain frame meeting-house was erected 
near the inns kept by Rucl Beebe and JIajor John Porter, 
by a number of persons of various shades of Presbyterian 
and Congregational belief, who afterwards formed them- 
selves into a society bearing the name of " The Fir.st United 
Presbyterian Congregation in Cambridge." This organiza- 
tion was effected Aug. 17, 1793, and the persons thus 
uniting themselves were John Welsh, Sr., Hannah Wcl.sh, 
Moses Holmes, Keziah Holmes, John Younglove, Martha 
Younglove, John Gunn, Jerusha Gunn, Thomas Beach, 
Joseph Welsh, Sr., Mary Wilson, Eliphalet Adam.s, Sarah 
Adams, William Abbott, Eleazer Crocker, Richard Prouty, 
Susannah Prouty, Timothy Kelly, Betsey Kelly, Esther 
Oviatt, Rebecca Estee, Lucas and Lydia Younglove, 
Heman Howes, Phcebe Williams, Elizabeth Skinner, Isaac 
Bell, Anthony Empy, John McLean, May McLean, Pa- 
tience Adams, Catharine Van Kirk, Japhetli Le Barron, 
Pattie Le Barron, James and Phoebe JIcLean, Asenath 
Woodworth, May Adicius, Thankful Luke, Eleazer Warner, 
Elizabeth Warner, Ebenezer Billings, and 5Iay Billings. 

A board of trustees was also chosen, but no record of the 
names can be found. The meeting-house was painted white, 
a circumstance which gave it the name by which it was so 
long and favorably known, even after the rains and storms 
of many years had beaten off that pure color. 

The first record of a religious meeting is that of Aug. 
28, 1793, when Rev. John Warford preached, and a call 
was extended to Rev. Gersbom Williams, a licentiate of the 
" Presbytery of New York." Mr. Williams was ordained 
pastor June 25, 1791, and on the 19th of October of the 
same year John Welsh and jMoses Holmes received the 
ordination of the elders' office. 

Rev. Williams' pastoral connection extended through nine 
years, and resulted in the accession of one hundred and 
ninety members. Rev. Robert H. Chapman was the second 
pastor, and also remained nine years ; one hundred and 
ninety-seven members were added during this period. The 
longest and most eventful pastorate was that which next 
followed. 

Rev. Nathaniel S. Prime, D.D., was installed July 11, 
1813, and remained until 1828. He found the church a 
strong, vigorous body, but arrayed against itself on account 
of diverse opinions on church polity and custom, and the 
Christian conduct of the members. Dr. Prime took a 
bold position for what he conceived to be the right, and 
manfully maintained it, coming off victor, although op- 
posed by a strong element, whose conduct made his pas- 
torate no ea.sy life. He was a man of strong intellect and 




HLii, ULui,i- .J, iiORACE & FHEB£ VALENTINE, C/iv;8mi)G£.W/isH)NGroNCo,N.y' 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



273 



great pulpit powers, making liiin a worthy compeer of Dr. 
Bullions, wlio at that time pre.sided at the yellow meeting- 
house. As the result of his labors one hundred and six 
members were added. The next pastor, Rev. Gordon 
Hayes, remained but a short time. Rev. William Lusk 
was installed June 16, 1830, for a four years' pastorate. 
Soon after his coming the church enjoyed a revival, whereby 
two hundred members were added. This sudden increase 
had the effect of hastening a long-cherished purpose to 
build a new house of worship in place of the old building, 
which wore a neglected appearance, besides having a steejile 
which threatened to tumble off any moment. In 1832 
the building was demolished, and another erected in its 
place, which still stands, although used for other purposes. 
The house was erected by a building committee composed 
of Gerrit Wendell, Jonathan Dorr, Clark Rice, Jr., and 
Ahira Eldridge. The latter was especially active in push- 
ing the work to a speedy and satisfactory completion. The 
house cost four thousand dollars, which was contributed by 
one hundred and forty persons, but few of whom are alive 
to-day. The official board of the church at that time were : 
elders, Kirklaiid Warner, Azor Thompson, Benjamin 
Crocker, Lewis McLean, Sidney Wells, Eli[)halet Day, 
Mathias Johnson, Jr., John Stevenson, and Ru.ssell Nor- 
ton ; trustees, G. Wendell, Sylvester Warner, Sidney Wells, 
Solomon Warner, Robert Wilcox, Arthur Ackley, Clark 
Rice, Jr., Lewis McLean, and Ebenezer Billings. 

Rev. O. P. Iloyt was the sixth pastor, remaining two 
and a half years. Dr. E. H. Newton, the next pastor, 
was installed March 15, 1837, and served until Aug. 23, 
18-13. He was a sound theologian and a very learned 
man. His successor was Dr. I. 0. Fillmore, who was in- 
stalled Sept. 14, 18-13, and served the church in a most 
efficient manner twelve years. In 1856, Rev. J. H. Nixon 
became the ninth pastor, remaining such three years. Rev. 
Charles H. Taylor was installed in June, 1861, and filled 
the pastoral office nine years, winning many friends by his 
pleasing address and polished eloquence. In 1870, Rev. 
H. G. Blinn, the present pastor, was installed. His labors 
have been richly and abundantly blessed not only with an 
increase of membership, but in the erection of a new house 
of worship, whose beauty and convenience give it rank 
among the best in the county. This handsome structure 
stands opposite the old church, on the spot formerly occu- 
pied by the Beebe tavern. It was erected, at a cost of 
nearly thirty thousand dollars, under the direction of J. F. 
Hall, Thomas Oviatt, and Charles Porter, building com- 
mittee. The house was formally dedicated March 6, 1872, 
at which time the officers of the church were: elders, 
Benjamin Crocker, John Stevenson, Nathan Culver, Ahira 
Eldridge, William Holden, Asaph Warner, Lemuel Sher- 
man, and William P. Robertson ; deacons, James Ellis 
and John W. Eddy ; trustees, Furman Fuller, S. W. 
Crosby, John Qua, R. King Crocker, Mial P. Barton, 
Charles Porter, Thomas Oviatt, William Watkins, and 
Alanson McLean ; treasurer, S. W. Crosby ; and clerk, 
William P. Robertson. 

Besides the church the society also owns a fine parson- 
age worth five thousand dollars. A summary of the 
church shows an aggregate membership of about fifteen 
35 



hundred, from whose ranks ten have entered the ministry. 
There have been eleven pastors and thirty elders ; one of 
these, Benjamin Crocker, was an active member of the 
session sixty years ; and several others have served more 
than forty years. The church has at present more than 
four hundred members, and has maintained a Sabbath- 
school since about 1840. The school is superintended by 
Gilbert Robertson, and has two hundred and seventy-five 
members. A fine library is maintained. 

ASHGaOVE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIIURCU. 

The religious organization bearing the above name was 
constituted according to Methodist usages before the ham- 
let where it was located, the town within which it was em- 
braced, or the present county of Washington was known. 
It was the first church organization within the bounds of 
what was subsequently known as "the old town of Cam- 
bridge," the first Methodist church in the county, and the 
first organized in tlie State north of the city of New York. 

It was located in a beautiful valley among the Taghanick 
hills, about two miles east of the present village of Cam- 
bridge. 

In the summer of 1769, Thomas Ashton and his wife, 
emigrants from Ireland, and members of Mr. John Wes- 
ley's society there, landed at New York, and soon, with 
some other Methodist emigrants, made their way to what 
was then known as Cambridge patent. They settled among 
the hills, on the southeastern corner of " Anaquasscoke 
patent," afterwards embraced in the town of Cambridge 
when that was organized in 1773, now within the limits of 
the town of White Creek. Here, in company with other 
emigrants, some from " the Nine Partners," and some from 
the eastern States, was commenced that hamlet which took 
the name of Ashgrove ; apparently and probably given by 
incorporating a part of the name of Ashton with the wild 
region where he had fixed his home.* 

In the early part of the succeeding year (1770) Philip 
Embury, another emigrant from Ireland, and for ten years 
preceding a resident of the city of New York, accompanied 
by his family, came into the same region. He was joint 
proprietor with his brothers, David and Peter, and with 
James, George, Samuel, and John Wilson, Moses Cowan, 
and Thomas Proctor, of a patent of eight thousand acres of 
wild land, lying directly east of Ashgrove, and covering the 
hills and valleys of that region. He did not locate on his 
patent-lands, but fixed his residence in the region then 
known as West Camden, county of Charlotte, now the south- 
eastern corner of the town of Salem. He was a Wesleyau 
IMethodist local preacher in Ireland ; as such preacher he 
had organized the first Methodist society in New York, and 
erected there the first Methodist church edifice in America, 
and now he formed a classf at Ashgrove of the Methodist 
emigrants there, and others desiring such religious fellow- 
ship, and began at once his local ministrations, as he had 
previously done in the city of New York. 



« It was a custam in Bnglaiul, Ireland, and Scotland thu.s tn give 
names to localities. 

t The class is the organic form of Methodism. All Methodist 
churches are composed of classes. 



274 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The record of names composing that first chiss is lost, 
but the fullowiiis; persons were known to have lived in that 
vicinity at that time, and their names appear on the oldest 
records now extant: Thomas Ashton, Elizabeth Ashton, 
Jolin Armitage, Ely Armitage, James Barber, Sarah Bar- 
ber, Philip Embury, Margaret Embury, Peter Switzer, 
Anna iM. Switzer, Chri.stoplier Switzer. 

To these, and all who would attend, Embury preached 
for three years, and then suddenly died. The services were 
held at the residence of Thomas Ashton, John Armitage, 
and others, as no church edifice was erected until 1788. 
From the death of Embury, in 1773, until October, 1788, 
the society was destitute of preaching, having only class- ^i 
and prayer-meetings. In the mean time a large emigration 
reached this locality. Many ftimilies of Irish and German 
(or Palatine Irish) Methodists from Mr. Wesley's societies 
.settled in Ashgrove and the surrounding valleys. 

In September, 1788, Lemuel Smith was appointed by 
the Methodist conference as the first itinerant minister to 
this society. He arrived early in October. The appoint- 
ment was called '' Cambridge." He immediately revived 
the society as organized by Embury, adding many members 
thereto. He enlarged the circuit until it covered the 
present county, with adjoining sections of Bennington and 
Rensselaer. 

He closed his labors and the conference year in eight 
months, leaving a membership of one hundred and fifiy- 
four. 

This year a church edifice was projected and commenced. 
It was completed early in 1789. It was built upon land 
donated by Thomas Ashton for a church and burial-ground, 
and, from the uncertainty of accurate boundaries, the deed 
was given by William Fisher, James Ashton, and Thomas 
Ashton, their lands all converging near the church lot. It 
was a small, unpretentious, unpainted structure, some 
thirty-four by forty- six feet, on a beautiful rise of ground 
fronting the west, and pronounced by Rev. Freeborn Gar- 
rettson (the first presiding elder), at its completion, " the 
most elegant church, according to the size of it, that I know 
in the connection." It is not known to the writer that 
any record is extant showing who composed the building 
committee, what its cost was, or when or by whom it was 
dedicated. It was occupied in July, 1787. 

The trustees were Ephraim Bessey, Jalnes Barber, 
Nathan Sherman, John Baker, John Armitage, Jr., Wil- 
liam EUice, George Fisher, Edward Dillon, and Zachariah 
Fisher. The following composed the male iliember.ship a 
few years later, the whole number in church fellowship, 
male and female, being one hundred and seventy-nine: 

Thomas Ashton, James Barber, John Baker, Jeremiah 
Austin, Loughlin McLean, Alexander McLean, George 
Fisher, Ephraim Bessey, Cornelius Thorp, William Fisher, 
John Armitage, Richard Sutliff, Othiniel Preston, Robert 
Langworthy, Daniel Sumner, Noah Dodge, John Hanna, 
John Grimes, Uriah Palmerton, John Dart. Zachariah 
Fisher, Edward Smallman, John Barber, Jacob Goodsell, 
Thomas Empy, John Sutliff, William Ellice, John Doune, 
David Hammon, Peter Sharp, William Cowan, Amos 
^Austin, Thomas Cowan, John Giles, Thomas Taylor, Na- 
than Larrabee, Nathan Taylor, John Empy, Edward Dil- 



lon, John Macnamara, John Rhodes, Thomas Moore, 
Constant Reynolds, Daniel Austin, Elijah Austin, Gaius 
Blowers, James Moon, Robert Moon, Solomon Blowers, 
Henrj' Little, Thomas Austin, John Lilly, Benjamin Harris, 
Henrj' Stillson. Abram Hodge, Charles Blowers, Robert 
Hull, Wm. Dougherty, Wm. Williams, Garrett Sharp, 
Cornelius Sharp, Wm. Tidd, Job Blowers, Ebenezer Hall, 
Dennis Hall, Merchant Hall, Peter Switzer, Christopher 
Switzer, John Switzer, John Tompkins, Peter Sharp, 
Thomas Maddin, Wm. Galusha, Job Herrington, Wm. 
Worden, Clark Little, John Tompkins, George Empy, 
Richard Empy, John Empy, Ally Cooper, David Lucas, 
Clark Jinks, Cornelius Shaw, Gideon Rathbone, John 
Blowers, Andrew Sharp, Thaddeus Tidd, John Nowlan. 

The first church edifice remained till 1832. It was 
then taken down, removed to Sandgate, Vt., and erected 
there as a Methodist church. It yet remains, used as a 
" town-house." 

A second church edifice was erected at Ashgrove, a few 
rods west from the first, in 1832, and dedicated the Decem- 
ber following. The dedicatorial services were conducted 
by Rev. John B. Stratton, he preaching a jwwerful sermon 
from Exodus 19, 10th and 11th verses. This church cost 
about three thousand five hundred dollars. It remained 
until November, 1835, when it was fired one night about 
midnight by an insane man, and totally destroyed. After 
this calamity the society resolved to change the location of 
the church edifice. Land was accordingly secured of Philip 
Blair, in the village of Cambridge (then called North White 
Creek), whereon the present church edifice stands. On July 
12, 183G, the corner-stone was laid with appropriate cere- 
monies by Revs. Samuel Covell and Elijah B. Hubbard, 
preachers of the circuit, and the building completed in the 
year 1837. This house was occupied as a place of worship 
before its completion. This edifice was forty-five and a 
half feet by sixty, and cost about three thousand dollars. 
When or by whom dedicated is unknown to the writer.* 

Succeeding the completion of this a chapel was erected 
at Ashgrove, tliirty by forty feet, on the site of the one de- 
stroyed by fire, at a cost of one thousand dollars. 

It was dedicated in the winter of 1839-40 by Rev. 
Noah Levings. His text was Matthew 18 : 20. 

It stood there until 1858, when it was sold to parties in 
West Hebron, and removed there in 1859. It was erected 
there, and used as a Methodist Episcopal church until 
superseded by a better. It is now (1878) used for town 
purposes. 

Since that removal, no church edifice has existed in Ash- 
grove. Excepting an occasional sermon, a ])rayer-meeting, 
or funeral service, that whole region is as destitute of pub- 
lic religious services as it was when the first pioneer Chris- 
tian emigrant entered it more than a hundred years ago. 

The first Sabbath-school was organized at the old Indian 



*■ This structure was cnlargeil by the addition of twenty feet to its 
length and something to its height, and greatly beautified under the 
pastorate of llev. ]i. Hawley, D.D., in 1861, at an expense of about 
six thousand dollars, and reopened in January, 1SC2, Kevs. S. I). 
Brown and C. W. Gushing officiating, and each preaching able, elo- 
quent, and instructive sermons. It was again rebeautificd in 1873, 
costing some sixteen hundred dollars. 



HISTORY Of WASEIINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



275 



village of Pompanuck (now Pumpkin Hook), in the sum- 
mer of 1833. It was held at the school-house there, 
George Fisher and Laurana Russell bcinp: the principal 
originators. The second was at Ashgrove Methodist Epis- 
copal church, in the summer of 1835. Wm. FLshor, super- 
intendent ; John Fisher, secretary ; and Janios I. Bennett, 
librarian. 

A missionary society was formally organized January 7, 
1832, called " The Cambridge Circuit Branch of the Troy 
District Missionary Society, auxiliary to the Missionary 
Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church," the minister 
in charge, president ; his colleague, vice-president ; and all 
members of the quarterly conference, managers. 

A temperance society wa.s first formed by resolution of 
the official members of the circuit, in quarterly conference 
assembled, April 9, 1831. It specified, " Not to manufac- 
ture, sell, or drink ardent spirits, and discountenance the 
same in others; and that class-leaders of the conference be 
requested to present these resolutions to their respective 
classes for co-operation and adoption by all the members 
throughout the circuit." 

Incidents. — The New Y^ork conference held religious 
services in the old church on the Sabbath, and evenings, 
during the time of its session, at the house of John Baker, 
" in the hollow," in 1803. 

A second session was held there — business and religious 
services — in 1805. At this session a marvelous work of 
grace began on the Sabbath. In one single prayer-meet- 
ing, outside the church, nine persons professed to be con- 
verted. 

There were several other most powerful revivals in con- 
nection with that church. One in 1799 began here, under 
the pastorate of Timothy Dewey and Lorenzo Dow, sweep- 
ing over the entire circuit, till more than six hundred pro- 
fessed to have been saved. 

Another in 181 1-12, under the pastorate of John Finne- 
gan and Samuel Weaver, continuing for two or three years. 
Another of like character in 1819-20, while Tobias Spicer 
and Sherman Miner and Samuel Draper were preachers. 
The last occurred in connection with the dedicatorial 
services of the church which was burned during the suc- 
ceeding winter. 

The following-named ministers have served this church 
as pastors. The peculiar organization of the church, being 
connectional in its polity, itinerant as to its ministry, and 
oftentimes large circuits as to its form, accounts for the 
number of names appearing in this connection. This pecu- 
liar arrangement leaves no church without a pastor, and no 
effective minister without a pastorate. The ecclesiastical 
or conference years in no case harmonize with the calendar 
years. 



1770-7.-!. Philip Embury. 
1788-S9. Lemuel Smith. 
178'.l-90. Darius Dunham. 
1790-91. Darius Duuham. 

Philip Wagar. 
1791-92. Daviil Valloau. 

Matthias Swaim. 
1792-93. John Crawford. 

Thomas Woolscy. 
1793-9-1. .Toel Ketchuin. 

Elijah Woolscv. 



-9.'j. Robert Green. 

Joseph Mileliell. 
-96. Samuel Fuwier. 

Ezekiel CanHcIil. 
-97. Shadr.ich Bostwic 

Smith Weeks. 
-9S. Timothy Dewey. 

Eben Cowles. 
-99. Timothy Dewey. 



I,ori 



Do 



1799-lSOO. Jacob Rickli( 



1799 


-1800. Billy Hibbard. 


1824-25. 


Samuel Howe. 


ISOO- 


-1. 


Ezekiel Canfield. 
Ebenezer Pterens. 




Elias Crawford. 
Edward Snulard. 


ISOl- 


-2. 


Koger Searl. 
Ebenczcr Stevens. 


1825-26. 


Samuel Howe. 
Elias Crawford. 


1802- 


3. 


Roger Searl. 
Smith Arnold. 


1826-27. 


Daniel Brayton. 
Henry Eames. 


1803- 


-i. 


David Brown. 
Luman Andrews. 


1827-28. 


Daniel Brayton. 
Henry Eames. 


180-t- 


5. 


Elias Vanderlip. 
Phineas Cook. 


1828-29. 


Jas. B. Houghtaling 
John M. Weaver. 


1805- 


6. 


Elijah Chichester. 
Nehcmi ah U.Tompkins. 


1829-30. 


Jas. B. Houghtaling. 
Joseph Ayros. 


1800- 


""■ 


Noble W. Thomas. 
Nathaniel Gnge. 


1830-31. 


RoswcU Kelley. 
Wm. Rider. 


1S07- 


-8. 


Daniel Brumly. 
Francis Brown. 


1831-32. 


B. Kelley. 
Theodofius Clark. 


1808- 


-9. 


Mitchell B. Bull. 
Lewis Pease. 


1832-33. 


Stephen Remington. 
Henry Smith. 


1809- 


-10. 


Mitchell B. Bull. 
William Swayze. 


1833-34. 


Joel Squire. 
John Lagrange. 






Stephen Sornberger. 


1834-35. 


Joseph Eames. 


18 10 


-11. 


Samuel Draper. 




Bishop Isbel. 






Samuel Howe. 


1835-36. 


Joseph Eames. 


1811 


-12. 


John Finncgan. 




Elijah B. Hubbard. 






Samuel Weaver. 


1836-37. 


Samuel Covell. 


1812 


-13. 


Datus Ensign. 




E. B. Hubbard. 






Samuel Weaver. 


1837-38. 


Samuel Covell. 


1813 


-14. 


Datus Ensign. 




Wright Hozcn. 






Gcrshom Pierce. 


1839-10. 


Peter M. Hitchcock. 


1814- 


-15. 


Gershom Pierce. 


1841. 


John Frazer. 






Stephen Beach. 


1842-43. 


Milton n. Stewart. 






Samuel Luckcy. 


1844-45. 


Daniel P. Hubbard. 


1815 


-16 


Andrew McKean. 


1846. 


Alfred Sa.\e. 






Peter Bussing. 


1847-48. 


John Harwood. 


1810 


-17. 


Andrew MoKean. 


1849. 


Wm. W. Pierce. 






Jacob Hall. 


1850-51. 


F. Benedict. 


1817- 


-IS. 


Friend Draper. 


1852-54. 


Ensign vStover. 






Tobias Spicer. 


1855. 


Hiram Chase. 


1818 


-19. 


Tobias Spicer. 


1856. 


James H. Patterson. 






Sherman Miner. 


1857-58. 


James Phillips. 


1819 


-20. 


Siimuel Draper. 


1859-60 


Merritt Bates. 






Sherman Miner. 


1861-62 


Bostwick Hawley. 


1S20 


-21 


David Lewis. 


1863-64 


E. Stover. 






Daniel J. Wright. 


1865-66 


Isaac Parks. 


1821 


-22 


David Lewis. 


1867-68. 


Joel W. Eaton. 






George Smith. 


1869-70 


Samuel McRea. 


1822 


-23 


Samuel Draper. 




D. W. Gates. 






John LoA-ejoy. 


1870-73 


W. H. Meeker. 


1823 


-24 


Samuel Draper. 


1874-76 


Oliver A. Brown. 






John Lovcjuy. 


1877-78 


Sherman M. William 



The foregoing sketch has been furnished by the Rev. J. 
E. Bowen, of Troy, who has in preparation a complete his- 
tory of Methodist work in eastern New I'^ork. 

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OP CAMBRIDGE 

was organized at the house of Benejah Cook, July 8, 1843, 
with twenty-six members. On the 26th of the same month 
it was formally recognized by a council called for this purpose 
at the Presbyterian meeting-house, in which thirteen neigh- 
boring Baptist churches were represented. Anson Fowler 
was chosen deacon, and Rev. Levi Parmely pastor. He 
continued this connection until Oct. 12, 1844, when he 
resigned, leaving the new church with an increased mem- 
bership. His successor was the Rev. Charles 0. Kimball, 
and during his pastorate the church edifice, begun in 1844, 
was completed, and consecrated June 5, 1845. It is a sub- 
stantial brick structure, near the centre of the village, and 
is estimated worth ten thousand dollars. Mr. Kimball's 



270 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



pastoi'al connection was severed the same year, and since 
that period the church has enjoyed tlie services of tlie fol- 
lowing clergy as pastors or supplies : Revs. A. H. Danforth, 
AVilliani Harris, E. II. Brownell, A. G. Bowles, J. W. 
Grant, A. B. Stowcll, Daniel Tinkham, Lamson Stewart, 
Philander Perry, Charles W. Palmer, Joshua Fletcher, 
and J. Gardner. The charge is at present vacant. These 
frequent changes in tlie ministerial office have not promoted 
the best interests of the church, and often left it in a weak 
condition. The present membership is one hundred and 
nineteen, and the aggregate number of members has been 
three hundred and ninet3'-six. Besides the Deacon Fowler 
mentioned, Arnold Ilerrington, John R. Twiss, and A. J. 
A. Fowler have served in that capacity. 

ST. Patrick's roman catholic church, Cambridge, 

AND MI.SSION.S. 

The following account of Catholicism in Cambridge and 
vicinity has been prepared by the Rev. Father Meagher, 
pastor of the church. The first mass in the town of Cam- 
bridge was celebrated in the house of James Connaughty, 
by Rev. J. B. Daly, in the fall of 1839, and in the house 
of Edward Fox, in 1840, by the same priest. He then 
had a very large parish. It comprised the western half of 
Jlassachusotts, the whole of New Hampshire and Vermont, 
also the northeastern part of New York, from Troy to Lake 
Champlain. In 1841, the Rev. Father Quinn, then living 
with Father Shanahan, pastor of St. Peter's church, Troy, 
celebrated mass at Buskirk's Bridge. The congregation 
numbered forty-five. Shortly after. Father Coyle was ap- 
pointed pastor of Ren.?selaer and Washington counties. 
He built the first Catholic church in Sehaghtieokc, holding 
missions in both counties for about two years. He was 
succeeded by Father Gilligan, who did the same for about 
one year. The next priest was Father Farley, now pastor 
in Jamaica, L. I., who was permanently stationed in 
Schaghticoke, and ofliciated in both counties in diffei'ent 
places. He was the first priest who possessed a horse and 
buggy in these parts. He celebrated the first mass in the 
old Baptist church at Hoosic Falls. There was no place 
he could secure in tlie village of Cambridge, as much 
prejudice then existed against Catholicism. He went, 
however, up the mountains, and celebrated mass in some 
poor Irishman's humble dwelling. He was next sent to 
Lansingburg, and, in 1850, was succeeded by Rev. Dr. 
Hugh Quigley. In the fall of 1853, during the construc- 
tion of the Troy and Boston, and Rutland and Washington 
railroads, he began to build the present St. Patrick's 
church, previous to which he said mass in the old brick 
school-house on North Park street (now a dwelling), and 
also in the house or wagon-shop of Thomas McGrane 
(since burned down), opposite Mr. Porter's dwelling; sub- 
sequently in the old hall where Mr. Fuller's block now 
stands. This old hall was burned in 1866. In the spring 
of 1855, Father Havcrmans took charge and completed the 
present church edifice. During his government the Rev. 
Fathers Herfkins, Bradley, and La Abbe Cheves, from the 
Albany cathedral, officiated in this parish. In November, 
1856, Rev. Jonathan Furlong was appointed pastor. He 
died in the spring of 1857, and his remains are buried 



under the altar of the present church. In July, 1857, 
Rev. John McDermott became the pastor, and continued 
until the fall of 1862, when it came under the care of the 
Augustine fathers from Philadelphia, Pa., who at present 
have the charge. Father McDermott had as a parish 
Hoosic Falls, Buskirk's Bridge, Cambridge, and Salem, 
where he built, in 1859, the present Church of the Holy 
Cross. He enlarged and decorated the church in Hoosic 
Falls, built a fine addition to the pastoral residence here, 
and otherwise beautified the place. He was succeeded, in 
October, 1802, by Rev. James A. Darragh, O.S.A., now 
an invalid at Villanova College, Pennsylvania. His as- 
sistant was Rev. Edward M. Mullen. The mission was 
the same in extent that Father McDermott attended ; that 
is, from Buskirk's Bridge on the south to Granville on the 
north, and from the State line on the east to the Hud.son 
river on tlie west, above Schaghticoke. Father Darragh 
was succeeded by Rev. E. Aug. Dailey, O.S.A., in August, 
1865, who attended to this extensive mission himself for 
one year. The next year Rev. Edward C. Donnelly came 
as assistant, and officiated in Salem and Cambridge, 
Father Dailey attending to Hoosic Falls until his removal 
ill April, 1867, to this place, which then became a separate 
parish. Father Donnelly became pastor of Cambridge and 
Salem, and had as assistant Rev. Timothy Hayes, who 
died in 1869. Rev. James D. Waldron became pastor 
Nov. 21, 1868, and in January, 1869, opened the mission 
in Greenwich, saying mass in Temperance Hall, in the 
Brick Block, every second Sunday, until the present church 
was bought from the Methodists, and fitted up by his suc- 
cessor, Rev. J. J. Fedigan, who became pastor in 1870. 
There were in Greenwich about sixty families when Father 
Fedigan said the first mass, and about eighty children in 
the Sunday-school. Sunday-schools were opened in each 
of the missions as soon as they were begun. Father 
Fedigan, O.S.A., had as assistants the following: Rev. 
Thomas Shandly, now pastor in the diocese of Peoria, III. ; 
Father McDonald, who returned to Europe in 1872-73 ; 
and Rev. Timothy O'Donovan, who died as pastor of 
Schaghticoke in January, 1875 ; al.so Rev. Thomas A. 
Field, now pastor in Mechanicsville, Saratoga county. It 
was under Father Fedigan that St. Joseph's, Greenwich, 
became what it now is, a beautiful Roman Catholic church. 
He was succeeded, in January, 1874, by Rev. George A. 
Meagher, O.S.A., the present pa.stor, who has made many 
improvements, not the least among them being the pur- 
chase of a bell for the church, the sweetest-toned in this 
valley. In September, 1875, Father Dailey returned to 
Cambridge and succeeded Father Field as assistant, and is 
now living with Father Sleagher. During Father Fedi- 
gan's pastorate, Salem became a separate parish under 
Father O'Sullivan, the present pastor. 

In August, 1874, Father Meagher began the tburch at 
Buskirk's Bridge, and held a service there every second 
Sunday. Father Donnelly, of Hoosic Falls, is now in 
charge of this mission. In the fill of 1875, Father 
Bleaghcr built a chapel at White Creek village, and holds 
a service once a month, and sometimes oftener. Services 
have also been held at Shushan, in Congdon's Hall, and in 
private houses. Mission work has been commenced at 



IIISTOIIY OF WASHINCTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



277 



Bald Mounfiiin by Father Dailey, of Greenwich, who says 
mass in the hall over Mr. Burke's residence near the lime- 
kilns. Before 1870 mass was said here by Father Finne- 
■>an, of Schuylerville. Services were frequently held in 
Easton (North), and Barker's Grove, in this county, by 
Revs. Louis M. Edge, O.S.A., and G. A. Meagher, O.S.A., 
both pastors successively in Schaghticoke. 

ST. Luke's church (protestant episcopal) of Cam- 
bridge.* 

The movement, which resulted in the formation of tiiis 
church, began Aug. 19, A. D. 18G6, at Woodworth's Union 
Hall, at which time the Rev. Charles S. Hale, rector of St. 
James', Arlington, Vt., officiated. This was the first regu- 
lar service of the church at this point which had been held 
for many years. Among the few who were active in secur- 
ing it were Edwin E. Ilawley, E. S. Houghton, John H. 
Houghton (now rector of Salem), J. G. Woodworth, and 
John H. Newman. The "parish was duly organized, Sept. 
23 of tlic same year, by the election of Edwin E. Hawley 
and Perry E. Wager, as wardens ; and Edward S. Hough- 
ton, J. Gilbert Woodworth, John H. Newman, Charles T. 
Hawley, Ran.som Hawley, John Walker, and Joseph Gil- 
bert, as vestrymen. On December 2 the Rev. Clarence 
Buel became its rector, the services having been sujjplied 
through the fall by Rev. Dr. Coit, of Troy ; Rev. J. H. 
Hobart Brown, Colioes ; Rev. John H. Bctts, of Burnt 
Hills; and by the Rev. Messrs. Hale and Duel. On July 
0, 18G7, the corner-stone of the church building was laid 
by Rev. George Seymour, D.D., of New York, and on the 
24th of November services were held in the (partly fin- 
ished) church, since which time they have been continued 
by the following clergy: The Rev. Clarence Buel, rector, 
from December, 18G6, to April, 1868; Rev. Charles A. 
Wenman, July, 1868, to April, 1869; the Rev. Gctnont 
Graves, November, 1869, to spring, 1872 ; the Rev. William 
Fisher Lewis, spring, 1872, to October, 1873 ; the Rev. W 
H. Capers, November, 1873, to November, 1874; the Rev. 
Walter Thompson, June, 1875, to June, 1876 ; and the Rev. 
J. Sydney Kent, from July, 1876, to the present time. Li 
the intervals between these rector.ships, services were sup- 
plied by neighboring clergy. On Thursday, Sept. 15, 1870, 
iSt. Luke's church was consecrated by the bishop of Albany, 
ten clergy being present ; sermon preached by the first 
rector (Buel), and the offering devoted to the defrayment 
of the church expenses. The building and land cost be- 
tween seven thousand and eight thousand dollars, on which 
there rests no debt. The Sunday-school has been in work- 
ing order since the parish was regularly organized, and has 
had upon its roll six to seven teachers, and in the neighbor- 
hood of fifty scholars on the average. Attendance usually 
thirty to forty. 

Missionary efforts have been made by this pari.sh (which 
is but a missionary station) at Eagle Bridge and Anaquass- 
coke, two points near by. These have been but temporary, 
however, and the work is now confined to Cambridge. 

The number of communicants is now fifty-three, and the 
number of people belonging to the chuich one hundred and 



* By the rector, the Rev. J. Sydney Kent. 



twenty-five. During the eleven years of its existence 
there has been baptised within the parish one hundred and 
twenty-six adults and infants, and sixty-two adults con- 
firmed. These confirmations have been holden by Bishop 
Potter, of New York, Bishop Hopkins, of Vermont, and 
Bishop Doane, of Albany. Many members and communi- 
cants have been received from other parishes through these 
years, and many have been added to other parishes from 
this; and this flux and reflux has been so constant that, 
at present, there are not more than a dozen members that 
formed part of the fiist congregation left. The marriages 
for the whole period amount only to five, and the burials to 
but fifteen. The church is neatly furnished, with books, — ■ 
hymn and prayer, — Sunday-school libi'ary, organ, and bell. 
There is also a very handsome carved stone font, the gift of 
Rev. Clarence Buel, a memorial of a little daughter who 
died while Mr. Buel was rector here. It is a costly and 
beautiful piece of workmanship. 

The scats in the church are always free, and the entire 
expen.ses are met by the voluntary gifts of the worshipers 
at morning and evening services. The present officers are 
Henry C. Day, senior warden ; Robert Davis, junior warden ; 
William II. lloyt, Charles T. Hawley, Thomas Le Guys, 
J. T. Niver, iM.D., B. 31. Deuel, vestrymen ; Charles T. 
Ilawley, treasurer ; Thomas Lc Guys, clerk of the vestry. 

JIILITARY HISTORY. 

In the movement of Gen. Baum with his detachment 
towards Bennington, the passage was made along the roads 
which are at present the bounds between Cambridge and 
the towns of Jackson and White Creek, pa.ssing into the 
latter town in the neighborhood of the Checkered tavern, 
and camping at Waite's Corners. As far as can be learned, 
nothing more than this transpired on the present Cam- 
bridge territory. Some of the settlers left their homes 
through fear .of the enemy and their Indian allies, and the 
followinir are known to have served in the American cause: 
James McKie, Ca])t. Geo. Gilmore, Elisha GiflFord, Joseph 
Volentine, John Weir, Jesse Averill, John Wait, Earl 
Durfec, and Azor Bouton. 

Among those who responded to the call of their country 
in 1812 were Capt. Hiram Pratt, Capt. Nathan Gilford, 
Capt. Daniel Robertson, John Green, HhuiifiS- Chandler, 
Samuel Green, Nathan Skinner, John Waite, Jr. 

The late Rebellion called many of the patriotic sons of 
the town to the defense of the government. An extended 
list of those who served is given below. 

The town also adopted the following measures to en- 
courage enlistments: at a special meeting, March 26, 1864, 
a bounty of three hundred and fifty dollars was authorized 
to be paid to each volunteer by the supervisor. 

At a special meeting, June 25, 1864, John L. Hunt, 
John H. Balch, and Thomas Shiland were appointed a 
committee to fill the quota and pay bounties, not exceeding 
four hundred and fifty dollars for each volunteer. This 
bounty being deemed insufficient, a meeting was held 
Aug. 6, 1864, when appropriate action was taken to hasten 
enlistments, the supervisor, Thomas Shiland, and John H. 
Balch to be a committee to carry out the terms of the 



278 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



resolutions, which provided for the payment of five hun- 
dred dollars for every volunteer. 

The gratitude of the town towards those who have 
given their lives in defense of the country has been mani- 
fested in the erection of a suitable monument to their 
memory. This is noted in the sketch of the Woodlands 
Cemetery. 

SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. 
Frank L. Ames, enl. Aug. 21, 1802, 123(1 Rogt., Co. I. 
--John A. Anslin, enl. Nov. 6, 1801, 9:)il Regt., Co. G. 
Aldiich Adlienmr, enl. Nov. C, ISOl, 9:)il Regt., Co. G. 
Jnnips A. Bassetl, enl. Aug. 11, 1S02, 12.'iil Regt., Co. I. 
Juseph R. Beadle, enl. Ang. II, ISOi, 123d Kegt., Co. I. 
Horace Biirtlelt, enl. Aug, 13, 1.S02, 12:!d Regt., Co. I. 
David H. Bratt, enl. Ang. 18, lS(i2, 123d Rigt.. Co. I. 
John W. Bennett, enl. July 29, 1^02. 12;id Kegt., Co. I. 
Charles II. Baker, enl. Aug. la, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Hiram F. Berith-y, enl. Ang. 14, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
John H. Beutley, enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 12 id Regt., Co. I. 
Roswell K. Bishop, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 12:!d Kegt., Co. I. 
Francis S. Bailey, 2d lieut. ; enl. Nov. 6, ISCI, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Uenry 0. Barton, eid. Nov. 0, 1861, 9Jd Regt., Co. G; with 9.id Regt. 7 months; 

re-ent. November, 1803, in 7th H. .\rt. ; served time out. 
Abell Brimmer, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
James Bevis, enl. Nov. C, 1801, 9:ld Regt., Co. G. 
John A. Blimnier, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 9.id Regt., Co. G. 
Noel J. Biites, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Anrlrew Beattie, eul. Nov. 0, 1861, 93il Regt., Co. G. 
John H. Boopland, eJll. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Henry Birch, enl. Dec. 2.5, 180), Ifith Art., Co. K. 
Wm. H. Burrows, musician ; ejd. Oct. l.'), 1801, 77th Regt., Co. F. 
Andrew A. Beveridge, enl. luoth Illinois Regt., Co. H. 
Darron Clark, sergt. ; enl. July 20, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Geo-ge Clapi), sergt.; enl. Aug. 8, 1802. 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Newton Clark, corp. ; enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. G. 
Simoon H. Corbett, enl. Nov. 6, 1801, 9.3d Regt., Co. G. 
George Caldwell, enl. Dec. 21, 1863, lOtli Art., Co. K. 
J. Gardner Dyer, Corp.; enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Charles H. Dennis, enl. Ang. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Theodore A. Devhy, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Ephraim Dubois, corp.; eul. Dec. 9, 1801, 93d Kegt., Co. G. 
Leioy Eldriilge, enl. Ang. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Berthold Emiscli, enl. Xov. 6, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Wm. B. Ellis, enl. Nov. 6, ISGl, 93(1 Regt., Co. G. 
George Fairchild, sergt.; enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. I. 
Wm. G. Fisher, Corp. ; enl. Ang. 7, 1862, 123d Kegt, Co. I. 
Lewis N. Ford, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Walter S. Gray, capt. ; enl. Nov. C, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Norman W. Gray, 3d sergt.; enl. Nov. 6, 1801, 93(1 Regt, Co. G. 
Perry A. Goodell, enl. Nov. 0, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Robert L Gray, enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. G. 
Nathaniel P. Gray, enl. Nov. G, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
(li.iil.'s W. Gilbert, sergt. ; enl. Ang. 12, 1861, 7th Cav., Co. E. 
.I..bi( iiioes, Jr., coiT. ; enl. Ang. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
William Hag.^erty, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 12i(l Regt.. Co. I. 
Anderson D. Hoover, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Harvey A. Hodge, enl. Ang. 9, 1802. 123d Kegt, Co. I. 
Richard llennelly, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. I. 
Mark Kurd, enl. Oct. 6, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. G. 
Abraham Harrington, enl. Jan. 17, 1862, 93d Kegt., Co. G. 
Benjamin Hall, enl. Dec. 9, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. G. 
Fif/.-Oreen Hall, eul. Dec. 10, 1861, 93d R"gt., Co. I. 
Peter Hill, enl. Nov. 15, 1861, 77th Regt, Co. P. 

0. S. Hall, capt ; enl. July 22, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I ; discli. June 15, 1805. 
Jolin Jenkins, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, I23d Regt, Co. I. 
Charles Jenkins, enl. Ang. 6, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. I. 
John Kelly, enl. Ang. 11, 1802, I23d Regt., Co. I. 
Edward Knopf, enl. Ang. 13, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
George Ketcham, enl. Ang. 15, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. I. 
Ira King, fnl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Uegt., Co. I. 
John Kejchum, enl. Ang. 13, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Tho(nas H. Kerkin, enl. Nov. 0, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Dr. B. F. Kctchnni, was surgeon-in-chief of Gen. Geo. Stannard"s staff, 1st 

Army Corps. 
J.din A. Larmon, musician ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802,123d Regt, Co. I. 
Albert Lawton, enl. Nov. 30, ISOI, U3d Regt., Co. G. 
Charles B. Loouiis, eul. Nov. 0, ISGI, 93d Kegt, Co. G. 
Peter Linda.y, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 9 id Regt., Co. G. 
Wilbur D. Mo.sior, Ist sergt.; enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. G. 
Albert J. Mu7.jy, coi-p. ; eid. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Kegt., Co. G ; rccul. and pro. to 

2d lieut., Ist lieut., and captain. 
Alexander McGeocIi, enl. Nov, 0, ISOI, 93d Regt, Co. G; killed. 
David H. Marshall, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. G. 



Isaac J. Milliman, enl. Nov. 6, 1801, 9id Regt, Co. G. 

George Motcalf, eul. Dec. 9, 1801, 93d R»gt., Co. G. 

Darius Millington, enl. Nov. 6, 1861, !l3d Regt., Co. G. 

Lucius McClarty, eul. Aug. 29, 1803, 2d Vet Oiv., Co. E. 

Joliu Maloue, enl. Oct 13, ISOI, Bit. H, 3d N. Y. Art ; diich. .Vpril 19, 1863; 

wounded through the left hip. 
Wm. I. Riggs, capt 

Th.iuias Pendy, enl. Dec. 9, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
John II. I'eckham, enl. Sept 13, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. E. 
Wm. H, Ross, enl. Nov. 6, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Daniel C. Rice, enl. Nov. 6, 1801, 93d Uegt, Co. G. 
Clark S. Rico, enl. Nov. 0, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Wm. Rising, eul. Nov. 0, IsOl, 93d Regt, Co. G. 
Lnman Ross, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. G. 
John Skeller, corp.; enl. Aug. 18,1862, 123d Regt, Co. T. 
Charlea A. Sfcirbuck, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 12 id Regt, Co. I. 
Fred. A. Slocum. Corp.; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 12 td Regt., Co. I. 
Lemnel T. Skinner, corp.; enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. I. 
Beiyamin F.Searles, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Justus N. Stillman, corp. ; eul. Nov. 6, 1861, 9 id Regt, Co. G. 
Orin W. Stephenson, musician ; enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. G. 
James Surdani, enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
James Smith, eul. Sept 4, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. E. 
John Stevens, eid. Dec. 19, 1863, 10th Art., Co. K. 
Allieit Shiland, 2d lieut., 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Lewis S. Tripp, enl. Aug. 8, 1802. I23d Regt., Co. I. 
Inmi(n Thomas, eul. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Daniel W. Thompson, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d R"gt., Co. I. 
Dennis Tracy, enl. Nov. 22, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Wm. C. Weatherwiut, enl. Ang. 11, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. I. 
Jesse P. Wood, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. I. 
Thomas A. Weir, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, I2M Regt., Co. I. 
Elihu Wicks, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 12 id Regt., Co. I. 
John S. Wetzel, enl. Dec. 26, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Franklin Wells, enl. Nov. 0, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Hiram R. Wilder, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Clark Weir, enl. Nov. 30, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. G. 
Edgar Walkley, enl. Jan. 12,1802, 93d Regt., Co. G. 
Christopher M. Wolf, enl. Nov. 0, 1861, 93<l Regt., Co. G. 
Nathaniel Wentworth, enl. Oct. 14, 1801, 53d Regt, Co. C. 
Dr. T. C. Wallace, asst. surg., Olst N. Y. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



REV. HENRY GORDON 

was born in the county of Meath, Ireland. He was tlie 
youngest child of Henry Gordon and Elizabeth McAuley. 
His family were of Celtic or Highland-Scotch extraction. 
At an early age he expressed a strong desire for the work 
of the ministry, and when a mere child had frequently been 
known to retire to a room by himself and, standing by a 
chair for a desk, address an imaginary audience. 

After acquiring the rudiments of an English education 
in a private school near his father's residence, he was sent 
to a classical school in the village of Kingscourt, kept by 
John McKeon, then among the most noted classical schol- 
ars outside of the city of Dublin. Here he made rapid 
progress, especially in the study of Greek and Latin, for 
which he retains a fondness even now, amid.st the pressure 
of professional duties. After the removal of Sir. McKeon, 
Henry was next placed under the instruction of Mr. 
McMahon, who had studied on the continent for the priest- 
hood. In this school he made great, proficiency in the 
study of Latin, being able to read and translate at sight 
almost any Latin author. He was next placed under the 
instruction of Rev. Patrick White, of Corglass, who kept 
a very noted academy. To this period of his school-days 
Mr. Gordon has always attached great importance. About 
this time his father died, necessitating a change iu his 
worldly prospects. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



279 



Although a boy in his teens, his thoughts began to turn 
to the United States of America, and accordingly, after a 
little time, without giving much intimation to any of his 
friends, he embarked, and landed in New York in the month 
of May, 1847. He could not be said, though far away 
from the home of his childhood, to be in the land of 
strangers. He had here an aunt, jMrs. Jane Wells, who 
showed him marked kindness, for whose memory he has 
still the highest regard. Here he kept up his studies for 
the ministry, and in Philadelphia, under the instruction of 
Samuel B. Wylie, D.D., and J. W. Wylie, D.D., his son, 
and Samuel Crawford, D.D., professor in an institution 
connected with the Reformed Presbyterian church, he com- 
pleted them, and was licensed to preach when only twenty- 
two years of age. 

After preaching in some mission stations in Nova Scotia, 
he returned to the States, and preached for a few years in 
Lisbon, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. Beginning with about a 
dozen of people, he saw three new churches erected by his 
own labors. 

In 1854 he married Julia Anne, youngest daughter of 
James Coulter, of Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y. In 
1857 he was called to the United Presbyterian church, in 
Coila, N. Y., his present charge. Wc may here state that 
this is the church in which his wife was reared, and where 
her father had always been a prominent member. 

Sir. Gordon has had three invitations from different 
churches in New York, and three pressing calls from other 
places, all of which were respectfully declined, preferring 
rather his quiet country home and wide field of labor to 
the busy and crowded cities. 

At ihe opening of the war, in 18G1, he took a very de- 
cided stand for the maintenance of the Union and the duty 
of every person to use the influence of which he was pos- 
sessed to preserve its integrity, thereby making some ene- 
mies, but a far greater number of friends. Accordingly, 
when the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment was 
raised in this county he was unanimously chosen chaplain. 
He went out to the field in 1862 and returned in 1SG3, 
forming such friendly acquaintance with officers and pri- 
vates as remains not only unimpaired at the present, but 
rather seems to increase as the years glide on. 

Mr. Gordon is in the prime of life. Being possessed of 
a vigorous constitution naturally, and blessed with a larger 
shai'e of health than most professional men (nfever being 
one week sick during his ministry), he is capable of under- 
taking a great amount of work, his professional duties being 
to him more like a healthy exercise than the pressure of 
fatiguing labor. 

He is surrounded by a very intelligent and warnil^y- 
attached people, characterized by a generous support of 
their pastor, and should he be spared amongst them during 
the period of life allotted to man, he will still have extended 
opportunity of promoting the cause to which he has conse- 
crated his life. 

ZERAH RIDER. 

Mr. Rider, on his father's side, is descended in a direct 
line from the Pilgrims, William Rider, his great-grand- 
father, having landed at Plymouth Rock in the " Mayflower" 



in 1620. He has also inherited, through his grandfather 
and father, the Puritan cognomen of Zerah, both of these 
ancestors having borne that name. The former removed 
from Connecticut — where the family settled soon after 
their arrival in this country — to Salem, Washington 
Co., N. Y. Zerah Rider, the father of the subject of 
this notice, was born in Salem, N. Y., June 25, 1799. He 
married, in that town, Sarah A. Coggshall, December 2, 
1824, whose parents were natives of Rhode Island. Mr. 
Rider is thus of New England stock by both his paternal 
and maternal ancestors. His father and mother had eight 
children, — five sons and three daughters, — viz., Zerah, James 
M., George W., Henry M., Elizabeth 51., Mary C, Phebe 
A., and Benjamin W., of whom five are now living. It 
is a circumstance worth mentioning — which, perhaps, is 
not true of one family in ten thousand, perhaps not of 
another family in the United States — that there are two 
pairs of twins in the family, and they are all living at this 
writing, although their ages average fifty years each. 

Zerah Rider was born in Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., 
on the 30th of August, 1825, and was brought up in the 
village till the age of ten, where he had good advantages 
for education, which he diligently improved. Circum- 
stances, however, forced him, at an early age, to work for 
his living as a hired boy and at compensation by no means 
remunerative. At eleven years of age he went to work 
for Daniel Rice, of Cambridge, and worked six months for 
twelve dollars. He continued to work out by the month, 
earning larger wages from year to year, although the re- 
muneration was then small compared with what laborers 
receive in these days. Thus he worked on until the age of 
twenty-one, when he commenced a more independent mode 
of life by farming on shares. After following this two 
years he returned, at the solicitation of Mr. Rice, to take 
temporary charge of his farm, and, at the expiration of six 
months, resumed his farming again on shares, which he 
continued to pursue with industry and energy for several 
years. 

On the 13th of September, 1849, he was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Ann Eliza Fletcher, daughter of Solomon 
Fletcher, of Greenwich, whose parents were among the 
early settlers of that town. Three children, viz., Sarah 
Elizabeth, Charles Henry, and Ida May, have been the 
fruit of this union. 

In 1856, Mr. Rider purchased the Alexander farm, in 
the town of Jackson. He subsequently sold this and pur- 
chased the James Woodward place, which he sold in a few 
years, and purchased the Skinner farm in Cambridge. 
After the lapse of eight years he sold again and bought the 
Skiff farm, and also the one he now occupies, in 1869. 
The adage, " A rolling stone gathers no moss," may hold 
good as a general rule, but Mr. Rider's experience has cer- 
tainly been an exception ; for with all his changes he has 
certainly bettered his position in a pecuniary point of view, 
and placed himself in a situation better adapted to the 
accomplishment of his object as an agriculturist and stock- 
grower. Mr. Rider has one hundred and fifty-three acres 
in his present farm, adapted to mixed husbandry, and has 
so managed the products of his estate as to take many of 
the leading premiums both at the county and State fairs. 



280 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTV, NEW YORK. 



He has received the first premium on corn in the county 
and the first premium on flax in the State. In improved 
stock he has in sonic respects taken the lead of all compet- 
itors, having a flock of one hundred and fifty delaine wool 
sheep, bred from the Atwood stock, considered the finest 
in the country. In 1877 he began to raise and introduce 
the Swiss thoroughbred cattle, — considered the best in the 
world for combining the qualities of good beef and milk. 
Some fine specimens of tliis stock can be seen on his farm, 
wliich is very rare in this country, there being only about 
sixty of tlie breed in tiie United States. 

Mr. Rider's efibrts in tlie direction of making his farm 
produce the best, not only in the products of the soil but 
of the dairy, and also in improved breeds of sheep aud 
cattle, have certainly been very successful, as the list of 
premiums awarded both at the county and State fairs will 
abundantly show. A view of his place appears among the 
illustrations uf this work. 



JAMES MAXWELL, 



son of George Maxwell and Margaret McDonald, was born 
in Jackson, on the 28th of February, 1824. lie was of 
Scotch ancestry, both on the father's and mother's side. 
His grandfather Maxwell came from Thornhill, in Perth- 
shire, Scotland, where a branch of the family still resides. 
James spent his early days, like most American boys, on 
his fiither's farm, attending to such duties on the farm as 
his yeai-s would eirablo liim to discharge. His entire edu- 
cation was received where many of the most eminent men 
of the county graduated from, — the common school. When 
a few years past his majority he purchased from his father 
the homestead on which he was born, and was shortly after- 
wards united in marriage to Sarah, daughter of Captain 
James Green, of Cambridge. They lived happily together 
for several years, during which Mr. Maxwell enjoyed un- 
usual prosperity in the business of the fiirm. But while 
earthly prosperity was rolling in upon him, a dark cloud of 
sorrow settled down on his dwelling. The wife of his 
youth was taken from him, leaving him with two fine boys, 
but in a short time one after another was taken, making 
the home completely desolate. He continued for a few 
years to carry on the farm, but finding it diflicult as well as 
impracticable to carry on farming without some one in the 
house to take the charge, ho formed a happy marriage with 
Kliza, youngest daughter of John Robertson, of Coila. On 
account of a long fever, which greatly impaired his health, 
he sold his large farm to great advantage, and has since 
chiefly boarded at difiicrent places in Cambridge valley. 
He has enjoyed himself traveling, having visited Scotland 
and several places in his own land. As a citizen, Mr. Max- 
well is highly respected for his sterling integrity, — one of 
those men that it would be well for the country liad they 
been more numerous during the past five years. His word 
is as good as his bond in any place where he is known. 
He is a man of excellent moral habits and the friend and 
supporter of every good cause. He is and always has been 
a consistent member of the United Presbyterian church in 
Coila, which has sent out into the world as many sterling 



men and women as any society we know of in this part of 
the State. 

In the winter of 1870 he was again left a widower with 
no children living. His wife was removed by a very pain- 
ful sickness. He still resides in Cambridge, in the midst 
of relatives and many attached friends. He is possessed of 
ample means for his comfort, and is always ready to help 
along any worthy object. It is just such citizens as he 
that form the solid foundation on which the republic must 
depend for its safety. 



HENRY HALL,* 
son of William Hall and Mary Thomas, was burn in Cam- 
bridge, Washington Co., N. Y., April 10, 1812. Both his 
parents were from Rhode Island, and both originally were 
of Engli.sh extraction. Some of Henry's ancestry on his 
father's side figured prominently in the Revolution, on the 
side of liberty, one of them being described in the old 
family grave-yard as captain of a company of patriots that 
did good .service. 

Henry also had, during the late civil war in the land, two 
brothers and two nephews in the service. One of his brothers 
(Orin Hall) was a captain in the One Hundred and Twentj'- 
third Regiment, from this county, and passed three years 
— through several battles — without receiving a wound. 
Henry's tastes were from early boyhood towards a quiet 
farming life. Consequently he never traveled far from his 
native town, except to visit friends in his father's old home 
in Rhode Island. In 183G he was very happily united in 
marriage to Patience Brownell, of Easton, who, having 
similar tastes for the quiet and comfort of country life, has 
made herself a very pleasant companion in life's journey. 
By industry and attention to his business Mr. Hall has 
secured for himself a very comfortable home. His farm 
bears tlie .stamp of thrift and attention, and his dwelling 
and surroundings are models of neatness. As a citizen, 
Mr. Hall is held in high estimation. No man despises a 
low, mean, tricky act more than he. He is upright in all 
his transactions; a farmer of the olden time, given to no 
speculation, and perfectly content with the true market 
equivalent for anything he has to sell. We never knew a 
neighbor who would not be perfectly satisfied with Henry's 
word, apart from any other security He concedes the right 
to other men to differ from him in politics or religion. We 
never knew a man so intolerant of dishonesty and fraud. 

As a neighbor he is kind and very obliging. No man 
more willing ever to inconvenience himself for the relief of 
others. He is a man of peace ; always a firm friend and 
supporter of any enterprise tending to benefit his fellow-man. 
It would be well for the land if we had more citizens of 
such sterling integrity as Henry Hall. Widows and orphans 
would not be mourning the loss of their support, taken 
away by misplaced confidence in well-dressed scoundrels. 

Patience Hall, daughter of Esek Brownell and Annie 
Wilcox, was born in the town of Easton, Washington Co., 
N. Y., Aug. 26, 1815. Her parents were of English ex- 
traction. Her father was of the Quaker order, and was 
much respected for his sterling integrity. When compara- 



Hj Rev. Henry CiorJuu. 








flENf?Y flALL 



' >i 



PATIENCE Hall 



>>i4 






'€i 



% 




Jane M.Si^ellie 



Thomas Sicellie. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



281 



tively a young man he was taken from his family by death, 
leaving a widow and large fiimily of children. Her mother 
was a remarkable woman in many ways. She so managed 
the affairs of her Imsband's farm as not only to keep it, but 
to acquire a hand.some sum of money to be divided to each 
child. Mrs. Brownell (or, as she was familiarly called, Aunt 
Annie) was noted for her kindue.ss to those in want. You 
might well infer that, brought up in such a home. Patience 
would be thoroughly trained in all the qualifications of a 
first-class housekeeper ; your inference would be correct. 
lu her day, young girls did not have the chance of studying 
so many of the fine arts, but they became proficient in the 
necessary arts of domestic life. They made their own gar- 
ments and carpets. There were few pianos in her day, but 
every home had its spinning-wheel, on which the girls prac- 
ticed with benefit to their health and profit to the house- 
hold. In 183G she was united in marriage to Henry Hall, 
of Cambridge. 

Mrs. Hall has been, in the truest sense of the word, a 
helpmeet to her husband. Her early training is plainly 
visible in the management of her own home. It is a model 
of neatness and comfort. Mrs. Hall is held in high esteem 
among her neighbors. Blessed with the goods of this 
world, she makes excellent use of them. She is the constant 
friend of those in want, doing much not only to relieve 
their material wants, but by her kind sympathy she man- 
ages to cheer them in their sorrows. The manner of her 
giving greatly enhances the value of the gift. Though 
her earthly home is one of comfort, she is looking for one 
that is better and will be more permanent. She is formally 
connected with a Presbyterian church, and by her consistent 
living exerts a wide and good influence. Because of her 
disinterested kindness, she is privileged to give advice that 
would not be as well received from others ; but whether they 
act on it or not, all are willing to listen to what Patience 
Hall has to say to them. Few persons of our acquaintance 
have more good wishes now, and certainly few women in all 
the region will be more regretted when gone. 



JOHN L. HUNT 



was born in the town of Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y.i 
Feb. 27, 1818, and was brought up by his grandfather's 
family, on the premises adjoining his present place, his 
mother having died when he was less than three years of 
age. He had a younger brother, Thomas B. Hunt, who 
was brought up with him at his grandfather's, and who died 
in Pennsylvania in 1861, leaving a wife and one child. 
John L. and Thomas B. Hunt were sons of John Hunt, 
who came from England as a British soldier, and was taken 
a prisoner at the battle of Plattsburg. He married Eliza- 
beth Skellie, of Cambridge, who was the mother of the sub- 
ject of this sketch, and left him an orphan, as above stated, at 
a tender age. She was the second child of a family of fifteen, 
and John L. was brought up in the family, and treated by 
Mr. and Mrs. Skellie as one of their own children. When 
he was nineteen years old, Mr. Skellie gave him charge of 
36 



the farm, which he held till the age of twenty, when he was 
hired by Mr. Skellie, and had the full management of the 
business of the place two years longer. He then went to 
■work at the carpenter's trade, which he followed about five 
years. 

On the 3d of October, 1844, he was united in marriage 
to Sarah S. Edie, daughter of David and Margaret Edie, of 
Cambridge. Her father was an early resident of the town, 
and her mother a native of Scotland. By this marriage he 
had children as follows: David E. Hunt, born July 24, 
1845, died Nov. 5, 1863 ; Elizabeth Hunt, born Sept. 12, 
1849 ; John Hunt, born June 5, 1852, died July 3, 1852 ; 
Thomas Albert Hunt, born Oct. 12, 1856 ; Amelia Hunt, 
born Feb. 12, 1860, died Feb. 21, 1860; Sarah Margaret 
Hunt, born May 21, 1861. These were the children of 
Mr. Hunt by his first marriage. Mrs. Hunt died June 26, 
1861. 

He married for his second wife Mary A. Gallaway, 
daughter of James and Phebe Gallaway, of Cambridge, May 
24, 1864. The children by this marriage are John L., 
born Feb. 1, 1866; infiint son, born Sept. 4, 1867, died 
same date; Henry Skellie Hunt, born Aug. 5, 1868 ; James 
Gallaway Hunt, born Aug. 9, 1870 ; Alvin Robertson 
Hunt, born July 1, 1872 ; infant daughter, born Sept. 16, 
1874, died 16th same mouth ; Bessie Hunt, born Feb. 18, 
1878. 

In 1850, Mr. Hunt purchased a farm near the village of 
Cambridge, which he traded for the farm on which he now 
resides, consisting of one hundred and forty-eight acres, and 
erected most of the buildings on the place. He has steadily 
followed farming since 1845, and by his own unaided exer- 
tions has acquired a comfortable competence. He has 
served his town as assessor nine years, and was a member 
of the board of supervisors in 1863 and 1864, being a Re- 
publican in politics. Himself and wife and three of his 
oldest children are members of the United Presbyterian 
church at Coila, of which he has frequently served as 
trustee. 



RUSSELL S. FISH. 

Russell Sherman Fish was born in Sehaghticoke, Rens- 
selaer Co., N. Y., Sept. 25, 1808. His maternal grand- 
father. Captain Thomas Allen, was a sea-captain, formerly 
of New Bedford, Mass. He settled at an early time in the 
town of Easton, Washington county, where his descend- 
ants still remain. His uncle, Stephen Allen, son of the 
captain, is now a resident of Easton, and is in his ninety- 
eighth year. Mr. Fish's ancestors were from Rhode Island. 
His grandfather, Benjamin Pish, was a Revolutionary sol- 
dier, and was among the early settlers of Sehaghticoke. He 
was a farmer by occupation, and married Eunice Hammond, 
a native of Massachusetts. They had a family of nine 
children, — four sons and five daughtere, — of whom Isaac, 
the father of the subject of this sketch, was the second son. 
Isaac Fish married Mary, daughter of Captain Thomas 
Allen. They had eleven children, — five sons and six 
daughters, — of whom Mr. Russell S. Fish is the second son. 



282 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



He was brought up on his father's farm at Schaghticoke 
till the age of tliirty years, and received his education at 
the common schools. On the 26th of November, 1840, he 
was united in marriage to Sarah E. Forrence, daughter of 
William H. Forrence, of Peru, Clinton Co., N. Y. Mr. 
Fish settled in Clinton county in 1842, where he resided 



fourteen years previous to removing to Cambridge in 1857, 
where he has since resided. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fish have one of the most desirable homes 
in this .section of the State, adjacent to the village of Cam- 
bridge, whose ample grounds and artistic decorations are 
well shown in the sketch in this work. 






MRS. .1. u. ArsTl.v. 



DRESDEN. 



This town, the seventh in size and ranking next to the 
lowest in popuhition, contains an area of thirty-one thou- 
sand two hundred and thirty-six acres, and its popuhition 
in 1870 was six hundred and eighty-four. It is situated 
in the northern part of the county, between Lake Chaniplain 
and South bay on the east and Lake George on the west. 
It is bounded north by Putnam and south by Fort Ann. 
Its average length is ten miles, and its average breadth is 
five and a half miles. It is centrally distant from the 
clerk's office (Ai-gyle) about twenty-five miles. It is 
formed from parts of six patents, named and located as 
follows : Firet, " Alexander Turner's great patent,'' since 
known as the " Williams patent," the southern part of 
which occupies the extreme northwest part of the town. 
Second, " Turner's little patent," a narrow strip lying along 
Lake Champlain, in the northea.stern part of the town. 
Third, the "Thomas and Turner patent," since known 
as the " Mitchell patent," which lies next south of the 
" Turner's little patent." This patent embraces the lands 
lying in and around Dresden Centre. Fourth, the 
" Stewart patent," embracing a narrow tract lying along 
South bay, commencing at its mouth and extending nearly 
to the Fort Ann line. Fifth, the " Lake George tract," 
commencing near the foot of Black mountain on Lake 
George, and extending to and beyond the southern bound- 
ary of the town. Sixth, the " South bay tract," which 
includes all the rest of the town, and embraces by far the 
larger part of its area. 

The general character of the surfece is rougli and moun- 
tainous, the hills rising gradually from the shore of Lake 
Champlain, and attaining their greatest altitude near the 
shores of Lake George, to which they descend with a sharp 
and sudden slope that in some parts is precipitous. These 
mountains are rocky and broken, and generally covered 
with a forest of hard-wood trees. The pines and hemlocks 
have mostly been disposed of, and a second growth of 
beech, maple, birch, oak, ash, hickory, and popple has taken 
their places. 

There are several quite prominent mountain-peaks in 
this town. Spruce mountain occupies the western part 
north from Knowlton's bay, reaching its greatest height at 
that point. Elephant mountain lies to the south of Bosom 
bay. Sugar-loaf mountain is a prominent feature of the 
scenery, and lies near the centre of the town. The " Hog's 
Back" mountain occupies the southeastern part of the 
town. Diameter precipice lies in the south part, near the 
head of South bay. " Black" mountain, the sovereign 
of them all, rises to a height of two thousand eight hun- 
dred and seventy-eight feet from the shore of Lake George, 
just south of Elephant mountain. It extends along the 
shore in a southerly direction. 



The principal stream is Pike brook, which rises near the 
centre of the town, and flowing in a southerly direction, 
empties into South bay about one-third of the distance 
from its head. Other small streams rise among the moun- 
tains and flow in an easterly course to Lake Champlain, and 
one empties into Lake George in the vicinity of Hulett's 
Landing. 

The only body of water of any size lying in the town is 
known as Long pond, and is a little southeast of the centre. 
Its outlet flows northeast, and empties into Lake Champlain 
at a place called the " Ling-hole." 

The soil of the arable lands, which he mostly along the 
shores of Lake Champlain and South bay, with a small 
tract along Lake George, between Blufi' Head point and 
Elephant mountain, is generally of a hard clay, mixed in 
some places with gravelly or sandy loam. It is a strong 
and productive soil, but hard to till. It is well adapted to 
purposes of grazing and stock-raising. The principal occu- 
pations of the people are lumbering, farming, and boating. 

In the early period of the history of this section wild 
animals of all kinds were found in abundance, and even 
as late as 1850 " Corey's Gazetteer" says, " It is a wild, 
mountainous township, abounding with bears and wolves. 
Deer are occasionally seen." At the present time (1878) 
a good many deer are found roaming the forests, and laige 
quantities of the different kinds of smaller game are found. 
But bears and wolves, panthers and wild-cats are now sel- 
dom found. 

The settlement of this town was begun by Joseph Phip- 
peny, at the mouth of South bay, about 1784. Soon after 
a few others settled in the same vicinity. Settlements were 
begun in other parts of the town between then and 1800. 
It is impossible to obtain full data of these settlements, and 
we give a brief list of those who are supposed to have been 
the original settlers, appending to their names the number 
of the lot and name of the tract on which they settled, and 
the date when known ; and following this list, the best ob- 
tainable sketch of the families in the order of their settle- 
ment: Joseph Phippeny, Stewart patent, 1784; Ebenezer 

Chapman, South bay tract, 1796 ; Boggs, Stewart 

patent, 1786 ; Daniel Kuff, Stewart patent, 1786 ; Soger 
Barrett, Stewart patent, 1806; James Snody, Stewart pa- 
tent, 1805; Palmer Blunt, lot 6, Turner patent; Abraham 
Clemens, lot 4, Turner patent, 1808-12 ; Daty Allen, South 
bay tract, 1817; Orrin Brewster, 14, South bay tract; 
Israel Woodcock, 153, South bay tract ; John Burgess, 154, 
South bay tract; Harvey Hulett, 151, South bay tract, 1804 ; 
Amariah Taft, 155 and 156, South bay tract, 1822 ; Elijah 
Nobles, 154, South bay tract ; Amos Slater, 15, South bay 
tract ; Welcome Hulett, 13, South bay tract ; Charles No- 
bles, 11, South bay tract; John H. Waters, 10, South bay 

283 



284 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tract ; Isaac Hurlburt, one-half mile west of Dresden Centre; 
Dr. Nathaniel Rhoads, on Pike brook ; Levi Belden, near 
the northeast corner of the town ; Solomon Belden, 7, 
Turner patent ; Nathan Curtis, 7, Turner patent ; Jonathan 

Mclntyre, 43, South bay tract ; Lindley, 68, South 

bay tract ; Elnathan, Duthan, and Walter Benjamin, north 
end of Stewart's patent. The first white settler on Lake 
George was a Frencliman named Levisee. He occupied a 
■part of the Hulctt farm, died, and was buried there near 
the foot of the mountain previous to the year 1800. This 
was probably the first death in the town. Nothing remains 
to mark his grave, and tradition alone perpetuates his name 
and memory. 

Joseph Phippeny, the hardy pioneer who first dared the 
perils attending the settlement of tliis wild tract, was from 
Connecticut. His wife, one son, and three daughters ac- 
companied him. The son died unmarried. Of the daugh- 
ters, Rebecca became Mrs. McClintock, lived in Whitehall 
for a few years, and then moved to Ohio ; Abigail, Mrs. 
Martin, and lived in Vermont, and moved to Ohio. Both 
of these lived to an advanced age. The third daughter, 
Mabel, married Ebenezer Chapman in 1798. Their wed- 
ding is supposed to have been the first celebrated in this 
towu. Joseph Phippeny .settled on the place now owned 
by Ralph Barber. He died about 1816. His wife sur- 
vived him many years, went to live with her daughters in 
Ohio, and died in 1831 at the age of one hundred and four. 
Only one of his descendants is now living in town, Mrs. 
William Suody, who is also the only descendant of Ebenezer 
Chapman, now living in Dresden. 

Ebenezer Cliapuian married Mabel Phippeny in 1798, 
and settled on the farm now occupied by William Snody. 
Here they lived till 1810. Five children were born to 
them. — Annis, Sally, Joseph, Mabel, and Delia. In 1810 
his wife died, and he removed to Vermont, where he mar- 
ried again. His second wife's name was Esther, and they 
had six children, — Nancy, Maria, Sophia Ann, Dennis, 
Esther M., and Ebenezer, Jr. Of these eleven children 
but three are now living, — Mrs. Esther Buell, in White- 
hall ; Mrs. Mabel Snody, in Dresden ; and Mrs. Sophia A. 
Benson, in Iowa. Daniel Ruff had quite a family. One 
of his daughters, Ruth, married a Mr. West, and lived in 
this .section for ten or fifteen years, then moved away. None 
of his descendants are known to be in this section. 

Roger Barrett was a son of Hildreth Barrett, of Killings- 
worth, Conn., and at the age of sixteen, together with his 
father, enlisted in the American army and fought through 
the Revolution. He was at West Point, under Benedict 
Arnold, when the gallant but unfortunate Major AndriJ was 
captured, and witnes.sed his execution. When Clinton 
evacuated the city of New York, he was a member of the 
force under Washington that marched into the city. At 
the close of the war he settled in Whitehall. He came to 
Dresden (then Putnam ) in 1806, and bought the farm now 
occupied by Eleazer McMore. About 1810-12 he returned 
to Whitehall, where he remained till 1816, when he again 
came to Dresden, and this time to stay. He died in Dres- 
den, June 13, 1838. His family consisted often children, 
two of whom died in infancy. The names of the others 
were Joseph, Jane, Anna, David, Smith, Sally, Wilson, and 



Polly. Joseph, Jane, and Polly are dead. The others still 
reside in town. David Barrett, second son of Roger, early 
developed a remarkable degree of business capacity, and 
throughout his long life has ever been a leading spirit 
among his fellow-townsmen. He was born in Whitehall in 
1800. At or soon after the time of his majority he was 
appointed as justice of the peace, and served in that capacity 
forty-two years. He was also supervisor of Dresden for 
fourteen years. In the old training days he was a member 
of the militia, and rose to the rank of brigadier-general. 
He has largely engaged in lumbering and in boating. He 
brought from Ottawa, Canada, the first load of Canadian 
lumber that was ever brought in an American-built boat. 
It was in 1849. Part of the lumber was used in the con- 
struction of his present residence, the rest was sold in 
Albany. It cost in Ottawa four dollars per thousand 
feet. 

James Snody, born in Saratoga, Saratoga count}', July 9, 
1781, was a son of William and Annis Snody. In 1804, 
on the 4th of December, he was married in Half-Moun 
to Hannah WilLsey, a daughter of Cornelius and Mercy 
Willsey, of Amenia, Dutchess county. Soon after they came 
to Dresden, and settled about three-fourths of a mile north 
of the mouth of Pike brook, near the shore of South bay. 
Of their children, Mercy married Amos Waters, and after 
her parents' death they occupied the homestead. She died 
several years ago. William married Mabel Chapman, and 
now lives on the old Phippeny homestead. Daniel lives in 
Michigan. Harriet became Mrs. Jones, and removed to 
California, where she is still living. John died young. 
Jeremiah lives in Dresden ; Duthan B. in Missouri. Hiram 
is a blacksmith at Dresden Centre. Samuel is living in 
Oswego. James Snody died in Dresden, March 25, 1864, 
at the age of eighty-three ; Hannah, his wife, died Sept. 
20, 1863, aged eighty-two years. 

Palmer Blunt was a farmer and surveyor, and was one of 
the earliest justices of the peace in Dresden. 

Abraham Clemons came from Vermont about ISIO or 
1812. He had a family of five children, named respectively 
Caty, .John D., Abraham O., Alonzo B., and Archibald M. 
The two first^named died some five or six years since ; 
the three last-named are living, — Alonzo B. in Allamakee, 
Iowa; Abraham 0. at Dresden Centre; and Archibald M. 
on the homestead, a little north of Dresden Station. Abra- 
ham Clemons died Aug. 29, 1861, aged eighty-two years, 
and his wife Patty died Dec. 3, 1860, at the age of seventy- 
nine years. 

Israel Woodcock was one of the earliest settlers in the 
vicinity of Bosom bay, on Lake George. He and his son 
Ivy lived together. In course of time Israel died. Ivy 
reared a family on the homestead, and, dying, was succeeded 
in the possession of the property by his son Israel (2d). 
He sold the fiirm to a Mr. Gillett, and he sold to the 
present owner, Mr. Samuel Cook, of Whitehall. 

John Burgess was the first owner of the place now occu- 
pied by Mr. Hiram Vowers, at the foot of Elephant moun- 
tain. He had eleven children, none of whom now reside 
in Dresden, and but one is known to be living in this State, 
— Lewis Burgess, of Hague. 

Harvey Hulett came to Dresden, and settled near Bosom 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



285 



bay, about 1804. In 1806 his father, David Hulett, also 
came and lived with him. About this time Harvey married 
Miss Olivia Pratt, of Jackson, Washington county. Their 
family consisted of four sons,-^Arnold, Alouzo, Harvey, 
and Philander, — all of vrhom are still living : Arnold, in 
Putnam ; Alonzo, in Fort Ann ; Harvey, Jr., in Benson, 
Vt. ; and Philander, in St. Augustine, Fla. Harvey and 
his wife died a few years since, and were succeeded on the 
homestead by their son, Philander, who, in 1877, sold the 
place (which was attaining considerable note as a pleasant 
summer resort) to J. W. Hall, Esq., of Whitehall. 

Amariah Taft, thougli not an early settler, was one of the 
first owners of the land north from Bosom bay. His first 
residence was on the place now occupied by an Indian fiimily 
named Jakway. He first came to Dresden from Cambridge, 
lumbering, in April, 1822. He decided to remain in that 
locality, and bought the land as far north as BluiF Head 
point. He built his residence on the place now occupied by 
Wiles Saxon, and lived there till his death, in June, 1862. 
He had five children, two of whom arc still living, both of 
them in Hague, — ^Mrs. Samuel Weston and Geo. Taft. 
Rev. A. D. Gillett, of New Y'ork, who is pastor of a Baptist 
church in Sing-Sing, was a brother of Mrs. Taft, and spent 
his summer vacations at her pleasant home on the shores of 
the Horicon. The little island in Knowlton's bay which 
bears his name was his favorite resort, and under the 
shade of its trees many pleasant hours of study and reverie 
were spent. He conceived such a liking for this chosen 
spot that he finally purchased the island of the State. 
Subsequently, in 1872, he bought the northern part of the 
Taft farm and erected a fine residence on Blufl" Head point, 
where he spends the hot summer days in the enjoyment of 
quiet repose. 

Doctor Nathaniel Rhoades was an early settler on Pike 
brook. He was a practicing physician for many years, 
dying about 1858-59. His wife, Mrs. Anna Rhoades, is 
still living in Dresden, and has reached the age of one 
hundred and tliree years. 

Three brothers, Elnathan, Walter, and Duthan Benjamin, 
settled along the shore of South bay, near its moutli, pre- 
vious to 1820. Elnathan was an early justice of the peace. 
None of the families are now represented in town except 
Walter's. Two of his .sons, Burr and Charles, still reside 
here. 

This town was originally a part of Westfield (now Fort 
Ann). In 1806, together with Putnam, it was set ofif as 
a part of that town. March 15, 1822, it was set off from 
Putnam, as " South Bay," and on the succeeding 17th of 
April it was re-named " Dresden." 

The records of the town were all destroyed by fire when 
Geo. L. Clemons' store was burned in the winter of 1875-76, 
so that whatever of interest may have been there recorded 
is lost beyond the power of the historian to reach. 

The town-meetings were for several years held in the 
church. When the Good Templars' hall was built the 
first floor was to be used for town purposes. Since that 
was burned the elections are held in different places. 

The following is as full and complete a list of the town 
officers as we have been able to obtain in the absence of the 
destroyed records : 





TOWN GPFICERS. 




Supervisor. 


Town Clerk. 


Colleet..!. 


1R23. Isaac Boomer. 


Daty Allen. 


No record. 


1S24. Daty Allen. 


.•Vbraham Clemons. 


" 


1825. " 


i, .< 


" 


1826. Elnathan Benjam 


n. " " 


"■ 


1827. Palmer Blunt. 


Elnathan Benjamii 




1828. Elnathan Benjamin. Daty Allen. 




1829. 


David Barrett. 


" 


IS.'JO. " ■' 


Amos i51ater. 


" 


1831. David Barrett. 


Ralph Barber. 


" 


1832. " " 


« « 


" 


1833. 


Duthan Benjamin. 


" 


1834. " 


.. 


" 


1835. " 


" 


Amos Slater. 


183fi. " " 


« « 


John D. Clemons. 


1837. " 


« .< 


« « 


1838. 


lienj. Benjamin. 


Henry H. Hulctt. 


1839. " 


•' 


Ilir^im Beblen. 


1840. " " 


<. 




1841. " 


u 


Luther Carter. 


1842. Hiram Bcldcn. 


D.irius Jones. 


« 


1843. Darius Jones. 


William Snody. 


« 


1844. J. F. Mclntyre. 


" " 


Caleb Mclntyre. 


1845. Darius Jones. 


" " 


Luther Carter. 


1846. Ralph Barber. 


Luther Carter. 




1847. 


" 


James Chase. 


1848. 


Samuel 0. Welch. 


Joseph Beebe. 


1849. Harvey HuIctt. 


David Barrett. 


« « 


1850. 0. Clemons. 


Luther Carter. 


« 


1851. Samuel 0. Welch. 




L. H. Gould. 


1852. " 




Luther Carter. 


1853. Joseph Beebo. 




'■ " 


1854. 




Nathaniel Derby. 


1855. Burr Benjamin. 


Reuben J. Hurlburt 


John Ingalls. 


185(5. Oliver L. Stcere. 




John Ingalls. 


1857. Burr Benjamin. 


Reuben J. Hurlburt 


Harvey Hulett, Jr. 


1858. " " 


Geo. Bartholomew. 


" 


1859. J. Bartholomew. 


Charles Benjamin. 


Jos. Bartholomew. 


1860. Oliver L. Steere. 


" " 


John Ingalls. 


1861. Charles Benjamin. 


Jos. Bartholomew. 


" 


1862. 


Roswell C. Beebe. 


Israel Woodcock. 


1863. Israel Woodcock. 


" " 


Myron H. Ingalls. 


1864. " " 


" " 


Gardner F. Belden. 


1865 Harvey Hulett, Jr. 


Israel Woodcock. 


W. S. Wetherbee. 


1866. Jos. Bartholemew. 


Richard W. Philips 


Nathaniel King. 


1867. David Barrett. 




Isaac Stockwell. 


1868. " 




William Stockwell. 


1S69. Charles Benjamin. 


Amos Walker. 


Oscar F. Gillett. 


1870. " " 


Thos. Bartholomew 


" " 


1871. Joseph Beebe. 




Tlios. Bartholomew. 


1872. 




A. M. Hathaway. 


1873. Joseph Barrett. 




Dan'I A. Plandrcau. 


1874. 


L. D. Carter. 


William Stockwell. 


1875. David Barrett. 


George L. Clemons. 


James K. Benjamin 


1876. Oliver L. Steere. 


" 


Dan'l A. Flandreau. 


1877. D.an'l A. Flandreau 


James K. Benjamin 


Isaac Stockwell. 


1878. 


" 


Wm. G. Brown. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE. 



1821 


Daty Allen. 


1833 


Duthan Benjamin 


1827 


" " 




Roswell C. Beobo. 




Elnathan Benjamin. 


1834. 


John H. Waters. 




Palmer Blunt. 




Ralph Barber. 




Jonathan Winn. 




John C. Burgess. 


1828. 


Elnathan Benjamin. 


18.35. 


John H. Waters. 


1829. 


Jonathan Winn. 


1836. 


David Barrett. 




Ralph Barber. 


1837. 


Hiram Bcldcn. 


1831. 


" 


1838. 


Ralph Barl;,er. 




Roswell C. Beebe. 


1839. 


Darius Jones. 




Abraham Clemons. 


1840. 


Roswell C. Beebe. 


1832. 


Daniel Snody. 




David Barrett. 




David Barrett. 


1841. 


William Snody. 




Lyman Allen. 


1842. 


Hiram Belden. 



286 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1S43. 


Arnolil iruk-tt. 


1861. 


Wm. Snody. 


I8U. 


David Barrett. 




Amariah Taft. 


1845. 


William SnoJy. 


1862. 


Philander Uulett. 


1846. 


George Buciianan. 


1863. 


Oliver L. Steere. 


1847. 


Amariah Talt. 


1864. 


Calvin Pease. 


1818. 


David Barrett. 


1865. 


Wm. Snody. 




Elea/.er MoMore. 


1866. 


Jonathan Tracy. 


1849. 


Samuel 0. Welch. 




Gardner F. Belden. 


1850. 


Ralph Barber. 


1867. 


Oliver L. Steere. 


1851. 


Amariah Taft. 


1868. 


Gardner F. Belden 


1852. 


David Barrett. 


1869. 


J. L. Chase. 


1853. 


Samuel 0. Welch. 


1870. 


B. Waters. 


1854. 


Hiram Snody. 


1871. 


Philander Hulett. 


1855. 


Joseph Moore. 


1872. 


Oliver L. Steere. 


1856. 


William Burpee. 


1873. 


B. Waters. 


1857. 


William Sniid.v. 


1874. 


Samuel Barrett. 




David Barrett. 


1S75. 


William Snody. 


1858. 


Hilaln Snody. 


1876. 


Oliver L. Steere. 


1859. 


William Burpee. 


1877. 


B. Waters. 




R. R. Rhoados. 


187S. 


D. S. Nichols. 


1860. 


Jonathan Tracy. 
David Barrett. 




Robert Walker. 



COMMISSIONERS OF EXCISE. 



1875. Joseph Bartholomew. 
David Stockwell. 
Gardner F. Bekleu. 



1876. .Joseph Bartholomew. 

1877. Ralph Barber. 

.■Vmos Walker (appointed). 



There are no village.s in thi.s town. Chubb's dock and 
Dresden are stations on the New York and Canada rail- 
road. Dresden Centre, Dresden station, and Hulett's land- 
ing are post-offices. Dresden Centre is a small hamlet 
three-((uarters of a mile west of Chubb's dock, and con- 
tains about a dozen dwellings, a store, a blacksmith-shop, a 
school-hou.se, and a church. There is a store at Dresden 
station, and during the summer season stores are kept at 
Hulett's landing and Kuowlton's bay. There are five or six 
saw-mills in Dresden, but one of which is doing much work. 

The first inn was kept by Solomon Belden, in the north 
part of the town, on the present David Sleight fitrm. The 
site of the building was some distance north of Mr. Sleight's 
residence. It was first opened about 1815. 

The first store was kept by John Chubb, near the present 
residence of Abraham Stockwell, about 18-11. 

There never has been a grist-mill or manufactory of any 
kind in the town. 

The first saw-mill was built, about 1815, by Amos Col- 
lins, near the " Ling-hole," at the mouth of the outlet of 
Long pond. It rotted down and was replaced by a tan- 
nery, which existed for a brief period. The site is now 
unoccupied. Daty Allen subsequently built a saw-mill on 
the opposite side of the creek. 

During the progress of the War of 1812, and while the 
British forces were advancing up the lake to attack Platts- 
bui'g. Captain Squire Bartholomew's company of infantry, 
from Whitehall, was ordered to march to and occupy the 
rocky blufl^ near the present residence of General David 
Barrett, at a point called the Narrows. The waters of the 
lake here pass between two bluffs but a few rods apart, the 
rocks towering nearly a hundred feet above the water. On 
the western bluff the troops built a breastwork of loose 
stones fronting the channel, and on the highest point, near 
the southern extremity, they erected a square block-house 
for their better security. The fortunate termination of the 
battle of Plattsburg rendered these defenses unnecessaiy, 



and soon after they were abandoned. Some slight traces 
of thase fortifications are still to be seen, but they are 
nearly obliterated.* The block -house was t«rn down about 
1830. Some of its timbers are still in existence. 

The shores of Lake George, from the head of the lake 
to the junction at Ticonderoga, are full of legendary and 
romantic interest. Combining the beauties of nature with 
the fascinations of historic lore. Lake George is well fitted 
for a summer resort, where, leaving the follies of the fash- 
ionable world, people may find a secluded j'et lovely retreat 
wherein to spend the sultry days of summer, breathing the 
pure air of the mountains, rocking gently on the placid 
waters, bathing in their sparkling depths, climbing the 
mountain-tops to view nature's panorama, or swinging be- 
neath the fragrant pines to dream of the long-ago. Among 
the pleasantest of these resorts is the narrow stretch of level 
lands between Elephant mountain on the south and Spruce 
mountain on the north, embracing the lovely .sheets of 
Bosom and Knowlton's bays. Cottages and summer resi- 
dences have sprung up like magic, and in the summer-time 
the place presents a lively, charming, and interesting ap- 
pearance. At Hulett's landing, John W. Hall has fitted 
up a place for the entertainment of guests. Three commo- 
dious buildings and a handsome cottage, with a bath-house 
and a boat-house, furnish accommodations for fifty or sixty 
guests. A store and post-office are located here, and the 
principal steamers stop regularly on each trip. A stage- 
line fiirnishes communication with the New York and Cen- 
tral railroad at Chubb's dock. A wide and shelving sandy 
beach affords unequaled bathing facilities, and the numer- 
ous islands render the scene one of unsurpassed beauty. 
The summit of Black mountain is easily reached by a well- 
broken path, and all the points of special interest are easily 
accessible from this point. 

At Knowlton's bay is one of the most picturesque points 
along the whole lake. The place was formerly owned by 
Amariah Taft, afterwards passed into the hands of W. A. 
G. Arthur, of Ticonderoga, who sold it to Israel Wood- 
cock. He sold it to a man named Amos Smith, from whose 
hands it passed into the possession of its present owner, 
Delorme Knowlton, of New York. The tract consists of 
one hundred and twenty-six acres, and was bought for one 
thousand dollars. 

Several thousand dollars have been spent in beautifying 
the place and fitting it for occupancy. A fine, commo- 
dious, and showy residence has been put up on the highest 
point of the rocky cape that juts out into the bay ; trees 
have been removed from some places and set out in others; 
rocks have been removed ; crevices filled ; winding roads 
and walks laid out ; rustic stairs, summer-houses, and seats 
built; and, in short, everything done to render a residence 
there comfortable and pleasant. The farm buildings have 
been remodeled, and present a neat and tasty appearance. 
Agnes and Gillette islands are seen near the northern side 
of the mouth of the bay. From the observatory is an ex- 

■*■ This place was the scene of Putnam's exploit in 1756, when he 
crossed over from Lake George with two cannon and two blunder- 
busses and a small company of his rangers, and attacked a troop of 
French and Indian marauders, who were retre.iting to Canada viii 
Whitehall and Lake Champlain. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NP:W YORK. 



287 



tensive view of about twenty miles along the surface of the 
lake, extending from Rogers' Slide, on the north, to Bol- 
ton, on the south. Sabbath-Day point is just across the 
lake. The place is kept in charge of David Nichols, whose 
courtesy enabled us to see and appreciate its beauties. 

On the summit of the first ridge of Spruce mountain, 
and about one and a half miles from Mr. Knowlton's, is a 
cave which, though as yet not fully explored, bids fair to 
prove an interesting and noted feature of the vicinity. It 
was discovered about a year ago (1876-77) by James 
Adams, of Dresden, who, while hunting, tracked an ani- 
mal into the cave. It was soon after partially explored, 
and was found to extend into the mountain at least some 
fifty or sixty feet. The outer entrance faces the southwest, 
and at that time had to be entered in a creeping position. 
It has since been enlarged, and can be entered by stooping 
slightly. This entrance is five or six feet wide, and ex- 
tends into the mountain some ten or twelve feet, opening 
into a circular chamber fifteen feet in diameter and about 
six feet high. At the rear of this a similar opening passes 
through a wall of rock to a second chamber, with a higher 
ceiling. From this chamber, to the right, upon a shelf of 
rock some three feet above the floor, is the entrance to a 
third chamber. At the rear of the second chamber aiiotlier 
opening, only eighteen or twenty inches in diameter and 
only two feet above the floor, opens into still another cham- 
ber, which has not been explored. The walls of it could 
not be reached with a pole twelve feet in length. The 
walls and roof of these chambers are a rough grayish rock. 
The floor is covered with a fine black soil. Tradition has 
always hinted at the existence of a cave on the mountain, 
and a curious legend is told about it. Many years ago it 
was the abode of a white man and an Indian. It was also 
a secret hiding-place for a large amount of gold and silver 
that in some manner they had secured. The white man 
was of French blood, and had a son who was then a small 
lad. One day he and the Indian got into a quarrel, and a 
desperate fight ensued, in which the Indian was slain and 
the white man mortally wounded. With wonderful vitality 
and persistence, he, however, managed to get away from the 
vicinity, and communicated to his son, either personally or 
by letter, the secret of the cave and directions for finding 
it. Many years elapsed, when one day an old man came 
to the residence of one of the settlers and wanted to secure 
board for the summer. His request was acceded to, and 
he established himself as an inmate of the house. With 
his staff in his hand and a haversack of provision at his 
side, day after day, week after week, month after month, 
he wandered through the woods and over the mountains. 
He did not hunt, he did not collect geological or botanical 
specimens, but simply wandered around in a seemingly aim- 
less search after something. When winter came he left 
the vicinity never to return, but told his host, before leav- 
ing, this story in explanation of his mysterious conduct. 

Another legend holds that it was the abode of counter- 
feiters, who here made spurious coin to foist upon the un- 
suspecting world. In support of this is adduced the testi- 
mony of an old resident in the town of Hague, just across 
the lake, who claims to have frequently seen the flash and 
glow of mysterious lights upon the mountain side. 



In the earlier days of Dresden the lumbernun :iii(l 
farmers depended upon oxen for the most of their work. 
None but the thrifty and prosperous could hope to own a 
horse. A few figures from the original census of the town, 
taken in 1825, will be of interest. There were 94 families 
in the town (ranging in numbers from three to eleven per- 
sons each), and composed of 523 persons, — 271 of whom 
were males and 252 females. They tilled 2007 acres of 
land, run 5 saw-mills, owned 22 horses, 404 head of cattle, 
298 hogs, and 698 sheep, and cast 96 votes at elections. 

SOCIETIES. 

Monnt Vernon Lodge, No. 136, /. 0. G. T.— This lodge 
was instituted March 9, 1873, by John J. Wing, of Gran- 
ville, at that time county deputy of Washington county. 
It had thirty-three charter members, fifteen of whom were 
initiated at this first meeting. The first officers were Hiram 
Snody, W. C. T. ; Mrs. Mary E. Hartley, W. V. T. ; Rob- 
ert Steele, W. Secretary ; Martha Bartholomew, W. Treas- 
urer ; and Thomas Bartholomew, L. D. 

The first meetings were held in the church until about 
eighteen months after its organization, when the lodge pur- 
chased a building site of Abraham Stockwell, near the 
corner of the road leading to Chubb's dock, and erected a 
fine two-story building, twenty-two by forty-two feet, the 
upper room of which was finished off' for a lodge-room. 
The entire cost of the property was nearly or quite twelve 
hundred dollars. The lodge prospered, and increased its 
membership to one hundred and fifty. In the spring of 
1876 this building was burned by an incendiary. Through 
careleissness, the insurance policy had been been allowed 
to expire, and there was a total loss. The lodge then met 
in the school-house for a time, but was at length driven 
from that by the action of the school-meeting, and having 
obtained the use of the old school-house, fitted it up and 
now occupy it. The present membership is sixteen. The 
present officers are Wm. Stockwell, W. C. T. ; Mary E. 
Bartley, W. V. T. ; T. D. Bartley, W. S. ; Amos Walker, 
W. F. S. ; Asa Chubb, W. T. ; Asa Winn, W. Chaplain ; 
Amos Walker, L. D. 

Dresden Temperance Clnh. — Under the auspices of the 
Whitehall Temperance club a public meeting was held at 
the church in Dresden Centre, on the evening of June 20, 
1877, and steps were taken to organize a temperance club. 
The meeting adjourned to the school-house on the 27th, 
when an organization was completed by the election of the 
following officers, — viz. : President, George L. demons ; 
vice-presidents, Charles Bartholomew, William Stockwell, 
Joseph Barrett, Edward Adams, Oliver L. Steere ; secre- 
tary, J. Marvin Snody ; treasurer, Isaac Jakway ; executive 
committee, James Bartholemew, Robert Walker, Jr., Oliver 
L. Steere, Joseph Barrett, William Stockwell, William 
Snody. 

The constitution adopted at that meeting declares it to 
be the object of the society " to render assistance to per- 
sons who are endeavoring to abandon the use of alcoholic 
drinks ; also, to prevent others from acquiring habits of in- 
temperance." Its meetings are held on the second Tuesday 
of each month, and the amnual meeting occurs on the 
second Monday of May in each year. 



288 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOEK. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DRESDEN. 

About the year 1823, Elder Fuller, of Poultney, Ver- 
mont, met some of the Christian people of Dresden at the 
house of Deacon Huntington (the place is now occupied 
by a grandson, Thomas Huntington), and after an inter- 
esting service proceeded to organize a Baptist church. It 
was composed of twenty-one members, who joined at this 
meeting or soon after. Their names were Mr. and Mrs. 
Deacon Huntington, their three sons, John, Erastus, and 
Noel, and their two daughters ; Mr. and Mrs. Silas Guil- 
ford ; Mr. and Mrs. Deacon Bosworth ; ]\Ir. and Mrs. 
Abraham Stockwell ; Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Wetherbee ; 
Mr. and Mrs. Palmer Blunt, and hi.s father and mother ; 
Mr. and Mrs. John Barker. 

The church struggled along with various degrees of suc- 
cess until about 1833, when a powerful revival swept over 
the town, and the membership increased to sixty. But 
members moved away, died, or were lost to the church, and 
few additions were made until the number fell to twelve, 
in 1874. In June of that year Rev. Joseph Earl, of 
Whitehall, was sent to preach to this people by the Wash- 
ington County Baptist Association. He preached but once 
in two or three weeks. In the winter of 1876 another re- 
vival visited the town, and as a result twenty-five were 
added to the church at one time. This was followed by 
other occasional additions, until the present membership 
amounts to fifty-two. 

The ministers who have served this people during the 
fifty-five years of its existence are Elder Fuller, Rev. 
William Jliller, the originator and great expounder of the 
doctrines of " Millerism," or Second Adventism, Rev. 
Enos Flew, who was the first settled pastor in 1835, Dan- 
iel A. Flandreau, and Rev. Joseph Earl, who has regu- 
larly supplied the pulpit, since the winter of 1876, in the 
capacity of stated supply. 

The deacons have been Deacons Huntington, Asa Winn, 
William Snody, and Oliver L. Steere, — the two latter act- 
ing in that capacity at present. 

A Sunday-school was started in connection with the 
church about 1835-45. James Rickert was the first 
superintendent. The present superintendent is A. 0. 
Clemons, and the school has an average attendance of 
thirty or forty. 

The early meetings of the society were held mostly in 
the north part of the town, in school-houses or barns or 
woods, as circumstances permitted. This state of things 
continued till July 5, 1848, when, at a meeting in the 
school-house of Dresden Centre, a resolution was passed to 
erect a building to be called the " Freeman's Church of 
Dresden." A committee to solicit subscriptions, build the 
church, and act for the society, was appointed, consisting 
of G. C. Burdett, David Barrett, Lemuel Bartholomew, 
Roswell C. Beebe, and William Snody. 

There were ninety-one subscribers to the fund, and they 
were entitled to one vote for every three dollars paid. 
April 1, 1850, Henry and William Ingram donated the 
lot on which the church now stands, and before winter the 
church was built and ready for use. It has simply been 
kept in good condition since, no extensive repairs having 



been made. Its estimated cost was eight hundred dollars 
and its present valuation is one thousand dollars. 

When first built it was used as a hall for all town-meet- 
ings, elections, political meetings, etc., but now two-thirds 
of the stock is controlled by members of the church, 
or by them held in trust for its benefit, and the church is 
now used simply for church purposes, and controlled by the 
Baptist denomination. George L. Clemons is the present 
church clerk. 

The first post-ofiice in Dresden was established in 1828, 
and Lyman Allen was the postmaster. The ofiice was kept 
a little south of the present residence of Oliver L. Steere. 
It was supplied with the mail by a carrier named Ballard, 
whose route was from Whitehall to Ticonderoga. It was 
abandoned about 1831, and was revived again in 1872, at 
Dresden Centre, Thomas Bartholomew acting as postmaster. 
There are now three post>-olEces in town. 

In 1840 there was one pensioner living in Dresden. 
His name was Thomas Huntington, and he was eighty- 
three years old. 

MILITARY. 

We add a list of men from this town who served in the 
War of 1861-65, taken from the report of the town clerk 
to the military bureau at the close of the war, and sub- 
mitted recently for correction to the people of the town. 

Andrew Allen, enl. Aug. 24, 1S61, 43d Begt., Co. F ; disch. Due. 7, ISCl. 
John AriU!itrung, cnl. Oct. 20, 1864. 
Jami'S Allen, enl. June 17, 1804. 

John Biirrott, enl. Nov. 12, 186'2, S"th Begt., Co. A; wounded; discli. for disa- 
bility, Feb. 14, 1862. 
Isiuic Barrett, enl. Sept. 3,1861,87th Begt., Co. A; wounded; re-enl.; disch. July 

17, 1865. 
Leonard W. Barrett, enl. Sept. 16, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A ; died of disease at 

Fortress Monroe, Aug. 19, 1862. 
Joseph Barrett, enl. Nov 12,1861,87th Begt., Co. A ; wounded; disch, March, 

1863. 
John B. Benjamin, enl. Sept. 13, 1801, 87th Begt., Co. A ; disch. for disability. 
Wm. W. Bartholomew, onl. Sept. 8, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A ; captured iu Seven 

Days' fight; prisoner in Libby; paroled; re-enl. 1864. 
Eugene Bartholomew. 

Charles liartholomew, enl. Aug. 26, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D ; disch. June 8, 1866. 
Joseph Bartholomew, enl. Aug. 26, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Francis Bartholomew. 
Carter Barrett, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. D ; disch. for disivbility, in 

1862. 
Dennis Barrett, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D ; disch. with regiment, 

June 8, 1865. 
George L. Clemons, enl. Sept. 3, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A; wounded; disch. for 

disability, Oct. 6, 1862. 
Matthew Curraii, enl. Sept. 3, 1.S61, 87th Regt., Co. A ; disch. for disability, Aug. 

II, 1862. 
John Clute, enl. Sept. 3, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. -V ; disch. at consolidation of 

regiment. 
John Cook. 

Thaddous Chubli, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. Juno S, 1865. 
John CarroU, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C; disch. June S, 18G5. 
Bernard Carroll, enl. Oct. 20, 1864. 
John M. earns, enl. Oct. 20, 1864. 
George Clark, enl. Dec. 27, 1864. 
Augustus P. Chase, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, S7th Begt., Co. A ; died of disease, in 

ho8pit.al at Washington, D. C, 1863. 
Charles Duclat, enl. Sept. 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A ; disch. at consolidation. 
S. A. Eastman, enl. Aug. 11, 1862,123d Begt., Co. D; disch. June, 1865. 
Daniel Flandreau, enl. Sept. 1, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A ; lieut. ; wounded at Fair 

Oaks; disch. ; re-enl. Jan. 22, 1864, Art., Co. G. (U. S. N.); disch. June 2, 

1805. 
Thomas Glenn, enl. Sept. 3, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A ; re-enl.; discharged. 
Adoniram J. Huntington, enl. Sept. 3, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A; wounded at 

Fair Oaks, Va. ; discb. for wounds. 
Oscar F. Hopkins, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
James Hurlburt, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Regt., Co.C; prisoner; disch. June 8, 

1865. 
George B. Hopkins, onl. Feb. 12, 1804, 96th Regt., Co. E ; died at Fortress Mon- 
roe, June 21, 1604. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



289 



■Wm. D. Jones, enl. Sept. 15, 1801, 87tli Kcgt., Co. A ; re-tnl. ; di<ch. at con- 
solidation. 

Molancllion Jones, enl. Feb. 18, 18C2, 93d Begt., Co. I; disch. June 21, 1SC2. 

John H. Jolinson, enl. Oct. 20, 1864, 4;id Regt., Co. F ; disclmrged. 

Oliver Jewell, enl. Sept. 3, 1861, 87th Kegl., Co. A ; disclmrged. 

Nathaniel King, enl. 1861, 44th Regt, Co. A ; lost Bu aim above the elbow, and 
was furnislied with artificial arm by government ; discharged. 

Patrick Lahey, enl. Oct. 20, 18G4, 87th Regt., Co. A ; discharged. 

Henry May, enl. Sept. 18, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A. 

Joseph Moore, enl. May 25, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 19, 1863 ; rc-enl. ; 
discharged. 

Cliarlcs Marshall, enl. Oct. 20, 1864. 

Baker B. Plow, enl. Aug. 26, 1862, 123d Regt.. Co. D ; discli. June 8, IS65. 

James Piatt, enl. March 23, 1864, 123d Regt., Co. I ; disch. July 17, 1865. 

Albert Pifer, enl. Oct. 20, 1864. 

Royal Plew, enl. Aug. 26, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D ; disch. Juno, 1865. 

Hiram Snody, Ist sergt.; enl. Sept. 3, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A; wounded; 
prisoner; disch. May 5, 1863. 

Alexander Sleight, enl. Sept. 3, 1861, 87th Regt, Co. A; disch. at consolidation. 

James Sliepard, enl. Nov. 12, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A ; discli. March 27, 186;i. 

Nelson St. Clair, enl. Sept. 2, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A ; re-enl. 1804 ; disch. at con- 
solidation. 

raniel Sullivan, enl. Jan. 24, 1864 ; discharged. 

Joseph St. Clair, eul. Feb. 17, 1864; discharged. 

37 



Wm. Smith, enl. Oct. 20, 1864 ; discharged. 

John Sheran, enl. Dec. 7, 1864. 

JohnSlavin, enl. Sept. 16, 1862,169th Regt., Co. F: disch. at Weller's Point, Va. 

AVm. W. Stockwell, enl. Sept. 4, 1801, 87th Regt., Co. A ; disch. Oct. 1864. 

Thomas Sullivan, enl. 1863; discharged. 

Robbins Wetherby, enl. Sept. 2, 1801, 87Ib Regt., Co. A ; wounded ; pro. to 3d 
sergt. ; disch. Aug. 4, 1862. 

Leveret t Wilson, enl. June 27, 1801, 22d Begt., Co. G; disch. June 20, 1863. 

Rames W. Walker, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 4:id Begt., Co. F; died of disease,at Point 
Lookout. 

John J. Wetherby, enl. Sept. 2, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A; died of fever, at York- 
town, April 23, 186J. 

Amos Walker, enl. Aug. 26, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D ; di^ch. June 8, 1865. 

Asahel Ward, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D; died of fever, at Stafford 
Court-IIoune, Va. 

Alphonz.. C. Wilson, enl. Feb. 22, 1864, 123d Regt., Co. C : disch. June 17, 1866. 

Wm. Waters, enl. March 25, 1864, 123d Regt., Co. K ; killed in battle. May 15, 
1864. 

Eugene Wilson, enl. March 25, 1864, 123d Begt., Co. K ; disch. July 17, 1805. 

James Waters, musician ; discharged. 

Abijah W.aters, enl. Sept. 8, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A ; disch. for disability. 

James F. Wallace, enl. July 26, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. D; discharged. 

Joseph Young, eul. Aug. 26, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D ; disch. June 8, 1865. 

Wm. Yates, enl. Oct. 20, 1864 ; disch. at close of war. 



E A S T O N. 



This is the southeast town of the county, and is bounded 
north by Greenwich ; east by Jackson and Cambridge ; 
south by Renssehier county ; and west by the Hudson 
river. It is of irregular rectangular form ; its greatest 
length, from north to south, being about eleven and three- 
fourths miles, and its greatest breadth, from east to west, 
six miles. It is centrally distant from Salem about sixteen 
miles, and contains an area of thirty-eight thousand eight 
liundred and thirty-four acres, ranking second in size in 
the county. The surface is varied : level along the Hud- 
son, lightly rolling to the foot of the hills, and then moun- 
tainous in the eastern part. The princijMl peaks are Wil- 
hird's and Swain's mountains near the centre, Harrington 
hill and Whclden hill near the eastern line, and Louse hill 
ill the northern part. Wiilard's mountain dei'ives its name 
from the fact that during the Burgoyne campaign a Mr. 
AVillard reconnoitred the British position from its summit 
with a spy-glass, and also because it was part of the tract 
owned by this same Mr. Willard, who resided in Albany. 
The range of mountains that enters the town from the 
south, and occupies the eastern half of its surface, is a 
portion of the Pcterl o;ough ir TagI a lic mointain 
chain that extends northward through Columbia and 
Ilen.sselaer counties. The northern extremity of this range 
in Easton is known as the " Cement mountain." This 
furnishes an excellent quality of limestone and cement, 
both of which are usually manufactured in large quanti- 
ties, though the business is now temporarily suspended. 
The only .streams of importance are the Hudson and Batten 
Kill, which form the west and north boundaries. Fly creek 
in the north, and Kidney creek in the south. On the 
Batten Kill are three falls, — the first at Greenwich ; the 
second at Galesville, forty feet high ; the third, half a mile 
below and west of Galesville, known as " Dionondahowa 
falls." The last is worthy of note, the .stream falling 
seventy-five feet within a distance of three hundred. For 
forty or fifty rods above the falls the sti-eam runs in a 
gently-descending rapid, curving to the right, and descend- 
ing more rapidly as it nears the fall. It then suddenly 
narrows its channel, inclines to the left between rough 
walls of slate-rock, aiid falls over four successive terraces, 
each narrower and higher than the preceding. The waters, 
now of creamy foam, here gather together, and entering a 
rocky gorge hurl them.selves madly over the brink into the 
" Devil's Caldron." Now lashed to fury, beaten to spray, 
dashed hither and thither with resistless force, they sul- 
lenly pour forth over another fall of twelve or fifteen feet, and 
turning to the right flow through a dark ravine between 
liigh rocky banks on their way to the Hudson. The 
scenery at this point is beautiful and picturesque, and may 
Will repay the tourist for a trip to view this wonderful 
290 



manifestation of the power an<l masterly skill of nature's 
great Architect. 

On the eastern border of the town is a large swamp, 
called the " Fly." This is a corruption of the Dutch word 
vlaic (pronounced "vly"), used to designate low grounds 
subject to overflow. The creek of the same name takes its 
rise in this swamp. 

The soil of this town is composed of a rich loam, vari- 
ously intermixed with clay, gravel, and .sand. There is 
scarcely an acre of waste land in the town, all being tillable 
and exceedingly fertile. The principal occupation of the 
inhabitants is farming, though manufacturing is carried on 
to some extent at Greenwich and at Galesville. 

This town was originally a part of the Saratoga patent 
of 1684, and was afterwards a part of the towns of Still- 
water and Saratoga,' of Albany county. On the 3d of 
March, 17S9, it was erected into a separate township, and 
from being the easternmost town of the patent was called 
East Town or Easton. 

In the general history of the county is an account of 
the great military expeditions which passed up the Hud.son 
in early times (some of them through the town of Ea.ston) ; 
of the building of Fort Saraghtoga, on the .bank of the 
Hudson, in 1709, and its destruction in 1745; of the 
erection of Fort Clinton some distance back from the river 
in 174G, and of its destruction in 1747. As there stated, 
there is little doubt but that there was a thriving settle- 
ment around Fort Saraghtoga previous to 1744 ; but no 
authentic records regarding it can now be found. 

All traces of Fort Clinton, as well as of Fort Saragh- 
toga, have long since been obliterated ; but judging from 
the topography of the country, from the description given 
by the French partisan, St. Luc (La Corne de St. Luc), and 
by the traditions handed down among the settlers, we con- 
clude that Fort Clinton was on a wide plateau, which forms 
the top of an extensive bluff bordering the course of the 
Batten Kill, and about half a mile south of Galesville, or 
Middle Falls. Taking the road from Galesville to Schuyler- 
ville, and at the second three-corners entering the field to 
the right, the aiiti((uarian is believed to stand on the site 
of Fort Clinton. 

Whatever may have been the extent of the settlement 
previous to the War of 1744, the territory in question re- 
mained unoccupied and desolate, so far as known, between 
the close of that war in 1748 and the breaking out of the 
last French war in 1754 ; though it is po.ssible that some 
of the original settlers returned during that period to re- 
build their shattered homes and cultivate their abandoned 
fields. But it was not until after the close of the latter 
war in 1760 that anything positive is known regarding the 
settlement of Easton. Immediately after that event several 




R£S/D£<C£ Of COL ANDffEW THOMPSON , fASrOAI.W/._H •«C70N f.o N Y 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOIIK. 



291 



families moved in, and again began the worli of making 
" the wilderness to blossom as the rose." During the 
period between the French war and the Revolution a large 
number of settlers entered on the task of subduing the 
forest. The earliest of these located on the rich intervale 
that borders the Hudson, and others struck out into the 
woods to locate their future habitations. Then the Revo- 
lutionary war, with all the horrors springing from Indian 
atrocity and Tory malignity, stayed the progress of the 
pioneers. Nearly all, save some families of Friends and a 
few others, fled to safer localities, and returned only when 
peace once more brooded over the hills and dales of Easton. 
Then the settlement rapidly grew iu numbers and wealth, 
and the town soon became known as one of the richest and 
most fertile of all this section. Our limits permit but a 
brief history of a few early settlers. 

Nathan Tefft came from North Kingston, R. I., in 17G6, 
being then fifty years of age. His son Stanton, then 
twenty-two, accompanied him. The latter was a surveyor 
noted for the accuracy of his work. They traveled on 
horseback through Connecticut and Massachusetts to the 
Hoosic river, which they followed down to the mouth of 
White creek. They then pursued the course of this latter 
stream to Cambridge, whence, guided by marked trees, 
they crossed the hills to the Middle falls ou the Batten 
Kill, where the village of that name now stands. Here 
Mr. Tefft purchased a tract of land on both sides of the 
stream lying cast of the " Big falls," and on the .south 
bounded by the road to the Hudson river, being a part of 
the purchase of Killian De Bidder. The title was a lease 
for an annual rental. He commenced a clearing and built 
a saw-mill near the site of the present one, which was the 
fir.st mill of any description not only in Easton, but upon 
the Batten Kill. He built his house and barns east of 
the saw-mill, and in 1768 returned to Rhode Island for 
his family. They came to Albany in a sailing-vessel, and 
then up the Hudson to their new home. 

Nathan Tefft's wife was Isabel Stanton. Of their chil- 
dren, Isabel and John died unmarried ; Stanton and Na- 
than settled in Easton ; Mercy married a man named 
Rogers ; Mary married Nathan Cottrell, of Greenwich ; 
and Sarah married a Mr. Crandall. 

Stanton Tefft married Mehetabel Rogers, and had a fam- 
ily of five sons and two daughters, all of whom settled iu 
Easton or Greenwich. Stanton was quite promiTient, hold- 
ing several important oiEces and practicing his profession 
of surveying. 

Nathan Tefft (2d) married Dorcas Babcock. Their 
children were four sons and five daughters. The youngest 
of these is Mrs. Phrebe Conkliu, of Schuylcrvilie. The 
farm belonging to this branch of the family is now occupied 
by a great-grandson of the first Nathan Tefft, known as 
Nathan Tefft (4th). 

Killian De Bidder emigrated from Holland to America 
in company with his four brothers, — Simon, Walter, Hen- 
drick, and Garrett. They all settled on the Hudson. 
Killian purchased a tract in the north part of Easton that 
was seven miles long, and ran back from the river one mile 
in width. He was a bachelor, and f|uite eccentric in his 
ways. Of the other brothers little is known, though, with 



the exception of Hendrick, who lived near the mouth of 
the Mohawk, they probably settled in Easton. 

Simon's farm was opposite and a little above Schuyler- 
ville. His son Walter succeeded him on the homestead. 
He had three children, — Mrs. Ann Abeel, of Easton ; Mrs. 
Jane Levisee, of Waterford, and afterwards Greenwich ; 
and Simon, who married in opposition to his father's wishes, 
and was left to work out his own fortune by the incensed 
parent. His second marriage was with Maria Van Schaick. 
Killian De Ridder went to her and, in a bantering way, 
said if she would catch Simon De Ridder in the matrimo- 
nial noose he would give her a wedding-present of one 
hundred and fifty acres of his best land. Taken as a jest, 
it soon passed from mind. He then went to Simon, and 
told him if he would woo and wed Maria he would, on his 
wedding-day, deed him one hundred and fifty acres of land. 
This, too, was accepted as a harmless pleasantry, and was 
soon forgotten. But as time rollcd'on Simon saw and loved 
Maria. She, too, felt the kindling power of love in her 
breast. Simon proposed, — she accepted. True to his 
promise, Killian drew two deeds from his pocket on the 
wedding-day, and presented one to the bride and the other 
to the bridegroom. Astonishment and thanksgiving were 
mingled, and a merry party sat down to the nuptial feast. 
This three hundred acres was directly across the river from 
Schuylerville, and is now occupied by Simons son, Mr. A. 
G. L. De Ridder. 

Jacob G. Van Schaick, of Albany, and later of Half- 
Moon, came to Easton prior to the Revolution. His farm 
was on the river, near Smith's ferry. When the war broke 
out he joined the army, and was given a major's commis- 
sion under General Gates. During Burgoyne's campaign 
his family returned to Albany. The Tories and Indians 
burned all his buildings. From Gates' camp he saw the 
fire, and asked leave to go to the defense of his property. 
Gates refused, telling him he would " lose his scalp as well 
as the rest of his property." He had three sons and three 
daughters, — Hendrick, Garrett, and Evart, Mrs. Kendrick 
Van Buren, Mrs. Killian Vandenburgh, and Mrs. Simon 
De Ridder, all of Easton. 

Hendrick Van Schaick rose to considerable prominence 
in legal affairs, being at one time judge of the court of 
common pleas. His son, Jacob H. Van Schaick, is still 
living at North Easton. 

Thomas Beadle was a resident of Smithfield, R. I. His 
wife's name was Phoebe Meach. In 1763 they removed 
with their seven children to Amenia, in Dutchess county, 
where they remained eight or ten years ; then, with a fam- 
ily increased to eleven children, they came to Easton, some 
time in 1770-73, where their twelfth and last child was 
born. Tliey settled about a mile from the present village 
of Easton, near the Friends' meeting-house, on the farm 
now occupied by Royal Slocum. 

Of his children, Thomas settled oti the place now occu- 
pied by Frankliu Willett, two miles fjom South Easton; 
Daniel settled on the Hudson, near Van Buren's ferry 
(now Searles') ; David on the homestead with his father; 
Mishael settled near his brother Thomas, on the place now 
occupied by his grandson, Zina Beadle. Sylvia died, leav- 
inc no children.^ IMishael married Pliilena Brownell. 



292 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Their children were Sylvia, Sarah, Elijah, Thomas, Phoebe, 
John, and Hannah. These all lived to about the allotted 
threescore years and ten, and, what is quite remarkable, 
their deaths were in the order of their births. The 
youngest child is still living, — Mrs. Hannah Barber, of 
Cambridge village, — and she is now seventy-three years 
old. 

The house built by Mishael Beadle is still standing. 
The Beadle burying-grouiid is supposed to be the oldest in 
the town. The first burial, that of a young lady, is said 
to have been attended by six persons, representing every 
family in the town. The first recorded burial was May 
6, 1776, — Mrs. Meach, mother of Thomas Beadle's wife. 
Jonathan and Loammi Beadle were also buried there in 
177S and 1777 respectively. 

Elijah Freeman, of Dutchess county, in 1773, at the 
age of seventeen, came to Easton and purcliased of Mr. 
Willard, of Albany, three hundred acres of land about three 
miles northeast of North Easton. He married Pernella 
Follett. Of his children, Elmer and Mrs. Matilda Badger 
died in Easton ; Lyman, at the age of twenty-one, enlisted 
in the army of 1812, and died of fever at Sackett's Harbor ; 
Manly lives in Iowa ; BIrs. Perlina Rathbone in Easton ; 
Mrs. Harriet Kenyon and Phoebe in Jackson ; and Mrs. 
Eunice Kenyon in Cambridge. 

Thomas Dennis came from New Bedford, Mass., previous 
to the Revolution, and settled about a mile west of Easton. 
Of his children, William, John, Simeon, Humphrey, Elihu, 
and Charles lived and died in Easton ; Britton settled in 
Cicero, Onondaga county ; Thomas in Delaware county ; 
George in Erie Co., Pa. ; Patience Rider went to western 
New York ; and Job enlisted in the War of 1812, and was 
killed at Queenstown. Daniel, a son of Charles, Bedford, 
a son of Job, and Marvin, a son of William, are still living 
in Easton. 

Thomas Dennis was a leader among his fellow-townsmen, 
one of the first justices of the peace, and held the office 
many years. He was associate judge in 1808 and in 
1811. 

Jacob Haner, from England, settled, some time before 
the Revolution, about a mile south of Greenwich, on the 
farm now occupied by Ephraim Burdick. Of his children, 
Mary married and went west. Cornelius and Jacob settled 
in Easton. Mrs. Taber, a daughter of the former, is still 
living in Easton. Jacob, Jr., is said to have planted the 
first apple-orchard and made the first cider in town. 
People came from a distance to drink of the cider, so great 
was the novelty. 

Immediately after the close of the Revolutionary war, 
Jonathan Wilbur, of Beekman, Dutchess county, came to 
PJaston and settled about half a mile north of North Ea.ston. 
He was accompanied by bis seven sons, Joseph, Job, 
Fones, Thomas, John, William, and Humphrey, all of 
whom settled in Easton, except Foiics and Thomas, who 
settled in Saratoga county. Several of their children and 
grandchildren are still residing in town. 

Among the other early settlers were John Fish, George 
Deuel, Abner Fuller, and Richard Davenport, who settled 
in the south part of the town ; Charles Russell, Peter 
Becker, William Abeel, Abraham Wright, Rensselaer 



Schuyler, William Thompson, Gerritt Wendell, Nathaniel 
Potter, Jacob Miller, Peter Miller, Garrett Van Buren, 

Peter Ruiidel, Captain Van Vorst, • Vandeiiburgh, 

Samuel Sheldon, James Storms; and Rufus Hall and Zeb- 
ulon Hoxsie, from Beekman, Dutchess county, who were 
Friends. Soon after these two Friends .settled here, Daniel 
Folgor, William Coflan, William Swain, Robert Meader, 
Barzilla Hussey, David Beard, Jo hn Swain^ and Nathan 
Coffin, all captains of whaling-vessels/whom the portentous 
cloud of coming war had driven from the sea, left their 
homes at Nantucket and Dartmouth, and came to settle 
down to the peaceful pursuits of the agriculturist. 

In addition to these, in 1789 we find the following 
named persons recorded as residents of the town, viz.: 
William Foster, David Petteys, David Petteys, Jr., Benja- 
min Fish, Stephen Anthony, Ephraim Fi.sh, Samuel Cook, 
Morton Van Buren, Henry Van Buren, Gideon Bowditch, 
Joseph Potter, Abel Coon, Elihu Robin,son, F]dmund 
Robin.son, Jedediah Robinson, Robert Dennis, Richard 
Macomber, Barzilla Pease, Abraham Pease, Benjamin 
Starbuck, James Smith, Philip Smith, Thomas Smith (an 
early ju.stice of the peace), Joseph Smith, Eleazer Slocum, 
p]lisha Freeman, Sylvester Satterlee, Jacob Benson, Tyler 
Wilcox, Abraham Ru.ssell, Greeve Hall, Garrett Lansing, 
Sterling Waters, Asa Crandall, Ezra Crandall, Roswell 
Osborn, Alexander Case, Francis Brock, John Petteys, and 
David Remington. 

The first grist-mill in town was built by John Gale, in 
1810, at Galesfille, of Middle Falls. 

The first woolen-mill was built at Galesville, in the sum- 
mer of 184G, by Gale, Rogers & Reynolds. 

The first foundry was established by Walden Eddy, at 
Greenwich, in 1832. 

The first flax-mills were erected at Greenwich. 

The first knitting-mill was established in 1862, at Green- 
wich, by a stock company. 

The first paper-mill was built at Greenwich, by Ballou & 
Craig, in 1863. 

The first store was kept by Garrett Lansing, at North 
Easton, in 1794. 

The first school was kept near Greenwich, in 1787. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 
This town was formed from Saratoga and Stillwater in 
1789. It remained a part of Albany county till Feb. 7, 
1791, when it was annexed to Washington county. The 
records go back only to 1793, and the following is a ver- 
batim copy of the first recorded town-meeting : 

"At a town-meeting held in Easton, at tlie liouse of John Swa in, 
on Tuesday, 5th day of April, I79S, the following persons were 
elected to the respective offices set opnsi^l their names; Philip 
Smith, supervisor; Richard Macomber, town-clerk ; Simon Deridcr,* 
David Potter Jr., Nathaniel Potter, Daniel Beadle, Thomas Dennis, 
assessors: Thomas Williams, Philip Smith, Ebenezcr Deuel, commis- 
sioners of highways; Thomas Beadle, Nathan Tiff.f overseers of the 
poor; Jonas Catcham, Derias Bodwill, Henry I. Lent, Albert Coffin, 
constables; Albert Coffin, collector of ta.ves; William Thomson, 
Robert Dennis, Thomas Beadle, fence-viewers : David Beard, pound- 
master; niumd Veslrht No. 1, Nathan Tifft ;+ 2, David Petticc Jr. ; 
3, Peter Scot; 4, Benjamin Burch; 5, Samuel Reynolds; 6, Jeremiah 
Cole; 7, Jonathan Potter; 8, Tyler Wilcox ; 9, Ilendrick Van Scoyk :t 



' Do Riddcr. 



t Tefft. 



J Van Schaick. . 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



293 



in, Allen Potter; 11, D 


avid Archer; 12, James Storms; 13, Samuel 


Supervisor. 


Town Clerk. CoMector. 


Fuller; 14, Oliver Sweet ; 15, Daniel Thomas 


16, Jabez Briggs; 17, 


1845. Thomas D. Beadle. 


Alfred Worth. Harrison Leslie. 


Michel Beadle; 18, Ebenezer Stickland; -19, 


Israel Harrington; 20, 


1846. " 


" '• Daniel Nutting. 


John Luse." 






1847. Job Eldridge. 


" " Edmund Rice. 


The first school commissioners were elected in 1814, and 


1848. Anson Bigelow. 


" " Benjamin Robinson. 


James Mallory, Chai 


les Starbuek, and Philander Tobey were 


1849. Joel Buckley. 

1850. Peleg Thomas. 


" " Elijah S. Anthony. 
" " AVilliam Dennis. 


chosen to that office. 


At the same time 


, Jonathan Mosher, 


1851. " " 


Ale.x. H. B. Potter. 


Calvin Smith, and Elli.s May were elected as in.spectors of 


1852. Adam Cottrell. 


James Barr. MishacI Beadle. 


common schools. 






1853. Elihu Gifford. 


Alfred AVorth. George Osborn. 


The following is 


as full and compi 


:!te a record of the 


1854. Adam Cottrell. 

1855. Russell S. Borden. 


Alex. H. B. Potter. 

George Osborn. Ephraim Tilton. 


names of the princi 


)al town officers as we are able to ob- 


1856. Adam Cottrell. 


Ale.\. H. B. Potter. James E. Crandall. 


tain : 






1S57. " 

1858. Jesse B. Fursman. 

1859. Russell S. Borden. 


" " Caleb A. Cornell. 
" " J. G. Edmonson. 
Ephraim Tilton. 
*' " David Gordon. 


TOWN OFFICERS 


OF EASTON FROM 


1793 TO 1878. 


1860. Simon Burton. 


SiiperTisor. 


Town Clerk. 


Collector. 


1861. Horace Cottrell. 


" *' James M. Eddy. 


1793. Philip Smith. 


Richard Maoomber 


. Albert Coffin. 


1862. " " 


James Hill. 


1794. Stanton Tefft. 


<. 


Jonas Ketch urn. 


1863. John J. Wetsell. 


Richard L. Eddy. William Morgan. 






Darius Bordwell. 


1864. " 


" " James Cornell. 


1795. Thomas Dennis. 


Gilbert Gardner. 


Darius Bordwell. 


1865. Edm'dW.Hollister 


Charles A. Cornell. Richard L. Eddy. 


1796. 


u 


Abel Coon. 


1866. " 


" " L. A. Slocum. 






Darius Bordwell. 


lSfi7. Warren Crau.lall. 


" " Daniel Eddy. 


1797. " 


i< u 


Nathan Rogers. 


1808. 


" " Abel Thomas. 






Jonath'n Coolidge. 


1869. " " 


Elijah S. Anthony. Allen Ensign. 


1798. 


William Woolley. 


E. Burlingame. 


1870. Andrew Thompson. 


Wm. W. Wilbur. 






Kathaniel Delano. 


1871. James B. Allen. 


" " Alonzo Hemstrect. 


1799. Jonathan Mosher 


« « 


David Petteys, Jr. 


1872. " 


" " Jonathan Wilbur. 






Nathaniel Delano. 


1873. James Hill. 


" " Alonzo Hemstreet. 


isno. " " 


« « 




1874. " " 


" " Nathan'l B. Welling. 


1801. Daniel Beadle. 


Charles Starbuek. 


« <i 


1875. " 


" " Harvey L. Potter. 


18112. " 


ti .( 


<i „ 


1876. J. Warren Fort. 


Franklin G. Tefft. 


1803. 11. Van Sehaick. 


« 


,i ,• 


1877. J. Warren Fort. 


Freder'k H. Merrill. Reuben E. Ferguson. 


1804. " 


« « 


.< « 


1878. Harvey Tubbs. 


" Samuel M. Skiff. 


1805. Daniel Beadle. 


" 


« 






1806. 


" 


" " 


JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 


1807. 


<i « 


George Coffin. 






1808. 


« 


,i 


From 1792 to 1830 


, they were appointed by the State; 


1809. John Gale. 


" " 


" " 


from 1830 to 1878, they were elected by the people. 


1810. Jonathan Mosher 


Jacob Van Buren. 


John Luce. 






1811. John Gale. 


" 


John Prince. 


1792. Stanton Tefft. 




1811. Benjamin Brownell. 


1812. " " 


" 


George Briggs. 


Thomas Dennis. 




Calvin Smith. 


1813. Charles Starbuek. 


" " 


" 


Thomas Smith. 




James Tefft. 


1814. " " 


" " 


Luke Chapin. 


1795. Stanton Tefft. 




Abraham Wright. 


1815. Calvin Smith. 


" " 


John Prince. 


Thomas Dennis. 




1812. Gcrritt H. Van Sehaick. 


1816. " 


Charles Starbuek. 


" " 


Thomas Smith. 




1815. James Tefft. 


1817. James Mallory. 


Philander Tobey. 


Simeon Dennis. 


1798. St.anton Tefft. 




Philander Tobey. 


1818. James TefTt. 


Calvin Smith. 


Ebenezer Norton. 


Thomas Dennis. 




Calvin Smith. 


1819. " " 


Luke Chapin. 


Esek Brownell. 


Thomas Smith. 




Rcdlord Dennis. 


1820. Jonathan Mosher. 


Calvin Everest. 


Simeon Tefft. 


1801. Stanton Tefft. 




James Mallory. 


1821. John Davenport. 


Stephen Jackson, Jr. James Abel (2d). 


Thomas Dennis. 




James S. Tefft. 


1822. " 


" 


" " 


Thomas Smith. 




1817. Simon De Riddcr. 


1823. Esek Brownell. 


Abraham Cornell. 


Abraham Cornell. 


D.anicl Beadle. 




1S18. Josiah Sheldon. 


1824. James Tefft. 


" " 


Joel Potter. 


Thomas Cornell. 




David Chase. 


1825. " 


" " 


Wm. M. Lockwood. 


John McKenney. 




Calvin Smith. 


1826. " 


" 


« 


1804. Thomas Dennis. 




James Tefft. 


1827. Gideon Cornell. 


" 


« 


Thomas Smith. 




James Mallory. 


1828. 


" 


" 


Daniel Beadle. 




Philander Tobey. 


1829. Anson Bigelow. 


Joel Potter. 


Esek Brownell. 


Thomas Cornell. 




1821. John Davenport. 


1830. " 


" 


Sidney Deuel. 


Daniel Shepherd. 




Gideon Cornell. 


1831. John Davenport. 


" 


Wm. M. Lockwood. 


Hendrick Van Sehaick. 


Ebenezer Horton. 


1832. Pelcg Thomas. 


" 


John Ad.aras. 


David Petteys. 




James Tefft. 


1833. " 


" " 


Joseph Benson. 


1805. Simon De Bidder. 




1822. Simeon Dennis. 


1834. Aaron Barker. 


« « 


a u 


1806. Nathaniel Potter. 




1827. Abraham Conklin. 


1835. Peleg Thomas. 


" " 


" 


1808. Nathaniel Potter. 




John Wright. 


1836. " 


« ,. 


Wm. V. S. Allen. 


Benjamin Brownell. 




Gideon Cornell. 


1837. Aaron Barker. 


<i 




James Tefft. 




Lemuel Simmons. 


1838. Peleg Thomas. 


.. i< 


John Skiff. 


J.ames Kenyon. 




1828. Ebenezer Norton. 


1839. " 


« 


David S. Hastings. 


Daniel Shepherd. 




1829. Martin Mason. 


1840. Anson Bigelow. 


" 


Horace Brownell. 


William Thompson. 




1830. Abr.aham Conklin. 


1841. " 


Russell S. Borden. 


" " 


Calvin Smith. 




1831. Dcrastus D. Dennis. 


1842. " 


« 


James Cornell. 


ISIO. Simon De Bidder. 




Chancellor Ensign. 


184.3. Alien GifTord. 


« 


« 


.Abraham Wright. 




Job Eldridge. 


1844. " 


" 


Daniel Nutting. 


Jonathan Mosher. 




1832. James M. Skiff. 



294 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1833. Royal Slociim. 

1834. Cbiincellor Ensign. 

1835. Isaac Crandall. 
William Coizens. 

1836. Willinm Coiiicns. 
IJcrial) W. Briggs. 

1837. Royal Slooum. 

1838. Horatio Emmons. 

1839. David Smith. 
184n. William Cozzens. 

1841. Royal Slocum. 

1842. Horace Bigelow. 

1843. Horatio Emmons. 
Giles Benson. 

1844. William Cozzens. 

1845. Royal Slot-urn. 

1846. Seneca W. Uifiord. 

1847. Horatio Emmons. 

1848. William Cozzeus. 
lS4i). Royul Slocum. 

1850. Seneca W. Gilford. 

1851. Daniel Rice. 

1852. William Cozzens. 
Horatio Emmons. 

1853. Asahel Perry. 

1854. Seneca W. Gifford. 

1855. Trustram Corliss. 



1855. Seneca W. Gifford. 

1856. James B. Allen. 
Henry S. Crandall. 

1857. Horatio Emmons. 

1858. Seneca W. Gifford. 

1859. William Cozzens. 
1800. James B. Allen. 

1861. Harvey WiIco.\. 

1862. Seneca W. GitTord. 
1SC3. William W. Mead. 
1SC4. James B. Allen. 

Lewis Potter. 
1865. Harvey Wilcox. 
1800. Seneca W. Gifford. 
1807. Charles M. Slocum. 

1868. James B. Allen. 

1869. Harvey Wilcox. 

1870. Lewis Potter. 
1S71. William Uoxic. 

1872. Charles H. Dennis. 

1873. Harvey Wilcox. 

1874. Lewis Potter. 

1875. William Hoxie. 
James B. Allen. 

1876. Russell A. Borden. 

1877. Lewis Potter. 

1878. W. V. K. Reynolds. 



The town-meetings are usually held at North Easton, 
but there arc two election districts. During the War of the 
Rebellion the town of Easton sent its full quota of soldiers 
info the field, and also eared for their families during their 
absence. A war-committee, of which Lewis Potter, Esq., 
was secretary, was fully empowered to offer such bounties 
and take such other measures as might he necessary to se- 
cure the requisite number of soldiers. In the year 179'J 
there were nine places licensed to sell spirituous liquors. 
T!ie fee for license was from five dollars to eight dollars 
and seventy-five cents each. The names of those who took 
out the licenses, and who of course were either inn-keepers 
or store-keepers, were John Van Buskirk, Joseph Wills, 
Benjamin and John Gale, Ebenezer Deuel, John Swain, 
Samuel Southworth, John MeGill, Daniel and Isaac Mer- 
ritt, and John Gould. 

In 1877 there were hut tico licensed hotels in town. There 
are three villages, one hamlet, and parts of two other villages 
in this town. The oldest of these is Easton. Jacob Ben- 
son was the first settler there. Dr. Jonathan Mosher re- 
sided there for many years. The village is divided into 
two parts. The northern part is called " Bang All," and the 
southern part " Barker's Grove." The former is the old 
settlement. In (he early years of this century it was a 
thriving village. It now contains about one hundred and 
sixty inhabitants, lias two stores, a hotel, a large carriage- 
shop, and is the seat of Marshall Seminary. The first 
blacksmith-shop was by Stephen Allen and his brother 
George, about the year 1800. Stephen Allen was born in 
New Bedford, Mass., in 1781, came to Easton in 1799, and 
is now living, at the advanced age of ninet.j'-seven years, 
about one mile south of Easton. His faculties arc wonder- 
fully preserved, and he bids fair to live yet many years. 

Easton village is located near the centre of the southern 
half of the town. 

North Easton, two miles north of Easton. has been called 
Easton Corners. It is the principal village, and most of 
the town business is transacted there. In early times it 



was called " Starbuck's Corners," from one of its prominent 
business men, Nathaniel Starbuck, who owned most of the 
lands on which the village was subsequently built. Garrett 
Lansing kept the first store here in 1794. Other early mer- 
chants were Jacob Van Buren, Charles Starbuck, and John 
Gale, who afterwards went into business at " Middle Falls," 
and gave the place its present name of " Galesville." The 
first post-office in' town was established here early in the cen- 
tury. It was on the mail-route from Troy to Whitehall. 
John Gale was the first postmaster. At present the village 
has about two hundred inhabitants. There is a Reformed 
Dutch church and a Methodist, a carriage- and blacksmith- 
shop, owned by David Herrington, a store, a hotel, a liarness- 
shop, and about twenty-five dwelling!?. 

South Ea.ston is a small village near the Cambridge line, 
and two miles east of Easton. It contains about fifteen 
dwellings, a store, and a blacksmith-shop. Samuel, Benja- 
min, Leonard, Joseph, and David Cook, five brothers, were 
the first settlers, and the locality was then called Cook's 
Hollow. Isaac Merritt was the first merchant, and kept a 
large store previous to 1800. He was afterwards a promi- 
nent business man of Troy. His store in this village was 
about opposite the present one. Some years later Thomas 
D. Beadle built the store now occupied by Fred. E. Hill. 
The place was then called " Beadle Hill." The post-office 
was established about the same time, with Thomas D. 
Beadle as first postmaster. 

Crandall's Corners is about two and a half miles south 
of Easton, and within a mile of the town and county 
line. It was named after Holden Crandall, who kept a 
tavern and store there many years ago. A church at that 
place, belonging to the estate of Warren Crandall, is used 
irregularly by all denominations. The post-office was estab- 
lished in 18(J7,with W.aiTen Crandall the first postmaster. 

Fly Suiumit is a post-office and station on the Greenwich 
and Johnsonville railroad, near the line between Easton 
and Cambridge. 

Part of Greenwich, — including the furnace and fia.x-niills 
of Eddy, Reynolds, Langdon & Co., the carriage-shop of 
Joseph Jliller, the paper-mill of Angell, Safford & Co., 
and the Pleasant Vale knitting-mill, — together with about 
one-ninth of the population, lies in this town. The saw-mill, 
grist-mill, woolen-factory, plaster-mill, and a few dwellings 
at Galesville, are in Easton. 

At a very early day there was a little settlement in the 
valley east of the residence of Mr. H. Taber, about a mile 
.and a half south of Greenwich. There was a store, said to 
be the first in the town, a saw-mill owned by Benjamin Pros- 
ser, and a wheelwright-shop kept by Andrew Ferguson. 

During tlie Burgoyne campaign in 1777 the town of 
Easton was overrun by Hessians, Tories, and Indians. No 
battles were fought on its soil, but the horrors of war swept 
over it. Charred and blackened ruins marked the site of 
many a once happy home. Bauni's forces, on their way to 
Bennington, left the Hudson near the mouth of the Batten 
Kill, and crossed the town in a generally southeast course. 

When the battle of Saratoga was in progress, a force of 
Aiuerican scouts occupied the hills on the De Bidder farm, 
on the east side of the river, and the enemy brought some 
of his batteries to bear ujioii them and tried to drive them 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTV, NEW YORK. 



295 



out. Cannon-balls and shells have frequently been plowed 
up there, but none have been found for some years. 

A lawsuit, tried a long time ago, liad such a novel termi- 
nation as to make it worthy of a record here. Mrs. Cook 
was the plaintiiF, and Erastus D. Culver the counsel for the 
defendant. The case was tried before a referee. In the 
midst of the trial Culver did something that aroused the 
ire of his legal opponent, who thereupon called him a 
" pettifogging little rascal," adding, by way of emphasis, 
that were it not for the law he would " take it out of his 
hide." The referee then proposed that they should soothe 
their lacerated feelings and argue the case by a wrestling- 
match, the victor in that struggle to have the case decided 
in his favor. The proposition was accepted, the room 
cleared of its furniture, and the combatants " pitched in." 
After a long and desperate struggle, Mrs. Cook's lawyer 
was thrown by his opponent. Culver. Mrs. Cook paid the 
costs with a good grace, remarking that " it was the only 
smart thing she ever saw Rat Culver do." 

A choese-factory was established about two miles north 
of North Easton, in May, 1874, by Job H. Wilbur and 
John Pratt. The first cost was about two thou.saud two 
hundred dollars, and as the depreciation of property has 
about counterbalanced the improvements made, it is now 
valued at about the same figure. In the season of 1877 
five hundred and forty-nine thousand five hundred and 
seventy-five pounds of milk were received at the factory, 
and converted into fifty-five thou.sand four hundred and 
seventy-nine pounds of cheese, which sold for six thousand 
three hundred and thirty-eight dollars and thirty-two cents. 

There was a ferry at Sehuylerville from the first settle- 
ment of the town till 1837, when the bridge was built. It 
is eight hundred feet long, and is a toll-bridge. 

There are three ferries across the Hudson from the 
centre of the town south, known respectively as " Searle's," 
" Smith's," and " Hogan's" ferries. 

There are some family burial-grounds, but no extensive 
cemetery, in Easton. One of the oldest is near Galesville. 
Nathan Teift's wife was buried there in June, 1777. 

MARSHALI, SEMINARY. 

This institution of learning was established in 1863, and 
opened for scholars in the fall of that year. The building 
is pleasantly located in the northern part of Easton village. 
Its first cost was four thousand seven hundred and eighty- 
two dollars. The amount was raised by selling shares of 
stock of the denomination of twenty-five dollars each. The 
school derived its name from Benjamin Marshall, one of the 
principal stockholders. In 1868 it was sold to the " Easton 
and Saratoga Quarterly Meeting" of the Society of Friends 
for the sum of three thousand dollars. In March, 1873, 
it was destroyed by fire, and was rebuilt, in 1874, by 
" Easton Monthly Meeting" of the Friends. The present 
building, which is a fine structure, cost twelve thousand 
dollars, and is still owned by the same society. 

The principals in charge of this school have been Rev. 
A. G. Cochran, Miss Maria Shepherd, Andrew J. Qua, 
Thomas Smedley, Mr. Lippincott, A. W. Macy, and Mi.sses 
Fannie Mitchell and Lucy Phillips, who have leased the 
building and are now carrying on the school. 



The attendance at the present time is about forty or fifty 
pupils. 

REFORMED CHURCH OP EASTON. 

The first meeting to organize this church was held in 
1803, and Hendrick Van Schaick was appointed chairman 
and John JIcKenney secretary. 

The church was called " The Reformed Protestant Dutch 
Church of Easton." It was reorganized under its present 
title February 8, 1872. Jacob H. Van Schaick was chair- 
man of the meeting, and Zephaniah Eddy was secretary. 

The first trustees were chosen Nov. 11, 1872. They 
were James A. Van Schaick, Jacob V. S. Becker, Charles 

A. Cornell, Thompson W. Handy, Caleb A. Cornell, Edwin 
Wright, Zephaniah Eddy, James B. Allen, and W. P. C. 
Waldron. 

The first elders were Garrett Van Buren and Walter De 
Bidder. The first deacons were John Norton and Reuben 
Wilson. The pastors in their order have been Revs. Philip 
Duryea, Jacob H. Fonda, John B. Kendall, John H. 
Pitcher, Asahel Bronson, David A. Jones, A. G. Cochran, 
and A. H. Myers, wlio.se pastorate closed in 1875, since 
which time the church has been without a pastor. The 
pulpit is supplied by Eev. D. K. Van Doren, of Sehuyler- 
ville. 

The first church edifice stood on the same site as the 
present one. It was built during the years 1803, 1804, and 
1805, and in 1807 the church and one acre of ground were 
valued at two thousand five hundred dollars. About 1845 
this building was repaired, and its value was then put at 
one thousand dollars. Since that time it has been rebuilt, 
and in 1875 the interior was refitted at a cost of three 
hundred dollars. The present valuation is about fifteen 
hundred dollars. The membership is now fifty-six. It has 
been larger than this. The present officers are : Elders, 
Gerritt G. Vaudenburgh, William H. Van Buren, James 

B. Allen, Joseph Wells; deacons, John G. Edmonson, 
George W. Van Buren, Solomon H. Houghtaling; clerk, 
James B. Allen. During the pastorate of Rev. A. H. 
Myers a Sabbath -school was regularly held, and occasion- 
ally at other times. 

friends' meetings op easton. 
The first Friends who settled in this town were Rufus 
Hall and Zebulon Iloxsie. They were brothers-in-law, and 
came froiu Dutchess county in the fall of 1773. The first 
meeting was held soon after at Zebulon Hoxsie's house. In 
1775, Hall brought his family here, and the society had 
then increased by the addition of several families of Friends 
from Rhode Island and from Dutchess county. The first 
preparative meeting was establLshed in May of that year, 
and a log meeting-house was immediately built on the site 
of the present " old meeting-house." Other additions were 
made to their numbers from time to time, and they were 
prosperous and happy. Then the Revolutionary struggle 
took place, and they fimnd them.selves, notwithstanding their 
peace-loving principles, in the midst of the theatre of war. 
During the continuation of this struggle, they suff'ered 
much in loss of property and by the persecutions of the 
warriors, who looked upon the peaceful Friends with .scorn. 
They were subject al.so to visits from the Indians, who 



296 



niSTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



roamed the forests iu search of blood and spoils. At one 
time a party of these savages, with fresh scalps dangling at 
their girdles and leading some prisoners, entered the meeting- 
house just as the meeting was breaking up. After the 
close of the war, the society rapidly grew in numbers and 
influence. In 1787 a frame meeting-house was built, and, 
having been repaired several times, is still standing about 
one mile east of Easton. In 1838 a preparative meeting 
was established in the north part of the town ; it was an 
outgrowth of the original meeting. This meeting erected 
a house of worship on a lot donated by John Wilbur. It 
was of brick, and with fixtures and furniture cost about 
one thousand dollars. This branch is .still in existence, but 
the original meeting went down several years since. The 
monthly meeting is held alternately at either meetinghouse. 

The recommended ministers from the first have been 
Robert Nesbitt, Abial Gifford, Rufus Hall, Joseph Wilbur, 
Humphrey Wilbur, Job Wilbur (2d), Thankful Merritt, 
Martha Baker, Jcdediah Gifford, and Pardon Tripp. 

The present officers are as follows, viz. : Elders and 
overseers, John Wilbur, Jr., Peleg Wilbur; clerk, Allen E. 
Wilbur ; minister, Job Wilbur. 

The officers of the women's meeting are as follows, viz. : 
Elders, Sarah B. Wilbur, Eliphal Wilbur, Avis Pratt; 
overseers, Sally Thomas, Avis Pratt; clerk, Sarah B. Wil- 
bur ; clerk of the monthly meeting, Mrs. Jane Wilbur. 

The present membership of the monthly meeting is about 
one hundred. The north meeting-house is valued at one 
thousand dollars. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF E.\STON. 

This church was first organized near Crandall's Corners. 
The date of its formation is not known, but it was many 
years ago. In 1849, Corey's Gazetteer says the church " has 
been built many years." This was the church at Crandall's 
Corners. In 1835 the society erected a church near North 
Easton, which was occupied until the present church was 
built in 1850, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. 

The first trustees elected in 1835 were Sanford R. Benson^ 
John Robinson, Asa Cogshall, William Read, Gardner An- 
thony. 

The pastors from 1835 have been Revs. Roswell Kelly, 
Tobias Spicor, Reuben Wescott, Henry Stead, William W. 
Pierce, Orrin Pier, S. S. Simmons, Benjamin Ayres, John 
Graves, Paul P. Atwell, John Harwood, Purmcnas Watts 
(assistant), down to 1850. 

The first meetings were held in a school-house, at Cran- 
dall's Corners, by Rev. Mr. Losce. Lorenzo Dow and Rev. 
Mr. Storms also held services. Daniel Ireland, Thomas 
Ireland, and Losee Ireland were three brothers who were 
converted at these meetings, and afterwards became ministers. 
Roswell Kelly was the tiret pastor, and Rev. Mr. Howe 
also preached here. The society built a small church at 
Crandall's Corners, about 1835-38, on lands donated for the 
purpose by John Drake and Benjamin B. Hutchins. This 
reverted to Hutchins, and was by him presented to the 
JMethodist Episcopal church at Schaghtieoke, to be sold for 
their benefit. It was purcha.sed by Warren Crandall, who 
repaired it thoroughly, and iu the fall of 18C8 it was dedi- 
cated as a union church. Rev. A. G. Cochran and Mr. 



Lyon participated in the services on that occasion. Rev. 
A. G. Cochran, a Presbyterian, Rev. Dolos Cronk, a 
Methodist, and Revs. William B. Walker and George 
Walker, Episcopalians, have preached in this church. No 
regular services have been held since the spring of 1877. 



The following soldiers went out from Easton during the 
War of 1812. They were members of the 15Ulh New 
York Infantry, and attached to the IGth Brigade of the 
10th Division: Captain, Walter De Bidder; lieutenant, 
Curtiss Cole; Henry W. Northrup, Alvin Allen, John 
Remington, James James, sergeants ; Philo B. Sabine, 
Keeler Burdick, corporals; Phineas Bennett, Alexander 
Hay, fifers ; Ephraim Petteys, drummer; privates, John 
B. Allen, Daniel Brewer, Amos Chapman, Jonas Crandall, 
William Dunlap, Caleb Green, Elisha Herrington, David 
Hanmiond, Cephas Hammond, David Kittridge, John Mead, 
Thomas Moody, Jo.seph I. Northrup, George Remington, 
Simeon Rouse, David Richardson, Abraham Shelley, Aaron 
Wallis, John I. Young. 

Captain, John Davenport; liotitenant, Lemuel Simmons ; 
John Moore, David Neley, Job Wright, James Darrow, 
sergeants; Noble Anthony, Matthew C. Barker, John Stone, 
David Witt, corporals; William Beckley, fifer; Paine Potter, 
Jr., drummer ; privates, Ephraim Adams, James Atkins, 
Thomas G. Beckley, Silas W. Collins, Otis Crandall, Judah 
Chase, Hiram Corliss, Enoch Dennis, David Darrow, Jede- 
diah Gifford, Zerr Luther, Abraham Lent, John Merrill, 
Gideon Mackinburgh, Alexander McCullough, John Rey- 
nolds, James R. Smith, John Swe, Abraham Storms, 
John Van Tassel, Wiliam Verback, William Wilbur, John 
Winne. 

Captain, Jacob H. Van Schaick ; Samuel Badger, Aaron 
Lilley, Luke Chapin, Lewis Potter, sergeants j Henry Day- 
ton, corporal ; Simeon Adams, Lyman Strowbridge, fifers ; 
Andrew Green, drummer; privates, William Benson, Elisha 
Burlingham, Giles Benson, Jeremiah Bennett, Moses Combs, 
Peter Delong, Ezekiel D. Ellis, Edward Ellsworth, Charles 
Ensign, Elmer Freeman, Philip Fryer, Thomas Folger, 
Alden Handy, Cornelius Handy, Andrew Lansing, George 
Manchester, Robert Nelson, Kerr Pitkin, Asa Putnam, 
Abner Perry, Thomas Sawtell, Benjamin Springer, John 
Smith, Chauncey Scoville, Jcdediah Smith, James Smith, 
Peter Straight, Evert Vandenburgh, Jonathan Willis, Daniel 
Wilcox, Hendrick Van Buren. 

The soldiers' record for the War of 18(31-65 has been 
prepared from that of the town clerk, written for the bureau 
of military statistics at the close of the war. Many names 
have, however, been added to this from the printed muster- 
in rolls, and the list submitted to the corrections and addi- 
tions of citizens : 



Elias H. Aldrkh.enl. 7Vth Regt., Co. I; re-enl. Aug. 2.'i,18C2, 123d Eegt, 

pro. lieut., lUOth Col. U. S.; wounded. 
Arthur W. Buatty, eul. Aug. 9, 1802, 12 Id Inf., Co. I ; in various battles ; 

at expiration of time. 
Wni. R. Briton, 4th Corp. ; onl. Oct. 14, 18G1, 77th Ilegt., Co. C; pro. 2d 

wounded in tlie Wilderness ; discharged. 
John R. Briton, enl. Dec. I8G3, ;7th Regt., Co. C ; lost his right arm 

Slicliael B. Beard, enl. Nov. 10, 1802, 90th Kegt., Co. E; disilmrged. 
Joseph It. Beadle, enl. Aug. 18G2, 123d Regt., Co. I; died in Easton, 51 
1S(13. 



, Co. I; 
diseh. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



297 



Marena Beadle, 1st lieut.; enl. Sept. 4, 1862, 12-3d Re;;t., Cu. I ; prisoner; es- 
caped ; disch. at Albany. 

Jabez Bonnet (2d), enl. March 10, 1861, 22d Eegt., Cu. I) ; discli. Jan. 11, 1861!. 

Benjamin Bennett, enl. Oct. 7, 1861, 77th Regt., Co. I ; .liach. June 5, 1862. 

David H. Bratt, enl. 123d Kegt., Co. I. 

Horace Beadle, enl. April 18, 1861, 2d Begt., Co. A ; disch. May 27, 1.S64. 

Clark W. Billings, enl. Nov. i, 1862, 177tll Kegt., Co. C ; liilleil. 

Peter G. Breeze, enl. Jan. 2, 1364, 16th Art., Co. K. 

Michael Borphy, enl. Capt. Lemon's Co. 

\Vm. Brewer, enl. Saratoga Kegt., "7th. 

Albert Burbanks, enl. 77th Regt. 

Philander Brownell. 

Richards. Cornielle,snrg.; onl. Sept. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I; served thnmgli ; 
disch. June 22, 1866. 

John Henry Cobb, enl. A\ig. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I ; discliarged. 

Lewis II. Cmndall, enl. Aug. 15, 1861, 125th Regt., Co. I; pro. sergt., 2d lient., 
let lieut., capt. ; prisoner; disch. June 10, 1864. 

Thomas Cornell, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 

William Clackner, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 

Esek Cowen, enl. Dec. 30, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 

Henry Carter, enl. Dec. 30, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 

Albert Clark, enl. Nov. 3, 1862, 177th Regt., Co. C. 

John Castello, enl. Capt. Lemon's Co. 

James Clerri'. 

Volney Craw, enl. 77th Regt. 

John Cavanagh, enl. 123d Regt., Co. G. 

Doctor Connelly, asst. surg. ; enl. 123d Regt. 

GeorgeL. DenniSiCorp.; enl. Aug. 8, 1802,123d KeKl.,('... 1; prison, r iit I.il.b.v; 
pro. 1st sergt. ; in various battles ; disch. at end of time, 

tllmrles H. Dennis, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 39th Regt., Co. I ; pro. 1st lieut. ; disc li. 
Dec. 20, 1864. 

John Dooly, eul. March 8, 1864, 54th Inf., Co. I ; disch. July S, 1864. 

Theodore A. Derby, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Uogt., Co. I ; detailed its teamster ; 
disch. Jan. 8, 1865. 

James U. Dennis, enl. Jan. 18,1861, 4th Art.; pro. sergl.; rc-enl.Jan. 10,1804; 
disch. Sept. 26, 1865. 

I'eter Darrow, enl. 77th Regt. 

Calvin Davis, enl. Jan. 2, 1864, 16th Art., Co. K. 

Seneca Delavergne, enl. Sept. 10, 1861, 77th Regt., Co. K. 

George Delavergne, enl. Sept. 6, 1861, 77th Regt., Co. K. 

Emery Doolittle, enl. 77th Saratoga Regt. 

Albert A. Davis, enl. 4.3d N. Y. Regt. 

Nelson Ferris, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I ; discli;irgi-.l. 

Josiah Fletcher, enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I; seried througli; dis- 
charged. 

.Stephen R. Frost, enl. Sept. 6, 1861, 77th Regt., Co. K. 

James H. Ferris, enl. 123d Begt., Co. I. 

John Fisher, enl. 125th Regt., Co. K. 

Alonzo Gooden, enl. Ang. 11, 1861, 123d Regt., Co. I; in several battles: dis- 
charged. 

Ilavulind Gifford, enl. Dec. 28, 1863, 93d Regt.; pro. to lieut.-col., aiid c,.l. : 
wounded ; discharged. 

Courtland Golden, enl. Sept. 11, 1862,93d Inf., Co. H; woumlid Ma\ r., 1.S04; 
disch. Feb. 11, 1865. 

Augustus Gorham, enl. Sept. 14, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. I. 

George Gill, enl. Sept. 6, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. C; disch. 

Henry Granger, enl. May 20, 1861, 22d Kegt., Co. D; disch. Feb. '28, 1863. 

Charles C. Gooden, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I. 

RufuB Galloway, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I. 

Alanson Gifford, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I. 

Jerome Gill, onl. 169th Regt., Co. C. 

Rensselaer Green, enl. 77th Eegt. 

Alexander Hemstreet, 123d Regt., Co. I. 

Alonzo Hemstreet, enl. Nov. 3, 1S62, 177th Regt., Co. E ; in battle of I'ort Hud- 
son ; discharged. 

John Hard, enl. Jan. '27, 1862, 93d Regt., Co. I; disch. Jan. '28, 1865. 

George Hurley, enl. Oct. 1, 1861, 77th Regt., Co. C; injured; disch. April, 1802. 

Blisha Hurley, enl. Nov. 3, 1862, 177th Regt, Co. C ; died at Cambridge, N. Y. 

John Hines, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co, I ; wounded; disch. Jujie '22, 
1866. 

■Wm. H. Harrington, enl. Sept. 0, 1861, 77th Regt., Co. K. 

Robert Hayuer, enl. 123d Regt., Co. I. 

Daniel Hurley, enl. Aug. 1863, 15th Art. 

Charles E. Hyde, enl. 123d Regt., Co. I. 

Jacob Herman, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I, 

John A. Henry, enl. 123d Regt. 

John Hoover, onl. Aug. 7, 1862, l'23d Regt., Co. I. 

Thomas Hennelly, enl. Aug. 12, 186-2, l'23d Eegt., Co. I. 

Hugh Hill, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, l'23d Regt., Co. I. 

George Iligby, enl, Aug, 11, 1862, 123d Regt,, f'o, I, 

Robert 0. W, Haner, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I. 

Charles M, Hart, enl. Sept, 6, 1861, 77th Regt,, C*i, K, 

Robert Uariiibaugh, enl, 123.1 Regt,, Co. A. 

Thijmas Hughes. 

JohTi Hyde. 

Francis J. Joffers, enl, Oi-l, 1, 1S61, 77th Regt., I'o. C; lost right leg; disch. 
Juno 6, 1862. 

38 



Kt. and Ul 



.lied 



Frank Knapp, enl. Aug. o, 1862, 123d Begt., Cu. A ; served through ; discharged. 
Gilbert Knapp, enl. 1862, 22d Regt., Co. D; detailed assistant ipiartemmster ; 

discharged. 
Henry J. Knapp, enl. Aug. 6, 186'2, 123d Regt., Co. A. 
Alanson Lewis, enl. Sept. 6, 186'2, 169th Regt., Co. C ; died at Point Lookout. 

June 9,186,'!. 
George H. Lewis, enl. Sept. 6, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. C ; iliscliar^-ed. 
Thomas Lynch, enl. Dec. '29, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 
John Lampman, enl. Oct. 28, 1862, 177th Regt., Co. C. 
Samuel McCoone, enl. May 18, 1861, 30th Eegt., Co. H; disch. 
Thomas McCoone, enl. April 25, 1861, 30th Regt., Co. H. 
Wm. McConnell, onl. Aug. 9, 1862, l'23d Eegt., Co. I; disch. Jan. 16, 1803, 
Edward Meder, enl, Oct. 1, 1862; disch. Dec. 1, 1864. 
Joseph McCann, enl. June 1, 1861, 30th Eegt., Co, H ; pro, t 

sergt, ; discharged, 
Samuel P. Millard, enl, June, 1861, 3ilth Begt,, (ai. H; 

Georgetown, Nov, 17, 1863. 
Stephen H, Millard, enl. Nov. 1861, 30tll Eegt. ; ilischargeil. 
William Millard, enl. Nov. 1861, 30th Regt.; wounded; discharged. 
Joseph H. Mattice, enl. Dec. 30, 186;!, 16th Art., Co. 1. 
George McBain, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 
Jacob Mickle, enl. Dec. 30, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 
Wm. McComber, enl. 43d Regt. 

Patiick McCarthy, enl. Nov. 4, 1861, 177th Regt., Co. C. 
John Mertes, enl. Oct. 18, 1862, 177th Regt., Co. C. 
Walton Mead, Sept. 6, 1861, 77th Begt., Co. K. 

Thomas McGwerk, enl. .Sept. 22, 1862, 93d Regt., Co. D; died on battle-fiel.l, 
Patrick Meene, enl, Troy Begt. 

Bruster Nickerson, onl. Doc. 27, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 
William K. Neil, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
John Obern, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. I ; disch. .Ian. 20, 1S65. 
James Oliver, enl. Aug. 22, 186-2, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Lewis H. Phelps, onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 12,'!d Regt,, Co, I; in various batll.- 

disch, at expiration of time. 
Henry Plant, enl. 1861, 77th Eegt., Co. I ; disch. June 5, 1802. 
Jacob Parlimene, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 
Myron Palsey, enl. Jan. 2, 1864, 16th Art., Co. I. 
William H. Phelps, enl. Aug. 11, 186-2, 123d Eegt., Co. I. 
.loseph Pecott, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. I. 
James Pelting, enl. 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Ephraim Poncher, enl. 77th Regt. 

George Parish, enl. March, 1864, 19-2d Regt., Co. G ; died at Wh.-eliiiK. Va, 
Albert Richards, onl. May 20, 1861, 22d Regt,, Co, B ; disch, Aug, 28, 1863, 



Francis Randall, . 

1865. 
Stephen Rathbono, 
George H. Russell, 
Frederick A. Sloci 



il, March 14, 186.'), 192d Begt., Co. G; discharged Aug. :!1, 






1. Aug. 14, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. I. 

, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. I ; w.juuded July 

1864; disch. Jan. 29, 1865. 
B. F. Saris, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d llcgt., Co. I ; disch. June 8, 1805. 
PatrickSullivan, enl. June 10, 1864, — Begt., ('«. A; disch. July 14, 1865, 
Nathaniel Safford, enl. Sept. 6, 1862, 77th Eegt,, Co, K, 
Peter Simons, enl, Nov. 3, 1862, 177th Begt., Co. C. 
James L. Springer, enl. Aug. 9, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Esek Smith, Capt. Lemon's company, Troy Eegt. 
Martin Shearer, enl. 123d Regt., Co. A. 
Theodore Slover, enl. l-23d Regt., Co. A. 
Jesse Shaw, 77th Regt. 
Jacob Salsbury, 22d Art. 
Peter S.Taylor, enl. Oct. 1801,77th Regt., Co. I; died 

Springs. 
John H. Vandeuburgh, enl. Oct. 1, 1862, 5th Regt., Co. G ; disch. Dec. 1, 1864. 
Abrem Vrooman, enl. Doc. 29, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 
George W. Vinson, sergt. ; enl. Dec. 14, 1864, 20th Regt., Co. I ; disch. Nov, 7. 

1865, 
Benjamin Van Norman, enl, 123d Regt,, Co, A, 
Henry I, Van Wie, enl. 77th Regt. 

Wm. Wyatt, enl. Sept. 6, 1861, 77tli Regt., Co. K ; disch. Dec. 29, 1864. 
Elihu Gifford Wicke, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. I ; disch. June '28, 1863 ; 

died Oct. 14, 1863. 
James Pierce Wicks, enl. Sept. 6, 1862, l'23d Begt., Co. I ; wounded May 4, 1863 ; 

disch. March, 1864. 
Erastus Wade, enl. Sept. 19, 1862, 77th Eegt., Co. C ; died at Washington, D. C, 

Feb. 24,1865. 
Andrew J. Walker, enl. Sept. 5, 1862, 77th Regt., Co. C ; 

disch.June 1,1865. 
John F. White, corp. ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I ; 

cellorsville; disch. June -22, 1865. 
Sherman H. Warner, enl. 1862, 77th Begt.; died at Fort Wood, N. \. 
John Wright, enl. Sept. 1802, 77th Regt.; died soon after discharge. 
Patrick Warren, enl. Dec. 30, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 
James Wylie, eul. Dec. 30, 1803, 16th Art., Co. K. 
Charles Wade, enl. 77th Eegt. 
Charles Wilbur. 
David Whipple, enl. 12:5.1 Rogl. 
Albert Wilcox, 
giark Whitaker, onl. 123d Rogt. 



ral battlei 



unded at Chan- 



298 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 




'^^^^Mr? ^o^^^ 



Pliutos. by L. V. Uur.l, 




MRS. SUSAN COTTKELL. 



ADAM COTTRELL, 

the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Green- 
wich, Washington Co., April 30, 1798. He was the son 
of Nathan Cottrell and Mary Tefft. The elder Cottrell 
was a substantial farmer, and Adam's boyhood days were 
spent upon his father's farm. He acquired as good an ed- 
ucation as the common schools of that day aiForded. At 
the age of twenty his father came to Easton, and pur- 
chased the farm owned and occupied by him after his 
father's decease, which took place in 1842. After the 
death of his father he succeeded to his business and the 
homestead, upon which he resided until his death, which 
occurred Nov. 25, 1877. In 1842, Mr. Cottrell was mar- 
ried to Miss Susan C. Gardiner. She was born July 24, 
1794, on Nantucket island, Mass., and came to Washing- 
ton county about 183(3. She was educated in Massachu- 
setts, and for many years succeeding her emigration to 
Washington county was engaged in teaching. She is a 
lady of much cultivation and refinement, and all, in fact, 
that is embodied in the term amiable and intelligent. 
Adam Cottrell was emphatically a business man, and in his 
cho.sen calling — that of a farmer — was eminently success- 
ful. He was po.ssessed of mcire (han an ordinary amount 



of energy and perseverance ; in fact, energy and persever- 
ance were his predominant characteristics. He was a very 
genial man, and possessed of high social qualities, winning 
and retaining the esteem and regard of all with whom he 
came in contact. In all matters pertaining to the interests 
of his town and county he took a prominent and active 
part. As a farmer he was very progressive in his ideas, 
and was always foremost in all matters which had for their 
object the advancement of the interests of his fellow- 
farmers. He introduced the first mowing-machine, and 
also the first seeder, and his beautiful farm of four hun- 
dred acres attested his skill and enterprise. lie took an 
active interest in political matters, and for a number of 
terms represented liis town on the board of supervisors, 
which position he filled with much credit. During the 
war he took a decided stand for the right. Incapacitated 
by age for military duty, he contributed liberally from his 
well-won means to the cause of his country. Of sound 
judgment, high character and integrity, and uncompro- 
mising morality, Adam Cottrell was one of the most sub- 
stantial men of Washington county, and a powerful aid in 
developing the resources of his town, building up and ad- 
vancing the best interests of society, — a man of broad 
charity, generous liberality, and manly honor. 



HISTORY OF WASHTNCfTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



.'99 





l-(Jurv '/]/.i^<^^ ^^--(^ ^ 



JOHN WILBUR, Jr. 

The ancestors of the Wilbur family wure English, and 
emigrated at an early time to New England. Jonathan, 
the grandfather of John Wilbur, Jr., was born in Little 
Compton, R. I., in which State the Wilburs became 
numerous and influential, one of them being lieutenant- 
governor. 

Benjamin Wilbur was for many years a member of the 
Legislature of Rhode Island. 

John Wilbur, the father of John Wilbur, Jr., was born 
iu Rhode Island, in 17(56, and was a farmer by occupation. 

About 1780 he removed to Washington county with his 
fether's family, consisting of seven sons and two daughters, 
and settled in the town of Easton. Here his father pur- 
chased one hundred and twenty acres of land, which is at 
present part of the farm owned by the heirs of Jacob 
Pratt. When about twenty years of age, he sold his in- 
terest in his father's estate and purchased one hundred 
acres, which constitute a part of the present farm of John 
Wilbur, Jr. He was a man of great decision of character, 
industrious, energetic, and in his day one of the most prom- 
inent and successful farmers of the town. Of a social and 
genial turn of mind, and characterized by rare liberality, 
he held a leading place iu the Society of Friends, in which 
he was both an elder and an overseer. He married, in 
1803, Sarah Bragg, of Easton, and had a large family of 
children, eight of whom grew up to maturity. 



John Wilbur, Jr., was the oldest of the family, and was 
born on the form where he now resides, in 1804. Nicholas 
was born in 1805 ; Fones, in 1807 ; Job, in 1809 ; Polly, 
in 1811 ; Anna, now Mrs. Charles G. Haviland, in 1813; 
Mary, Mrs. Elnathan Thomas, in 1815; Samuel, in 1817. 
The early life of John Wilbur, Jr., was spent upon his 
father's farm, and was like that of farmers' boys generally 
in the country. During the season of suspension of farm 
labor he went to school. Thus he lived with his father 
during his boyhood, and continued to remain with him, 
except about three years, till the death of the latter. In 
1839, he married Sarah, daughter of Waterman and Sarah 
Beard, who was born in Hartford, Washington county, in 
1809. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. Wilbur purchased 
a farm, which he occupied about three years, when he re- 
turned to his father's place, where he has since resided. 
His father's death occurred in 1850; his mother died in 
1838. 

Mr. Wilbur has not only been a successful farmer, but 
his whole life, measured by the unobtrusive Christian vir- 
tues which have adorned his character, has been a success 
in the highest and best sense of the word. Few men have 
lived a more upright, honorable, and exemplary life, and 
few have secured in a larger measure the confidence and 
esteem of their contemporaries. He is a member of the 
Society of Friends, in which he has long held a leading 
position. 



300 



FIISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



E. W. HOLLTSTER. 

Mr. E. W. Hollister, the subject of this brief sketch, 
was born in the town of Chatham, Columbia county, N. Y., 
on the 7th day of July, 1827. His father, Sylvester Hol- 
lister, now deceased, w:ts a native also of Chatham, havin-i; 
been born tliere in the year 1797, from which place he re- 
moved while E. W. IloUi.ster was still a cliild. tn Easton, 
in this county. 




E. \V. HOLIJSTER. 

In the common schools and academies of the locality 
where he passed his youthful days, Mr. Hollister was edu- 
cated. Like many other young men, in early manhood he 
resorted to teaching, alternating summer and winter be- 
tween the duties of the school-room and the farm. 

In 1849, Mr. Holliister made an engagement with R. W. 
Lowber, as superintendent of the Bald Mountain Lime- 
Works, a position which he filled acceptably for ten years ; 
since which time he has followed the avocation of a farmer, 
devoting much of his time to the buying and selling of 
country produce. 

In politics, Mr. Hollister has always been a Republican, 
and has not only taken a deep interest in party movements, 
but has for many years been known as one of the active 
workers of the party. He has also been called upon to fill 
responsible stations, as the representative of his fellow- 
townsmen. In 1868 he was elected supervisor of the town 
of Easton, and served two years with credit to himself and 
constituency. In 1S71 he was elected to the Assembly by 



the large majority of fourteen hundred and twenty-two 
votes. He served upon important committees of the As- 
sembly, — those on canals and on charitable and religious 
societies, — and the ensuing fall wa.s re-elected by an in- 
creased majority, — his opponent being R. W. Lowber, a 
popular and well-known Democrat. Again, at the State 
capital, we find him officiating on the committees on canals 
and roads and bridges, and making for himself an excellent 
record as a legislator. 

Mr. Hollister was married February 27, 187!^, to Miss 
Julia F. McMuUen. 



ANDREW THOMPSON 

was born in Jackson town.ship on March 22, 1808. He 
was the son of Andrew Thoiup.son and Hannah Steven.'^, 
who had ten children, of whom eight grew to years of 
maturity, and of whom Andrew was the fifth child. The 
elder Thompson was also a native of Jackson, and one of 
the foremost farmers of the place. The family were of 
Scotch extraction, and emigrated from the north of Ireland 
previous to the Revolutionary war. Two of Andrew 
Thompson's uncles were Revolutionary soldiere. After the 
war they settled in Washington county. 

The early life of our subject was passed on his fathei's 
farm. He received a common school education. He re- 
mained on his father's farm until 1840, when he married 
Eliza A. Stevens, daughter of Judge Stevens, of Greenwich, 
where she was born in November, 1816. Her father was 
prominently identified with the county, w.is a member of 
the Legislature, sheriif of the county, and filled other prom- 
inent positions. In 1841 he removed to the town of Easton, 
and purchased the farm where he now resides, a view ot 
which may be seen in another part of the work, in connec- 
tion with the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. 

Mr. Thompson has been prominently identified with the 
material growth and improvement of his town, and has filled 
many prominent positions. In 1859 he was elected to rep- 
resent his district in the Legislature, where he served as 
chairman on engrossed bills and printing. He served his 
constituents faithfully. He also served a term as supervisor 
in 1869. He has also been prominent in military matters. 
When twenty-two years of age he received a commission as 
colonel of the One Hundred and Fourteenth New l^ork 
State Militia, a position that he held eight years. 

He is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church. 
Has had five children, all boys, viz. : Simon A., James H., 
Leroy, William A., and Frank D. Simon is farming at 
Cambridge, N. 1'. ; Leroy is in business in New York city ; 
William is a civil en>;ineer, and Frank is with his father. 




Residence^ ISRAEL THOMt^SOfv ,; o^' -^nn . n y 



F O Pv T ANN. 



Fort Ann lies on the west side of Washington county, 
and in the northern part. It is the largest town in the 
county, having an area of 56,386 acres. It is bounded ; 
north by Dresden, Whitehall, and Lake George ; east by ; 
Dresden, Whitehall, and Granville; south by Hartford and 
Kingsbury; west by Qiieensbury (^Warren Co.) and Lake 
George. Its greatest length and breadth are each thirteen 
miles. The extreme southern part is level or rolling land, 
and the rest of the town is divided by three mountain 
ranges, between which are two fertile valleys. On the east ' 
line of the town lies the range known as the Fort Ann 
mountains. This rises near the Wood Creek valley and 
runs in a northerly direction to the head of South bay, I 
then along the southeast shore of tlie bay to its junction I 
with Lake Champlain. The principal peaks of this range 1 
are Battle Hill, Pinnacle, Ore Bed, and Saddle mountains. , 
They are very rocky and precipitous. On this range, about 
six miles from Fort Ann village, is quite a large pond that 
must be a thousand feet or more above the level of the sea. ! 
The central part is occupied by the Putnam mountains, a j 
ridge rising a little east of West Fort Ann, and running 
northerly with a little inclination eastwardly to the head of 
South bay ; then towards the north and enters the town of l 
Dresden. The most prominent peaks of this range are j 
Peaked Mountain, Mount Nebo, Mount Hope, and High 
Knob. Between this range and Fort Ann range lies the 
beautiful valley known as Welch Hollow. In the early | 
days it was known as Tuttle's Hollow. It received its 
present name in honor of Josiah Welch, who was one of 
the earliest settlers. This valley is wide at the south and 
narrow at the north, where it becomes a mere gully between 
the two ranges. At the head of South bay it widens to a 
level of some extent. The western part of the town is 
occupied by the Palniertown mountains, which extend along 
the shore of Lake George into Dresden. Sugar-loaf moun- 
tain at the south, on the Queensbury line, and Buck moun- 
tain on the north, or Dresden line, are the principal peaks. | 
Between this and the Putnam range lies the valley known 
as Furnace Hollow, which name it derived from the Mount 
Hope furnace, which was formerly located in it. On the 
north shore of South bay rises Diameter Precipice, a rocky, 
almost perpendicular cliiF, which attains an elevation of 
thirteen hundred feet. Buck mountain is the highest peak 
in the town, its altitude being two thousand five hundred 
feet. 

In the western valley there are numerous ponds varying 
in area from a few rods to a mile or more. Their names 
are Ore Bed, Sly, Hadlock, Copelaud, Trout, Forge, Lake, 
Bacon, Round, Cressets, Thurber, Little, and Three Ponds. 
All of these, except Crossets, Thurber, and Lake, discharge 
their waters through Half-way creek and Wood creek into 



Lake Champlain. Those three flow through Furnace Hol- 
low creek into South bay. 

The principal streams are Furnace Hollow creek, rising 
in the west centre of the town and flowing northeast to 
South bay ; Podunk brook, the outlet of the ponds, flowing 
in a generally southea.st course and emptying into Half-way 
creek ; Half-way creek, — known in old times as Scoou creek 
and Clear river, — which, rising in Queensbury, flows east- 
wardly, enters this town near its southwestern corner, and 
empties into Wood creek, at Fort Ann; and Wood creek, 
which enters the town from the south, where the Hartford 
and Kingsbury town lines join, and flows in a northeasterly 
course to Whitehall. It forms a feeder to the Champlain 
canal, which runs in its channel for some distance below 
Fort Ann. The principal falls are in Half-way creek, a 
mile north of Fort Ann, and known as Kane's falls, .so 
called because the power was occupied by Charles Kane in 
the latter part of the last century as a site for mills and 
forges. The creek falls nearly seventy feet in a distance of 
twenty or thirty rods. ITnder the dam is a cave of con- 
siderable extent. 

The soil of the town is somewhat varied in its character, 
being of a sandy nature in the southwest, and clayey in the 
eastern part. Some gravelly and clayey loam is scattered 
through the tillable portion. In the mountains the soil is 
sterile, scarcely strong enough to support the natural growth 
of forest trees. 

Iron ore is found to some extent in the mountains, and a 
large bed lies at the foot of Mount Nebo, on the west side 
of the Putnam mountains. This mine had been worked 
from 1825 until about March, 1877, when it was abandoned. 
The depth of the shaft was about one hundred and fifty 
feet. 

The town embraces the whole of the "Artillery patent" 
(granted to Joseph Walton and twenty-three other officers 
of the British army, Oct. 24, 1764, and containing twenty- 
four hundred acres. This patent forms the southern part 
of the town) ; a part of the Lake George tract lying in 
the western part, a part of the Saddle mountain tract in 
the northeast; and the Westfield, Fort Ann, and Ore Bed 
tract in the central part. 

The earliest history of Fort Ann, lying as it did in the 
very track of nearly all the great military expeditions which 
were set on foot in this part of the country, is necessarily 
treated of at full length in the general history. There will 
be found a full account of the first military movements in 
this vicinity ; of the building of Fort Schuyler and the 
subsequent erection of Fort Ann on the same site ; of the 
marching and countermarching of armies in the later 
French wars ; of the desperate conflict between Majors 
Putnam and Rogers and the French leader Marin or 

301 



302 



HISTORY OF WA8IIIN(;T0i\ COUNTY, iNEW YORK, 



Molang ; of the great invasion by Burgoyne ; of the vic- 
tory gained by the Americans on the Stli of July, 1777 ; 
and of the surrender of the fort by Captain Sherwood in 
17S0. This town-history will deal mostly, though not 
entirely, with the details of more peaceful times. 

Among the minor events of the " Old French war" was 
one which occurred at the head of South bay. Here Put- 
nam surprised a party of French and Indians, and after 
stealthily setting their boats adrift attacked and routed 
them. The scene of this engagement is known as the 
" Old Pickets," probably because a stockade was built there 
either at this time or at a later period. It ran from the 
southeast bank of Furnace Hollow creek to the foot of 
Saddle mountain, and inclosed a tract of several acres. 
The later fortification known as Fort Ann was erected in 
1757 at the junction of Half-way creek with Wood creek. 
It was a stockade, formed by planting heavy posts in a 
double row deeply in the ground, and stood on the edge of 
the high ground a few rods back from the banks of the 
streams. Around the inside of this wall of timber two 
platforms were built for the accommodation of sentries or 
the soldiers during an engagement. One of these was 
built within a foot or two of the top, and afforded the 
guard a wide view of the surrounding country. The other 
was built at a height just sufficient to allow the head of an 
average-sized man to project above the stockade. The 
battle of July 8, 1777, was about a mile northeast of the 
village or fort. Here Wood creek breaks through the 
Fort Ann mountains in a narrow rocky pass. This range, 
commencing at Whitehall, gradually converges to the creek, 
and at this point terminates in a rocky knoll. To the 
northeast the valley widens a little, presenting a narrow 
tract of comparatively level ground. As one goes north 
from Fort Ann and enters this narrow defile. Battle hill 
rises precipitously on the left, and a rooky bluff a little 
back from the creek on the right. The ravine in which 
the slain of that battle are said to have been buried skirts 
the southeastern face of the mountain for some distance 
towards Whitehall. Upon the retreat of the Americans 
this fort was burned. The fort erected in 1769 was gen- 
erally known as the "Mud fort," and was a mere earth- 
work, abandoned soon afler its erection. Mr. John Hall, 
of Fort Ann, has in his possession what is supposed to be 
a portion of the windlass with which the garrison used to 
draw water from the well in the fort. The Champlain 
canal crosses the site of this old fort. 

Besides the great military thoroughfare from Fort Ed- 
ward to the head of Lake Champlain, aTiother road was 
constructed from Queensburg to Fort Ann during the later 
French wars, and a well-defined trail led from the latter 
post to the head of South bay. 

Previous to the Revolution, Major Philip Skene, of 
Skenesborough (novr Whitehall), had erected mills at 
Kane's falls in this town, which were under the charge of 
an agent, by whose name they were known. Until after 
the close of Burgoyne's campaign, however, and probably 
until after the Tory raid of 1780, no permanent settlement 
was made in the town, except the Harrisons and Braytons, 
who came in 1773. In the winter of 1781, Joseph Hene- 
gan, Isaiah Bennett, Hope Washburn, Ozias Colexnan, 



John Ward, Joseph Bacon, George Scranton, Caleb Noble, 
Josiah Welch, Samuel Ward, and Samuel Ilurlburt were 
resident.s on the Artillery patent. In 1784 the following 
were added to this list, viz. : Silas Tracy, Elijah Backus, 
Andrew Stevenson, Joseph Kellogg, and James Sloan. In 
1785, Medad Harvey, Nathaniel Osgood, and Zephaniah 
Kingsley were added ; and in 1786, Silas Child, Alpheus 
Spencer, Samuel Wilson, Elijah Bills, Israel Brown, and 
Samuel Chapin. Of the facts connected with the struggles 
that attended pioneer-life in this country no record appears, 
and (jnly a meagre sketch can be given. 

Ephraim Griswold came probably from Dutchess county 
about the year 1791, and followed the military road from 
Fort Edward to Fort Ann. He was in search of a water- 
power for a grist-mill. Commencing at Kane's falls, he 
followed the stream to a fall near the southwest corner of 
the town, which he at once took possession of He bought 
a large tract of land, and commenced clearing it. 3Iean- 
time, amid burning log-heaps and the light of pine-knot 
torches, the timbers for the proposed mill were framed. 
In 1791 or 1792 the mill was erected. The fall, however, 
was insufficient, and in a few years the mill was removed 
further down the stream. In a few years a forge for the 
manufacture of chains and anchors was erected by Gris- 
wold, and operated by his son-in-law, Elisha M. F"orbes. 

A settlement sprung up at this point and was christened 
" Griswold's Mills," by which name it is still known. There 
have been at different times a pottery, a furnace, a woolen- 
mill, and some similar establishments at this point. Now 
thei'e is a grist-mill, a blacksmith and machine shop. There 
are about a dozen houses. The post-office was established 
in 1833, with Elisha M. Forbes as postmaster. The set- 
tlement is .sometimes called " Tripoli," but for what reason 
is unknown. Ephraim Griswold had ten children, — Eph- 
raim, Sylvester, Samuel, Ebin, Mercy, Miranda, Maria, 
Caroline, Eunice, and one daughter, name not obtained. 
Of these, Ephraim is still living in Burlington, Vermont, 
and Hiram Griswold, a grandson, son of Samuel, resides in 
Fort Ann. 

Jacob Van Wormer was a Revolutionary soldier, and 
came to Kingsbury from Schaghticoke, at the close of the 
war, when there were but seven families in that town. In 
a few years he removed to the site of the present village of 
West Fort Ann, and built the first saw-mill on the Podunk 
brook. He had eight children, four boys and four girls. 
Most of thse, together with their parents, went to the Black 
river country and died there. Jacob, Jr., married a 
daughter of Ephraim Griswold, and lived in West Fort Ann. 
Two of his sons still reside there, Fletcher and William. 

After this saw-mill a grist-mill was built by Stephen Pal- 
mer, about 1815. This was burned, and in 1827, Mix, 
Haskins & Spalding erected a forge and anchor shop, which 
was run for many years. A tannery was built by Warren 
Kingsley in 1843, near the same place, and is still standing. 
A village sprung up at this place and was called " Van 
Wormer's village," now "West Fort Ann." 

" Johnny-cake Corners " is an old name said to have 
arisen from the fact that the first mill ground little but corn. 
The post-office was established in 1850, with Hiram Ever- 
est as postmaster. The village now contains about twenty 




RESIDENCE or JOHN HALL , For: Ann ,U Y 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



303 



dwellings, widely scattered, a store, a Union church, a 
school-house, blacksmith-shop, wagon-shop, and tannery. 
The entire western part of the town was called " Hogtown.'' 
The early settlers turned their swine into the woods to grow 
fat on acorns, beech-nuts, and chestnuts. This was par- 
ticularly the case in the cold season of 1816. The south- 
ern part of Furnace Hollow was formerly called " Po- 
dunk," from a tribe of eastern Indians of that name, who 
came here in search of a secure retreat, and were in- 
duced to settle by the ponds and streams abounding with 
fish, the plentiful supply of game, and the safety given by 
the surrounding mountains. They named the Palmertown 
range, and designated one of tlie principal peaks Mount 
Hope, both in memory of the eastern home from which 
they had come a mere remnant. Benjamin Copeland was 
a man of note in this town. He came from near Boston 
some years before 1800, and settled near the pond that bears 
his name. He built a saw-mill, and engaged largely in 
lumbering and farming. He accumulated property rapidly, 
and eventually became one of the most extensive land-owners 
of the town. He married Hannah Pettcngill. Of their 
children, Cuyler lives in Canada, Horatio at Glen's Falls, 
Benjamin C. at West Fort Ann, Mrs. Relief Ketchum in 
Illinois, Mrs. Hannah R. Clements in Fort Ann, and Mrs. 
Corada Seeley in Queensbury. Judah Thompson, a native 
of Dutchess county, came to this town from Schoharie, in 
1795, and settled on the farm now occupied by his two 
sons, Israel and Leonard. Another son, John H. Thomp- 
son, lives in Welch Hollow. 

-'Anthony Haskins came from Shaftesbury, Vermont, to 
Fort Ann in 1788. Settled near Thompson's. Of his 
children, Seth was murdered in Saratoga county ; John was 
a Methodist minister, and with Isaac went to western New 
York ; William and David settled in Chautauqua ; Ira went 
to Clinton county, and afterwards to Chautauqua ; Franklin 
lived on the homestead ; Martha became Mrs. Samuel 
Winegar, of Fort Ann ; and Sarah died on the day she was 
to have been married. Franklin had a family of ten chil- 
dren ; one died in childhood ; the other nine are still living, 
the youngest being sixty years old. Anthony, Samuel, 
Ensign, and Martha Thompson, of this town, are four of 
these children. 

Samuel Winegar came to this town about 1790, and mar- 
ried Martha Haskins. They had a family of eleven chil- 
dren. The only son removed to Chautauqua county about 
1853. Two of the girls, Mrs. Weller and Mrs. Farr, died 
in Fort Ann. The rest married and moved away. 

Thaddeus Dewey, born in Westfield, Mass., in 1752, 
came from Lee to this town in 1788. He leased lot 62 
of the Artillery patent of Joseph Walton, for the term of 
forty years, at a rental of one shilling per acre per annum. 
It was stipulated in the lease that within seven years he 
must plant at least fifty apple-trees in rows two rods apart 
each way, and keep the same properly pruned. He built 
his house in the northwest corner of the two hundred and 
fifty acres. He built a bridge across Wood creek, which 
was called " Dewey's bridge," and the settlement that grew 
up there around the limestone quarries still has that name. 
Of Thaddeus Dewey's children, Olive married Krastus Day 
and went to western New York ; Sarah, Matthias Whit- 



ney, of Fort Ann ; Klecta, Henry Mason of Fort Ann ; 
Chester, settled on the homestead ; one son of Chester, 
Thaddeus N. Dewey, lives in Welch Hollow. 

Ephraim, Robert, and John Washburn emigrated from 
Holland to this country in 1748, and lived in Hoboken. 
John went to Maine. Robert came to Saratoga, and his 
son, Ephraim, .settled in Port Ann in 1807. Luther Wash- 
burn, of Welch Hollow, is a son. 

George Wray was a prominent man. He owned a grist- 
mill at Kane's Falls in 1787, and also a large proportion 
of the best farming lands in the town. His two sons-in- 
law, Charles Kane, from whom the falls derive their name, 
and John Williams, a resident of Salem, were also large 
land-owners. Kane removed to Schenectady about 1800. 
Wray was one of the few residents of this town who owned 
slaves, and his name appears .several times on the records in 
connection with this obsolete institution. He lived on the 
Farr place, two miles west of Fort Ann village. 

Daniel Comstock settled in town previous to 1790. The 
little village of Comstock Landing no doubt owes its name 
to him. It is composed of a dozen dwellings, a hotel, a 
store, a Baptist church, and some other buildings. The 
residence of Isaac V. Baker, superintendent of the Rens- 
selaer and Saratoga railroad, is here, and it is one of the 
finest buildings in the county. The post-office, called 
" Comstock," was established in 1832, with Peter Com- 
stock as postmaster. 

Prentiss Brown was an early pioneer in the town on the 
Alvin Rice place. His sons were John, Prentiss, Josiah, 
James, William, and Jonathan. His daughters were jMrs. 
Nathan Eldridge, Mrs. Tyler, and two who died unmarried. 
John settled in Warren county, Prentiss and Josiah in 
western New York, William in Hartford, Jonathan in 
Illinois, James in Granville. A son of the latter is 
Edward J. Brown, proprietor of the Central Hotel, Gran- 
ville village. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

This town was formed as Westfield from a portion of the 
territory of Washington county, March 23, 1786. It had 
not previou.sly been under any town government. Its name 
was from Westfield, Mass., from which place some of the 
early settlers came. At this time it comprised the towns of 
Putnam, Dresden, and Hartford, in addition to its present 
area. Hartford, comprising the Provincial patent, was set 
off in 1793, and Putnam, including Dresden, in 1806. In 
the year 1808 the name was changed to Fort Ann, to pre- 
vent a confusion of names in the State and in memory of 
the old fort at the village. 

The first records of the town .show that, Jan. 22, 1781, 
the inhabitants of the Artillery and Provincial patents, 
agreeable to the advice of the " principal town officers of 
Kingsbury," met at the house of John Ward, in the Artil- 
lery patent, and elected the following officers, viz. : Joseph 
Henegan, moderator ; Isaiah Bennett, supervisor and town- 
clerk ; Hope Washburn, Ozias Coleman, John Ward, 
assessors ; Joseph Bacon, collector , George Scranton, con- 
stable ; Caleb Noble, Josiah Wdch, a immil toners of rodcs; 
Joseph Ilencgan, Thomas Harris, poormasters ; Samuel 
Ward, Nicholas Scrier, fence-viewers ; John Ward, pound- 



304 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



keeper ; Benjamin Blake, Silas Tracy, Samuel Hurlburt, 
Joseph Henegan, pathmasters. 

Again, in 1784, a meeting was held Apiil 6, and Silas 
Tracy, moderator, Ozias Coleman, supervisor, Isaiah Ben- 
nett, town-clerk, Elijah Backus, collector, together with 
the usual other town officers, were elected. 

April 5, 1785, another meeting was lield at the house of 
Medad Harvey, Esq., a little over a mile south of the 
present village of Fort Ann, and William Carter was cho.sen 
moderator. The following were elected to the principal 
offices, viz. : Medad Harvey, supervisor ; Isaiah Bennett, 
town-clerk ; William Carter, collector. 

The following is a copy of the record of the first regular 
town-meeting : 

" April 4, A.i>. 1 786, at an annuel meeting In The Town of West- 
field, Chosen by a Plurality of voices the following town officers: 
.Joseph Kellogg, moderator ; Isaiah Bennett, clerk ; Alpheus .Spencer, 
Silas Child, supervisors; Joseph Kellogg, Silas Tracy, Joseph Bacon, 
James Sloan, Bethuel Bond, assessors; Joseph Kellogg, Medad Har- 
vey, Caleb Noble, Isaiah Bennett, Joseph Bacon, commitioners of 
rodes ; George Scranton, collector; George Scranton, Wm. Potter, 
constables : Medad Harvey, .loseph Kellogg, Ozias Coleman, poor- 
masters; Alexander Brown, Elijah Backus, Hope Washburn, damage 
prisors ; Israel Brown, Elijah Backus, Alexander Brown, fence- 
viewers ; .John Ward, pound-keeper ; Elijah Bills, Winthrop Bacon, 
Samuel Willsou, Medad Harvey, Andrew Stevenson, Hope Wash- 
burn, Samuel Chapin. overseers of the highway. 



MST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 



1787. 
178S. 
1789. 

1700. 
1791. 
1792. 
1793. 
1794. 



Stephen Spcne 
Silas Child. 
George Wrav. 



Daniel Mason. 
George Wray. 

Ralph Coffin. 
Charles Kane. 
George Wray. 
Charles Kane. 
George Wray. 
Isaac Sargent. 



1799. 
1800. 

1801. 

1802. '• 

1803. " 

1804. •' " 

180.5. " 

1806. ZephaniahKingi^loy. 

1807. " 
1808. 
1809. 
1810. 
1811. 
1812. 
1813. 
1814. 
181. 5. 



Tuwn-Clork. 
Isaiah Bennett. 



(Tcorge A\'ray. 
Nathaniel Bull. 



George Wray. 



Asahel Hod 
Charles Kai 



I.<iiac Sargent. 
Leonard Gibbs. 
Lemuel Hastioj 



Reuben Bakoi 
Zephaniah Kii 



igsley. Henry Thnru. 



Ocilloctor. 
George Scranton. 

Samuel Wilson. 

Ezckiel Goodale. 
William Sloan. 
Paul Austin.* 
William Sloan. 



Solomon Brown. 
William Potter. 
Thomas Dewey. 
William Potter. 
.John Kingsley, .Jr. 
William Potter. 
John Kingsley, Jr. 
Thomas Dewey. 
William Potter. 
Anron Colton. 
William Potter. 
Aaron Colton. 
William Potter. 
Aaron Colton. 

Abraham Boyco, Jr. 
George Wiley. 
Aaron Colton. 
Wright Adams. 
William Potter. 
Peri.am Thompson. 
Wright Adams. 

Thomas Benuett. 

Abraham Boyce, 



In what is now Hartford. 



1861. 
1817. 
1818. 
1819. 
1820. 
1821. 
1822. 
1823. 
1824. 
1825. 
1826. 
1827. 
1828. 
1829. 
1830. 
1831. 
1832. 
1833. 
1834. 
1835. 
1836. 
1837. 
1838. 
1839. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 



Supervisor. Town-Clerk. Collector. 

Zephaniah Kingsley. Henry Thorn. Abraham Boyc 

" '' Lemuel Hastings. '• 

Lemuel Hastings. Joseph M. Bull. " " 



" William C. Brow 

*' *' *' " Benjamin Cutter. 

" ** " " Abraham Boyce. 

" " ** " Oren Barker. 

William A. Moore. ** " Reuben Baker. 

Moses Miller. 
Henry Thorn. " •* *' " 

Benjamin Copeland. Erastus D. Culv 
Salmou Axtell. '' 



William Baker. 
Eben. Brougbton. 



Jar 



iRi( 



.John Sargent, Jr. 



Albert L. Bake 
Isaac Clements 
Leander N. Bu 
.John T. Cox. 



.James Farr. '• ■' 

George Clements. Horatio G. Sb 
Eben. Broughton. '* 

John Hillebert. 
Robert Hopkins. 
Salmon Axtell. 
Samuel Corning. 
Israel Thompson. 
John H. Thompson 



Reuben Baker. 
Pelatiab Jakway. 



William Wellcr. 
John M. Barnett. 
Isaac Clements. 
Hosea B. Farr. 
William S. Gardner, 
Hosea B. Farr. 
Alanson B. Axtell. 

Artemas H. Wheelei 
Willis Swit't.t 
Alanson B. Axtell. 



Geo. S. Broughton. 
Elijah Stevens. 
George W. Miller. 

Henry Thorn. 
Lyman U. Davis. 
Leonard Corning. 
William E. Brown. 
.Leonard Corning. 

James F. Thompson 
William E. Brown. 



1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
I8B0. 
1861. 

1862. 
1863. 
I80(. 
1SH5. 
1860. 
1867. 
1868. 
1S69. 
1870. 
1871. 

1872. Orson W. Sheldon. Edward Corning. John Main 

1873. " " " " " " 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



AViUiam £. lirowu, 
Alanson B. Axtell. 
Lvman Hall. 



Orson W. Sheldon. 
Wm. H. Piersons. 
Low AVasbburne. 
Horatio W. Brown. 



Abraham Boyce. 
Hiram B. Gilbert. 
Saml. R. Hendersoi 
Abial W. Howard. 
Coomcr Mason. 
Stillman D. Orcutt. 
Abial W.Howard. 
(Jcrald Potter. 
Jefferson Branch. 



Leonard Farr. 
. Stillm.in D. Orcutl. 

Abial W. Howard. 

Jefferson Br.nnch. 
■. Isaac Sargent. 

Porter Nims. 

Warren H. Nims. 

John C. Pattison. 

Anthony llaskins. 

Russell Winegar. 

L. F. Baker. 

.Tames Briggs. 

Porter Nims. 

Henry S. Root. 

Anthony Haskins. 

Porter Nims. 

David 0. Briggs. 

Stillman V>. Orcutt. 

Anthony Haskins. 

Jehiel Stevens. 

Pbipps H. Lamb. 

Francis D. Wray. 

. David 0. Briggs. 

•John H. Skinner. 
David 0. Briggs. 



John C. Patterson. James E. Skinner. Patrick Gill. 

" " Edward Corning. Nathan Sheldon. 

II. G. Sargent. Patrick Gill. Horace A. Stevens 

Orson W. Sheld<m. A. H. Farringtou. " " 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1789. Medad H.arvey. 

1792. Medad Harvey 

Seth Sherwood. 

1794. Ozias Coleman. 

1795. Ozias Coleman. 



1795. Charles Kane. 

Medad Harvey. 
1798. Charles Kane. 

Ozias Coleman. 
1801. Zejdianiah Kingsley. 



f Ajipointed October 21. 




Residence of B.J.LAWREN 




East Fort Ann ,Washihcton Co.N Y 



LITH. BV L.H E»f«rs 4Co. Philj.P*. 



HISTORY OF WASIIINCxTON COUNTr, NEW YORK. 



305 



isni 


Leonard Gibbs. 


1838. 


.John H. Thompson. 


180i 


Isaac Sargent. 


1839. 


Leander N. Barnctt. 




Zephaniah Kingsloy. 


1810. 


Henry Thorn. 




I-ieouard Gibbs. 




Albert L. Baker. 




Judah Thompson. 


1841. 


John Hillebert. 


1805 


Judah Thompson. 


1842. 


Orestes Garrison. 




David Woods. 


1843. 


Albert L. Baker. 


1806. 


George Clark. 




Reuben Baker. 


1808 


George Clark. 


1844. 


Henry Thorn. 




Zephaniah Kingslcy. 




John H. Thompson. 




John Crosby. 




Matthias A. Pike. 




Reuben Baker. 


1845. 


Charles W. Kellogg. 




Lemuel Hastings. 




James P. Sloan. 




Liberty Branch. 


184G. 


John H. Thomi)Son. 


1810 


Lemuel T. Bush. 


1847. 


James P. Sloan. 


ISU. 


Zephaniah Kingsley. 


1848. 


Abial W. Howard. 




Reuben Baker. 


1849. 


George W. Thorn. 




Lemuel Hastings. 




Isaac e. Mi.\. 




John Crosby. 




Reuben Baker. 




Liberty Branch. 


1850. 


Reuben Baker. 


1812. 


Lyman Hall. 


1851. 


J.ames P. Sloan. 




Gardner MeCracken. 


1852. 


Silas P. Pike. 




David Woods. 


1853. 


George W. Thorn. 




Benjamin Copeland. 


1854. 


Isaac C. Mix. 


1815 


George Clark. 


1855. 


James P. Sloan. 




Zephaniah Kingsley. 


1856. 


John T. Co.\. 




Gardner MeCracken. 




Henry S. Root. 




John Crosby. 


1857. 


Henry S. Root. 




Benjamin Copeland. 


1858. 


John 11. Thompson. 




James Sloan. 




Andrew Clark. 




Throop Barney. 


1859. 


James P. Sloan. 




Reuben Farr. 


1860. 


Eli Skinner, Jr. 




Hiram Lawrence- 


186L 


John T. Cox. 


1818. 


George Clark. 




Simon Hcald. 




Hiram Lawrence. 


1862. 


Omer W. Owen. 




Benjamin Copeland. 




Nathan Smith. 




James Sloan. 


1863. 


James P. Sloan. 


181!l. 


Lemuel Hastings. 


1864. 


Pelatiah Jakway. 


1821. 


George Clark. 




Warren H. Root. 




Benjamin Copeland. 


1805. 


Warren H. Root. 




Hiram Lawrence. 


1S06. 


Omer W. Owen. 




Elisha M. Forbes. 




Andrew Clark. 


1S22. 


Lemuel Hastings. 


1867. 


James P. Slonn. 


1827. 


Lemuel Hastings. 


1868. 


Henry S. Root. 




Amos T. Bush. 




Abial West. 




Benjamin Copeland. 


1869. 


John C. Pattison. 




.John Root. 


1870. 


Rufus Farringlon. 


1828. 


Kingsley Martin. 




Edward Harrigan. 


1829. 


Amos T. Bush. 




Eli Skinner. 




Lemuel Hastings. 


1871. 


John G. Adams. 


1830. 


Benjamin Copeland. 


1872. 


Horatio W. Brown. 


1831. 


Benjamin Copeland. 


1873. 


Pelatiah .lakway. 




Erastus D. Culver. 


1874. 


Omer W. Owen. 


1832. 


Kingsley Martin. 




Nathan Smith. 


1833. 


Hiram Shipman. 


1875. 


Martin H. Adams. 


1834. 


Benjamin Copeland. 


1876. 


Willis Swift. 


1835. 


Henry Thorn. 


1877. 


Frederick I. Baker. 


1836. 


Reuben Baker. 


1878. 


William Huyck. 


1837. 


John Hillebert. 




Ira S. Brown. 



Early town-meGtings were lield in the western part of tlic 
town, and also in the eastern part, at private houses or inns. 
Among these we mention a few of the most fre(|nent phiccs 
of meeting, — Medad Harvey's, Nathaniel Bull's, Thaddeus 
Dewey's, and Samuel Winegar's. After about 1805 they 
were licld almost invariably at Fort Ann village. At pres- 
ent the town is divided into four election districts, and the 
polling places are at South Bay, Comstock Landing, West 
Fort Ann, and Fort Ann. 

The town line (and also the county line) was run between 
Queetisburg and Fort Ann in Oct., 1791-!, by Aaron Hainht, 
surveyor, and George Wray and Asa Slower, supervisors. 
39 



In 1797 there were twelve licensed retailers of spirituous 
liquors iu the town, and they paid twenty-six pounds twelve 
shillings into the town treasury, equivalent to one hundred 
and twenty-nine dollars and eighty-one cents, or an average of 
ten dollars and eight3--one cents each. In 1877 there were 
granted thirteen licenses in tiie same territory, and the fees 
received amounted to three hundred and fifty-five dollars, 
or an average of twenty-seven dollars and thirty ccnt.s 
each. 

In 1797 the town offered a bounty of three pence per 
head for killing squirrels, " except flying squirrels." The 
time was limited from tile fourth of April to the fifhienth 
of June, and so vigorous was the war against them, that 
two thousand nine hundred and thirty-one were killed and 
paid for in the time specified, — of which number Samuel 
Winegar killed ninety, Jonathan Lee ninety-three, David 
Dailey ninety-four, David Ward ninety-seven, and Samuel 
Hubbard, the mightiest Nimrod of them all, one hundred 
and one. 

In 1795, Ozias Coleman, Esq., and James Sloan took a 
census to ascertain the number of electors iti town, and to 
classify them as directed by law. The following is a list 
from their returns : 

Electors qualified to vote for senators by reason of posses- 
sing a freehold to the value of one hundred pounds : James 
Rich, John Nichols, Jr., Kingsley Martin, John Griswold, 
Thomas Dewey, Dennison Kenny, Reuben Baker, Samson 
Mason, Jr., Thaddeus Dewey, Stephen Bradley, Alexander 
Harper, Robert Harper, Jeicniiah Conklin, Medad Harvey, 
Charles Kane, Ralph Coffin, David Harvey, George Wray, 
Samuel Welsh, Jr., Benjamin Eastman, Josiah Welsh, 
Oliver Smith, James Sloan, David Welsh, Samuel Welsh, 
Jonathan Draper, Peter Boyce, Ephraim Cowan, Hope 
Washbout, Wirithrop Graham, John Sykes, George A. 
Lyndey, Jonathan Lee, David Griswold, James Shaddick, 
John Phetteplace, Levi Holcomb, Henry Lewis, Peter 
Holmes, John Simmons, Daniel Stone, Elisha Walton, 
Silas Robbins, Asa Goodell, Ozias Coleman, Sr., Ozias 
Coleman, Jr., Samuel Haskins, John Wray, Zephaniah 
Kingsley, Ebenezer Northern, Isaac Sargent, Samuel Brown, 
Samuel MeCracken, Josiah Farnsworth, Ebenezer Farns- 
worth, Thomas Gilbert, Benjamin Webster, John Kingsley, 
Jr., Abda Dulpli, Joseph Dolph, .\ndrew Stevenson. Total, 
sixty-one. 

Electors qualified to vote for assemblymen by virtue of 
possessing a freehold of the value of twenty pounds, but less 
than one hundred pounds : Elisha Doubleday, David Dailey, 
John Wallace, Oliver Smith, Jr., Asahel Gillet, John Boyce, 
Amasa Smith, David Ward, James Carter, Daniel Frank- 
lin, Ephraim Morrison. Total, eleven. 

Electors not possessed of freeholds, but renting tenements 
of the yearly value of forty shillings, and thereby qualified 
to vote for assemblymen : Benjamin Warden, Zephaniah 
Mason, Nathan Mason, Bethuel Bond, Wm. Norton, Aaron 
Osgood, Benjamin Cornwell, Daniel Hill, Jenkins White, 
Shubal JMason, Samson Ma.son, James Mitchell, Joseph 
Mitchell, Amos Hiscock, Elijah Chapin, Joseph Congdon, 
David Parlus, Jeremiah Sunderland, Aaron Crawford, 
jyiatthew Van Gelder, Ebenezer Smith, Ezekiel Smith, 
Moses Smith, Israel Brown, Tarble Wetherbee, Caleb Jones, 



306 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTOxX COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Diiniul Welsh, Abniin Van Strander, Henry Boyce, Gideon 
Pitts, Benjamin Wliitney, Jesse Jakway, John Ward, Jr., 
Witithnip Bacon, Lemuel Bacon, Benjamin Babcock, David 
Babcock, Comfort Goss, Anthony Haskiiis, Abram Van 
Allen, Wm. Sweet, John Holmes, John Stockholm, Hu;;h 
I'aul, Gilbert Snow, Philip Reynolds, William Robinson, 
Timothy Chase, William Hamilton, Lemuel T. Bush, John 
Crosby, Lemuel Hastings, Asahcl Root, John Bell, Leonard 
Chambers, John Taylor, Aaron Lloyd, David Griffin, James 
Griffin, Joseph Henegan, John Henegan, David Henegan, 
John De Goliei-, Benjamin Pelton, Ezokiel Sweet, William 
Potter, Adam Slighter, James Mitchell, Abram Boyce, Sr., 
Abram Boyce, Jr., Freeman Perry, Robert Cowan, William 
Pattison, James Pattison, Thomas Stevens, Joseph Wilkins, 
Israel Ward, Benjamin Cutter. Silas Child.s, Amos Stowe, 
David Vosburgh, Daniel Witherell, Mason Otis, Richard 
Otis, John Nicliols, Elijah Bills, Abel Simmons, Gideon 
Hitchcock, John Ma.xwell, Sylvanus Cone, Eleazer Cone, 
Aaron Colton, Obadiah Archer, David Abel, Oliver Stacy, 
Joseph Backus, David jMcCracken, Abijah Webster, Nathan 
Kingsley, John King.sley, Benjamin Webster, Allen Web- 
ster, Ashbel Webster, Samuel Thornton, James Kingsley, 
Patrick Welsh, James Houghton, Hezekiah Wetherbee, 
Benjamin Burgess, Caleb Chase, James Perkins, Jacob Van 
Wormer, Joseph Brayton, Jacob Snyder, Elijah Johnston, 
Ciiarlcs Kelly. Total, one hundred and sixteen. Making 
the total vote of the town on assemblymen amount to one 
hundred and eighty-eight. 

To show the rapid increase of population, and the growth 
in material prosperity, we append a list of the number of 
votes cast at the election for senators and assemblymen, held 
in Westfield, on April 30 and May 1 and 2, 1799. Two 
tickets were in the field, each bearing the names of three 
candidates for senator and six for assemblymen. The vote 
was, for senators : Timothy Leonard, 101; Robert Yates, 
100; Ebenezer Rus.sell, 89; Boriah Palmer, 43 ; Moses Vail, 
33; Zina Hitchcock, 32. For assemblymen : David Thomas, 
175; Edward Savage, 173; John Tburman, 173; Ben- 
jamin Colvin, 170; Isaac Sargent, 169; Micajah Pettit, 
163; David Hopkins, 59; John White, 56; Philip 
Smith, 56 ; Zebulon R. Sheppard, 56; I^aniel Ma.son, 54; 
John Williams, 5 1. Showing that there were cast for as- 
semblymen at least 227 ballots, — an increase of 39, — and 
for senators at least 133 ballots, — an increase of 72. In 
the election of 1876 the town cast a vote of 870. 

In 1847 the town voted on the question of licensing the 
sale of intoxicating liquors. The vote stood, for license, 
310 ; against license, 188. Since the passage of the law of 
1S74, the town has elected commissioners favoring the 
granting of licenses at each election. The vote in 1877 
stood, 381 to 227 on one commissioner, and 497 to 109 
on the other. 

In 1813, Zephaniah King,sley, William A. Moore, Benja- 
min Copeland, corami.ssioners, and Liberty Branch, James 
Sloan, Lemuel T. Bu.sh, Joseph A. Turner, Solomon 
Northern, Jeremiah Spalding, inspectors of schools, divided 
the town into twenty-four school districts, and filed a de- 
scription of their several boundaries in the office of the 
town-clerk. 

The first a.s.=efsni('iit-rull mow in existence was made 



about the year 1807. It contains the names of two hun- 
dred and ninety-three tax-payers, of whom two hundred and 
.seventy-five were assessed for less than one thousand dol- 
lars, fifteen for from one to five thousand dollars, and but 
three for more than five thousand. Among the highest tax- 
payers at that time were the following, with their assess- 
ments following their names: John Williams, 818,559; 
George Wray, SI 1,9(>5 ; Charles Kane, $5920 ; Ephraini 
Griswold, $2500; Thankful Lawrence, $2^50; Jacob 
Campbell, $1866 ; Ozias Coleman, $1686 ; Benjamin Col- 
lins, $1650; Edward Patten, $1252; David I'arkhurst, 
$1250; Ebenezer Farnsworth, $1235; James Sloan, 
$1205 ; Richard Stevens, $1200 ; Andrew Stevenson, 
$1150; James Rich, $1112; David Griswold, $1100; 
Joshua Harris, $1073; Isaac Sargent, $1010; Joseph 
Congdon, $1000 ; Polly Lee, $1000 ; Winthrop Graham, 
$955 ; Samuel Winegar, $925 ; Samson Mason, $910 ; 
Matson Otis, $905 ; Dennison Kinney, $900 ; Jacob Van 
Wormer, $900; Shubal Mason, $-i90; Thaddeus Dewey, 
$890. The total assessment was $163,738. The assess- 
ment-roll for 1877 bears the names of five hundred and 
eighty-two tax-payers, and the total asses.sment was 
$561,741, $36,875 of which was personal property. 

The following is the account of school moneys appor- 
tioned in the town of Westfield iu the year 1797, by 
Charles Kane, supervisor: 

D:stiii!t. TnislLi-s. £ s. cl. 

No. 1. .Tanathan Pollcv, Abiur HubljarJ 117 '.) 

" 2. MiUlhew IhiWj'ird, John Sly 4 7 7 

" ;i. Josi'pl. Uacou, Comlort (iosf 1111 1 

" 4. .Toliii Stockhiiiii, Siiiiiiicl Woiegiir in 1(1 1 

" 5. .himes Huikiiis, Anthuny Jliiskins 3 i:i a 

" H. John Cbadick, Giirducr Baool] C 5 2 

" 7. Diiuicl \Vul.4i, Abraham Van Strander 1117 !> 

•' S. Oliver Smith, Jidin Sykes Ki 12 7 

" U. Joseph Uillet, Winthrop (Jrabam 7 4 7 

" 10. John Henegan, Stephen Curtis 7 12 9 

" II. Israel Krown 2 8 7 

" 12. Thaddeus Dewey, Muses Ba.'iter fi 3 11 

" 13. Zephaniah Kingsh'y, Eleazer Cone It) 2 7 

" 14. Ebenezer Farnsworth, Samuel Clark S 12 10 

" 1 A. Daniel Mason, Shubal lVar,<e C 15 5 

" It). Nathan Mason. Zephaniah Mason 14 IS 3 

" 17. John Maxwell, Aaron Cultun U 1 7 



Or all cqtiivalent of six hundred and eleven dollars and 
sixty-one cents. In 1877 the amount apportioned in a 
little over one-half the same territorj' was fifty-four hun- 
dred and twelve dollars atid thirty-six cents. 

i'ORT ANN VILLAOE. 

This village was incorporated by tin act of the Ijcgisla- 
ture, pas,sed March 7, 1820, and its boundaries have been 
twice enlarged, and now inclose a tract about one-quarter 
of a mile square. Wood creek. Halfway brook, and Mud 
brook form parts of its boundary line. The first village or 
charter election was held at the school-house May 9, 1820. 
Lemuel Hastings was chairman, and Joseph M. IJiiil was 
secretary of the meeting. The following officers were 
elected, viz. : William A. Moore, president; Willitini A. 
Moore, Lemuel Hastings, Henry Thorn, George Clark, and 
John Root, trustees; Amos T. Bush, treasurer; Charles 
McCracken, collector. 

The meeting selected Ilciiry Tliorti, Jo.>ieph M. liiill, tiud 
William Bell to ascerttiiii tiiid ti.x the boundaries of thosev- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



307 



eral lots and streets included in the corporation. In 18G7 
the corporation was made a separate road district. Tlie 
seal was adopted Aug. 11, 1823, and was described as " the 
shilling piece (sterling money), and sat into a piece of 
cherry wood by nie, Ozias Coleman, this day." 

At a meeting held Sept. 11, 1873, the charter was re- 
scinded, and the village incorporated under the general law 
passed April 20, 1873. 

The presidents, in their order, have been as follows: 



y,Mi-. 


l're^,i.li-n(. 


YLMir. 


riv,i,i,.j,i. 


ISJO. 


William \. Moore. 


1S4'.I. 


Aljial W. 11., ward. 


1821. 


" 


IS.'.O. 


•• 


1S22. 


'• 


1851. 


" 


1823. 


Elhim A. Fay. 


1852. 


" " 


1824. 


" 


1853. 




182,i. 


Joseph M. Bull. 


1854. 




1820. 


" 


185.^). 


F. L. nra.vti.n. 


1827. 


Lemuel Ilasling.?. 


ISJfi. 




1S28. 


•' 


lS.i7. 




lS2y. 


William A. Moore. 


1S5S. 


" 


1830. 


George Clark. 


1859. 


" " 


1831. 


Matthias A. Pike. 


1860. 


- " 


1S32. 


" 


ISOl. 


Willis Swift. 


1S33. 


Moses Miller. 


1 Si;2. 


" 


1834. 


Matthias A. Pike. 


1803. 


Charles H. Adams 


]83.^). 


George Clark. 


1864. 


Willis Swift. 


1836. 


" 


1805. 


F. L. I5,a.vton. 


183T. 


Moses Miller. 


1860. 


" 


1838. 


George Clements. 


1867. 


G. W. Hull. 


lS.3fl. 


George Clark. 


1868. 


George P. Mooro. 


1840. 


Johu T. Cox. 


1869. 


" 


1841. 


" " 


1870. 


" " 


1842. 


Abial AV. Howard. 


1871. 


John Hall. 


1843. 


William A. Moore. 


1872. 


Willis Swift. 


1844. 


Ahial W. Howard. 


1873. 


Periam Sheldon. 


1845. 


•' 


1874. 


Pelatiah Jakway. 


1816. 


" 


1875. 


David Iliee. 


1847. 


« « 


1876. 


Pelatiah Jakway. 


1848. 


" " 


1877. 


Orville W. Sheldon 



The present officers are Orville W. Sheldon, president; 
Jaiues Nelson, David N. Knipey, Periam Sheldon, trustees ; 
Willis Swift, Jr., treasurer ; Charles Hastings, collector. 

The village is a station on the Ilonsselaer and Sai'atoga 
railroad, and the Champlain canal passes through it. There 
are three locks in the canal here. It contains about seven 
hundred inhabitants. The post-office was first established 
in 1800, and George Clark was the first postmaster. 

The business of the place consists principally of mercan- 
tile trade. There are seven or eight stores, a bank, a 
tannery, hotel, livery, and a number of shops. A cheese- 
factory, owned by a stock company, was started about 1865, 
and is still in existence, though doing a limited amount of 
business. Several of the farmers in this town ship large 
quantities of milk to Albany, Troy, Cohoes, and New York. 
The shipments from the town la.st year were eight thou- 
.sand nine hundred and forty-five cans from Coinstock's 
Landing, and twelve thousand five hundred and eighty-four 
cans from Fort Ann, an aggregate of eight hundred and 
sixty-one thousand one hundred and sixty rpiarts. 

Kaiic'.s Falls is a village of one hundred and fifty inhabit- 
ants, about a mile north of Fort Ann. It is a manufac- 
turing village, and owes its existence to the fine water- 
privilege affi)rded by the Halfway brook. The first mills 
built here before the R ;volution were owned by Major 
Philip Skene. After the close of the war they passed into 



the hands of Colonel George Wray, who sold them to 
Charles Kane. He erected other buildings, and engaged 
in the manufacture of iron and forging cables and anchors. 
He also built a carding-mill, and embarked largely in busi- 
ness. From Kane the property passed into the hands of 
John Ilanna, and he sold to Sylvanus Cone. Subsequently 
John Bullis owned it, and a Mr. Walker al.so owned it at a 
later day. Samuel and James Lamb were the next owners, 
and they erected a brick building, and fitted it up for the 
manufacture of fine ca.ssimeres. In 1872 it was bought 
by A. II. Griswold, W. M. Keith, John M. Barnett, and 
David Kice, who put in new and improved machinery, so 
that the mill now ranks first-class in the quality of its 
manufactures. The mill is known as the Kane's Falls 
Woolen-mill, run by the Fort Ann Woolen Company. The 
buildings cover a superficial area of about eight thousand 
five hundred and twenty feet, and afford an aggregate of 
nearly twenty-three thousand square feet of space on the 
several floors. The machinery employed consists of over a 
thousand spindles, fourteen broad looms, four sets of forty- 
eight-inch cards, and the other usual accompanying ma- 
chinery. The buildings are heated by steam, and furnished 
with admirable facilities for quenching fires. A fire-escape 
also extends to every floor. The mill annually consumes 
upward of two hundred thou-sand pounds of wool, brought 
wholly from California, and turns out about sixty thousand 
yards of fine cassimeres in the same time. It furnishes 
employment to over fifty hands. Mr. E. Wall is the 
superintendent. 

The works of the Bridgeport Wood Finishing Company 
are also located here. The office of the company is in 
New York. S. J. Gordon, of New York, is president ; 
William H. Perry, of Bridgeport, Conn., is secretary; and 
Slyron Perry, of New York, is treasurer. R. G. Fair- 
banks is the agent in charge. 

The capital is fixed at fifty thousand dollars. The mill 
is one hundred and ten by one hundred and twenty-four 
feet, two stories and a basement, and built of wood. The 
business carried on is that of preparing quartz-rock for use 
in the manufacture of paints, porcelain, pottery, soap, 
polish, and sand-paper. The process is performed by first 
calcining the rock, and then grinding it to a fine powder 
beneath massive stones. The application of this material 
to producing a smooth surface to wood without hiding or 
ob.scuriug the grain, is covered by letters-patent issued in 
1876. 

The mill furnishes employment for twenty men and two 
teams, uses two hundred tons of quartz per month, which 
is obtained from the mountains near by. It turns out from 
seven thousand to fourteen thousand casks yearly, contain- 
ing from three hundred and fifty to six hundred and fifty 
pounds each. 

SOUTH BAY', 

a small liaiulot in the north part of the town, contains 
about one hundred inhabitants. There is a church and a 
store. It is a sort of headquarters for the lumbermen of 
the region, to which fact it owes its existence. 

Along the shore of Lake George, and on '• Fourteen 
Mile Island," there are several boarding-houses for the 
accommodation of summer boarders. 



308 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mount Hope Furnace was started about 1825, for the 
purpose of uianufacturing pig-iron. Doctor Smith Sayres, 
of Salem, was the proprietor. After passing through 
several hands, it at last was abandoned, in 1858, while 
owned by Mr. Woodruff. 

Brulhers Lmlgc. of F. and A. M. was organized early in 
the present century, and flourished till the Morgan times, 
when it was swept out of existence by the tide of anti- 
Masonry. In 1852, on the 14th of June, another lodge 
was organized, under the name of Mount Hope Lodge, No- 
2C0. The first officers were John T. Cox, M. ; Joseph 
Racon, S. W. ; J. W. B. Murray, J. W. The present 
officers are H. A. Stevens, M. ; John Hall, S. W. ; David 
N. Empey, J. W. ; L. R. Bailey, Sec. ; D. S. Babcock, • 
Treas. The Masters, in their order, have been John T. 
Cox, Phipps H. Lamb, II. A. Stevens, H. W. Brown, 
H. A. Stevens, G. W. Hull, H. A. Stevens. In Decem- 
ber, 1876, they moved into their new hall, over Finch, 
Babcock & Co.'s store, which they furnished at a cost of 
about two hundred and seventy dollars. The present 
membership is seventy-eight. 

Fort Ann Lodge, JSo. 31, /. 0. 0. /"., was instituted Dec. 
9, 1845. The officers were A. Barlow, N. G. ; H. B. 
Farr, V. G. ; Alanson B. Axtell, R. S. ; A. F. Briggs, T. 
At one time this lodge had upwards of one hundred mem- 
bers, but it began to lose and was disbanded about 1858. 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OP FORT ANN. 

This church was organized in 1789, and the first church 
meeting was held July 13. Rev. Sherman Babcock was 
the first pastor, and began his labor Feb. 12, 1790. The 
church has several times been for years without a pastor ; 
but the pulpit has generally been filled by supplies. The 
pastors, in the order of their services, are Revs. Daniel 
Hurlburt, James Rogers, Harris Griswold, Amos Stearns, 
Barney Allen, George Witherell, Elder Norris, Levi Sco- 
field. Elder Stearns, Enos Plue, Caleb C. Gurr, Nelson 
Combs, Amos B. Wells, William Dickens, Amos Stearns, 
Joseph Earl, and Levi S. Smith, the jjrcscnt pastor, whose 
services began in 1866. 

The first deacons were Reuben Baker, Shubal Mason, 
Truman Mason, and Coomer Mason. John Turner, George 
Johnson, and Asa P. Church have also acted in that ca- 
pacity. The present deacons arc E. S. Storrs, Reuben Mar- 
tin. In 1828 the church was much agitated on the ques- 
tion of Freemasonry, and a division was feared, but wiser 
counsels prevailed, and the danger was averted. 

The first house of worship was erected in 1807 in the 
eastern part of the town, about three miles east of the 
present site. A few years after, about 1810, a building 
was erected in the north part of the town at " Policy's 
Landing" and partly finished. In 1844 it was completed 
in modern style, and continued to be used for church pur- 
poses till the present church at Couistock's Landing was 
erected in 1858, at a cost of about two thousand five hun- 
dred dollars. 

The church was quite small in the beginning, and in 
1810 some thirty of its members were granted letters to 
form the second or South Bay church. The present mem- 
bership is about seventy. 



The Sunday-school connected with the church was first 
organized about 1826, and has been continued. It num- 
bers one hundred and twenty-three members, and is under 
the efficient management of E. J. Smith, who also has a 
Sunday-school at Dewey's Bridge. 

SKCONB BAPTIST CHURCH OF FORT ANN. 

During the spring and summer of 1809, under the min- 
istrations of Rev. C. H. Swain, there appears to have been 
a religious awakening in Welch Hollow, and many were 
converted. The only Baptist church in town was then lo- 
cated at Comstock's Landing, and the people of South Bay 
had to travel some ten or twelve miles for meeting. As 
soon as it became apparent that there would be enough 
members in that part of the town to warrant the organiza- 
tion of a separate churcli the subject was agitated, and at 
a meeting held at the house of Captain Stephen Porter 
(now the residence of Benjamin Brewster), Dec. 2, 1809, it 
was resolved to petition the first church for permission to 
call a council ai>d organize a church. This petition con- 
tained the names of fifty-one persons. The request was 
granted, and in pur.suance of a call the churches of White- 
hall, Granville, Hartford, Kingsbury, and Fort Ann met in 
council at Captain Porter's residence, Jan. 10, 1810, and 
constituted the new church. Silas Spalding, Joseph Os- 
borne, Joel Peets, William Hambleton, Abijah Barker, 
Ebenezer Brainard, John Simmons, Benjamin Eastman, 
Silas Spalding, Jr., Nathaniel Brainard, Jacob Cook, Wil- 
liam Lighthall, James Barker, Oliver Wetherbce were the 
male members at the organization. Tliirty-seven sisters 
also joined at that time. 

The history of the church has been uneventful, and a fair 
degree of prosperity has attended it. At present it num- 
bers seventy-four members. 

The deacons of the church have been Benjamin East- 
man, Benjamin Wing, Elijah Garrison, William Stevens, 
Whitman Vaughan, James P. Sloan, William Stevens, Jr., 
Leonard Vaughan, John G. Adams, and Walter Fish, the 
last three being at present in that office. 

The pastors of the church have been Revs. Calvin H. 
Swain, Sylvanus Holley, Sherman Babcock, Ebenezer Har- 
rington, Horace Griswold, Bradbury Clay, Phineas Colver, 
Amos Stearns, Enos Plue, S. C. Dilliway, William Dick- 
ens, C. R. Green, M. P. Forbes, William Bogart, Levi S. 
Smith, and Robert W. Vaughan, who is now supplying 
the pulpit. 

The first and present trustees are Leonard Vaughan, 
John G. Adams, and Adolphus Washburn. The first clerk 
was Joseph Osborne, and the present one is John G. 
Adams. 

The early meetings were held at the houses of the mem- 
bers, and afterwards in the school-house at South Bay until 
1868, when the first and present church was erected, under 
the supervision of Lyman Bailey, at a cost of two thousand 
five hundred dollars. It is a neat rural church, and fur- 
nishes comfortable sittings for about two hundred persons. 
It was dedicated December 22, 18G8, and Rev. A. J. Frost, 
of Hamilton College, preached the sermon. 

The first Sabbath-school was organized in 1842, with a 
membership of about thirty. William Stevens was the 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



309 



supeiinteiidcnt. At present the average attendance is from 
tliirty to forty. Jolin Gr. Adams is the superintendent, 
and J. Melvin Adams tlie secretary at present. 

BAPTIST CIIUUCII OF FORT ANN VILLAOE. 

This society was organized June 12, 1822, with twenty- 
seven members, and united with the Saratoga association 
the same month. 

For two years the cluirch was without a pastor, and re- 
ceived assistance from tlie pastors of neighboring diurchcs. 
Among tliose tlius oificiating were Revs. Horace Griswold, 
Ebcnezor Harrington, and Calvin II. Swain. 

Tlie first settled pastor was Rev. Bradbury Clay, who 
began his ministry here May 1, 1824. He was succeeded 
by the following, in order : Revs. Phineas Colver, Nathan- 
iel Colver, Phineas Colver, Barney Allen, Samuel Marshall, 
Amos Stearns, Daniel Harrington, William Grant, Stephen 
Wilkins, William Arthur, J. 0. Mason, William Smitli, 
Gardner C. Tripp, George Fisher, James L. Douglass, J. 
W. Grant, Volney Church, Horace G. Mason, Joseph Earl, 
and Edward Tozer, who began his pastorate here in 1865. 
And this relationship was only terminated when death sev- 
ered the ties that bound people and pastor in close and 
loving union. He died about the clo.se of the year 1877. 
Since that time the pulpit has been supplied by Rev. Levi 
S. Smith. 

During the first four years of its existence the church 
worshiped in the village school-house, and then, in connec- 
tion with two other denominations, built the brick cliurch, 
which was jointly occupied by them till, in 1836, they pur- 
chased and assumed full possession of that building. In 
September, 1873, the present commodious and attractive 
church was commenced, and the work was carried on 
through the fall and winter to completion. July 1, 1874, 
the house was dedicated. The cliurch is built of brick, 
with a corner tower surmounted by a handsome .spire. The 
inside of the walls are beautifully frescoed, and the pews 
are of chestnut and black-walnut. The entire cost was a 
little over seventeen thousand dollars. 

In the fifty-six years of its existence the church has re- 
ceived into fellowship by baptism nearly six hundred mem- 
bers. In 1842 the meuiborship was the largest, being 
then two hundred and fifty. It is now about two hundred. 

The parsonage was a bequest to the church from Mrs. 
Sarah D. Baker. Its net value was then about eleven 
hundred dollars. Thirteen hundred dollars were afterwards 
expended upon it. The total church property is now val- 
ued at twenty thousand dollars. The following arc the 
present officers of the church, viz. : Trustees, Edward 
Nicholson, Charles Hastings, Sylvester Woodruff; Deacons, 
Russell Winegar, Jason Corning, Charles Wright, L. L. 
Barnard, John C. Pattisou ; Clerk, 0. G. Burnham ; 
Treasurer, Jason Corning. The following persons have 
also served in the office of deacon, viz. : Daniel Cook, Eli- 
jah Garrison, John Simmons, Samuel (!ook, Morrel Baker, 
William Brayton, and Whitman Vaughan. 

METHOUI.ST EPISCOPAL CIIUllCII OP FORT ANN. 

This society was organized some time previous to the 
year 1826, the exact date not known. It was small in 



numbers. Still they worked with a will, and, under the 
blessing of God, succeeded in building up a prosperous 
church. In 1820 they united with the Baptists and IJni- 
versalists in the building of a brick church, which stood 
a little south of the present Baptist church, and which was 
u.sed by each in propi)rtion to their share in the expense of 
building it. 

In 1836 the Baptist society purchased the exclusive use 
of this church, and the Methodists held their meetings from 
that time until the .spring of 183S, part of the time in tlie 
old Presbyterian church and part in the liall-rooin of the 
hotel. 

The now and present church was commenced in 31ay, 
1837, and finished in the following winter. The dedica- 
tion was March 8, 1838, and was a time of peculiar interest 
to the people. Rev. James B. Houghtaling, the pastor 
of the church, preached the dedicatory sermon. 

The land on which this church stands was purchased of 
John Hillebert, and the site, church bell, and fixtures 
altogether, cost four thousand dollars. 

The present valuation of the entire church property is 
about five thousand dollars. 

Among the most prominent of the earlier members of 
this church were iMr. and Mrs. William Baker, Mr. and 
Mrs. Benjamin Barnett, Mr. and Mrs. John Hillebert, Mr. 
and Jlrs. John Hanna, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Thorn, Mr. 
and Mrs. Richard Empey, Blr. and Mrs. John T. Cox, and 
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Pattison. 

The history of this society has been unmarked by any- 
thing more than the usual ebb and flow of events, and it 
has steadily moved on in its mission of mercy. The present 
membership is one hundred and fifty-two. 

A Sabbath-school was established at the time they occu- 
pied their new house of worship, which has continued to 
the present, and now numbers one hundred members. John 
Hillebert was the first superintendent. The present one is 
Carini C. Farr, and Miss Mary Gardner is secretary. The 
library is small. Under the State law passed in 1813, the 
church, August 13, 1 836, was incorporated under the name 
of the " First Methodist Episcopal Church of Fort Ann." 
P. N. Empey, Benjamin Barnett, Moses jMiller, John T. 
Cox, and Henry Thorn were elected trustees. 

The present officers of the church arc as follows, viz. : 

Stewards, George P. ]Moore, Alexander C. Brown, James 
Nelson, John Howard, and W. R. Norris. Cla.ss-lcaders, 
Martin V. B. Washburn, Lemuel Andrews. 

The pastors of the church, in the order of their service, 
have been Revs. Samuel Howe, Daniel Brayton, Sherman 
Minor, Julius Fields, Elislia Andrews, Jacob Beeman, 
Joseph Ayers, J. B. Houghtaling, James Covell, Abiathar 
Osborne, Charles P. Clark, E. B. llub'oard, Seymour Cole- 
man, C. D. De Vol, Coles R. Wilkins, Christopher Morris, 
Hiram Meeker, C. C. Gilbert, E. 0. Spicer, J. D. White, 
R. Wescott, G. II. Townsend, D. C. Hall, W. N. Frazer, 
G. II. Townsend, Joel Hall, James T. Slawson, W. W. 
Foster, J. C. W. Cox, John M. Webster, H. II. Smith, A. 
Bobbins, William H. Miller, J. E. Metcalf, William C. 
Butcher, E. Morgan, and Alfred J. Day, the present pas- 
tor, who began his pastorate here in the summer of 
1877. 



310 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OK WEST FORT ANN. 
Previous to the erection of any church building in this 
town regular meetings were held every Sunday at the stone 
school-house west of West Fort Ann. It was an appoint- 
ment on the Glen's Fails, Fort Edward, and Fort Ann cir- 
cuit. It is believed that these meetings extended back as 
far as 1820. Among the early preachers who officiated at 
these meetings were Revs. Eli-sha Andrews, Joseph Ayers, 

Hitchcock, and Jacob Beeraan. 

Tlie class, at first small, has increased from time to time, 
and at present numbers about fortj'-five, part of whom have 
services in a school-house further north. 

In 1833 the people, needing a more commodious house 
of worship, and not able to build alone, united with the 
Baptist, Presbyterian, and Universalist societies in erecting 
a union house. In the fall of that year a committee, con- 
sisting of Messrs. Benjamin Copeland, Franklin Haskins, 
Periam Thompson, JMoses Taylor, and Elisha M. Forbes, 
was appointed to select a site and report an estimate of the 
size and cost. In the following May the church was begun ; 
finished and dedicated in the fall. Its total cost was about 
one thousand eight hundred and ninety dollars. The build- 
ing is tiiirty by sixty feet, with a vestibule and galleries, 
surmounted by a square bell-tower. The money was raised 
by subscription, and each subscriber was entitled to place 
as much, or the whole, of his subscription to the credit of 
whichever denomination he chose, and the fifty-two Sab- 
baths of each year were then distributed pro-rata among 
the four denominations. The first of these distributions 
occurred in 1835, and gave to the Universalists twenty-two 
Sabbaths, to the Methodists eighteen, to the Baptists ten, 
and to the Presbyterians two. In 1837 a second distribu- 
tion occurred, and the Methodi-sts received the use of the 
church for twenty-two Sabbaths, the Universalists for nine- 
teen, the Baptists for six, and the Presbyterians for five. 
The last time a distribution was made was in 18-13, since 
which time the Methodists have had almost the sole use 
of the church. The other denominations became merged in 
neighboring churches or dissolved. 

The Methodist society was incorporated in 1S70, under 
the title of the " Evangelical Union Ciiurch of West Fort 
Ann." During the years from 183-1 to 1858 the pulpit 
was supplied by the minister of Fort Ann, but since that 
time it has been under the charge of the minister at Sand- 
ford's Ridge, in Kingsbury. 

The names of the pastors, as near as can be ascertained, 
in the order of their time of service, are: Revs. Elisha 
Andrews, Jacob Beeman, Joseph Ayers, J. B. Houghtaling, 
James Covell, Abiathar 0.sborne, Charles P. Clark, E. B. 
Hubbard, Seymour Coleman, C. D. De Vol, Coles R. Wil- 
kins, Christopher Morris, Hiram Meeker, R. \Vescott, G. 
H. Townsend, D. C. Hall. 

The present officers of the church are as fillows, viz. : 
Xrustees, Horace Campbell, Jerome ]>ighthall, George 
Bailey ; Cla.ss-leaders, Horace Campbell, Darius Grout ; 
Stewards, Nathan Spicer, Sidney DjCjolia; Clerk, Rodney 
Van Wormer. The estimated value of tiie church property 
is two thou.sand four hundred dollars, one-half of which is 
owned Isy the Slethodists, the rest being held by outsiders 
(ir members of other denominations. At an early day in 



the history of the church a Sabbath-school was organized 
by the Methodists. The Universalists also organized one, 
but in a short time they were both merged into a union 
school, and as such continued almost uninterruptedly to the 
present time. Sidney De Golia is now and has been for 
many years the superintendent of the .scliool, and has kept 
it in a prosperous condition. At present the average at- 
tendance is from forty to fifty, and the school lias a library 
of about one hundred and twenty-five volumes. 

The Universalists had pretty regular services for a few 
years after 1834, but not since. Among their ministers 
were Revs. Mr. HoUister and Mr. Aspinwall. 

PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH OF WEST FORT ANN. 

During the times when anti-Masoniy was at its height, 
a diSerence of opinion arose in the Methodist church, and, 
partially, at least, out of this grew a society of Protestant 
Methodists, who organized a church, and built a house of 
worship a little southwest of the present residence of Ben- 
jamin Brown. It was a plain wooden structure, thirty by 
fifty feet, and cost from eight hundred to nine hundred 
dollars. Meetings were held quite regularly till about 1858, 
when they ceased. In 1872 the building was torn down. 

Among those who ministered to this church we find tlie 
names of Revs. German, Isman, Munger, George Smith, 
Levi Smith, and Peleg Weaver. 

rRESliVTEltl.VN CHURCH OF FORT .VNN. 

This society was organized about 1823, and erected a 
house of worship. The society, always weak, at last became 
extinct, and tha house was taken down and removed to 
Kingsbury. 

MILITARY. 

Among the soldiers of the War of 1812-15 who went 
from this town we are able to name the following, viz. : In 
Captain Duty Shumway's company: Calvin Mason, Jo.seph 
Farn.sworth, Chester Dewey, Levi Jenkins, Bernice Bab- 
cock, Supply Kingsley, Solomon Northern, Samuel Jenkins, 
Alexander Hopkins, Ebenezer Farnsworth, Jr., James 
Riley, John Aldrich, Zephaniah Baker, John Griswold, 
Jr., Darius Martin, Robert Riley, Preserved Mason, Garret 
Wray, Oliver Plumb. 

In Captain Fi-anklin Haskins' company: Stephen Grout, 
William Chase, Ellison Chase, Levi Osgood, Joel Harvey, 
Joseph Burgess, William Harvey, Nalhau Curtis, Leonard 
Wine^ar, Chester Winegar, John Haskins, Caleb Thomp- 
son, Lieutenant Periam Thompson, James Farr, Caleb 
Vaughan, William De Golia, Adjutant John De Golia, 

Luther Spalding, Uriah Sheldon, Nathan Brown, 

Brown, Joel Holmes, lOnsign Holmes, Orderly David 

Haskins, John Congdon, Sylvester Griswold, Justin Keats. 

In other companies: Lieutenant Benjamin Eastman, 
Captain Brewster Coleman, Colonel Benjamin Copeland, 
John Palmer, Rufus Perry, Henry Bacon, John Hacon, 
Lawson Fenton. 

In 1840 the following pensioners were living in the town : 
Moses Harvey, seventy-five ; Sally Root, seventy-eight ; 
David Butler, fifty ; George Clark, eighty-one ; Lucinda 
Weller, seventy-eight; Israel Lamb, seventy-eight; John 
Parish, eighty-nine; Samuel Fenton, eighty-three; Ben- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



311 



jamin Cutter, scventy-eiglit; John Granger, sovcnty-iiine ; 
Jenkins White, seventy-nine; Michael IMason, eighty; 
Jonatlian Kingsley, eighty ; John Simmons, seventy-nine ; 
Dorcas Goss, eighty-seven ; William Pattison, eighty ; 
Amos Allen, eighty-eight; John Baker, eighty-four. 

The following is the list of men who serveil in the war 
of 1801-05, as far as they can be obtained from the records 
of the town-clerk, and tlii^ printed muster-in rolls of the 
State : 



.F;<i:srli.f„r.rsalii 



.v.tso:!. 



Duvi.l An.IeM.M. eiil. Aus. 0, 1802, If.Otli Kogt, 

Aiulivw J. AMricli, c-iil. Dec. 21, l.sii:!, intli .\rl., Co. I ; ilisch. Ail;;. ISG.i. 

K. C. Bull, Corp.; uril. Aug. Vi, 1S02, 123d Rogt., C.i. I); pro. Corp; wouniluil at 

Clmncellorsvilli' ; prisoner; disch. June, 18C.'>. 
Cliarles BlnncliiU-d, cul. July 30, ISGi, 12:id l{ogt., Co. D; discll. June, 18(15. 
Edward Blancliard. eiil. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D ; diHoli. J\iiie, 180.'). 
Orson Briuor, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 123d Bcgt., O). D; wounded at Dallas, Ga.; 

disch. June, 1805. 
Grin Belden, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 121d Ri-gt., Co. D; disch. June, 1805. 
Orestes G. Batchelder, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Uegt.,Co. D; defciilcd as hospital 

steward ; discll. June, 8, 1805. 
Julius B. Brown, enl. Dec. 20, 1803, ICth Art., Co. I ; disch. Ang. I80.'>, 
Kdward Bell, eol. Dec. 10, 180!, 10th Art., Co. I; discli. Aug. 1805. 
Joseph Barher, enl. Dec. 20, 1803, lOth Art., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1865. 
Charles Baitell, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 77th Regt., Co. G. 
Saniuol 0. Benton, sergt.; enl. AUi'. 23, 1802, lO'Jth llogt., Co. Y; die.l from 

wounds, March, 1803. 
Alexander P. Blowers, enl. Ang. 30, 1SC2, IGOth Uogt, Co. F; lulled at Fort 

Fishor, 1805. 
John W. Burg.s3, enl. Aug. 27, 1S62, lOOtli Regt., Co. F ; disch. June, ISO.-.. 
Juhli Baron, capt. ; enl. Aug. 18C2, 123d Regt., Co. D ; dismissed for absence with- 
out leave, Feb. 22, 1803. 
Norman Baile.v, enl. 1802; disch. for disabilit.v. 

AiuoB Bliinchiird, enl. Sept. 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. K ; discll. Nov. 1805. 
Newell Blanch ird, cul. Sept. 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. K ; disch. Nov. 1805. 
Fayelte Bush, enl. Dec. U, ISOI.Uld Regt. ; re-enl. 1863, same reg ment; discll. 

at close of war. 
Duane Baker, enl. 2d N. Y. Cav.; disch. for disability; 1st lieut. Co. E, 21st 

Cav. ; 1804, court-nnrtialed. 
Kiigene M. Baker, gmluated from West Point, enl. 2d Regt. Cav.; pro. to maj. 

and brevet lieut.-col. ; served through the war, and is still in service. 
Henry Brown, enl. 1804, 131-1 Regt. ; disch. willi regiment, 1805. 
0. O. Bailey, 2d sergt. ; enl. Sept. 1802, lOUtli Regt., Co. F ; wounded in battle 

of Cold Harbor ; disch. 1SC5. 
Orville G. Brougliton,enl. 1802, lOUth Regt.; died in hospital, Djc. 1802. 
Leroy L. Barnaid, enl. Dec. 14, 1801, 9id Begl., Co. 1; Iraris. to Signal Coips in 

1803 ; disch. Dec. 14, 1804. 
James Cunningham, enl. Aug. !,, 1802, 123d IVgt., Co. D ; disch. June 8, ISOo. 
Marion Cha<e, enl July 29, 1.S02, 123d Regl., Co. D; disch. Juno 8, 180.5. 
Daniel Connore, eul. July 28, 1S112. 12id Regt., Co. D ; disch. July 8, 1805. 
Timothy Crowley, enl. July 28, 1802, 123J Regt., Co. D ; d.sch. June 8, 1805. 
Horace Chase, enl. July 20, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D ; di-'ch. for disability, 1803. 
Geinge W.Chase, enl. Aug. 11,1802, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Win. 0. Clark, enl. Aug. 4, 1SG2, 12 id R-gt., Co D ; disch. for dis ibility, 1803. 
Leonard Corning, enl. Aug. 21, 1802, 12id R"Bt., Co. D ; pro. Iiosp tal steward, 

regiment, brig.xle, and division ; disch. June 8, 1SC5. 
Wni. Clements, i-nl. Nov. 10, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. L ; disch. Willi the regiment, 

Nov. 1805. 
Dennis Carroll, enl. Nov. 17, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. L ; disch. Nov. 1SC5. 
Charles Codner, enl. Nov. 10, ISG-i, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. L ; drscli. Nov. 1805. 
Horace B. Coleman, Corp.; enl. Dec. 28, ISO 1,10th Art., Co. I ; pro. to .sergt.; 

disch. Aug. 1805. 
Hiram I,. Cook, ciil. Dec. 30, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I ; trans, to 2d N. Y. Mounted 

Rifle.". 
Thomas J. Congdou, enl. Ang. 27, 1802, lOOtli Regt., Co. F; discll. June, 1805. 
Horace Chamberlain, sergt.; enl. Ang. 20, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. F ; killed in 

fioi.t of Petersburg, Va.,1804. 
Ira Chamberbiin, eul. Aug. 21, 1802, 109th Regt.. Co. F; wonuded at Cold Har- 
bor; disch. June, 1805. 
Wni. H. Cliase, enl. Aug. 30, 1802, ICOth Regt., Co. F; died of disease, while on 

furlough at home. 
James Curve, enl. Jan. 2, 1804, ICth Ait., Co. I; discll. Aug. 1805. 
David Cunningham, enl. 18C2,30tli Regt., Co. B ; klled at second Bull Run. 
James Cr.iig, onl. 1801, 30th Regt. ; disch. lor disaielily, 1802. 
Win. Craig, enl. 1804, 192d Regt., Co. H ; disch. June, 1805. 
James W. Chase, enl. May 7, ISOl, 22d Regt., (!o. II; disch, with regiment, 
March, 1803 ; ro-eiil. Sept. 22, 1E03, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. K ; discll. Nov. 

I8rw. 

Joseph Claffe, enl. May, 1801, 22d Regt., Co. II ; disch. June, 186!. 
Thomas Dona, enl. Aug. 21, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D ; disch. for disability, 1863. 
Wallace W. Dean, enl. Dec. 24, 1803, loth Ai t., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1805. 
Edward ncrby, enl. Jlarcli, 1SC4, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D ; disch. Nov. 1805. 
Levi Eaton, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, I23d Regt., Co. D; disch. June 8, 18.05. 



Jeremiah Finch, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Regt., Ck). D; killed at Chancellors- 

ville. May 1, 1863. 
Andrew J. Fisher, enl. July 24, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. D ; disch. June S, 18G5. 
John Fuller, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 121d liegt, Co. D; disch. for disability, 1803. 
Ransom O. Fisher, corp., enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 12.!d Regt., Co. D; accidentally 

killed with rev.dver, Dec. 1803, at Bridgeport, Ala. 
Leonard Fish, enl. Aug. 20, 1862, 16'Jtll Begl., Co. F; killed in front of Fort 

Darling, Va. 
Daniel Fo-s-y, enl. Dec. 20, 1801, 10th Art., Co. I; disdi. Aug. 10, 1865. 
George Fisher, enl 1804, lOlll Art., Co. 1 ; ilisch. Aug. 1865. 
J.din Green, enl. Aug. 5, 1SG2, 12td Regt., Co. I) ; dis.li. r,n- disability, 1803. 
Charles Grout, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, I2:id Begt., Co. 1) ; ..ic.l of disease, June, 1SC3, 

in Chattanooga. 
Amos Green, enl. Aug. :i(), 1802, 109th Begt., Co. F; died in hospital in South 

Carolina. 
James Goronin, enl. 1SC4, lOtli Art., Co. I; disch. Ang. 1805. 
Win. B. Iliddleston, enl. Ang. 22, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. D ; disch. June ,8, 1805. 
Peter L. Hiuskins, enl. Ang. 22, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. D ; detailed to hospital 

service; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Wm. Henderson, enl. July 30, 1802, 123d Begt, Co. D; disch. for disability, 

1803. 
Oscar F. Hopkins, enl. Ang. 11, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Joel Harvey, eul. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D : wounded severely at Peach 

Tree Creek, July 20, 1803; disch. June 8, 186.5. 
John Hall, enl. Aug. 0, 1862, 12:id Regt., Co. D ; wounded severely at Chau- 

celloraville, Va., May 3, 1863 ; discll. June 8, 1805. 
Abial Howard, enl. 2d Vermont Cav.; wounded at Bull Run. 
James Jenkins, enl. Dec. 21, 1803, lOtli Art., Co. I; disch. Ang. 1805. 
Virgil D. Jackson, enl. Ang. 20, 1802, ICOth Begt., Co. F; wolin.li-,1 in front of 

Petersburg; disch. June, 1805. 
Abncr Jackson, enl. 1862, 31st U.S. Colored Regt, Co. E; killed in front of 

Petersburg, July 30, 1804. 
Damon Jackson, enl. 1802, 31st U. S. Colored Begt., Co. E; disch. Oct. 1805. 
Geo. F. I. Kingsley, Corp., enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D; discli. for dis- 
ability, isai. 
Alliert Koech, enl. Ang. 24, 1802, 169th Begt., Co, F ; died in hospital in 1862. 
Slcplion B. Keech, enl. Aug. 28, 1802, 109th R.-gt., Co. F ; wounded in front of 

Fort Darling, Va.; disch. Aug. 1805. 
Ilirain Keech, enl. Sept. 24, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. K ; discli. with regt., 1865. 
Wm. Keech, enl. 1801, 2d N. Y. Cav.; died in liospital, 1862. 
Wm. Keech, Jr., enl. Aug. 1802, 109th Regt., Co. F; disch. Aug. 1865. 
Augustus Keech, enl. 1803, 109tli Regt., Co. F ; disch. Ang. 1865. 
Wm. H. Looniis, enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D ; ilisch. Juno 8, 1805. 
J. hn Lesson, eul. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D; discll. June 8, 1805. 
James II. Loomis, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, liid Regt, Co. D ; died of disease, 1863, at 

Harper's Ferry, Va. 
Duncan Laprairie, corp. ; onl. Ang. 30, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. F; disch. for dis- 
ability. 
John Laprairie, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, lOOlh Begt., Co. F; taken prisoner and died 

at Ander-onvdle pii-son. 
Francis Laprairie, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 169th Begt., Co. F; disch. Aug. 1, 1805. 
Levi La Doo, enl. 1802, 118tli Begt.; disch. at close of war. 
Louis La Doo, enl. May, 1861, 22d Regt.; killed in the Shenandoah valley. 
Mollis Lyncii, eul. Aug. 1863, lOUtli Begt., Co D; taken prisoner in front of 

Petei-sbnrg; discli. 1805. 
Isaac McNutt, enl. July 30, 1802, 12:id Begt., Co. D ; wounded at Chancellors- 

ville. May 3, 1803; died of wounds. May 16, 1803, at Aquia Creek, Va. 
James M. Mattson, enl. Ang. 11, 1802, 12ad Begt., Co. D; died of d.8eii6e,180;i. 
Albert Malt.soii, eul. Ang. 11, 1802, I23d Begt., Co. D ; disch. lor disability, 

1861. 
George Matti.son, enl. July 28, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D: died of disease, 1802. 
Eli Mattisoii, eul. July 28, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. D; deUilod as bnlcher; di>ch. 

June 8, 1805. 
Beiiben W. Martin, enl. Anp. 21, 1862, 122d Regt., Co. D; died of disease, 1SC2. 
Walter F. Mai tin, enl. Ang. 2, 1S02, 123d Regt., Co. D; pio. to Bergt.-miiJ.; to 
lieiit.; detailed lor staff duly; taken piisoner at Gulp's Farm, UM; 
discll. June 8, 1865. 
Win. Mansfield, enl. Aug. 11, 180:), 2d Vet. Cav., Co. E; disch. 180.5. 
James D. Maransvilli', Corp.; cul. Aug. 22, 1862, ICOlh Regl., Co. F; detailed 

for hospilal duly ; disch. Aug. 1, 1805. 
John B. Malli.-on, enl. Aug. 20, 1862, 169lh Regt., Co. F; diseli. Aug. 1, 1865. 
Charles Mix, oOlh Engineer^; dis. h. 1864. 

Horace Mix, Olltli Eiigineel-s; dolailud as liospital-sleward ; diseh. 1864. 
James A. Mix, 2d Vet. Cav.; tak.-n prisoner; held until .b.s.. ..f the w.ir at 

Alideisonvillc. 
Bobert McViear, 2d N. Y. Cav. 
John McVicar, 2d N. Y. Cav. 

Barney McGiiire, 109th Begt. ; pro. to 2il lieut. ; discll. Aug. 1, 1805. 
George McWhorter, enl. July 12, 1862, liUtli Regl., Co. B; di.ch. 1804; re-enl. 
21st N. Y. Cav., Co. B; disch. July, 1800; tttUen p.isoner lit Antielain, 
liall's Bluff, and second Bull Run. 
Albert Nicholson, eoip.; eul. Ang. 11, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. D; wounded at 
Chancellorevillc, May 3, 1863; taken prisoner in Georgia, and remained 
a p.isoner till alter the close of the war. 
Charh-s Nicholson, cnl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Ibgt., Co. D; dis, li. for di-abilily, 

1863. 
Marcus Nelson ; w.mnded at Cdd Harbor. 
Peter V. Orcutt, enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 109th Begl., Co. F; discll. lor di. ability. 



312 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Ci-.irgo P;ilti3on, Corp.; eiil. Aug. 5, 1802, ]i:id Regt., Co. D; discli. June 8, 

1806. 
Allen Plue, e[il. Aug. 14, 1862, 123J Regt., Co. D; trans, for one year to Buttery 

F, 4tli Art. ; disch. June 8, 18G5. 
James L. Perry, cnl. Sept. 24, 18(i3, 2(1. Vet. Cav., Co. L ; died in hospital, March, 

1861. 
Horace Plue, cnl. Pec. 26, 1863, ICth Art., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1865. 
Lrander Pasco, enl. Dec. HI, 186:!, lOlli Art., Co. I; disch. Aug. 1865. 
Isaac Plue, 22d Kcgt. ; killed at second Bull Run. 
Robert Porlci-, 2d N. Y. Cav. ; wounded in cavalry charge ; disch. 1865. 
Addison Palraer, cnl. Sept. 24, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. K ; disch. Nov. 1865. 
Lorenzo Palmer, enl. Sept. 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. K ; wounded on Red River 

expedition ; died in transportation. 
Edward P. Qninn, 2d lieut.; enl. Aug. 1862, liSd Regt., Co. D; wounded at 

Culp's Farm, June 22, 18G3; disch. June, 18G5. 
R. P. Ricli, Corp., enl. Aug. 11, 18C2, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. for disability, 

1863. 
Edward Rice, enl. Atig. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D ; died of disease, at Alex- 
andria, Dec, 1862. 
Page Rowell, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123il Regt., Co, D ; disch. for disability, 1SG3. 
Kallianiel S. Rowell, enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 12:!il Regt., Co. D; pro. to Corp.; served 

one year iis scout ; disch. June 8, l»'6o. 
Scynn.ur D. Rich, enl. Aug. 2, 18C2, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Elijali Ralhbun, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 169th Begt., Co. F ; disch. for disablility, 

1864. 
James Ramsey, enl. Dec. 31, 1863, IGtIi Kegt., Co. I ; disch. Ang., 1S65. 
Edward Rinmo, enl. April, 1804, 12;!d Regt., Co. D; trans, at close of war to 

COlh N. Y, and discli. ; re-enl. In U. S. Regt.; wounded at New Orleans; 

pro. to com. scrgt.; died in Uartl'ord, Jan. 1875. 
George Rice, 5tli Cav. 
Willis Swilt, Jr., Old. scrgt., enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 12:ld Kegt., Co. D ; pro. 2d lieut. 

Fel'. 22, 1863; detailed to coniiuand of pioneer and ambulance corps; 

disch. June 8, 1805. 
Henry Sartwell, sergt., enl. July 2B, 1802, 123d Regt. Co. D ; wounded at Chan- 

cillorsville, May 3, 1803, and about June 25, 1803, at Gulp's Farm, Ga. ; 

disch. June 8, 1865. 
Julius Swift, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D; detailed to ambuhmoe corps; 

disch. June 8, 1805. 
Barney Shnndley, enl. July 30, 1862, 12';d R.-gt., Co. D ; wounded at Peach Tree 

creek. July 20, 1863; died of wounds soon alter. 
George Sheldou, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Phinciis M. Spencci, cnl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. for disability, 

1863. 
Oliver 11. Smith, cnl. Aug. 0, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D ; taken prisoner at Cnlp's 

Farui.Ga.; disch. June 8, 1865. 
L.-nt Siiiilli, enl. Nov. -ZT, 1863, 2d Vet. (;av., Co. L ; died in hospital at New Or- 
leans. 
John II. Suiilh, enl. Nov. 17, 1803, 2il Vet. Cav., Co. L; d:ed iii hospiliil at New 

Orlc.ms. 
Robert F. Sutlierland, enl. Dec. 22. ISO.i, lOtli Art., Co. 1 ; discli. Aug. 1805. 
George Steves, eiil. Ang, 2S, 1802, lOJlli liegt., Co. F; disch. lor disal.ilily. 
Gilbert Steves, enl. .\ug. 31, 1802, lOlltli Kegt., Co F; di.-^cli. Aug. 1, 1805, 
Smith Sieves, enl. Ang. 28, 1802, I69tli Kegt., Co. F; disch. .\ug. 1865. 
Jlerrill Swilt, enl. 1803, 2d Vet. Cav,, Co. D ; di.ich. Willi regiment, 1865. 
David Swilt, enl. Feb. 1861, 5tli Kcgt. Cav., Co. G; served three years; re-eul. 

Maicli, ISO , 2d Vet. Cav., Co. 1); disch. 1865. 
Luther Swift, enl. March, 1864, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D; disch. with regiment, 1805. 
Darius Sheldon, enl. 1st Refit. Cav.; died in Washington in hospital. 
Steplien M. Sutherland, enl. 1861, 2id Regt , Co. II ; disch. 1803. 
Jas. 1!. Smilh, enl. Dec. 1S04, lOtli Art., Co. I ; disch. 1805. 
llyi-oii Trowbridge, enl. Ang, 9, 1802, 121d Kegt,, Co. D. 
Will. Thompson, 2d lieut., enl. 1803, 2d Mich. Cav. 
Gamaliel Tliompsun, quartennaster's department, enl. 1803. 
James Tliom|.soli, lieut., cnl. Aug., 1802, 109lh Ke^t.; pro. to capt.; di-cli. 

1!-01: courtmaitial. 
Jaiue.s Taylor, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D ; wounded in battle. 
Job Vaughan, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Kegt,, Co. D; i>ro. to sergt. ; iletaileil lo 

color guard ; disih. June 8, 1865. 
Frank Van W.u-lner, drummer, eul. Aug. II, IS02, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. 

June 8, 1865. 
Arlhnr Vaughan, enl. .Tan. 4, 1861, loth Art., Co. I ; disch. Aug.lS05. 
A>hel S. Vaughan, enl. Jan. 4, 1SG4, lOtli Art., Co. I ; diseh. Ang. 186.5. 
Fayette Vaughan, cnl. 1804, lOlh Art., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1865. 
Albert Woodrulf, ciup., enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 123.1 Regt., Co. D ; woumleil at Cass- 

v. lie, Ga., about May 18,1863; disch. June 8, 1805. 
('harles Welch, cnl. Ang. 22,1802, 123d R.),,t., Co. D; detailed to ambulance 

corps; diseh. June 8, 1>05. 
Daniel Wagner, enl, Ang, 0, 1862, 123d Regt,, Co. D ; diseh. June 8, 18li5. 
Jas. F. Wallace, enl. July 20, 1802, 12 id Regt., Co. D ; diseh. June 8, 1805. 
Theodore- Williams, enl. Ang. 4, 1.802, 123d Regt., Co. D; d sell. June 8, 1805. 
Philip M.-Whorter, enl. Ang. f, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. for disability, 

1863. 
Lewis Walker, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D ; di.sch. f..r disability, 186.1. 
Elihu Wilson, enl. Dec. 23, 1803, lOtli Art., Co I; was ftret in 31th Inf. 
Am.w Wheeler, enl. Oct. l(i, 1801, 77lh Kejit., Co. K. 
Weston F. Warner, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, IG'.ltli Kegt , c,,, V- pro. lo old. sergt.; 

diseh. Ang. I, 1805. 



Elijah Webster, enl. Aug. 20, 18G2, IGOlh Regt., Co. F; disch. Aug. 1, 1865. 
James Wliitlie, enl. Dee. 29, 1863, 16th Regt., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1866. 
Rollln Wymali, 22d Regt., C.i. II ; killed at second Bull Run. 
Will. Waltei-s, cnl. 1862, 31st U. S. Coloretl Regt., Co. E ; disch. Oct. 1866. 
Low Washburn, enl. Dec. 180.!, IGlh .\rt,; pro, lieut. of Co. I. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOHN HALL. 

Jolin Iliill and Ectliiali, liis wife, came fiom near London, 
England, in the early settlement of this country. They 
settled in (and were among the founders of the chureh in) 
Charlestown, which afterwards became the first church in 
Boston, Mass. They left Benjamin, he Capt. Wm. Hall, who 
died in Mansfield, Conn., in 1727. His son, Theophilus, 
married, in 1717, Ruth, daughter of James and Mary Sear- 
gent, and left Nathaniel, who married, in 1745, Martiia 
Storrs, daughter of Captain S;imuel Storrs, of Mansfield, 
Conn. They left Nathaniel, Jr., who married, in 1768, 
Mehctabel, daughter of Cornelius Storrs. They left Mans- 
field and settled in Lebanon, N. H., where Dr. Ira Hall, 
of Granville, Waishington Co., N. Y., was born, December 
10, 1773. After graduating at Dartmouth College in 1793, 
he, at twenty-one years of age, left his home in Lebanon, 
came on horseback to Granville, N. Y. ; there taught school 
at ten dollars per month, studied medicine, and married, in 
1795, Rebecca, daughter of Peter and P^sthcr Parker (the 
Parker family came from Farmington, Conn.). He died in 
181 G; was buried in the cemetery given by him to the 
Ma.sonic fraternity from the farm then owned by him, now 
known as the Temple farm. Rebecca, his wife, was born 
in 1777; died in Granville in 1847. He left seven sons, 
viz. : Ira, born in 1798, died in Fort Ann, N. Y., in 1873; 
Silas, born in 1800, died in Granville in 1872; Edwin, 
born in 1802, died in Auburn, N. Y., 1877; Horace, born 
in 1804, died in Granville in 1825; Lyman, born in 180G, 
died in Granville in 1828; Sidney, born in 1812, living; 
Storrs, born in 1814, living. 

Ira removed to Fort Ann, N. Y., and married, in 1819, 
Rachel, daughter of Judali and Mary (Polly) Thompson. 
Judah was a son of Caleb Thompson, of Stamford, Dutchess 
Co., N. Y. ; Mary, the daughter of John Harris, of North 
East, Dutches Co., N. Y. Rachel was born in 1798 ; 
died in 1873. They had children, viz. : Edward, born in 
1823, died 1848; Horace, born in 1825, died while on 
his way to California* in 1849; Silas, born in 1827, 
living; Lyman, born in 1829, living; John, born in 
1833, living; Abigail, born in 1838, died in 1847. 

John married, in 1858, Nancy, daughter of Robert and 
Ann Hopkins, of Fort Ann; is now cashier of the banking- 
house of John Hall ct Co., Fort Ann, N. Y. 

Robert Hopkins, grandfather of Mrs. John Hall, was a 
soldier ; was taken prisoner at the surrender of the fort at 
Fort Ann, taken to Canada, and there held three years. After 
the war he came back to Fort Ann, and settled on the i'arm 
where he died and where Mrs. Hall was born. 

John Harris, before mentioned, came in an early day 

« At Plaltc Citv, Mo. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



313 



with his fiiniily, and settled in this county near what is 
now Kingsbury street. Was driven off by the Indians when 
his daughter Mary was about throe years old, her mother 
taking her on horseback. The family thus escaped, going to 
Dutchess Co., N. Y. None returned until Mary married 
Judali Thompson, when, receiving from her father a deed 
for a part of what was known as the Harris tract, they 
came to Fort Ann and settled thereon, where tlieir sons, 
Israel and Leonard Thompson, now reside. Harris, after 
going to Dutchess county, manufactured what was widely 
known as the Harris scythe. 

In all the long list of this Hall family we find none ex- 
tremely poor, nor one not prompt in all payments or who 
failed to pay every debt in full. This con.servatism in 
financial matters has come to be a family trait of which 
they arc justly proud. 



ISRAEL THOMPSON. 

Caleb Thompson, grandfather of Israel, moved from Con- 
necticut, and settled at an early day in Dutchess Co , N. Y. 
His father, Judah Thompson, was born there, March 25, 
17G7. At the age of twenty-one he went to Schoharie 
county, where he remained one or two years. Returning 
to Dutchess, he married Mary Harris, daughter of John 
Harris, of Pine Plains, Dutchess Co. After marriage he 
returned to Schoharie, where he remained one year. He 
then moved to Washington county, and settled on the 
farm still owned and occupied by his sons, Israel and 
Leonard Thompson. Their children were as follows : Ca- 
leb, Rachel, John H., Israel, Rhoda, Leonard, Joel, Mary 
Ann, and Betsey. Caleb, Rachel, Joel, and Mary Ann are 
decea.sed. John H. is a farmer, living in Fort Ann. 
Leonard is joint owner with Israel of the homestead farm 
in West Fort Ann. Rhoda, wife of John Hanna, lives at 
Ilerndon, Fairfax Co., Va. Betsey, wife of Abner Baker, 
also lives near Ilerndon. The father died Feb. 28, 1829 ; 
the mother, Blarch 23, 1850. Both are buried in the 
West Fort Ann burying-ground. 

Israel Thompson was born at the homestead. West Fort 
Ann, Sept. 28, 1803. Received his education in the dis- 
trict schools of the neighborhood, and in the Granville 
and Fort Ann academics. In 1830, in company with 
Franklin Haskins, John Spalding, and Isaac Mix, he en- 
gaged in the manufacture of iron into anchors at West 
Fort Ann. Remained in connection with the enterprise 
four years. Three years thereafter he traveled in the 
southern and western States. Returning to Fort Ann, 
in connection with his brother Leonard he bought out the 
other heirs in the home farm, which comprised three hun- 
dred and thirty acres, since which they have carried on the 
farm. 

Mr. Thompson married, Oct. 25, 1837, Martha Ann 
Baker, daughter of William and Sarah Baker, who were 
natives of Massachusetts, — the father of Fall River, the 
mother of Rehoboth. Their children were Martha Ann ; 
Royal W., farmer in Fort Ann ; William, deceased; Gama- 
liel Ingham, graduated from Union College, studied law 
with Daniel Law, of New York city, and, after one year of 
practice, died there ; Sarah, wife of Norman S. Field, dc- 
40 



ceased ; and Mary Eliza, second wife of Norman S. Field. 
Mrs. Thompson was born Jan. 30, 1815, in Fort Ann. 

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson's children are as follows : 
William B., born Aug. 27, 1838 ; superintendent of the 
postal service office in Cleveland, Ohio. Gamaliel Ing- 
ham, born April 11, 1813; banker in Hudson, Michigan. 
Royal Wheeler, born Oct. 8, 184-1; postal clerk on railroad 
from Syracuse, N. Y., to Cleveland, Ohio. Norman Field, 
born Nov. 10, 1847, died Dec. 7, 1848. Sarah Baker, 
born Jan. 20, 1850 ; living at home. George Whitfield, 
born April 21, 1853 ; died Aug. 23, 1855. Leonard Jud- 
son, born Sept. 23, 1859 ; died Nov. 13, 1862. 

Mr. Thompson has filled the offices of highway commis- 
sioner and township supervisor. In politics he was a Jack- 
son Democrat, but has been identified with the Republican 
party since its organization. He, with his brother Leon- 
ard, are counted among the most substantial farmers in 
Fort Ann township. 



B. J. LAWRENCE 

was born in Fort Ann, March 21, 1823, the second child 
of Hiram and Mary Lawrence. He descended from Uriah 
Lawrence, son of Sir John Lawrence, who married the 
daughter of the Earl of Effingham, and settled on Long 
Island. His grandfather, Jonathan Lawrence, was born 
March 31, 1751, and married Eunice Lawrence in 1772. 
They had children as follows : Uriah, born Dec. 30, 1776, 
a physician; Pamelia, born Dec. 21, 1779, wife of David 
Wood, deceased; Fanny, born Oct. 25, 1781, wife of 
Reuben Skinner; Hiram, born Jan. 22, 1786; Allothea, 
born March 2, 1788, wife of Samuel Todd; Phebe, born 
Nov. 25, 1790, wife of Jonathan Todd, brother of Samuel. 
All are decea,sed. Hiram Lawrence, father of B. J., was 
born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., where he lived until eleven 
years of age, when his father (in 1797) moved to Fort 
Ann, and settled near the present residence of B. J. 
I/awrence. After his father's death (which occurred in 
1802), at the ago of sixteen, he came into the management 
of the form, and so continued till his death, which occurred 
Jan. 23, 1854. He was twice married ; first to Unity 
Thomas, Jan. 22, 1817, by whom he had one child, 
William Thomas, born Nov. 19, 1817, died March 18, 
1818. His wife died Jan. 16, 1818. He married Mary 
Butler Griffin for his second wife, by whom he had three 
children, viz., Mary B., born Oct. 21, 1820, died April 
27, 1853 ; B. J., .subject of this sketch ; Pamelia Woods, 
born June 20, 1825, married, Jan. 7, 1847, to A. S. 
Turner, living in Elmira, N. Y. 

Mr. B. J. Lawrence inherited from his father the home- 
farm of five hundred acres, one of the finest in Washington 
county, and has followed farming all his days. He was 
educated at the Granville Academy, under the instruc- 
tions of I]li Mack, a prominent educator in that section. 
Upright in all his dealings, liberal towards all public and 
benevolent enterprises, of a genial disposition, IMr. Lawrence 
enjoys the esteem and good-will of all who know him. 
He was never married. A representation of his fine farm- 
house, with portraits of himself and father, appear OQ 
another page of this work. 



rORT EDWARD. 



The town of Fort Edward lies on the west border of 
Washinjiton county, south of its longitudinal centre. It is 
joined by Kingsbury on the north, Argyle on the east, and 
Greenwich on the south, while its entire western boundary, 
against the county of Saratoga, is formed by the Hudson 
river. 

In the east are ridgy highlands, broken with abrupt de- 
clivities. Passing west from these, we find less elevated 
lands, with undulating surface ; and on the western side of 
the town, along the river, is a broad extent of level land. 
Of .streams, the next in size to the Hudson is the Moses 
Kill, which enters the southeast part of the town from Ar- 
gyle, and, passing in an exceedingly tortuous course for a 
distance of about seven miles, and receiving a small tribu- 
tary from the northeast, flows into the great river. Fort 
Edward creek, a small stream which enters the river at 
the village, comes into this town from Kingsbury, where it 
is known as Moss brook. In that portion of the river 
which borders the town are five islands, viz., Munroe's 
island, containing 42 acres ; Bell's island (opposite Black 
House), 3 acres ; Taylor's, 70 acres ; Galusha's, 30 acres ; 
and Payne's, 3 acres. Tiie Champlain canal traverses the 
entire length of the town, running parallel to the river for 
the greater part of the distance, and is joined by the Glen's 
Falls feeder near the Kingsbury line. The route of the 
llensselaer and Saratoga railroad lies diagonally across the 
northwestern corner, and passes over the river from the vil- 
lage into the county of Saratoga. 

The locality of the present village of Fort Edward, 
being at the southerly terminus of the portage, between the 
Hudson and the waters of the lake, was universally known 
as " the great carrying-place," and became a most important 
strategic point and base of military operations from the lat- 
ter part of the seventeenth century until near the close of 
the Revolution. The first pas-sage of organized English 
or colonial forces through this wilderness of pine forests 
was that of a thousand New York and Connecticut troops, 
under General Fitz-John Wirithrop, who marched from 
Albany in the summer of 1090, with the object of in- 
vading Canada and capturing Jlontrcal in retaliation for 
the then recent destruction of the settlement of Schenec- 
tady. 

This expedition, with the minor ones of the two Schuy- 
lers, and those of General Nicholson in " Queen Anne's 
War," are fully described in the general history which 
begins this book. Their principal connection with Fort 
Edward lies in the fact that they pa.ssed through it. The 
troops of General Nicholson, however, built a fort there in 
1811), which was called Fort Nicholson. It was desti'oyed 
on the retreat of the army in the autumn of that year, and 
does not appear to have been rebuilt during the second ex- 
314 



pedition of Nicholson, in 1811. The locality, however, was 
called Fort Nicholson for a long time afterwards.* 

The territory which now forms the town of Fort Edward 
was covered by that remarkable grant to the Ilev. God- 
fredius Dellius, the granting and nullification of which are 
also set forth at length in the general history. 

The "Schuyler patent," granted July IS, 1740, and the 
triangular patent of thirteen hundred acres, granted to 
Stephen Bayard, July 1, 1743, covered four-fifths of the 
present town, the last named extending north to about the 
centre of the present village, and both being laid upon the 
nullified Dellius patent. But in the mean time. Colonel 
John Henry Lydius, son of Ilev. John Lydius, to whom 
Mr. Dellius is supposed to have transferred his title, being 
in nowise inclined to yield up his claims as his father's heir, 
but dispo.sed rather to fortify them by the nine points of 
possession, entered upon the lands, built a house, and 
located with his family at old Fort Nicholson ; this being, 
so far as is positively known, the first settlement made within 
the limits of Washington county, and his daughter Catha- 
rine being the first white child born within those limits.f 

Colonel Lydius here opened a trade with the Indians, 
which it may be reasonably inferred was a profitable one. 
It has also been said that he engaged in lumbering, and 



- Forty years after the construction of this fortification, the Swedish 
naturalist Kaim, passing this way on a scientific tour from the lower 
settlements to Can.ada hy way of Lake Champlain, mailc a halt of 
several hours for rest at Fort Nicholson, lie also traced the old mil- 
itary road, though it was overgrown, and in many places nearly ob- 
literated. In his narrative of that journey, he pays, " Above the fall 
{near Fort Saratoga) the river is very deep again j the water glides 
along silently, and increases suddenly near the shores. After rowing 
several miles we passed another waterfall (at Fort Miller), which is 
longer and more dangerous than the preceding one. . . . We intended 
to have gone quite up to Fort Nicholson in the canoe, which would 
have betn a great convenience to us, but we found it impossible to 
get over this upper fall, the canoe being heavy, and scarce any water 
in the river, except in one place, where it flowed over the rock, ami 
where it was impossible to get up on account of the steepness of the 
fall. We were .accordingly obliged to leave our canoe here, and to 
carry our baggage through unfrequented woods to Fort Anne, on the 
river Woodereek. . . . All the land passed over this afternoon was 
almost level, and entirely covered with tall and thick forest, in which 
we continually met with trees which were fallen down, because no one 
made the least use of the woods. We passed the night in the midst 
of the forest, plagued with mosquitoes, gnats, and wood-lice, and in 
fear of all kinds of snakes." The level and heavily-timbered lands 
alluded to were those on the cast side of the river, between Fort Mil- 
ler and Fort Edward vill.age. 

t Catharine Lydius, born where Fort Edward village now is, mar- 
ried Henry Cuyler, of Greenbush, and became the mother of four sons 
and three daughters. Her two eldest sons entered the British service, 
one becoming a captain in the navy, and the other a colonel in (he 
army. The third son, an oflficer in the American service, was killed 
in the War of 1S12, and the youngest probably remained a private 
citizen. Their mother died iu Greenbush, about ISIS. 



IILSTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



that he built a saw-mill, with a wing-ilaiii nlIlMin^■ IVdiii the 
cast shore to the island ; but this is doubtless an error. If 
he had built a mill at all, he would not have been likely to 
select so ineligible a site in preference to the excellent ones 
which offered themselves a little farther up the river. It 
is probable that his lumbering operations (if any) were 
confined to the cutting of a few logs along the river and 
floating them to points below. Through this traffic, and 
his connection with the Dellius grant, the colonel became 
quite widely known, and his trading-post often received the 
designation of " Fort Lydius." The settlement, however, 
was destined to be short lived; for in November, 1745, the 
year succeeding the opening of the first French war, it was 
attacked and burned by French and Indians, under Marin, 
and the sou of Colonel Lydius was carried away a prisoner 
to Canada. From this time, for a period of ten years, the 
place remained uninhabited and desolate.* 

In the summer of 1755, the second year of what is dis- 
tinctively known as the " old French war," a new expedi- 
tion having been planned again.st Crown Point, under Gen- 
eral Williaiu Johnson, this locality again became the scene 
of martial enterprise. The expedition itself is sufficiently 
de!3cribed in the general history. Suffice it to say here, 
that in July the advance-guard, under General Phineas 
Lyman, erected a new fortification upon the old site of 
Fort Nicholson, in the northern angle formed by the river 
and the creek at their confluence. Its construction was of 
earth and timber, with ramparts twenty-two feet thick and 
sixteen feet high, and with a deep moat protecting the front 
stream to stream. Its form was quadrangular, with three 
bastions, the fourth angle being covered by the river. The 
work mounted six guns, and within its inclosure were 
erected barracks, hospital, storehou.se, and magazine. A 
postern gate at the rear angle opened on the river, and a 
bridge was thrown across the creek near its mouth. Bar- 
racks and storehouses were also erected on the island in the 
river opposite. The fortification was named for the general 
who superintended its construction. Fort Lyman, but Gen- 
eral Johnson, the commander of the army, afterwards re- 
christened it Fort Edward, in honor of Edward, Duke of 
York, grandson of the then reigning sovereign, and biother 
of George III., thus naming not only the fortress and mili- 
tary post, but also the future town and village. 

This was a more formidable defensive work than any 
which had previously been erected in this part of the 
province, and it became a point of leading importance in 
the military movements which crowd the annals of this 
section for the ensuing quarter of a century. Few traces 
of the old rampart and fosse can now be seen, but a vener- 
able cotton wood-tree still stands like an unrelieved sentinel 
over the place, and yearly .sheds its balsamic fleece upon 
the neighboring dwellings, just as of old it was scattered 
over Nicholson, Johnson, Putnam, and Webb, — on eagle 
and chicken heart alike. 

A substantial military road was constructed from Fort 
Lyman, or Edward, o the head of Lake George, and south- 



* One account, however, has it that Colonel Lydius returned, built 
a stone house on the south side of Fort BUivard creek, reopened his 
Indian trade, and realized great gains therefrom ; but we have re- 
garded this as of extremely doubtful authenticity. 



ward to Fort Miller and the lower posts; this latter sec- 
tion being on the Saratoga side of the river, and not over 
the route of the old road of 1709. It should also be borne 
in mind that the defensive work erected by Colonel Sillier, 
about the same time, was on the west side of the Hudson, 
opposite to the village, which now bears its naiue. 

In the general history arc also detailed at length the 
operations of Winslow's army in 1756, the humiliating 
scenes enacted at Fort Edward under the eye of the wretched 
Webb at the time of the capture of Fort William Henry in 
1757, and the subsequent operations of Abcrcrouibie and 
Amheiist. We give place, however, to two minor incidents, 
occurring at Fort Edward, in both of which that gallant 
Connecticut soldier and farmer, Israel Putnaiu, was the 
chief actor. 

After the disbanding of Webb's army, in the autumn of 
1757, the command of the fort was given to General Ly- 
man, who set about repairing and strengthening the de- 
fenses. In prosecuting this work, about a hundred and 
fifty laborers had been detailed to cut timber upon the low 
ground to the eastward of the fort, and a force of one hun- 
dred men, under Captain Little, posted as a guard to pro- 
tect them at their work. One morning, in August, the 
sentinel upon an advanced post thought he saw a number 
of birds sailing swiftly along near the ground and directly 
towards him, nor was ho undeceived until an Indian arrow 
struck in the trunk of a tree at his side. The truth was then 
apparent ! A party of savages had crept up under cover, 
with the intention of silently murdering the sentinel, and 
tlien taking the guard and the laborers by surprise. The 
man discharged his piece, and fell back on the main body. 
The laborers fled and gained the shelter of the fort ; but 
Captain Little and his men were not equally fortunate, as 
General Lyman — fearing a stratagem and an attack on foot 
— had closed the gates again.st them ; their situation was be- 
coming exceedingly critical, when Major Putnam, who had 
been stationed on the island, waded ashore with his men on 
hearing the musketry, and hurried to their assistance. As 
Putnam passed the fort, the general called from the par- 
apet, ordering him to stop ; but he remembered Webb and 
William Henry, and General Lyman might as well have 
shouted his command to the rushing waters of the Hudson. 
The savages recoiled and fled before the determined a.ssault 
of the rangers, Captain Little was extricated from his peril, 
and Putnam returned to the island without so much as a 
reprimand for his disobedience of orders. The locality of 
this fight was upon the low ground south and southwest of 
the present Milliman house. 

Another incident, which occurred at Fort Edward during 
the following winter, illustrates still more remarkably the 
dauntless .courage of this unassuming Connecticut major. 
The barracks within the fort accidentally took fire near the 
northeast bastion. The building was highly combustible, 
and its opposite end stood only twelve feet from the maga- 
zine, in which were stored three hundred barrels of powder. 
The situation was one of extreme peril, and Colonel Ilavi- 
land, then in command, ordered the guns of the fort to play 
on the barracks to demolish them and check the fire, but it 
was without avail. Putnam, still on the island, heard the 
cannouade and came to the rescue. He at once formed a 



316 



HISTORY OF ^YAS^INGTON COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



bucket line to tlie river, and himself entered the infernal 
gap between the fire and the powder ; and there he re- 
mained emptying the buckets as they came to him, regard- 
less alike of the awful peril, the entreaties of the command- 
ing officer, and the overpowering heat, until, at the end of 
an hour and a half, the barracks were consumed so that 
the flames subsided and the magazine was saved ; though 
from the burns and injuries received in that fiery fight the 
liero was prostrated in the hospital for many days. It was 
an exploit at which we never cease to marvel, even while 
remembering that the actor was Israel Putnam. 

After the defeat of Aborcrorabie at Ticondcroga, on the 
5th of July, 1758, the soldiers of his army were brought 
back to Fort lidward. They began to arrive about the 
lOth of the month, and the melancholy procession con- 
tinued until all who were able to bear removal from the 
lake were collected here, filling the hospital with ghastly, 
mutilated wrecks of humanity, who died by hundreds. 
Among the desperately wounded who were brought here 
from Ticouderoga was IMajor Duncan Campbell, of the 
Forty-second Highlanders, who languished in misery for a 
week until relieved by death. He was interred in the 
ground which afterwards became the village graveyard, 
and the spot was marked by a memorial stone ; but the 
great mass of these unfortunates were given to mother 
earth " unknclled, uncoffincd, and unknown." 

Years afterwards excavations for building and other pur- 
poses disclosed rows of skeletons who.se presence had been 
unsuspected, and there is little doubt that others remain, 
perhaps in the very heart of the village, whose resting- 
places will never be disturbed or discovered. 

SETTLEMENTS AND SETTLERS. 

Very soon after the close of the last French war immi- 
grants began to arrive, and permanent settlements were 
made within the territory which is now the town of Fort 
Edward. Nathaniel Gage was, perhaps, the earliest of 
these, he having settled on the site of the village of Fort 
Miller about 1762. Patrick Smyth and James Smyth 
were also among the earliest comers, and settled in 17G4 
at Fort Edward, where, in 17G5, Patrick erected a dwell- 
ing of great solidity and of large size for that period. At 
the raising of the frame it became necessary to send even 
as far as Salem to procure sufficient help to perform the 
■work. This house, which became successively the head- 
quarters of Schuyler and of Burgoyne, having been since 
remodeled, is still standing in Port Edward village, and is 
the oldest building in \Vashington county. 

The Argyle patent was granted May 2\, 17G4, and of 
this grant ten lots laid in present Fort Edward. The num- 
ber of these lots and the persons to whom set off were as fol- 
lows: No. 128, Duncan Shaw ; 129, Alex. McDougall ; 134, 
John McArthur; 135, John Mclntyre; 136, Catharine 
Mcllfender; 137, Mary Hamniel; 138, Duncan Gilchrist ; 
139, John Mclntyre; 140, Mary McLeod ; 141, David 
Torrey. These tracts varied in area from two hundred 
and fifty to five hundred acres ; the only one of the largest 
size being that of Duncan Gilchrist. Most of these people 
occupied their lands immediately. 

Noah Payne, afterwards a well-known citizen of Fort 



Edward, came from Warren, Conn., and settled at Fort 
Miller in the spring of 1706, and Levi Crocker and 
Timothy Ruel, also from Connecticut, settled in the same 
locality. Several of the settlers at Fort Miller atid its 
vicinity came hither through the influence and under the 
patronage of Colonel Wm. Duer, son-in-law of Lord Sterl- 
ing, and first judge of the county of Charlotte. It is said 
that he was the first to build saw- and grist-mills at Fort 
Miller, and that he afterwards built a snufi-mill and a 
powder-mill. (^Kiiickerbockcy M<i</iizi)ie,\o\. xx. p. 95.) The 
Sanders and Bell families came about the same time, and 
James Durkee, from Woodbury, Conn., settled in the east 
part of the town. He had one daughter, Bet.sey, and five 
sons, — Solomon, Thomas, James, Nathan, and Lydius, — 
and was the ancestor of the numerous and substantial 
Durkee family in this .section. The son, Lydius, was so 
named for the proprietor of the Dellius patent, from whom 
tho.se settlers had taken their titles, but afterwards found 
themselves obliged to purchase again under the Schuyler 
patent. 

That the settlement had grown somewhat in importance 
seems evident from the fact that it was selected as the place 
of meeting of the first court held in the county (then Char- 
lotte), which was convened at the house of Patrick Smyth 
at Fort Edward, then in the town of Argyle, Oct. 19, 1773, 
under authority of the king of England. The last court 
under King George's authority was also held at the i^ame 
place, June 20, 1775. 

During the Revolution Fort Edward became again a 
central point of military operations. The fort had, how- 
ever, by that time become dilapidated and nearly worthless 
as a defensive work, and General Schuyler gave this as his 
opinion of it, in a letter written to General Washington, 
in 1777 ; adding that he had often galloped his horse in 
at one side and out at the other, over the ramparts. To 
strengthen the position somewhat, several block-houses were 
erected, in a circular cordon, on the more elevated ground 
surrounding the fort ; one or more being built on the heights 
on the west side of the river. The exciting events of 1777, 
the movements of Schuyler and Burgoyne, the irruption 
of savage hordes and their barbarous murder of the beau- 
tiful Jane McCrea, form the subject of the longest and 
most interesting chapter in the general history.* 

The war and the terrors of invasion not only wholly 
checked immigration, but caused many of the settlers 
already here to abandon their homes and flee in jjanic. 
Peace, however, caused these to return, and also brought 
new and large accessions to the population. Among the 
early settlers at Fort Miller and vicinity, besides those 
already mentioned, were Peleg Bragg, Thomas Lamb, John 



"^■" The house from which the unfortunate young lady just named 
went forth to her shocking death is still standing in the village, and 
forms part of the present residence of Walter llogers, Esq., at 111 
Broadway. The spot where the foul deed was dune is shown, within 
a few yards of a uohle spring which has been called by her name, on 
the land of George Bradley, Esq., in the north part of the village. 
Her remains were buried nearly three miles below the fort, in a spot 
which was afterwards a part of the farm of Truman Bell, about one 
quarter of a mile above the Black House. They were disinterred and 
roMoveJ to the old vilhige burial-ground in 1S22, but have since been 
again removed, and now rest in (he Union cemetery. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



317 



IJuci's, A. IMcaclmm, Tlionias Carpenter, Jesse and Arclii- 
1j;iI(1 Patrick, Garret Viele, Simeon Taylor, Cj'rus Adams, 
Joiiii McAdou, and Philip Viele. We have a list of orig- 
inal members of a Masonic lodge established at Fort Ed- 
ward in 1787, and we give it here as including the names 
of many of the settlers in this vicinity at that time ; though 
they were not all within the present town of Fort Edward, 
but were many of them residents of Kingsbury. The list 
is as follows : Adiel Sherwood, Hugh McAdam, R. Visgeer, 
Seth Sherwood,* P. B. Tear5e,f Duncan Sliaw, William 
Bott, Gilbert Carswell, Samuel Harris, Stephen Cuyler, 
Manning Bull, Murphy Jlclntyre, Alexander Baldwin, Jr., 
Thomas Bradsliaw, Moses Martin, Isaac B. Payn, Charles 
Robinson, John Williams, Nicholas McArthur, Eben Wales, 
Duncan Mclntyre, Joseph Adams, Levi Stockwell, Benja- 
min Johnson, George Jakway, Adam Calderwood, Warren 
Ferris, Samuel Wilson, Nehemiah Seelye, John Hitchcock, 
John Perrigo, Stephen Mead, Micajah Pettet, Asa Catling, 
John Watson, Jr., Zina Hitchcock, Benjamin Scott, Isaiah 
Mead, Stephen Allen, Daniel Barber, Edward S. Salisbury, 
Elijah Denham, Absalom Heller, Harelehigh Sage, Theo- 
doras Doty, Jr., Peter Tallman, Simon De Bidder, Asa 
Way, John P. Baker, Samuel Faulkner, Simon Stevens, 
Henry Sherman, Jr., Philip Smith, Benjamin Bontly, James 
Sheffield, Job Whipple, David Beard, Marniaduko Whipple, 
Ephraim Patten, Joseph Barry, Joseph B. Berry, Joseph 
W. Dunham, William Ashmun, Benjamin Haywood, Peter 
P. French, J. S. Mather, William Chase, Elislia Forbiss, 
William Ilagarty, John Vernon, Matthias Ogden, James 
Wilson, Isaac Foster, John Hamilton, Aliijah Jones, Al- 
pheus Doty. 

ERECTION OF THE TOWN. 

By an act of Legislature, passed April 10, 1818, Fort 
Edward was detached from Argyle and erected a town, with 
its present limits. The first town-meeting was held. May 
22, 1818, at the house of Solomon Emmons. Present: 
Timothy Eddy and Timothy Stoughton, Esqs., justices 
of the peace. Timothy Stoughton was made moderator, 
and the following town officers were elected, viz. : Super- 
visor, Moses Carey ; town clerk, Walter Rogers ; assess- 
ors, James Durkee, Daniel Payn ; commissioners of high- 
ways, Abel Potter, Benjamin Hamlin, John Montgomery ; 
overseers of the poor, Ephraim Crocker ; constable and 
collector, Nicholas Mclntyre; constables, Noah Payn, Jr., 
David Bristol ; overseer of highways, Alexander Gilchrist. 
The officers elected at the last election in Argyle residing 
within the limits of the new town retained their offices in 

•■■■ Seih Sherwood was first a resident of Fort Edward, and after- 
wards of Kingsbury. He was a most ardent patriot, and suffered 
greatly by the persecutions of Pat Smyth, Ueni-y Cuyler, Munro, 
and other Tories, having been at one time dragged to Albany, in 
irons, llirougb their influenee. His losses by depredation, and his 
contributions of supplies to the government during the Revolution, 
amounted to nearly two thousand Bve hundred pounds, of which he 
never recovered a penny. 

t iMajor I'eter 13. Tearsc was one of the early residents at Fort 
Edward, and is credited with having built and first occupied the 
McNeil house (now Walter Ilogers"), from which Jane MoCrea was 
taken by the savages. .Major Tcarse afterwards failed in business 
and removed to the "Malloi-y place." His name is fiiund in Ihe list 
of sheriffs of Washington county. 



Fort Edward for the year. The sum of fifty dollars was 
rai.sed '• to defray expenses the current year." 

Following is a list of the persons who have since held the 
office of supervisor in Fort Edward, with the years in which 
,so elected: Timothy Eddy, 1819-29, inclusive, and 1833 ; 
James Mclntyre, 1830-32; Piatt C. Viele, 183-1-3G-; 
Milton E. Shaw, 1837, 1840, 18-14; Wm. S. Norton, 
1838-39, 1849; James Stephen.son, 1841, 1847; Charles 
Harris, 1842, 1846, 1850 ; Abraham I. Fort, 1843, 1848 ; 
Wm. Forbes, 1845; Isaac M. Guy, 1851-52; George H. 
Taylor, 1853, 1858; Caleb Wells, 1854-55; George Sat- 
terlee, 185G ; Fletcher Coleman, 1857 ; James Chceseman, 
1859; George B. Mosher, 1860; Solomon R. Durkee, 
1861-02; Melvin A. Nash, 1863-71, inclusive; David 
Underwood, 1872; Michael Mory, 1873-75, inclusive; 
Edgar Hull, 1870-77. 

The list of town clerks is as follows : Walter Rogers, 
1818; John Crocker, 1819-21; Samuel T. Shepherd, 
1822-26, inclusive; Timothy Stoughton, 1827, 1833, 1846, 
1855; Daniel T. Payn, 1828-29, 1838; John C. Viele, 
1830-32; Milton E. Shaw, 1834-36; Joseph Stewart, 
1837; Samuel Bennett, 1839; Nicholas Rogers, 1840, 
1842 ; Edward Washburn, 1841 ; Thomas McCollum, 
1843; Morritt Sprague, 1844; Warren Sprague, 1845; 
George M. Sanders, 1847-49; A. D. Wait, 1850; John 
Parry, 1851 ; Bradley S. Bennett, 1852, 1858-60, 1863- 
65; James S. Bell, 1853-54; Fletcher Coleman, 1856; 
Lemuel C. Holmes, 1857; Russell W. Pratt, 1861-62; 
James H. Cheeseman, 1866-71, inclusive, and 1873-76, 
inclusive; David H. King, 1872; Aaron B. Cole, 1877. 

Among tho.se who held the office of justice of the peace 
in Fort Edward before 1827 were Timothy Stoughton, 
Timothy Eddy, Timothy N. Allen, Samuel T. Shepherd, 
S. L. Viele, Warren Bell. The list of those elected in and 
since that year is as follows : David Matthews, 1827 ; 
Ebenezer Kimball, 1827 ; Samuel T. Shepherd, 1830, 1850, 
1854, 1859; Samuel Bennett, 1831, 1838, 1846, 1862; 
Edward Fullerton, 1832; Milton E. Shaw, 1832, 1834, 
1861 ; David Sanders, 1833, 1839, 1843 ; Marcius But- 
ton, 1835, 1843; John F. Gandall, 1836; Warren Bell, 
1837; Walter Rogers, 1840 ; Nathan Payn, 1840; Nich- 
olas Mclntyre, 1841, 1845, 1852, 1858; Benjamin Row- 
ell, 1842 ; Timothy Stoughton, 1844, 1849 ; Reuben 
Durkee, 1846; Jacob Bitely, 1847, 1851; Elias Durkee, 
1848; Warren S. Fox, 1849; James Mclntyre, 1850, 
1863-64, 1868-69; Edwin Crane, 1853, 1857, 1872; 
Elisha H. Ferris, 1855; James L. Reynolds, 1856,1860, 
1805, 1868; George Guy, 1858 ; John W. Bassctt, 1863; 
Leonard Vanderwerker, 1864; Sidney Bell, 1865; David 
Lane, 1866; William Robinson, 1866; Wm. II. Mat- 
thews, 1867,1871; Edgar Hull, 1867; William R. De 
Garme, 1809, 1872; Charles Ackerman, 1870; John 
Claik, 1872; Linus W. Bishop, 1873; Sidney Betts, 
1874; Walter M. Lane, 1875; Daniel W. Taylor, 1876; 
D. D. Wifiu, 1S77 ; George Scott, 1877. 

The office of collector has been held by the fullowing 
persons: Nicholas Mclntyre, 1818-19; James Baldwin, 
1820-21; John Crocker, 1822 ; Francis Gleason, 1823 ; 
Edward Fullerton, 1824-28, inclusive ; Alexander Tilford, 
1829; George Button, 1830; David Taylor, 1831, 1855 ; 



318 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



William Bristol, 1832,1835; Charles Payn, 1833; Chris- 
topher Van Duscn, 1834-38, inclusive; Stephen Scovill, 
1839-40, 1847; Stephen Bitely, 1841, 1848-49, 1854; 
Alexander Gilchrist, 1842-43; Edward Washburn, 1844; 
Solomon Durkee, 1845 ; Absalom Livcrmore, 1846 ; Leo- 
nard Vanderwerker, 1850 ; Gideon Carswell, 1851 ; Bush- 
rod M. Sherwood, 1852 ; Ansel C. Durkee, 1853 ; Thomas 
Bristol, 1856, 1860; Jonathan S. Hubbeli, 1857-58; 
Charles Harris, 1859; Albert J. Robinson, 1861-62; 
George M. Sanders, 1863; James Bennett, 1867; John 
Somers, 1864; George B. Moshcr, 1865 ; Walter M. Lane, 
1866; P. O'Brien, 1868; Robert Taylor, 1869; Halsey 
W. Stoughton, 1870-71; H. S. Wells, 1873; E. P. 
Morgan, 1874 ; James Downey, 1875 ; James M. Russell, 
1876 ; James Mickel, 1877. 

Other officers for 1877 are: Assessor, William Doig ; 
commissioner of highways, E. Flanagan ; overseers of the 
poor, Seth Parish, L. Vanderwerker; auditors, Edwin 
Crane, D. Brisbin, A. C. Hodgeman ; board of excise, B. 
M. Tasker, Michael Mory, J. H. Viele. 

FORT EDWARD VILLAGE. 

The principal land-owner at Fort Edward in the early 
days was Mr. John Eddy, who held a tract of seven hun- 
dred acres, comprising the whole northern portion of the 
present village. William Finn was also a large owner in 
the south part, in the vicinity of the old fort. His house 
stood where now is the residence of Morrill Grace, Esq., 
and there also was his store, he being one of the early mer- 
chants of the place. Another, and perhaps an earlier mer- 
chant, was James Rogers, whose store was on the present 
site of the Somers block. This was before 1800, and at the 
same time Peter Hilton was keeping a store where now is 
the engine-house on Broadway. Ebenczer Kimball had a 
small store in the lower corner of the lot where Timothy 
Stoughton's house now is, and this he afterwards removed 
to a small building, which is still standing, on the ea.st side 
of Broadway, below Notre Dame street. Colonel John 
Kane had his residence and a .store in a long frame house, 
still standing, across the canal from the Milliman House, 
and owned by James Baldwin. This was considered a fine 
establishment in those early times, and was probably the 
first opened in the village. Dr. John Lawrence, who had 
been a surgeon in Burgoyne's army, married Colonel Kane's 
daughter Abigail, Aug. 14, 17S5, and afterwards became 
himself one of the merchants of Fort Edward. A very 
early store was also kept in the house which had been built 
by Patrick Smyth. Livy Stoughton came here in 1811, 
and opened a store on the west side of Broadway, above 
where Mr. Walter Rogers now lives. Daniel W. Wing 
came from Sandy Hill to Fort Edward in 1820 (probably on 
account of the prospective opening of the canal), and estab- 
li.'-hing himself where Davis' drug-store now is, became, 
and for many years conti nurd to be, the principal merchant 
of the village. 

It may be said that Dr. Willoughby, who lived where the 
Milliman House now stands, was the first phjsician, for 
although Dr. Lawrence was before him, the latter practiced 
little, being more inclined to merchandising. Dr. Blorton 
was the next, and not much later. The first and the only 



lawyer for many years was Matthias Ogden, whose office 
stood on or near the present site of the St. James Hotel. 
The first tavern Wiis kept by Russell Rossiter, in the Yel- 
low House,* and this was afterwards kept for a long time 
by Robert Anderson. 

Another was the Baldwin Tavern, near the old fort. 
A public-house was kept by John Eddy, and afterwards Ijy 
Asa Eddy, at the corner of Broadway and Eddy street, 
and one by Jasper Deuel, whore the Eldridge House now 
is. The Mansion House, also kept by Deuel, was a well- 
known tavern in Fort Edward for many yeai-s, and is the 
same which, having been removed a short distance south- 
west froui its ancient site, and remodeled, is now known as 
the Milliman House. 

The Charaplaiu canal was opened hcnco to Whitehall in 
1822. Here was then the summit level, fed from the Hud- 
son by means of a dam nine hundred feet long, twenty- 
eight feet high, with feoder-canal about one-half mile long. 
In the fall of 1822, this dam was partially carried away, 
causing damage and interrupting navigation. The cost of 
construction of dam and the repairs was ninety-two thou- 
sand dollars. At that time there was no canal between Fort 
Edward and Fort Miller, but boats passed between these 
points on the slack-water of the Hudson, entering and leav- 
ing the canal at Fort PMward by the passage of three locks. 
In 1828 this arrangement was abandoned, and the canal 
opened along the east bank of the river to Fort Jliller. In 
1828 (April 14) the Fort Edward Bridge company was 
incorporated, and in the following year the first bridge was 
built across the Hudson, connecting Fort Edward with the 
Saratoga side. 

In 1845 the State sold the old feeder and d;ini to certain 
citizens of Fort Edward ; the comjjletion of the Glen's 
Falls feeder having long before rendered them unnecessary 
for the use of the canal. In the fall of 1848 the Sara- 
toga and Washington railroad was opened to this place, and 
the station established at the Broadway crossing; but after- 
wards, upon the opening of the Glen's Falls road, the -sta- 
tion was removed to East street to give room for the tracks 
necessary to connect the two roads. 

The opening of railway facilities, and the establishment 
of manufactories upon the water-power then recently pur- 
chased from the State, gave a sudden impetus to the pros- 
perity and growth of the village, and caused it soon after 
to assume a new municipal dignity and importance. 

VII,I,.\GE INCORPORATION. 
The village of Fort Edward was iucurporatcd by order 
of the court of sessions Aug. 28, 1S49, and at a meeting 
of the electors, called in pursuance of the court's order, and 
held at the house of Gideon Carswell on the 28th of Sep- 
tember following, the said incorporation was ratified by a 
vote of eighty-one to sixty-seven. The area of territory 
comprehended in the described boundaries was one thousand 
acres, embracing the greater part of the island in the river 
now known as Freeman's island. The officers elected at 



« The same before mentioned as erected by Patrick Sm.vth. Origi- 
nally it was gambrel-roorcd, but was changed to its present form by 
Colonel .Vliraham I. Fort, since which it has been known as " the old 
Fort House.- 






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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



319 



the first cliiirtcr election were as follows: Trustees, F. I). 
Hodiiemaii, Charles Harris, James R. Gaiidall, Daniel S. 
Carswell, John Williams; assessors, Edward Washburn, 
H. W. Bennett, George H. Taylor; collector, Edwin 
Crane ; treasurer, E. B. Nash ; clerk, William Wright. 

There appears no record of elections or other proceed- 
ings in tlie years 1854-56, and, on Feb. 26, 1857, an act 
was passed by tlie Legislature " to revive, amend, and con- 
tinue the charter of the village of Fort Edward ;" of which 
the effect was to restore to the village the corporate powers 
and privileges which had lapsed through the omissions 
above mentioned. At the first election held under this act. 
May 1, 1857, A. Dallas Wait, George H. Taylor, Caleb 
Wells, George W. Tilford, and John E. Mclntyre were 
elected trustees. 

On the 30th of March, 1859, an act was passed " to en- 
large the bounds of the village of Fort Edward, to make 
the same a separate road district, and confer additional 
powers on the trustees and taxable inhabitants of the said 
village," the immediate object of this act being to facilitate 
the construction of the bridge across the Hudson to the 
town of Moreau. 

An act amendatory of the village charter was passed by 
the Legislature April 14, 1866; and on the 25th of Feb- 
rary, 1873, the electors voted "to adopt the act of April 
20, 1870, for the incorporation of villages." 

Following is given a list of the gentlemen who have 
filled the office of president of the village, with the years 
of their election or appointment : Frederick D. Hodgeman. 
1849; A. Dallas Wait, 1850, 1857-58; Russell Hickock, 
1851 ; Daniel Carswell, 1852 ; Edwin Crane, 1853 ; James 
L. Reynolds, 1859-GO, 1873; Edwin B. Nash, 1861- 
6Z, 1865-66, 1869-70 ; George Satterlee, 1863-64, 1875, 
1877; Peter Rozell, 1867; Caleb Welis, 18G8; Edgar De 
Forest, 1871 ; H. W. Stoughton, 1872; John A. Russell, 
1874; David Underwood, 1876. 

JIILI,S AND MANUFACTORIES. 

The first utilization of water-power in Fort Edward vil- 
lage was by Timothy Eddy, Esq., who erected a clothing- 
mill, nearly on the site of the present foundry and machine- 
shop of J. Osgood & Son, before the building of the canal. 
Its motive power was furnished by a small stream, which 
came from the northeast and entered the river near that 
point. On the construction of the old feeder it absorbed 
this stream, but the mill was entitled to, and continued to 
receive, an equal amount of water from the feeder. The 
proprietors following Mr. Eddy cannot all be named ; but 

the mill was run by Waldron, in 1827, • 

Williams, in 1832, and afterwards by P]nos and Gardner 
Howland as a manufactory of coarse papers, this being the 
first manufactory of paper of any kind in Fort Edward or 
its vicinity. The mill remained in existence until the pur- 
chase of the old feeder from the State. 

The first saw-mill was erected at the feeder-dam, about 
1822, by Melancthon Wheeler and Jarvis Martin. The 
later proprietors, if any, are not known. It stood on the 
present site of Teft & Russell's mill. 

A grist-mill, the first in Fort Edward village, was built 
about 1824, by D. W. Wing, Samuel B. Cook, and John 



Mclntyre, using water from the old feeder at the waste-weir. 
It was run by E. B. Nash, from 1832 to 1844, about 
which time it was abandoned, and was afterwards used in 
the building of the mill now owned by the gristmill com- 
pany. The above mentioned were all the mills which had 
been put in oiicration in Fort Edward village prior to 
1845. 

In that year a number of gentlemen of Fort Edward 
purchased from the Slate the old feeder and feeder-dam at 
this place, and also purchased from Timothy Eddy, Esq., 
all his reversionary right in the said property, as well as 
ten acres of land contiguous to and below the dam, for the 
purpose of establishing mill-sites. The names of these 
purchasers were E. B. Nash, H. W. Bennett, D. W. Wing, 
James Cheesman, Morrill Grace, Lansing G. Taylor, E. 
Washburn, Abraham I. Fort, and John Doty. These 
afterwards a.ssociated with themselves Jonathan S. Beach, 
G. Kennedy, Harvey Chapman, Roscius Kennedy, and 
Frederick D. Hodgeman, and together became incorporated 
as the Fort Edward Manufacturing Company ; the object 
of which was to promote the establishment of manufactur- 
ing industries in Fort Edward village, by furnishing sites 
and power to persons who might be desirous of engaging 
in such enterprise. In accordance with a condition of the 
purchase, they cut down the dam from twenty-eight feet 
to its present height of sixteen feet, and it is from this 
that all the water-power in the village is now furnished. 

Hodgeman & Falser s paper-manufactory is the successor 
of an establishment erected about 1850, by the Hudson 
River Iron and Machine Company for the Fort Edward 
Manufacturing Company, as a cotton-factory. It was never 
used as such, however, but remained unoccupied until Sep- 
tember, 1853, when it was purchased by J. S. Beach & 
Co., who formed a stock company, " The Fort Edward 
JIanufacturing Company," by whom it was run as a paper- 
mill for a number of years, then rented to Gardner How- 
land and J. B. Falser, who admitted F. D. Hodgeman, 
forming Howland, Falser & Co., under whom it was de- 
stroyed by fire in 1866. Hodgeman & Falser then pur- 
chased the property from the company, rebuilt the works, 
and so continued until 1872, when they were again burned, 
and the proprietors erected the present mill. The mill 
manufactures printing-paper amounting to about eight hun- 
dred tons annually, and employs about sixty hands. 

The Fort F^dward blast furnace was erected and put in 
operation in 1854, by George Harvey & Co. Its location 
is on Mill street, eight hundred feet below the dam, from 
which the water is brought in a flume. It is now owned 
by the Albany and Rensselaer Iron and Steel Company, and 
is running on Bessemer pig-iron, of which its capacity of 
production is twenty-five tons per day. The ores use<l are 
chiefly from Crown Point and Fort Ann. The works em- 
ploy an average of about fifty men, and are under the gen- 
eral management of Joiin F. Harris, Esq. 

Bradley & Underwood's sawmill was built in 1846, and 
went into operation with one gang- and two English saws. 
It now runs five gangs, with a capacity of one hundred 
and twenty thousand feet per day. Runs about six months 
in the year, and etnploys sixty to seventy-five hands. 

Tefi't & Russell's saw-mill has four gangs of saws, cuts 



320 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



about one hundred thousand feet of lumber daily, runs 
about six months in the year, and employs about sixty 
hands. This is a consolidation of two mills, built in the 
years 1846 and 1847, the former by Beach & Hodgeman 
(one s^ang and one English), and the latter by Scott Sher- 
wood (one gang and two English). 

The records of the canal collector's office show that the 
total value of the forest products cleared at Fort Edward 
in 1877 was »1, 483,899, viz., lumber, 119,65.5,972 feet; 
timber, 256,298 cubic feet ; staves, 4,63G,0U0 ; wood, 
10,532 cords. 

The grist-mill of S. II. and W. E. Durkee, at the corner 
of Jlill and Mechanic .streets, is the same which was built 
by F. D. Hodgeman, in 1846, a portion of the old Wing 
& Mclntyre mill being used in its construction. After 
]\Ir. Hodgeman, the ownership passed successively to 
Hodgeman & Valentine, J. Usher & Son, Haxstun & Ott- 
mann, Russell &, Colo, T. J. Potter & Co., and the present 
proprietors, whose style is " The Grist-Mill Company of 
Fort Edward." A plaster-mill is also connected with it. 

The steam saw-, grist-, and planing-mill, and sash-, blind-, 
and door-factory of N. B. Milliman is located on South 
Broadway, at the southern end of the village. The first 
mill on this site was erected by the same owner, in 1861, 
and was similar to the present establishment, except that it 
included no gi'ist-mill. It was destroyed by fire in July, 
1877, and rebuilt in 1877-78. When running to full 
capacity it employs twenty-five hands. 

The foundry and machine-shop of J. Osgood & Son was 
built bj' tiie Fort Edward Iron and Jlachine Company, in 
1848. Messrs. Bradley & Underwood purchased and still 
own an interest in the works, which have been operated 
successively by Lyman Cox, Osgood Brothers, and the 
present firm. The sams power also drives the broom- 
handle factory of Bunihaui, started by Harvey 

Wells, and em|)loying throe to five men. Location, next 
above the grist-mill. 

The stoneware manufactory of Ottman Brothers & Co. 
was first run as a sash- and blind-factory by Thayer & 
Ilolton, then as a handle-factory, and, in the iall of 1865, 
was put to its present use by J. A. & C. W. Underwood. 
It was afterwards run by Haxstun, Ottman & Co., and 
since the fall of 1872 by the present proprietors. The 
works have three kilns, and manufacture jugs, pots, and 
Rockingham ware, emjiloying about twenty men and con- 
suming about six hundred tons of clay and fifteen hundred 
cords of wood annually. 

The stoneware manufactory of Satterlee & Mory, located 
on Mill street, adjoining the foundry, was established by 
George Satterlee, in 1859. Jlichael Mory was admitted 
in 1861, and the firm became as at present. The works 
have two kilns, and employ about fifteen hands, manufac- 
turing same ware as the Ottman Brothers. 

The Fort Edward Stoneware Company (A. K. Haxstun & 
Co.) manufacture the .same ware as the other potteries. 
Their works, located at the corner of Broadway and Argylc 
street, were erected and started by themselves in 1875. 
They use steam-power, have two kilns, and employ twelve 
to fifteen hands. The clay u.sed in this and the other pot- 
teries is brought from Anibov, N. J. 



The bridge-works of Melvin A. Nash, located in the 
north part of the village, were started, in 1875, by Cooper 
& Nash, for the manufacture of iron bridges. They do 
excellent work, which may be seen spanning many of the 
streams in this region. About fifteen hands are employed 
here. 

The Hillside brick-kiln of C. II. Ran.som is located 
about one mile north of the village, on the canal. This 
establishment manufactures pressed bricks by steam-power. 
Smith's brick-kiln, about one mile below the village on the 
canal, employs four or five men. 

The malt-house of Geo. H. Taylor was put in operation 
by Geo. H. Taylor & Co., about 1852. Its yearly produc- 
tion is about twenty thou.sand bu.shels, and it employs three 
to five men. 

The ale brewery of Durkee & Co. is a large brick estab- 
lishment on the canal at the northeast part of the village, 
having a yearly capacity of ten thousand barrels, and em- 
ploying about twelve men. This was started, in 1858, by 
S.' R. Durkee and Geo. H. Taylor. A malt-house was 
added .soon after, and is now carried on with the brewery. 
A brewery, carried on by John Mackinhill, formerly stood 
where George H. Taylor's block now is, and adjoining it 
was a distillery (the only one in Fort Edward), started 
probably as early as 1825, and afterwards carried on by 
Joshua Deuel. 

The boat-yard of E. P. Ileustis, on the canal above the 
brewery, and the dry-dock company (Northup & Vander- 
werker), at the old lock, do something respectively in the 
way of building and repairing canal-boats. Brougham's 
match and broom factory, on South Broadway, has run a 
number of years, and employs three to five hands. 

THE WATER SUPPLY. 

Nearly or quite as early as the year 1800, an aqueduct 
was constructed for the purpose of supplying water to the 
few inhabit.mts of the locality which is now Fort Edward 
village. William Finn, Dr. John Lawrence, David Scovill, 
and others, were proprietors of this enterprise, and their 
supply was drawn from springs north of the village. The 
old aqueduct shares passed through various hands into 
those of Russell W. Pratt and other gentlemen, by whom 
the present water-works were constructed. 

The Fort Edward Water-works Company was incorporated 
April 10, 1855. President, Russell W. Pratt; .secretary, 
John Parry. The original stockholders were R. W. Pratt, 
John Mclntyre, George II. Taylor, S. R. Durkee, John 
Parry, and William J. Wliitehouse. 

Their supply of water is drawn from two reservoirs, fed 
by perennial springs. The Case reservoir is upon lands of 
Sandford Case, and the Mclntyre reservoir is so called be- 
cause constructed on land of John Mclntyre. Both these 
lie about one mile from the village, towards the nortlieast 
and north respectively. The company have laid about five 
miles of pipe, and furnish water to a large portion of the 
village, and to the tanks of the Rensselaer and Saratoga 
railroad. The present officers of the company are G. H. 
Taylor, president; David Underwood, vice-president; S. II. 
Durkee, treasurer ; Zach. Taylor, secretary. 

A portion of the north part of the village is supiplied 





rii.itos. by Wni. Nims, Fort Edward, N. Y. 



(^OiL^ M!¥/>^'^^ ./^^ ^/^.^^r<^ J/a ^y^. 



The subject of this sketch \v;is born in the year 1796, in 
the town of Fort Edward. His father, Duncan Mclntyre, 
was a teamster in the Revolutionary war, settled in Wash- 
ington county about the time of its close, and located on 
six hundred acres of land, a grant from the king of England 
to the Mclntyre family, near the village of Fort Edward. 
Tills land was occupied in common with his brother. Murphy 
Mclntyre. 

His grandflither was an emigrant from Scotland, and came 
to this country prior to the war for independence, and is 
supposed to have settled in Columbia Co., N. Y. Of Duncan 
Mclntyre's family there were seven sons and one daughter, 
of whom John was the second sou, and spent his minority 
at work on the farm at home, receiving an ordinary common- 
school education. Upon coming of age he became a sub- 
contractor for building the Lake Champlain Canal, then in 
process of construction, and afterwards a contractor. In 
these operations he became very successful. The canal 
completed, he went to New York, where he engaged exten- 
sively in dock building and building breakwaters, which 
business he continued for some thirty years with varying 
success. 

During these years he invested quite largely in real estate 
at home, and at one time owned some fine farms. He was 
an active business man, self-reliant, a man of strict integrity 
of purpose. In the year 1817 he married Bliss Lucy Maria, 
daughter of Daniel Eaton and Nancy Charter. The former 
was a native of Connecticut, but moved to Vermont, where 
he was married, and became a farmer. He raised a flimily 
of ten children, two sons and eight daughters, of whom Mrs. 
Mclntyre was the fourth. Her father died in Vermont, at 
the age of about eighty-five years. Her paternal grand- 
father w;is in the American-Pranco-English war, and assisted 
in building the fort at Fort Edward. The latter was a 
native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and came to America with 
her father and mother and two brothers, James and Alex- 



ander, in the year 1776. She lived to the advanced age of 
eighty-nine, and died at Castleton, Vermont, in November, 
1857. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Mclntyre have been born five children, — - 
Adelia Olivia, wife of the late Edwin Smith, of New York 
city ; James Stewart, who married Miss Margaret Williams, 
of Stillwater, N. Y. ; John Edwin (deceased) ; Elizabeth 
Isabella (deceased) ; and Lucy Maria (deceased). 

Mrs. Mclntyre is, at the time of the writing of this sketch, 
in her eighty-first year, having been born Sept. 29, 1797. 
Soon after her marriage she became a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church at Fort Edward, and remained a 
devoted Christian and member of that church until about 
the year 1852, when she united with the Episcopal church, 
of which .she is still a member, in 1878. 

Mrs. Mclntyre remembers Fort Edward without any 
churches, and limited opportunities for obtaining any edu- 
cation. She has seen and passed through the various changes 
of upwards of threescore years as a resident of the place, 
and seen the rude log cabin supplanted by elegant residences, 
school and church edifices established, and now remains as 
one of the pioneer women of the early days in Washington 
county. She retains, to a very remarkable degree, strength 
of body and a clear mind, and is able to give readily many 
of the facts for this sketch. 

John Mclntyre was first connected with the old Federalist 
party, afterwards with the Democratic party, and during the 
latter years of his life was a Republican. He was the Dem- 
ocratic nominee for Congre-ss in Washington county in 
1834, but the large Republican majority prevented his 
election. Mr. Mclntyre was not a professional politician in 
any sense of the term, but principally devoted his life to 
active business. He was always very much interested in the 
establishment of good society, and made liberal contributions 
for the support of both church and school. He died in the 
year 18G2. 





Photos, by Wui. Nims, Fort Eilward, N. Y. 



^Jrrt. Jio,,J^.y^ ^i^J^-i ..*ry*--/A 



JOHN MAC GREGOR. 



The family from wliich the subject of this sketcli traces its 
descent is traced to Griogar, third son of Alpin MacAeliai, 
king of Scotland, who commenced his reign in 787. Donng- 
heal, the elder son, gave the patronymic MacGregor to his 
])Osterity, and his brother Guarai was founder of the clan 
since distinguished as MacQuarrie. The family has had rep- 
resentatives in the battle of Bannockburn, in the invasion of 
Ireland, and many of the important changes in Scottish history. 
The military power of the MacGregors in 1645 was one thou- 
sand, when they were persecuted by some of the most powerful 
clans of Scotland, notwithstanding which, there was a feeling 
of respect and sympathy for them throughout the Highlands, 
and to this day " Clann-na-Griogar" is frequently given as a 
spontaneous and cordially received toast. 

The homestead of the family in Scotland was Thorn Hill, 
in Perthshire. William MacGregor emigrated to America in 
the year 1785, in company with his two brothers, James and 
John. The three brothers all had trades. William and 
James were tanners, curriers, and shoemakers. John became 
a very prominent merchant in New York city, in partnership 
with his brother Alexander, who subsequently came to this 
country. All these four young men had to commence with 
in a strange land was their hands, and hearts willing to do. 

William worked at the shoe trade for a few years in New 
York, and came to Saratoga, where his main business was 
I'arming. After coming to Saratoga county he married Miss 
Charlotte Cameron, in the year 1793, who had come over the 
water on the same ship with himself, and was descended from 
one of the most influential and prominent Scottish families. 
He settled in the town of Northumberland, and hence became 
one of the early pioneers of that part of Saratoga county. He 
lived to be seventy-four years of age, and died in the year 
18.34. His wife died June 22, 1830, aged sixty-six years. 

From this union were born eleven children, of which the 



subject of this memoir was eldest son, being born May 8, 1797, 
and is, at the time of the writing of this sketch, nearly eighty- 
one years of age, and able to give the facts for this biography. 
He received while young the careful training of a very intelli- 
gent and cultured mother, and a judicious and careful father ; 
but, aside from that, received little education from school. 
Mr. MacGregor remained at home until he was over thirty 
years of age, engaged in farming and rafting lumber down 
the Hudson, finding a market in Albany and New York. 

In the year 1827 he married Miss Charlotte, daughter of 
John Beakraan and Catharine Ten Eyck ; the former a native 
of Rensselaer Co., N.Y., thelatter a native of Albany Co., N.Y. 

Mrs. MacGregor was born in 1798, March 8; was a woman 
of great decision of character, of correct moral habits, and is 
said never in a single instance to have prevaricated, but re- 
mained as she had been taught in her youth, faithful to all 
the principles of true womanhood. She died Nov. 5, 1874. 

Mr. MacGregor received little assistance from his father, 
pecuniarily, at the time of his marriage, and after farming for 
nine years went to Clinton county and engaged in lumbering, 
buying a large tract of pine timber land. Here he remained 
for twenty years, and in 1853 went to Saratoga, thence to 
Connecticut, and bought a place at Saybrook, where he lived 
for seven years, and in 1863 came to Fort Edward, where he 
has since lived. In his business operations he was successful, 
and has spent a life of constant activity. Characteristic of Mr. 
MacGregor is his integrity of purpose, his unassuming and 
plain way. What he lacked in early education has been 
largely made up by extensive reading. 

In politics he was originally a Whig, but upon the formation 
of the Republican party became an ardent supporter of that 
party. His firmness and resoluti<m to do what he conceived to 
be right have gained for him the high esteem of all with 
whom he has been associated during his life. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



321 



with excellent water from the IMcCrea spring, owned by 
Georjie Bradley, Esq. 

GAS-WORKS 

have never been constructed at Fort Edward, though pro- 
position.s to that effect have several times been made, and 
privileges granted to couipanie.s. Articles of incorporation 
were filled by " The Fort Edward Gas-Light Company," 
June 19, 1875, but the introduction of gas into the village 
in the near future now seems iin[)r()bable. 

FIRE DEP.\RTMKNT. 

The Fort Edward fire department dates from the pur- 
chase of the old hand-engine '• Relief," in the .summer of 
1857. At a village-meeting, held on the 9th of June, 
in that j'ear, it was voted to raise fifteen hundred dol- 
lars for purchase of engine and hose-cart, two hundred 
and twelve dollars for four hundred feet of hose, eight hun- 
dred dollars for the building of an engine-house, two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars for lot, purchased of E. Washburn, 
on which to erect the same, two hundred and eighty dollars 
for hydrants, and fifty-eight dollars for hooks, ladders, and 
buckets. A fire-company of forty-si-ic members was organ- 
ized for the new engine, and a hook-and-ladder company of 
thirty members appointed by the trustees. At a meeting 
held on the 9th of December following, it was voted to 
raise fifty dollars for suction hose, four hundred dollars 
additional to complete engine-hou.se, four hundred and fifty 
dollars for leather hose, and three hundred dollars for hook.s, 
ladders, and buckets. Soon after, six hundred dollars was 
raised for construction of cisterns. 

In June, 1874, a steam fire-engine (the John F. Harris) 
was purchased of Clapp & James, of Hudson, N. Y. ; the 
sum of four thousand dollars having been voted for that 
purpose, as well as fifteen hundred dollars for the pur- 
chase of a lot, and five thousand dollars for the erection 
of an engine-house thereon; three hundred dollars for 
hooks and ladders, and seven hundred dollars for hose. 
The steamers first company was organized with thirt3--one 
members, May 27, 1874. President, John F. Harris ; vice- 
president, B. M. Tasker ; secretary, David H. King ; cap- 
tain, A. A. Van Loon ; a.ssistant, W. S. Durkee ; treasurer, 
Francis B. Davis. 

The composition of the present fire deiiartinent is as 
follows: chief engineer, James Mickel ; assistant engineer, 
E. E. Groesbeck ; secretary, W. H. Lowe ; treasurer, John 
C. Tefi-t. 

John F. Harris Steamer Company, No. 1, has about 
fifty active members. President, Edward Matthews ; vice- 
president, H. S. Wells ; captain, W. S. Durkee ; a.ssistant, 
AV. C. Wilder ; secretary, W. H. Lowe ; treasurer, William 
Black ; steward, M. M. Terriault ; engineer, A. M. George. 

Satterlee Hose Company, No. 2 (incorporated), has forty 
active members. President, D. R. Williamson ; vice-presi- 
dent, F. E. Barton ; foreman, A. J. Mullin ; first assistant, 
S. F. Godfrey ; second assistant, J. F. Loughlin ; secretary, 
K. L. Crawford; treasurer, A. R. Wing; steward, A. L. 
Moore : trustees, Charles Matthews, John Pair, T. F. 
Stoughton. 

John A*. iJnrher Hose Company, No. ?,, about I'oriy 
41 



members. President, J. R. Durkee; vice-president, A. E. 
De Forest ; foreman, F. Gilchrist ; first assistant, Charles 
W. Dean; second assistant, S. Oppenheimer; secretary, 
E. E. G roesbeck ; treasurer, N. E. Cook ; steward, M. 
Rus.sell. No company is attached to the old '' Relief" en- 
gine, which is housed with the steamer in the house on 
Broadway. 

The village has never been vi-sited by any extensive con- 
flagration. One of the mast destructive fires was that of 
Nov. 19, 1877, when the Collegiate Institute was destroyed. 
The fire department did good service on that occasion iu 
saving neighboring property, although tlieir water-supply 
was drawn from a great distance. From canal, river, cis- 
terns, and water-works a supply of water sufficient for pur- 
poses of extinguishment is usually' accessible in most parts 
of the village. 

SOCIETIES. 

Waahtiiyfon Ludgi', No. \l, F. and A. M., was organ- 
ized June 25, 1787, with Adiel Sherwood, W. M. ; 

•, S. W. ; Hugh McAdam, J. W. ; Rynier Visgeer, 

Sec. ; Seth Sherwood, Treas. ; and seventy-eight members. 
The lodge lost its organization about 1820, but was soon 
after revived; reorganized and removed to Sandy Hill. It 
finally went down in the anti-Ma.sonic hurricane, about 
1830. 

Fort Edward Lodge, No. 2G7, F. and A. M., was or- 
ganized by dispensation, July 1, 1852, with about forty 
members. The first officers were C. G. Smith, W. M. ; 
Caleb Wells, S. W. ; P. J. J. Kinney, J. W. 

The present membership is about one hundred. The 
officers for 1878 are James Mickel, W. M. ; George God- 
frey, S. W. ; W. M. F. Craft, J. W. ; Samuel Godfrey, 
Treas. ; David M. Odell, Sec. ; George Turner, S. D. ; Jesse 
Stanley, J. D. ; Rufus Smith, Tyler. 

Fort Edward Chapter, No. 171, 7?. A. J/., was chartered 
in 1867. W. R. Ottman, H. P.; R. W. Pratt, K.- W. 
M. Lane, Scribe. The present membership is sixty-two. 
The officers for 1878 are William A. Fox, H. P.; H. 
McFarland, K. ; John Thompson, Scribe ; T. R. Wade, 
Treas.; W. M. F. Craft, Sec; O. O. Niles, C. of H. ; 
Z. P. Rugglcs, R. A. C. ; King Soper, M. 1 V. ; Charles 
Payne, M. 2 V. ; C. A. Elmore, M. 3 V. ; Kufus Smith, 
Tyler. 

Jane McCrea Lodge, No. 2G7, I. 0. of O. F., Was insti- 
tuted Aug. 10, 1848, with over fifty members. The first 
officers were John E. Mclntyre, N. G. ; W. S. De Wolf, V. 
G. ; George A. Raymond, R. S. ; H. Willard, P. S. ; S. 
Carrington, Treas. The lodge was organized Feb. 21, 1871, 
with eighty-five membei-s. The officers for 1878 are George 
Crandall, N. G. ; E. P. Morgan, V. G. ; 0. 0. Niles, R. S. ; 
D. M. Martin, P. S. ; W. J. Irving, Treas. 

The American Order of United Workmen was organized 
in Fort Edward village Feb. 4, 1878, with tlie following 
officers: II. McFarland, P. M. W. ; T. R. Wade, M. W. ; 
Charles W. Carey, Foreman; Ernest Elmore, Overseer; 
Edward Crawford, Recorder; David Whipple, Financier ; 
J. M. Reeves, Receiver; F. Mills, Guide. 

The Fort Edward Temperance Reform Club was or- 
ganized in January, 1878. President, J. E. Reynolds; 



322 



HISTORY OF WASIIINGTOX COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Sec, Zach. Taylor; Treas., A. Dc Forest. The club num- 
bers three hundred and seventy-tive members. They have 
fine and commodious rooms in Harris place, Broadway, 
which were dedicated Feb. 5, 1878. 

Fori Edwiird Diviawn, No. 222, Sous of Temperance, 
was organized at Fort Kdward village March 5, 1847, with 
about fifty members; and Fort Miller Division, of the 
same order, was in-ganizod at Fort Miller, May 18, 1848, 
with about tliirty members. Both these have long been 
extinct. 

POST-OFFICE. 

The Fort Edward post-office was established in 1800, 
with James Rogers as postmaster. The list of succeeding 
postmasters is as follows : John F. Gandall, James Mcln- 
tyre, Darwin B. Eldridge, John F. Gandall (second term), 
Charles Harris, Timothy Stoughton, James Mclntyre 
(second term, ending 1861), Daniel S. Carswell (died in 
office, 1874), James H. Harris, the present incumbent. 

Bradley's opera-house 

is a fine brick block, on the east side of Broadway, built in 
1870, by Robert Alien, from whose estate, after his death, 
it was purcha.sed by George Bradley, the present proprietor. 
Besides the exhibition hall, which has a seating capacity of 
one thousand, the building contains the post-office and the 
offices of the Gazette and Independent. 

Several fine business structures have been erected in Fort 
Edward during the past few years, among which we notice 
the " Harris place" block and " Somers' block," both on 
Broadway, the former built in 1874, and latter in 1877. 
The population of the village is set at about four thousand. 

BANKS. 

The National Bank of Fort Edward was chartered as 
The Bank of Fort Edward, in 1851, with a capital of one 
hundred and twenty thousand dollars. President, Lansing 
G. Taylor; cashier, George Harvey. In 1865 it became 
a national bank, with its present name, and its capital was 
increased to two hundred thousand dollars, at which figure 
it remained until 1876^ when it was reduced to one hun- 
dred thousand dollars, as at present. The banking-house 
is on Broadway, Fort Edward village. President, E. B. 
Nash ; cashier, P. C. Hitchcock. 

The Farmers Bank of Wanli.inf/lon. County was char- 
tered in 1856, with a capital of one hundred and seventy 
thousand dollars. President, George Harvey ; cashier, 
George Clements. In 1865 it became the Farmers Na- 
tional Bank of Washington County, without change of 
capital, and was afterwards removed from Fort Edward vil- 
lage to North Granville. 

The State Bank of Fort Edward was chartered April 
1, 1871, with a capital of one hundred thou.sand dollars, 
which has remained unchanged. David Underwood, pres- 
ident ; George Clements, cashier. Banking-house, Broad- 
way and Eddy street. 

FORT miller. 

This is a pleasant village, containing some hundreds of 
inhabitants, located eight miles south of Fort Edward, and 
built chiefly on a i)lain lying between the canal and the 



Hudson river. It derives its liame from the defensive 
work erected on the opposite side of the river by Colonel 
^Miller during the old French wars. Of this, Corey, in his 
" Gazetteer of Washington County," says, "Although his- 
tory is silent in regard to this station, many of the older 
inhabitants remember that a garrison was continued there 
until, or near to, the Revolution." It was where this vil- 
lage stands that tradition has laid the scene of one of the 
characteristic feats and hair-breadth escapes of Israel Put- 
nam, then a captain. He had crossed the river alone to the 
present site of the village, and had just entered the canoe 
to return, when he discovered that a party of Indians had 
crept to the bank of the river above him, at a point which 
they believed he would be compelled to pass to avoid being 
carried into the rapids. A moment he stood upright, at- 
tentively regarding his foes, as if to count their numbers, 
and then, with one mighty sweep of his paddle, he whirled 
the canoe into the rapids and over the falls. The savages 
meanwhile looked on with amazement, refusing to fire on 
one who seemed to bo under the special protection of the 
Great Spirit, and gave a wild whoop of admiration as he 
sped away unharmed in the still water below. 

Many of the first settlers at this place we have already 
mentioned. Several of the original dwellings occupied by 
them still remain ; among which are the two tavern stands, 
the McAdou house, the widow Viele house, and one be- 
longing to the paper-mill company. A tavern was kept by 
Simon Kittle, in what is now De Garmo's house, where 
afterwards Thomas Lamb kept until his death. It is sup- 
posed, though not certain, that this was erected by Kittle. 
It was last kept as a public-house by Isaac M. Guy, about 
1855, and is now a dwelling. 

The lower hotel, now in use, was kept at an early day by 

Beers. Other keepers were Wm. Wilson, Alex. 

Sutherland, L. S. Violc, and Lyman Steel. It has never 
been used except as a tavern. Farther down Simeon Taylor 
had a public-house, and one mile north Daniel Payne had 
also a tavern. All were much patronized by raftsmen. 
The " Black House" should not be omitted, although it was 
not in Fort Miller, but five miles north of that village, on 
the road to Fort Edward. It was built by Elisha Reynolds 
at a very early day, and afterwards kept by Solomon Em- 
mons and others, during which time it was often designated 
as the place of holding the annual town-meetings. It re- 
ceived its name on account of the color which it was ori- 
ginally painted (said to have been a compromise between 
Mr. Reynolds' preference, red, and that of Mrs. Reynolds, 
who desired yellow). The old house was destroyed by fire 
in the fall of 1877, having ceased to be kept as a public- 
house some fifteen years ago. 

Stores were kept in Fort Miller at an early day, by Jesse 
Patrick and A.shbcl JMeacham, in a frame house which stood 
near the old lock. Another pioneer store was by Thomas 
Carpenter, near the present site of the Baptist church. It 
was burned in 1813. Bennett & Crocker opened a store 
about 1815, on the site where Daily's store now is. The 
large frame storehouse now occupied by Nichols & Son, on 
the canal, was built by Stephen L. Viele, about 1825. Viele 
was a merchant in the place from ISlfS to 1840. 

The first physician was Dr. John De Garmo, who was 





Photos, by Wni. Ninis, 
Fort Edward, N. Y. 



JOHN CLARK. 



MRS. JOHN CLARK. 



JOHN CLARK. 



The suljject of this sketch was born hi the town of Hebron, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1803. He traces his descent through his 
father, John Clark, who emigrated from Ireland, May 10, 1764, in 
company with his brother James, his mother, and uncle, Rev. Thomas 
Clark, M.D. His grandfather was a native of .Scotland, and after his 
marriage moved to Newcastle-on-Tyne, where he left his wife and 
two children, and, while engaged as a surgeon on board a man-of-war 
of the English fleet, died off the coast of Guinea. Hence the wife and 
two sons emigrated under the |>rotection of the brother and uncle, 
Thomas. 

"The Rev. Thomas Clark was a native of Scotland, and had grad- 
uated in the University of Glasgow, where he took the degree of 
doctor of medicine. From this he obtained the title of doctor. He 
studied divinity under Rev. Ebenezcr Erskine. During the Civil 
"War of 1745 and 1746 he served in the army against the * Pretender.' 
At the close of that war he resumed his theological studies, and in April, 
174S, was licensed to preach by the Associate Burger Presbytery of 
Glasgow. On the 23d of April, 1751, he was installed by a committee 
of that presbytery over the congregation of Ballibay, Ireland. Here 
he labored thirteen years, suffering persecution and imprisonment 
for conscience' sake. He refused to take the oath of abjuration, ac- 
knowledging the king as the head of the church, and engaging to 
assist in dethroning him if he should become a Presbyterian. He also 
refused to swear by kissing the book, which he considered a popish 
superstition, and hence left Ireland, and landed in New York, July 
28, 17G4, accompanied by about three hundred of his people. Part 
of them separated and went to South Carolina, but the main body 
came with him up the Hudson and halted at Stillwater. In the 
spring of 1765, in search of a place of settlement, he visited the town 
of Salem, then a wilderness, and in the cabin of James Turner 
preached the first sermon ever delivered in those parts." 

The father of the subject of this memoir was only four years of age 
when he reached his home in the wilderness. His mother married 
again, and he spent his minority at home on the farm. Was a volun- 
teer in the American army, and was in the battle of Saratoga at the 
time of Burgoyne's surrender. Was married first to a Miss Hamilton, 
of Scotch descent, by whom he had two children,— the eldest, a son, 
drowned while young; the second, a daughter, grew up to woman- 
hood and was married, now deceased. Married for his second wife, 
after the decease of his first. Miss Sarah Qua, of Hebron, but a native 
of Ireland, emigrating with her parents in 1790. 

From this second union there were born seven children, — Phebe, 
Jane, Margaret, John (died in infancy), John, James, and Agnes, of 
whom only the eldest daughter, Phebe, and John, the subject of this 
sketch, survive. 

The father of these children was a farmer hy occupation and in 
limited circumstances, and gave his children only such opportunities 
for an education as the district schools of that day afforded and hia 



means would support; and as parents were necessitated in those days 
to place a pecuniary value upon the time of their children after the^' 
were able to earn their own living, it was no exception in the case of 
these children, and hence John, with the rest, became early in life 
inured to the hardships common to the pioneer days of the county, 
but gained thereby habits of economy, self-reliance, and resolution 
to do. He received that parental training that gives character to 
manhood, fixes honesty for life, and gains the respect of the cultured 
and learned. Mr. Clark had so improved his meagre opportunities 
by self-denial and study as to be able to teach school winters after he 
became of the proper age, working on the farm summers. In this way 
he continued until he was twen'y-five years of age, when, in the year 
1828, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Nelson and 
Esther Belch. The former was a native of Ireland, and died when 
Mrs. Clark was only ten years of age, and about the year 1816. The 
latter was of Scotch descent, and died January, 1810. Mrs. Clark 
was born May 19, 1800, in the town of Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y. 

While Mr. and Mrs. Clark have no children of their own, they 
have remembered others needing their assistance, and have con- 
tributed to give to others the advantages of education, which they 
in youth were denied. 

Mrs. Clark has, since she was nineteen years of age, been con- 
nected with the United Presbyterian church (now called) : is a lady 
of modest, unassuming ways, hospitable, with ready cheer, and is a 
friend to those in need. 

Mr. Clark received very little pecuniary assistance from his father, 
but what was of far greater importance, disciplined and correct 
moral habits, and a will to do whatever he conceived to be right. 
His life since his marriage has been spent largely as a merchant in 
the town of Argyle for some thirty-four years, and for some time as 
a farmer. In the year 1SG7 he removed to the village of Fort Ed- 
ward, where he has remained, partially resting from his usual active 
life. Mr. Clark's life has been one of self-reliance, economy, and 
industry, and, while he has been blessed with a fair competence, he 
has remembered the Giver, and liberally contributed to all enterprises 
tending to elevate and educate the rising generation. 

Since a boy he has been a member of the Presbyterian church, 
formerly the Associated Reformed Presbyterian church. He was 
first a member of the old Whig party, and upon the formation of the 
Republican party became an ardent supporter of its principles. He 
has been connected with the offices of trust and responsibility in the 
town of Argyle as justice of the peace for some nine years, and since 
his residence in Fort Edward has served as a justice of the peace 
for one term. 

Mr. Clark is the only living representative of the name descended 
from the emigrants of the last century. A man of good influence 
among his fellow-citizens, of strict integrity of purpose, and respected 
by all who knew him. 




The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Fort 
Edward, Feb. 18, 1801. He was the youngest child in a 
family of eight children of Solomon Durkee and Christiana 
Sanders. The former was a native of Connecticut, and 
came to what is now Durkeetown, in the town of Fort Ed- 
wai'd, Washington Co., N. Y., when only fifteen years of 
age. Solomon was the eldest of five sons and two daughters, 
and emigrated to that place from Connecticut with his 
parents, Thomas Durkee and Lydia Pitcher, in 1762. 

This family came into the then wilderness of Argyle 
among the earliest pioneer families, and the same land 
settled upon by the pioneer, Thomas Durkee, is at the time of 
writing this sketch owned by a great-grandson by the name 
of George H. Taylor. The grandfather and grandmother 
passed away about the close of the last or the beginning 
of the present century, at very advanced ages. 

Solomon Durkee, father of the subject of this memoir, 
was a farmer by occupation, and owned the old homestead 
during his day. He lived to the age of eighty-four years, 
and died in the year 1831. His wife died in the eighty- 
first year of her age, the 19th of February, 1838. 

The names of the children were Solomon, Reuben, 
Samuel, John S., Elizabeth, Mehetabel, Clarissa, and Lovisa. 

John S. Durkee, the youngest of these children, is the 
only one left to give the facts for this sketch, and is now 
in the seventy-eighth year of his age. He received limited 
opportunities for book education, but learned while young the 
importance of industry, temperance, and economy, and the 
value of honesty in all pursuits in life. During his minority 
he became inured to agricultural pursuits at home. After 
he became of age he engaged in lumbering during the 
winter on the Luzerne mountains, and at farming during 
the summer. At the age of twenty-three he married Miss 
Mary, daughter of John Ellis and Mary Robinson, — the 
former a native of Montreal, the latter a native of Albany, 
but at the time of her man-iage a resident of the town of 
Fort Edward. She was next youngest of the family of nine 



children, three of whom were girls and six boys. Mrs. 
Mary Durkee was born Jan. 8, 1798, in the town of 
Moreau, Saratoga Co., N. Y. Her father was a carpenter 
and joiner by trade, and settled in that town during the 
last part of the last century. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Durkee have been born five children, — 
Lorenzo, John V. R., William E., Elmira, and Ann Eliza. 

Soon after their marriage, and in the year 1828, Mr. 
Durkee removed to the farm where he now resides, which 
contains one hundred and twenty acres of land, a large part 
of which he has cleared, a part of it being original forest. 

He and his wife have lived on this farm over half a 
century. The result of his labor may be seen in fruit- 
growing trees of fifty years' growth, together with the agri- 
cultural improvements of the day. The house he now lives 
in he built when he first moved on to the place, and it ranks 
well with the farm-houses of more modern erection. 

Mr. Durkee has spent an active, industrious life, and his 
characteristic integrity and self-reliance have gained for him 
the esteem of his fellow-men. He has stood as one of the 
standard-bearers of the Democratic party, and although not 
an active politician, has been elected to important offices in 
his town ; was assessor for some six years. 

Mr. Durkee has done well his part in building up the 
schools and churches of his vicinity, and stands favorably 
identified with the best interests of society. He has lived 
to see the various changes and improvements that have 
taken place during the past half-century, and the growth 
and prosperity of a rapidly developing nation. In his 
father's day the Indians roamed over the hills and through 
the valleys where now civilization is everywhere found. 
The sound of martial music and din of battle often broke 
the monotony of the rural scene in the days of Burgoyne's 
march through this valley and the War of 1812. The 
Durkee fiimily is one of the oldest families of this county, 
and the subject of this sketch the oldest representative of 
the family save one — Nancy Phillips. 



IILSTOIIY OF WASIILNGTOX COUNTV, NEW YORK. 



323 



followed by Br. John Bostwick. Their successors to the 
present time have been Drs. B. F. Cornell, Asu Fitch, J. D. 
Stewart, 11. Blois, Walter Mott, Peter Blois, Boss Wilson, 
and C. W. Keefer. 

The Fort Miller post-oiEee was established about 1S15, 
with Seneca G. Bragg postmaster. The list ol' his succes- 
sors in the office is as follows: L. S. Viele, Johu C. Viele, 
L. S. Viele (second term), Leonard Vanderwerker, Isaac M. 
Guy, Samuel Pike, Joseph Fenton, Alfred F. Nichols, pres- 
ent incumbent. The mails run daily between this place and 
Fort Edward and Sehuylerville. 

A post-office was established many years ago at Moses 
Kill; was afterwards discontinued for a term ; then re-estab- 
lished, with James D. Mott as postmaster, who, having re- 
signed the office, was succeeded by James D. Mott, the 
present postmaster. 

It is probable that the first iniprovcmont of water-power 
at Fort Miller, looking to the establishment of mills and 
manufacturing industry, was made at the lower falls by 
Judge Duer. Daniel Viele recollects a grist-mill on the 
Saratoga side, operated by Burt Brothers and Harris, and 
a saw-mill in the middle of the stream, by Joel Gleason. 
On the Washington county side were saw-, grist-, and card- 
ing-niills, at the point of rocks below the stock-yard of 
the paper-mill company. These were owned by Ashbel 
Moacham. The power was ruined by the Saratoga dam, 
and the owner was indemnified and the mills removed. 

The improvement of the upper falls began about 1822. 
Upou the present site of the grist-mill a gang saw-mill was 
erected, and another lumber-mill farther up the stream. 
The present grist-mill was built about 1825, by Stephen 
Viele, for B. and J. R. Bleecker. It has been repaired, and 
is now equipped with four run of stones. In 1855 it be- 
came the property of Hosea Nichols, who also owns the 
adjacent saw-mill. The mills (saw and grist) on the 
opposite side of the river are owned by the Harris estate. 

The paper-manufactory of Wagman, Thorpe & Co. occu- 
pies a building forty by one hundred and twenty-five feet in 
size, two and a half stories high, which was erected in 
18-18-49, by L. S. Viele, for the Bleeckcrs, as a woolen- 
factory ; for which purpose, however, it was never used, but 
remained idle until 18()5, when it was purchased by H. G. 
Craig & Co., who adapted it as a paper-mill and ran it as 
such until 1873, when it passed to the present owners. 
They employ eighteen hands in the manufacture of hang- 
ing-paper, of which their yearly product is about six liun- 
dred tons, consuming about four hundred tons of straw 
and five hundred tons of other stock. The establishment 
has four engines, one being a forty-eight-inch cylinder. 

Boat-building, employing a few hands, has been carried on 
to a limited extent at Fort Miller in the past ten years. 
The business is at present carried on by Geor'j;e' W. Kings- 
ley. 

CEMETEUIE8. 

The mo.st ancient place of interment in the town is the 
old graveyard in Fort Edward village, located on the east 
side of Old Canal street, below Notre Dame, a burial, and 
perhaps the first one within it (^that of Major Duncan 
Campbell), having been made in July, 1758. The ground 
was donated as a burial-jilace by Henry Ciiylcr, but was 



not fenced until 180!), when it was done by subscription. 
It was the only burial-place used by the iidiabitants of the 
village until the establishment of the Union cemetery, in 
1847, to which afterwards very many of the remains from 
this ground were transferred. It is now no longer used as 
a place of sepulture. 

The Sandy Hill and Fort Edward Union Cemetery As- 
sociation was organized July 31, 1847, with the following 
officers, viz. : executive committee, 0. Clark, B. F. Hoag, 
Wm. S. Norton, D. W. Wing, G. Harvey, II. B. Northup, 
John Mclntyre ; president, O. Clark ; vice-president, J. 
Parry; treasurer, Wm. Coleman; secretary, H. B. Northup. 

Their first ground was a lot of fifteen acres lying on the 
east side of the main road, about midway between the vil- 
lages of Sandy Hill and Fort Edward, purchased of Joseph 
Parry for eight hundred and twcnt}' dollars, and laid out by 
H. B. Northup, William Coleman, and William S. Norton, 
they being a committee appointed for the purpose. Four 
subsequent purchases of land adjoining have been made, 
bringing the entire area of the present cemetery up to about 
forty acres ; of which about twenty-two acres have been 
laid out into eight hundred and thirty lots, and five hun- 
dred and eighty of these have been sold. The entire cost 
of the land has been about four thousand dollars, and a 
further expense of four thou.sand five hundred dollars was 
incurred by the erection of a substantial and ormxmental 
iron fence on the front line in 1875. The debt of the asso- 
ciation is about fifteen hundred dollars. The fir.st interment 
was that of Mrs. Coleman, in 1847, and the total number 
of interments up to the present time is about three thou- 
sand. The present board of trustees is composed as fol- 
lows : E. B. Nash, president ; A. R. Wing, H. W. Bennett, 
Loren Allen, U. G. Paris, William Coleman, Joseph E. 
King, Charles Stone, and L. W. Cronkhite. Many fine and 
expensive monuments have been erected in the ground. 
The most noticeable among the graves, on account of the 
historical interest connected with the deaths of their occu- 
pants, are those of Jane McCrea and Major Duncan Camp- 
bell, both of whose remains were removed hither from the 
old burial-grouud in Fort Edward village. Those of Major 
Campbell were reinterred in the Gilchrist lot, of which fam- 
ily he was a relative, and the brown sandstone taVjlet over 
his grave bears this inscription : " To the memory of Major 
Duncan Campbell, of the Seventy-seventh Highland Regi- 
ment. Born at Invershaw, Scotland, in the year 1703, and 
died of wounds received at the assault on Fort Ticondcroga, 
the 8th July, 1758, aged fifty-five years." The inscription 
on the head.stone of l\Iiss McCrea is as follows: "Here 
rest the remains of Jane McCrea, aged seventeen. Made 
captive and murdered by a band of Indians while on a visit 
to a relative in this neighborhood, A.n. 1777. To com- 
memorate one of the most thrilling incidents in the annals 
of the American Revolution, to do justice to the fame of 
the gallant British officer to whom she was affianced, and as 
a simple tribute to the memory of the departed, this stone 
is erected by her niece, Sarah Hannah Payn, A.D. 1852." 

The Riverside Cemetery Association of Fort Miller 
was organized June 29, 1864, with Asa C. TefFt, Daniel 
T. Payn, Ho.sea Nichols, Alexander Stewart, John W. 
Bassett, and B. Hoyt Hatch as trustees. For the present 



324 



IlISTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOEK. 



year Lyman White is president, W. R. De Garmo, secre- 
tary and treasurer. The cemetery grounds comprise a 
tract of about three acres, lying near the bank of the 
Hudson, a short distance above Fort Miller, on the road 
to Fort Edward. Thoy are finely shaded by ancient oak- 
trees, and include the old burial-ground of one and one- 
half acres donated for the purpose many years ago by 
Noah Payn, Esq., in which repose the ashes of many of 
the early settlers of the town. The first interment in the 
new portion of the cemetery was that of Peletiah Harris, 
killed by lightning. May 8, 18G0. The sexton, Mr. Daniel 
Viele, has held tiie office for forty-six years, and has per- 
formed its duties most acceptably. The number of inter- 
ments made by him in this ground is three hundred and 
ninety. 

There is also a public burial-ground about one mile 
below Fort F]dward village, between the canal and the 
river, and near the residence of W. A. Potter. 



KELIGIOUS. 

'inn JtETIIODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Within a few years immediately following 1788, when 
Rev. Lemuel Smith was appointed to the charge of the 
Canibridge circuit, Methodist cla.sses were formed under 
the auspices of that circuit in nearly every village and 
neighborhood within its scope, where twelve, or ten, or 
even a less number of converts could be found. These 
were attached to tlic nearest appointment, and were visited 
as often as tlieir necessities required or the engagements 
of the preachers permitted. And Fort Edward was one of 
the places whore, at that early time and in that modest way, 
tlie seed of the church was sown. 

The church organization was formed in 1828, by Rev. 
Julius Field, preacher in charge of the societies at Sandy 
Hill and Glen's Falls. The number of original members 
was fifteen. Li the following year, under the leadership of 
Mr. Fields, they erected their first house of worship, a 
brick edifice on East street, the same now owned and occu- 
pied by the Catholic congiegation. In the same year 
(1829) this church was included in tlie Fort Ann circuit, 
and so continued for twenty-three years. 

The first appointee to Fort Edward as a distinct charge 
was Ilcv. John E. Bowen, who.se successors have been the 
Revs. Seymour Colenuin, H. W. Ransom, J. F. Yates, S. 
Washburn, J. J. Noc, S. R. Bailey, S. McKcan, and E. 
Wentworth, D.D., the present pastor. 

The house in which they now worship was built in 1853, 
under the leadership of Rev. James M. Edgcrton. It is a 
handsome brick edifice located at the corner of Broadway 
and Church street. Its valuation is twelve thousand 
dollars, and that of their par.sonage three thousand dollnrs. 
The present trustees of the society are II. W. Bennett, 
E. B. Nash, A. W. Carey, A. K. Ilaxstun, and J. Stevens. 
The church numbers two hundred members, with an 
additional supporting constituency of several hundreds. 
The Sabbath-school enrolls twenty-four teachers and one 
hundred and fifty scholars, under the superintendcncy of 
Mr. A. K. llaxstnn. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN FORT EDWARD. 
This church edifice is located at " Durkeetown," in the 
ea.st part of the town of Fort Edward, in which vicinity 
tliere were Baptist worshipers many years before there were 
any in the village. These, from the year 1802 until 1816, 
were considered as members of the Quecnsbury Baptist 
church, but in the last-named year they were constituted 
a branch of the church of Hartford and Kingsbury (now 
Adamsville), with about ninety members. The Rev. Calvin 
H. Swain, pastor of that church, preached statedly to this 
people for a period of eighteen years. They were organ- 
ized as a church on the 4th of April, 18o2, and were 
recognized by an ecclesiastical council on the 1st of May 
fijllowing. In early years they had met in barns and 
private dwellings, and al'terwards in the school-house. Their 
present house of worship was erected soon after the organ- 
ization, and was the place of meeting of the association in 
the year 1837. Elder Swain continued his labors with 
them until September, 1833, when he was succeeded by 
Rev. Norman Fox, who remained until April, 1835, from 
which time Elder A. Wait served them for two years. 
Elder Fox then returned for a few months, and was suc- 
ceeded by Elder H. M. Allen, who remained until April, 
1839, since which time the church has been served by the 
following elders, viz., II. II. Rouse, Daniel Cobb, Seth Ewer, 
Amos Stearns, George W. Freeman, R. F. Parshall, Wil- 
liam Brown, Hodge, A. Clark, and several others, 

until the coming of J. W. Le Seur, the present preacher 
in charge, who labors here in connectil)n with the congre- 
gation at Fort Miller. The membership is now eighty. 

REFORMED CHURCH AT FORT MILLER. 

The meeting-house of this church is the oldest place of 
worship in the town, it having been built in 181G, by 
subscription, upon a lot which was given by Barent and 
John R. Bleecker. It was the intention of the donors, 
and of the subscribers to the building fund, that the church 
should be free to all Protestant denominations ; and it was 
so used and supplied by ministers of neighboring societies, 
without any regular church here, until 1822, when a Re- 
formed Protestant Dutch church was organized with fifteen 
members, of which L. S. Viele was ordained elder, and 
Benjamin H. Payn and Nathaniel Burnliam were ordained 
deacons. Their first minister was Rev. Philip Duryea ; 
and among those who followed him were Revs. Isaiah T. 
Johnson, Isaac A. Van Hook, Hugh Mair, D. R. Thomas- 
son, Joseph Parry, and H. Slauson. Some ten or twelve 
years ago a reorganization took place during the ministry 
of Rev. A. G. Lansing, and the church received the simple 
designation of The Reformed church. After Mr. Lansing 
came the Rev. Charles D. Kellogg, now of Passaic, N. J., 
who was followed by Rev. Ford. They are now sup- 
plied by Rev. A. G. Cochran. 

FORT MILLER PRESBYTERI.iN CHURCH. 

A Presbyterian church of twelve members was organized 
at Fort Miller, Sept. 6, 1853. Rev. A. G. Cochran was 
ordained and installed :is pastor in January, 1854, and 
resigned January, 1857. Subsequently Rev. Wm. Han- 
cock and Rev. Eddy served as stated supplies. The 




QJ Ou^rr\JL^ / J (^^(^k^,^^^^^^ 



Photo, l.y Wni. Xiina, Fort Edward. 



The family of Baldwin in Washington county traces its origin to 
Alexander Baldwin, grandfather of the subject of this memoir, who 
emigrated from England with his two brothers during the early days 
of the settlement of the New England States. He was married to 
Catharine Dutcher before his emigration, and raised a large family 
of children. About the year 1770 he came to Saratoga, N. Y., on his 
way stopping a while at White Plains. Alexander Baldwin was a 
captain in the English army in the French and English war of 1759 
for supremacy in Canada. He was employed as a scout with others 
by the army of the colonists under Washington to look after the 
Indians. The pai-ty of eighteen stopped to rest and fell asleep, when 
fifteen of their number "Were slain by the Indians, he with two others 
escaping. Afterwards he was taken prisoner at Fort Ann by the 
Tories and Indians, carried to Montreal, where he was kept in close 
confinement for two years; and, being exchanged, appeared at his 
home, then at Fort Edward, very much to the surprise and joy of his 
family, who supposed him tomahawked with the rest. He spent the 
balance of his life in Fort Edward, and died, at the advanced age of 
eighty, in the year 1800, and is buried at Fort Edward. The grand- 
mother, and second wife, was previously burned to death. 

The oldest son, Alexander, was the first man to pilot a raft over 
the Fort Miller Falls. 

Cornelius, father of the subject of this memoir, was in the first 
battles of the Revolutionary war; was one of the guides to lead the 
American army as it was followed by Burgoyne, and was in the battle 
of Saratoga. He was afterwards taken prisoner at Fort Ann by the 
English and carried to Montreal, where he remained in confinement 
for one year and eight months. He was married, raised a family 
of eight children, and spent a large part of his active life in farming 
and lumbering. He suffered very much from the influences of British 
interests by the loss of his lands. He was a man of great strength 
of body ; lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years, and died in 
Ulster county, at the residence of his son. 

The mother of the subject of this sketch died when he was about 
eight years of age, and is buried at Fort Edward. 

James was second son in the family, and was born Dec. IS, 1791, 
in a log house on the banks of the Hudson river, at Fort Edward, 
and is now, at the time of writing this sketch, in his eighty-seventh 
year. 

He spent his early life, until about twenty-one years of age, rafting 
on the Hudson. He volunteered as a soldier in the AVar of 1S12; 
was connected with the service about Lake Charaplain ; was regularly 
discharged at its close, and is now one of the few left to relate the 



reminiscences of the early days of the county's history. Mr. Baldwin 
received very limited opportunities for education, and learned more 
in his business pursuits than from books. 

At the age of twenty he married Miss Betsey Morgan, of Fort Ed- 
ward. Her parents were among the pioneer settlers of Washington 
county. Her grandfather was a sea-captain. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin were born six sons and three daughters, 
— Catharine, wife of Wra. B. Hitchcock, of Fort Edward ; Charles (de- 
ceased) j John, married Miss Adelia Hall, and lives in Eureka, III.; 
James, married Miss Esther Livermore, of Fort Miller, and resides at 
Fort Edward ; Margaret, wife of Peter Snider, resides at Kewance, 
111.,: Ezekiel (deceased); Russel (deceased); Julia resides at Fort 
Edward, and cares for her father in his declining years; Stephen, 
who was a volunteer in the late Kebellion, remained in the service 
until the close of the war. His whereabouts are not now known. 

Mrs. Baldwin is remembered by her children and by all who knew 
her as a woman of great kindness of heart, very indulgent to her 
children, devoted to all the interests of her family, and did her part 
well to make them respectable members of society. She was a great 
Bible student, and instructed her children in all that makes true 
manhood and womanhood. 

Mr. Baldwin was a merchant for a few years after his marriage. 
He built the first boat called a scow, and, naming it "Hornet," put 
up for the canal at Fort Edward. He has spent ninuy years as a 
pilot on the Hudson from Fort Edward to Albany, and remembers 
working for two shillings a day. His familiarity with the river 
brought his services in great demand as a pilot, which business he 
was following at the time of the breaking out of the War of 1812, 
getting three dollars per day. 

He has spent some part of his life as a farmer. In politics he was 
originally a Whig, but latterly has been associated with the Demo- 
cratic party. In his last years he has varied in his opinions of party 
interests, looking to the principles involved and not to party. He 
thinks the changes very great since the forefathers framed the consti- 
tution, and looks back with pride to the days of purity and honesty 
in the administration of national affairs. 

He has lived through every administration save one of the Amer- 
ican government, and comes down to the present generation as one 
of the fathers who built our schools, established our councils, and 
assisted in preserving intact the principles of government founded 
by our forefathers. 

Mr. Baldwin is known as a man of strong resolution, of character- 
istic honest^-, iind pure motives. 





, Furt E.hvarU, N. Y. 



WALTER ROGERS. 



MRS. WALTER ROGERS. 



WALTER ROGERS. 



The subject of this sketch was born Nov. 28, 171)5. His 
fatlier, James Rogers, came to Washington county with the 
beginning of the century, and located at Fort Edward. He 
lived in the house built by Widow McNeal, afterwards 
Campbell, and occupied by her and her niece, Jane McCrea, 
who was shot by the Indians. James Rogers was a man of 
great enterprise ; bought considerable real estate near Fort 
Edward, including the island in the Hudson ; was a man of 
great activity, and successful in business. He died in the 
year 1810. 

Walter, before his father's death, was in the store, for 
some two years owned and carried on by his father ; the 
store having been built by him upon first coming to Fort 
Edward. At the age of fifteen he had received such favor- 
able opportunities for an education, that he entered Union 
College, at Schenectady, and was in the class of 1814 ; but, 
on account of the settlement of his father's estate, was 
obliged to leave that institution a short time before his 
graduation. Upon arriving at home he at once assumed the 
re,sponsibility of business, and has, until the time of the 
writing of this sketch, been more or less connected with 
farming and business. 

For his first wife he married, in 1822, Miss Margaret Duel. 
They had three children, — George Arthur, Walter, and Mary 
Melva ; all living. Mrs. Rogers died at the ago of twenty- 
three years, in the year 1826. For his second wife, Blarch 
12, 1828, he married Miss Anna M. Crocker, daughter of 
Ephraim Crocker and Mary Eldridge, of Fort Sliller, N. Y. 
Her father and grandfather were of Connecticut birth, and 
among the early settlers of Washington county. Mrs. 
Rogers is a lady of rare womanly qualities ; was born in the 
year 1807, and is still living in 1878. She has the esteem 
and consideration of all who know her, and has been a'de- 



voted wife and mother. To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers wa.s born 
one child, which died in infancy. 

In politics, Mr. Rogers wiis originally a Democrat, after- 
ward a Clintonian, and subsequently a Republican. He has 
taken a very active part in the political interests of his town 
and county in his day, and now is one of the oldest landmarks 
of the party which he has so ardently supported. He has 
been honored with offices of responsibility and trust by his 
fellow-citizens during his long and useful career. He was 
secretary of the Fort Edward Manufacturing Company ; has 
held the office of justice of the peace for several terms, and 
until, on account of his age, he declined re-election. 

In all his business career, Mr. Rogers has been known as 
a man of good judgment, and judicious in his decisions ; a 
man of correct moral h.abits, and very methodical in all his 
business transactions. 

Jlr. Rogers has been connected for many years with the 
Episcopal church, and, with his wife, has been a constant 
attendant upon its services. He has been prominent in the 
councils of that church, and was for many years a warden, 
and is now the oldest or senior warden. 

For many years he has been afflicted with deafness, which 
has almost debarred him from social intercourse, in which 
capacity, before his affliction, many incidents of interest 
were related, to the edification and entertainment of his 
many friends. 

]Mr. Rogers is now in his eighty-third year, and has lived 
to see the country's growth, the establishment of society, 
schools, churches, the telegraph, railroads, and the many and 
important uses of steam, and all these improvements and 
wonderful enterprises pass vividly before his mind, as he re- 
calls the days that are past and gone. He has been able, at 
his advanced age, to give most of the details for this sketch. 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTF, NEW i'ORK. 



325 



churcli was always very feeble, and about 18G8 it became 
extinet. During its existence its worship was licld in the 
IJeforuied meeting-house. 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP FORT EDWARD. 

A Presbyterian church was formed in Fort Edward 
between the years 1820 and 1830, the Rev. R. K. Rodgers 
assisting at the organization ; but it languished and became 
extinct, and little can be recalled of its history. The pres- 
ent church was organized with seventeen members, Jan. 17, 
1854. James McCoy and John Mitchell were ruling 
elders, and the church was under the pastoral charge of 
Rev. Edward E. Seelye, CD., of Sandy Hill. The second 
pastor was Rev. Henry F. Hickok, who served from 1859 
to 18C9, and was succeeded by Rev. Heman H. Neill, who 
remained until Dec. 1, 1874. Rev. Robert J. Beatlie was 
installed April 12, 1875, and disiuissed April 24, 1870. 
Rev. William B. Stewart, the present pastor, commenced 
his labor here June 1, 1876, and was installed on the 11th 
of July following. The congregation worshiped in the 
Union church, on East street (now owned by the Catho- 
lics), until 1869, in the fall of which year they occupied 
the basement of their fine new church on Eddy street, 
which was completed and dedicated in the following year. 
The present membership of the church is one hundred and 
thirty-one, eighteen additions having been made during the 
past year. The Sabbath-school enrolls one hundred and 
twenty-six teachers and scholars, under Daniel C. Farr, 
superintendent. 

FORT EDWARD VILLAGE B.VPTIST CHURCH. 

On the 17th of March, 1842, fourteen persons met in 
the white .school-house, in Fort Edward village, and by the 
advice and assistance of Elder B. F. Garfield, of the West 
Greenwich church, organized themselves into a Baptist 
society, auxiliary to the Washington Union Association. 
The names of these fourteen original members were James 
Cheesman, Nelson Combs, Thomas Pike, George Mills, 
Lucinda Van Dusen, Melissa Hall, Abigail Pike, Electa 
Shaw, Isabel Sanders, Clarissa Henderson, Polly Sprague, 
Sally Pike, Emma Pike, and Lucinda Bovee. James 
Cheesman was chosen to serve them as deacon, and Elder 
Garfield, upon their invitation, continued his labors with 
them for one month, at the end of which time the .society, 
then numbering twenty-five, was received as a branch of 
the Sandy Hill church, which delegated to them the power 
to transact all church business. 

Their first pastor was Rev. Solomon Gale, who .served 
them (in connection with the Sandy Hill church) for one 
year, and was succeeded, April 17, 1843, by Elder Amos 
Sternes, who labored with the branch, in connection with 
the Fort Edward church, for nearly four years. Upon the 
close of Elder Sternes' pastorate, the branch united with 
the Fort Edward church in support of Elder G. W. Free- 
man, who commenced his labors here May 1, 1847, and 
continued his labors two years. During his pastorate — 
January, 1848 — the branch was granted a letter of dismis- 
sion from the Sandy Hill church, and on the 24th of that 
month the members met in the white school-house, ap- 
pointed G. W. Freeman moderator, and S. Mears secretary. 



and organized into the " Fort Edward Village Baptist 
church," as at present, the constituent members being 
thirty-four in number. After the pastorate of Elder Free- 
man closed, their pulpit was supplied for about four months 
by Elder W. W. Moore, of the Sandy Hill church ; then 
by Father Sternes for about one year. On the 21st of 
April, 1850, Elder G. W. Fisher accepted a call to the 
pastorate, and remained for about three years. A short 
time before his coming, the church had become a corporate 
body, and on the 2Sth of May, 1851, it was received into 
the Washington Union Association. Up to this time their 
worship had been held chiefly in the school-house, and for 
a short time in the Methodist church ; but they now re- 
solved to build an edifice, and proceeding with energy, had 
so fiir completed their present house of worship that services 
were held in its basement about Dec. 25, 1851. 

Elder Fisher resigned in the spring of 1853, and was 
followed by Elder Eastwood and others, as supplies, until 
Sept. 1, 1854, when Elder 11. F. Parshall assumed charge. 
He resigned Sept. 1, 1858. Since that time the pastors 
of this church have been the following: Elder B. F. Gar- 
field, Dec. 15, 1858, to March, 1861; Elder William 
Brown, April 1, 1862, for a period of nearly three years; 
Elder G. W. Holman, April 1, 1865, to July 1, 1866; 
Elder J. W. Grant, Jan. 1, 1867, to April, 1868; Elder 
II. R. Traver, Nov. 1, 1868, for about one year; Elder J. 
D. Tucker, Jan. 1, 1870, to May 1, 1872; Rev. W. H. 
Hawley, who was succeeded, July 14, 1876, by Rev. A. H. 
Putnam, the present pastor. 

Auxiliary to the church is a Sabbath-school, organized 
Feb. 22, 1850, with Simeon Mears superintendent. The 
attendance is now one hundred and seventy-five. Superin- 
tendent, II. Tefft. 

.ST. JAJIES' CHURCH (EPISCOPAL). 

The parish of this church was organized in Fort Edward 
in December, 1844. For several years prior to this the 
congregation had met for worship in the old Union church, 
under charge of Rev. John Alden Spooner, rector of Zion 
church, of Sandy Hill, of which church they had also been 
considered a part. Upon the organization, Mr. Spooner 
also became their rector jointly with Sandy Hill, holding 
services there on Sabbath mornings and at Fort Edward in 
the afternoons. 

In 1844 measures were taken looking to the erection of 
a house of worship. A lot on the cast side of Broadway 
was purchased from Walter Rogers, and the corner-stone of 
the edifice was laid in 1845; but their building-fund be- 
came exhausted and work Wiis suspended while the house 
was yet far from completion. It remained in this condi- 
tion until 1848, when Daniel W. Wing, Esq., most gen- 
erously came to the rescue, completed the building from 
his own private funds, and presented it to the vestry free 
of debt for consecration, which ceremony was performed 
in that year by Right Ilev. Bishop Uelaneey, of the western 
diocese of New York. The church is a substantial brick 
structure in the Gothic style, thirty by sixty-five feet in 
dimen.sion, costing about three thou.sand five hundred dol- 
lars, of which Mr. Wing's donation was fully one-third. 

Mr. Spooner was, in the spring of 1847, succeeded by 



326 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY', NEW YOllK. 



Rev. Samuel B. Bostwick, D.D., who also became rector 
both of this church and that at Sandy Hill, and remained 
ill chargi of St. James' for nearly a ((uarter of a century. 
His successor was Rev. F. M. Cookson, the present rector. 

TUE BAPTIST CIIUllCU AT FORT MILLER 

Wii-s organised in December, 1858, as a branch of the church 
at Fort Edward village, and under charge of the preachers 
of the last-named organization. The meeting-house (their 
present place of worship) was completed and dedicated in 
1808. The church, having now a membership of .sixty- 
nine, is under charge of Rev. J. W. Le Seur, a licentiate, 
who serves this congregation in connection with that of the 
old church at Dnrkeetuwn. 

ST. J0.SEPU'S CUURCU (CATHOLIC). 

About three hundred families of Catholics living in Fort 
Edward worshiped at Sandy Hill, for the I'eason that they 
had no church in their own town prior to 18G9, when they 
purchased the brick church on East sti'eet formerly used 
by the Methodists as a meeting-house. The price paid was 
five thousand five hundred dollars ; but in repairs and other- 
wise the total cost amounted to nearly ten thousand dollars. 
Father James McGee assumed priestly charge in 1870, and 
remained till 1876, when he was .succeeded by Rev. Father 
Fitzpatrick, who still remains. In numbers the congrega- 
tion is about the .same as at the time of its establishment. 
They have a parsonage on East street, purcliased in 1874 
for four thousand five hundred dollars. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The earliest school of which we have any account was 
taught in a small frame building, which stood on a spot 
now occupied by the canal and adjoining the old burial- 
ground, the land for both school-house and cemetery having 
been given by Henry Cuyler. In this, soon after the com- 
mencement of the century, the children of Fort Edward 
were taught by Mr. Thurber, who was succeeded by a Mr. 
Allen, the latter remaining in charge for a considerable i 
length of time. James McCall and Milton E. Shaw were 
teachers who taught fifteen or twenty years later in a school- 
house where Marinus Parker now lives. The old brick 
.school-house on Eiist street was not erected until about 
1835. 

At Fort Miller an early school-luuiso stood above the 
cemetery, and among its teachers were Otis Bigelow, David 
Carswell, and others. The next school-house at that vil- 
lage stood near Nichols' store. The first commissioners of 
schools in the town were Samuel Bennett and Reuben 
Durkce, elected in 1818. In the following year inspectors 
of schools were chosen, viz., Stephen L. Viele, Alexander 
Sutherland, John F. Gandall, Solomon Emmons, and Ste- 
phen Bell. In August of that year school districts, num- 
bering from one to eight, were laid off by Commissioners 
Walter Rogers, Warren Bell, and Samuel Bennett. The 
report of those commissioners for 1819 showed that seven 
schools were taught in tln^ town, for jieriods varying from 
three to eleven months ; that ilic number of children taught 
Was two hundred and sixty-one; that the whole number of 



children of school-age was three hundred and fifty-three, 
and that the amount of public-school money apportioned to 
the town was one hundred and sixteen dollars and ten cents. 
The books in use at that time were Webster's spelling-book 
and grammar, Morse's geography. Pike's arithmetic, and 
the English Reader. By the last recorded report of the 
superintendent, July 1, 18-1-t, it is shown that there were 
seven entire and six fractional districts, containing a total of 
five hundred and five children from five to sixteen years ; 
that the public money received was three hundred and 
ninety-five dollars and ninety-seven cents, and that the 
amount paid to teachers in addition to the public money 
was five hundred and twenty-three dollars and seventy-nine 
cents. 

By this time there had been awakened, especially in Fort 
Edward village, a desire for better educational advantages. 
As a result we find that in 1847, in district No. 7 (village), 
the attendance at the select .schools of Jliss Montgomery 
and Mr. Choate was nearly double that at the public school, 
and the sentiment which led to this .soon after brought 
about the establishment of the present graded system. 

The union school at Fort Edward village was among the 
earliest organized under the law authorizing their estab- 
lishment. It appaars from the record that the first move- 
ment in the matter was made at the annual district-meet- 
ings in the spring of 1848, and th.it the best and most 
prominent people of the village were from the first almost 
unanimous in its favor. 

At a meeting, •' held in the brick school-house" (district 
No. 7), on the 14th of March in that year, a committee, 
consisting of Walter Rogers, Dr. William Wright, and 
Edward Crane, was appointed " to collect such facts in re- 
lation to the practical working of the union school system, 
and to present such arguments in favor of its adoption in 
this village, as shall by them be deemed most appropriate, 
in order to a clear and correct understanding of the great 
question which now agitates the district." At an adjourned 
meeting, held April 8, H. W. Bennett and D. S. Cars- 
well were added to that committee, and at an adjourned 
meeting, held on the 22d of the same month, their favor- 
able report was read by Dr. Wright, and at once accepted. 
Upon which (although the consolidation of the districts was 
not yet accomplished) it was, by the meeting, " Itesuhed, 
That a union school-house be built.' Dr. William Wright, 
Walter Rogers, and D. S. Carswell were then chosen a 
committee " to coni'er with the lower district,'" and the 
meeting was adjourned to the 29th of April, at which time 
it was ^^Jiesu/vid, That school district No. 1, in Fort Ed- 
ward village, be united with school di.strict No. 7 in said 
village for the purpose of building a union school-house ; 
and that the taxable inhabitants of said district be taxed 
as the law prescribes for building said house." Dr. Wil- 
liam Wright and Abraham I. Fort were appointed a com- 
mittee to notify the town superintendent of public .schools, 
by whom, oii the 2d of May following, it was announced 
that, " Agreeably to the inianimous resolution of the inhabi- 
tants of school districts Nos. 1 and 7, in school-meeting 
assembled, it is hereby ordered that said distiicts be con- 
solidated, and hereafter known, as school district No. 1." 
Tlic order to take effect iinnicdiately. And at a special 




Joseph E. King was born in Laarens, Otsego Co., N. T., November 
30, 1823, tbe son of liev. Klijah King, a Mi^thodist clergyman, and a 
member of "the old Genesee Conference," until, his health failing, he 
located, purchasing a farm in Otsego county, amid the friends he had 
known as an itinerant. 

Until ten years of age a constant attendant at the public schools. At 
that time transferred to the store of his father, who had become a mer- 
chant, he wa^ made clerk and assistant book-keeper. 

At the age of thirteen for a few months in a dry goods store in Albany. 
He then rejoined the family, who "went west" as far as Grirard, Erie 
Co., Pa., where, with an interval of a single term only in a select 
school, he was kept at the business of clerking in the village store until 
the age of seventL-en. At this period the desire for better educational 
advantages so inflamed him that he wrote to his parents an argument of 
four pages of foolscap, which quite convinced them that he must bo per- 
mitted and encouraged to prepare for, and go through, college. The 
preparation was at once begun at the Grand River Institute, Austinburg, 
Ohio, whither the family moved, to make for him a home. 

The father's health being injured by the lake winds, in the hope of 
repairing it the family returned to "the east," residing at Cambridge, 
Washington Co., N. Y., where, in 1847, died, at the age of sixty-one. 
Rev. Elijah King. 

The student, following the family home in 1843, entered Poultney 
Academy, then under Rev. Je?se T. Peck (now bishop), to prepare for 
advanced standing in college. In 18 1-4, admitted to the sophomore class 
in Wcsleyan University, he took rank among the foremost of his class, 
despite the fact that he bad to be absent each winter in the grammar- 
school of Glastenbury, which he taught. Both from neceisity and 
choice he began school-teaching at the age of seventeen, and has never 
been relieved from this work since. At the junior exhibition of his class 
he was appointed to the Latin salutatory (in the temporary absence of 
the future valedictorian), the first honor of tbe class. In his senior year 
ho was elected to tbe Phi Beta Kappa. Graduating from Wesleyan in 
1847, in the class which produced Orange Judd, Senator Cole, of Cali- 
fornia, and Bishop Andrews, he accepted an engagement to teach Latin 
and natural science at Newbury Seminary, Vermont, the conference 
seminary at that time. 

In 184S he was made principal of tho seminary. Though among his 
predecessors had been such men as Rev. Doctors Ilinman, Adams, and 
Hoyt, and Bishop Osman C. Baker, yet during the reign of Professor 
King this seminary enjoyed its highest intellectual and financial pros- 
perity. He paid its debts, reconstructed its chapel and class-rooms, 
built its public fountain, and brought the roll of its adult students up to 
.325 in attendance at the time of his retiring, in November, 1853. 

Accepting a call to his native State, he assumed the principalship of 
Fort Plain Seminary, N. Y., and in November, 1853, five days after his 
term closed at Newbury, he opened its first term, — all its rooms filled 
with students. 

It being in contemplation to erect at Fort Edward an institution on a 
grander scale than any existing boarding seminary, the principal of 
Fort Plain Seminary was invited to visit the town with a view to give 
his advice in the proposed enterprise. In connection with Rev. Henry 
B. Taylor, he matured the plans, assisted at the laying of the corner- 
stone in May, 1854, and was induced to assume the principalship of Fort 
Edward Institute for a term of ten years. Tec. 7, 1854, ho opened the 



first term with five hundred students in attendance, and daring the 
twenty three years of its subsequent history he has been its sole prin- 
cipal, registering over ten thousand different names, hailing from over 
thirty-three of the States of the Union. Many of his students have 
taken conspicuous places among the successful men and women of this 
generation. Over one hundred of his students joined in the war for 
maintaining the Union, of whom eighteen gave their lives that the nation 
might not die. A few of his young men also fought on the Confederate 
side. He has sent out one hundred and sixty-five clergymen of tbe 
various denominations, of whom already two have become doctors of 
divinity. Tbe lawyers and physicians have been almost as numerous. 
The institute has had one representative in Congress, one State Senator, 
and, at different times, nearly a score of Assemblymen. It has five 
or six judges and several school commissioners, and a whole army of 
teachers. Besides the hundreds of its regular graduates, it has sent not 
less than two hundred and fifty young men to college and professional 
schools. 

In 1862, Union College conferred the degree of doctor of divinity 
upon Professor King, and in 1873 the regents of the University of New 
York, in recognition of uis efiiciency as an educator, conferred upon him 
the degree of " Ph. D." 

In 1850 he was married to Miss Melissa Bayley, of Newbury, Vt. 
The "silver wedding" was duly celebrated in July, 1875. 

In the discharge of his duties as principal of Fort Edward Institute, 
he has lectured before the faculty and students over three hundred times, 
and has found leisure to deliver outside the walls of the institute two 
hundred and ten lectures and addresses, besides having preached one 
thousand and thirty-two sermons, in one hundred and eighty-two dif- 
ferent jiulpits. From the sessions of the conference of clergymen, of 
which he is a member, he has never been absent for a day. In 1864 he 
was elected by his brethren a delegate to the general conference of the 
Methodist Episcopal church at Philadelphia; having also enjoyed the 
honor of serving as a delegate to the general conference of 1856, repre- 
senting the Vermont conference, from which he was transferred tc the 
Troy conference, on a vote of that conferenco requesting it. For two 
weeks he served as acting delegate in the general conferenco at Chicago, 
in 1868. Once he has been called upon to address the alumni of his 
college, once to deliver the oration before the convention of Psi Upsilon, 
— his college fraternit}', — and twice to deliver the annual poem at Psi 
Upsilon conventions. 

In 1867 he gave himself a special vacation of about three months 
abroad, chiefly in the British isles, France, and Belgium. 

By way of recreation from the severer routine of his educational and 
spiritual tasks, he enjoys helping with his presence and counsels the 
various institutions and corporations in which he takes an interest. 
Besides being a working trustee in Fort Edward Institute, he is also a 
trustee or a director in the following corporations : Wesleyan University, 
Syracuse University, Round Lake Camp-Meeting Association, Mechanic- 
viile Academy, the Union Cemetery Association, the National Bank of 
Fort Edward, two banks in Iowa, and the Glen's Falls Insurance Asso- 
ciation. 

He aims to set the example to his young men of rarely being absent 
from tho primary meetings of his political party, from the home coun- 
cils of his church, or tho convocations of his fellow-workers in the cause 
of education. 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



327 



meeting, held by direction of the superintendent on the 
IGth of Jlay, 1848, the following gentlemen were elected 
the first officers of the consolidated district, viz. : Robert 
McCoy, William S. Norton, Frederick J). Ilodgeuum, tru.s- 
tees ; Timothy Stoughton, clerk ; James Deuel, collector ; 
and Dr. William Wright, librarian. 

The remarkable unanimity of opinion which had thus far 
marked the proceedings was temporarily disturbed in the 
selection of a school-house site, and a period af more than 
nine months elap.sed before this was definitely agreed on. 
On the 15th of July, 1848, it was voted — Ihirty-nine to 
twenty-three — to purchase a lot oifered by Edwin B. Nash, 
but this vote was rescinded at an adjourned meeting, held 
Feb. 24, 1849. It wa.s then voted — eighty to sixteen — to 
purchase a lot of Walter Rogers, adjoining the Episcopal 
church lot, for one thousand dollars; and on the 2d of 
May, 1849, that lot was conveyed by Mr. Rogers to Wil- 
liam S. Norton, Frederick D. Hodgeman, and Robert 
McCoy, trustees of the district. These trustees, with 
Messrs. William Wright, Abraham I. Fort, George H. 
Taylor, and Edwin B. Nash, were constituted a building 
committee, with full power to proceed in the erection of a 
house, of which the cost should not exceed four thousand 
dollars, and this sum was voted — seventy-four to thirteen 
— to be raised by tax in five annual installments. The 
school-house (the same now in use), a brick building, forty- 
four by sixty feet and three stories, was completed during 
the year 1849, at a total cost of about thirteen thousand 
dollars, and was occupied by the school from the commence- 
ment of the winter term, January, 1850. On the third of 
that month, at a special meeting held in the new house, it 
was voted to raise five hundred dollars as the salary of the 
principal teacher, and one hundred and eighty dollars each 
for two assistants for the ensuing year ; and so the school 

went into successful operation, with Rev. Moore as 

its first principal. 

The succeeding principals of the school have been Pro- 
fessor E. P. Wright, Miss Eunice Shapleigh (during summer 
term, 1854), Professor Robert Montgomery, September, 
1854, to October,* 1872 ; Professor D. C. Farr, from fall, 
1872, till resignation at end of spring term, 1877; Pro- 
fessor L. D. Bishop, fall term, 1877 ; Professor E. P.Wright, 
present principal, from January, 1878. 

The salary of the principal was formerly fifteen hundred 
dollars, but has been reduced to twelve hundred dollars. 
In the lower school-house ai'e at present employed seven 
subordinate teachers, as follows : In the high-school depart- 
ment two (assistants to the principal) ; in the grammar de- 
partment two ; and in the first and second intermediate and 
primary departments one teacher each. All these are ladies, 
and the salary of each is six dollars per week, excepting the 
first a.ssistant in the high school, who receives ten dollars. 

*• Oct. 8, 1ST2. — " The resignation of Robert Montgomery, who 
has filled the office of principal for eighteen years, with honor to 
the district and credit to himself, was received and accepted by the 
trustees." At the same time "the resignation of Timothy Stoughton, 
clerk of the district for forty years, was received and accepted, and 
D. M. Odell was elected to the office." Mr. Stoughton, at the time of 
his resignation, was in the eighty-eighth year of his age, and during 
nearly half those years had performed the duties of this oihce in such 
a manner as to give universal satisfaction. 



In the Seminary Street school-house (a two-story brick 
building erected in 18G8 at a cost of about four thousand 
dollars, on a lot purchased of John Parrell for eight hundred 
dollars) are employed a male vice-principal at a .salary of 
seven dollars per week in the grammar department, and in 
each of the other departments (first and second interme- 
diate and primary) a lady teacher at six dollars per week. 
The attendance in this building is nearly three hundred, 
and in the lower school-house about four hundred. The 
board of trustees for 1877-78 is composed as follows: 
A. Dallas Wait, president ; George Bradley, George W. 
Tilford, John J. Burby, James L. Reynolds, John F. Har- 
ris, Robert Montgomery, John L. Woodin. George W. 
Tilford. treasurer ; John J. Burby, secretary. 

The town now embraces nine .school districts, containing 
si.^teen hundred and ten children of school age ; of which 
number ten hundred and thirty are in Fort Edward village. 
The town receives an apportionment of three thousand 
three hundred and thirty-eight dollars and twenty cents, of 
which the .share of district No. 1 is two thousand one hun- 
dred and sixty-seven dollars and fifty-four cents. 

Outside the village the period of teaching is generally 
about twenty-eight weeks in the year, and the salaries paid 
teachers are from four dollars to six and a half per week. 
The school-house at Fort Miller is a fine brick structure, 
and both edifice and school are creditable to the village. 

The Hudson River Academy was established at Fort 
Miller, in the building which had been Guy's Hotel. The 
first principal was Rev. A. G. Cochran, who.se successors 

were Barnes and Almon F. Reynolds. This school 

closed in 1864. 

The Fort Edward Collegiate Institute, a seminary of 
high grade, was established in Fort Edward village in 
1854. The buildings, consisting of a main structure of 
brick throe hundred by forty feet, five stories, and a wing 
of one hundred and thirty by forty feet, also of brick, were 
erected on the elevated ground at the north end of the vil- 
lage, during the summer and autumn of that year, at a cost 
of about eighty thou.sand dollars. 

Under the management of Rev. Joseph E. King, D.D., 
its first and only principal, this institute achieved a high 
reputation, which was maintained and extended during its 
twenty-three years of existence, which was abruptly and 
disastrously closed by the total destruction of its buildings 
by fire on the evening of Monday, Nov. 19, 1877. This 
event was a severe misfortune to the village, but the im- 
mediate rebuilding of the institute is now in contemplation. 

The Island Grove school, located on Freeman's island, 
Fort Edward village, is a school of academical grade, estab- 
lished in 1877 by Professor Daniel C. Farr, formerly prin- 
cipal of the Fort Edward union school. With such a 
principal, its prospects are most encouraging. 

AGR1CIILTUR.\L 1>OPUL.\TION. 

The area of the town is sixteen thousand three hundred 
and seventy-.si.x acres, of which about three-fourths is im- 
proved. The soil is clay, except a small portion in the 
northeast, which is sandy. Agriculturally, Fort Edward 
does not rank auiong the first towns of the county, though 
it is excellently adapted for grazing and dairying, and for 



328 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tiio production of rye, oats, hay, and potatoes. Of the last- 
named product there were cleared at the collector's ofiBce in 
Fort Edward, during the year 1877, four hundred and 
seventy-two thou.sand eight hundred and sixty-eight bushel.^, 
valued at one hundred and eighty-nine thou.sand one hun- 
dred and forty-seven dollars, though thi.s entire amount 
must not be credited to the agriculture of tliis town. 

The Fort Edward dairy company (incorporated) has a 
cheese-factory at Durkeetown, in the east part of Fort Ed- 
ward, which receives the patronage of about two hundred 
cows, and is under the supervision of Townsend J. Potter, 
general manager. 

The annual fairs of the county agricultural society are 
held in an inclosure of twenty-five acres, situated in the 
northern part of Fort Edward, on the road leading to Sandy 
Hill, and near the southern boundary of that village. These 
grounds were purchased from Amasa Howland by " The 
Washington Park A.ssociation," composed of a number of 
citizens of the two villages, who, being desirous of attract- 
ing the fairs to their vicinity, offered the society the gratui- 
tous use of the ground, ready fenced, for a term of ten years, 
and also a donation of two thousand five hundred dollars in 
cash, on condition that the society should erect buildings and 
hold their annual exhibitions upon it. The offer was ac- 
cepted, the buildings constructed, and the first ftir was held 
in them September, 1872. Four more fairs remain to be 
held under this agreement. 

There is no grange of the I'atrons of Ilu.sbandry in Fort 
Edward. • 

The population of the town was 172(5 in 1840; 1711 in 
1845; 2328 in 1850; 2i)l)I in 18').5 ; 35U in 1800; 
H!)97 in 18G5; 5125 in 1870 ; 5068 in 1875. The pop- 
ulation of the village is about 4000. 



This town has not been lacking in patriotism, as is evi- 
denced by the following list of tho.se who served during 
the late war of the Rebellion : 

Guorgi) Allen, onl. Dec. 12, ISO.'S, lOlli Ait., Co. I. 
Kdwin Armstrong, onl. Sept. B, 18G1, 7th C.iv , Co. E. 
Lester Archer, Corp.; eiil. Dci:. 1, 1801, OOlh liogt., Co. E. 
John Aiken, enl. Nov.:iO, ISfil, %th Kcgt., Co. E. 
Oeorge C. Archer, enl. Dec. 1, ISOl, OOth Itegt., Co. E. 
William II. 11. in, enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 7th Civ., Co. L. 
Francis liurnhani, enl. Sept. 18, 1801, 7th Cav., Cii. h. 
Jiilins n. Maker, enl. Sept. 3U, 1801, 7lh Cav., Co. L. 
Williaiii Drock, wagoner; enl. Sept. 5, ISOl, 7th Cav., Co. E. 
.III. inn Uriigi,', enl. Aug. 12, LSOl, 7th Ciiv., Co. E. 
Jolin K. Urown, enl. Sept. 2, 1801, 7lh Cav., Co. E. 
Elihi-.iim linrch, enl. Nov. 10, 1301, OOth llegf., Co. E. 
Blarahall H. Bairil, cill. Nov. 1.1, 1801, OOth llegt., Co. E. 
Charles M. Berry, enl. Nov. 10, 1801, OOth Kegt., Co. E. 
William ISiuk, enl. Nov. o, 1801, OOth Uegt., Co. E. 
Jeremiah Unckley, enl. Nov. 2S, 1801, OOth Kegt., (!o. E. 
John Itiown, enl. Due. 1:!, 1801, OOlh Regt., Co. E. 
John Bibbins, enl. Feb. 12, 1802, OOth K.-Rt., Co. E. 
William Biockan, enl. Jan. 1, 1802, OClh Regt., Co. K. 
John Bailey, Ist liellt. ; enl. Nov. 5, 1801, OM Regt , Co. F. 
Daniel Bennett, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, Mil Regt., Co. F. 
Moses Benway, enl. Jan. C, 1802, 9:W llegt., Co. F. 
Alfred L. Bain, enl. Dec. 31, 1803, 10th Art., Co. H. 
I'eter Berry, enl. Dec. 20, 1S03, 10th Art., Co. I. 
John K. Brown, enl. Doc. 20, 1803, Kith Art., Co. I. 
Al.-.\aiMler 1>. Detts, enl. Dec. 25, 1803, lOtli Art., Co. I. 
Lewis Bnrdick, enl. Jnne 1, 1802, 1st Monntoil Rifles, Co. E. 
Alphiinso Bi.thy, enl. June 1, 1802, 1st Monntcd Ritles, Co. E. 
Charles Beatly, sergt.; onl. Sept. 18, 1801, "tli Cav., Co. L. 
William Brown, farrier ; enl. Sept. 28, 1801, 7th Vnv., Ca. L. 
Edwin Bar.y, t.unister; enl, Oct. 8, IKCl, 7th Cav., Co. L. 



Caspar T. Boln, enl. Sept. 30, 180i, 7lh Cav., Co. L. 
Charles K. Bain, enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. 
John Blake, enl. Nov. 10, 1801, OOth Kegt., Co. E. 
Thomas Brown, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, lOOtli llegt., Co. D. 
Moses Burnell, onl. Aug. 10, 1802, lliOtli Regt., Co. D. 
James Boyce, enl. Jnly 30, 1802, lOOtli Regt., Co. D. 
Sidney Brown, enl. Feb. 2, 1802, 90th llegt., Co. E. 
Daniel Brayman, enl. March 12, 18li4, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
John Briiynian, enl, March 14, 1804, OOth Regt,, Co. E. 
Newell Cohnrn, enl. Dec, 28, 1803, lOOi Art., Co. H. 
James E. Crawford, enl. Doc, 24, ISO:!, lOth Art., Co. I. 
Orrin T. Cook, enl. Dec. 24, 1801, lOtli Art., Co. I. 
George H. Chaser, enl. Sept. 23, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. 
John Clark, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 7th Cav,, Co. E. 
James Crowley, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2il Cav., (.'o. E. 
Michael (Jlary, enl. Sept. 4, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 
William Crossett, Sept. 6, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 
Jainea L. Cray, 2d lieiit. ; enl. Feb. 27, 1.S02, OOlh Regt., Co. E. 
Timothy Cain, onl. Nov. 2, 1801, OOth Regt., Co, E. 
Jiihii Carpenter, enl. Jan, 7, 1802, OOlh Regt., Co, K. 
James Colden, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, ICOth Regt., Co. D. 
Patrick Carroll, enl. Aug. 10, 1802, 100th Be^t., Co. D. 
James Catou, enl. Feb. 20, 1802, OOth Regt., Co. G. 
Orrin Dubois, enl. Nov. 12,1801, 03il Kegt.,"Co. F. 
Frederick Darrow, enl. Nov. 12, 1801, 03d Regt., &). F. 
William Diigan, enl. Dec. 20, 1801, ICth Art., Co. I. 
Edward Davy, enl. Dec. 17, 180 1, lOlh Art., Co. I. 
Michael Daly, enl. Dec. 19, 1803, lOtli Art., C... I. 
John Davy, enl. Aug. 22,1861, 7th Cav., Co. G. 
George L. Darby, saddler; enl. Aug, 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 
Edward Davy, enl, Oct. 29,1801, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
Nicholas Daily, enl. Nov.LI, 1801, 90th Regt., Co. E. 
Lawrence Daily, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
William Decker, enl. Dec. 10, 1801, OOth Regt,, Co. E. 
Gary Donaldson, enl. Doc. Ul, 1861, OOlh Regt., Co. E. 
Patrick Dolan, onl. Jan. 9, 1802, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
Frederick Distall, enl. Jan. 0, 1802, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
Levi Dexter, enl. Nov. 8, 1801, 06tli Regt., Co. E. 
James Dolan, enl. Jnly 12, 1802, lOOIh Regt., Co. D. 
Daniel Donahue, enl. Nov. 29, 1861, 9Ctli llegt., Co. E. 
Timothy K.ldy, enl. Dec. -25, 186.3, 10th Art., Co. I. 
Hiram Eldridge, capt.; enl. Nov. 28, 1802, 9Cth Regt., Co. E. 
Joseph EIra, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 109th Regt , Co. D. 
Albert Eogleston, enl. Feb. 15,1802, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
William A. Fox, enl. Nov. 13, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. P. 
George H. Farnsworth, onl. Dec. 30, 1803, 10th Art., Co. H. 
Charles H. Forbes, enl. Dec. 17, 1803, loth Art , Co. I. 
Daniel F. Flood, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. 
Gordon C. Finn, enl. Aug. 8,1801, 7th Cav., Co. E. 
John II. Fish, enl. Aug. 12, 1801,7th Cav., Co. E. 
AdolhertC. L'ox, enl. Aug. 8, 1801, 7th Cav., Co E 
William W. Founlain, enl. Jan. 13, 1802, OOlh Regt,, Co. E. 
Elind Graves, enl. Dec. 10, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I. 
Van Ness Goolah, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, loth Art., Co, I. 
Michael GorniKii, Dec. 23, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I. 
Stephen II. Graham, enl. Dec. 12, 1803, lOlh Art., Co. I. 
Joseph Girard, enl. Dec. 22, ISOi, lOtli Art., Co. I, 
Edward Granger, sergt., enl. Sept. 14, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. 
Edward Gallagher, old. Sept. 4, 1801, 2d C.iv., Co. E. 
Wm. Gr.ihani, enl. Sept. 4, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 
Berry S. Grant, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 
James E. Gould, sergt., cnl. Dec. 1, 1801, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
Georgo Graham, enl. Jan. 0, 1862, OOth Regt., Co, K. 
John Gray, enl. J.iu 3, 1802, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
Silas S. Hubliell, 2d lieut., enl. Oct. 10, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. F. 
Franklin Hamlin, enl. Nov.9, l.SOl.Oid Regt., Co. F. 
Daniel W. Harrington, cnl. Dec. 21, ISOi, 10;h Art, Co. I. 
Charles H. Henry, enl. Dec. 10, 1803, loth Art., Co. I. 
Jacob 0. llubbell, enl. Dec. 2,i, 180 1, 10th Art., Co. I. 
Gnslavus A. ILile, enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. 
Leonard llydley, enl. Sept. 13, 1801, 7lll Cav., Co. L. 
David Ilendel-sou, enl. Sept. 0, 1801, 7lli Cav., Co. E. 
Dennis W. Hickey, enl. Aug. 12, ISOI, 7th Cav., Co. E. 
I'atrick Iliekey, Corp., enl. Nov. 10, ISOI, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
Ilirain Hydi<, drum uer, enl. Dec. 30, 1801, OOth Kegt., Co. E. 
Ebenezer Howe, enl. Dec. 6, 1801, OOlh Regt., Co. E. 
Alonzo Hurd, enl. Dec. 9, 1801, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
James D. Ilaynes, enl. Feb. 20,1802, OOth Regt , Co. G. 
John II. Harris, enl. Feb. 24, 1802, OOlh llegt,, Co. E. 
Thomas Holcomb, enl. Aug, 15, 1802, 109th llegt., Co. V>. 
Luke Holly, enl. Aug. IS, 1802, 103th Regt., Co. D. 
George Hopkins, enl. March 10, 1804, OOth llegt., Co. E. 
Jonathan Hopkins, enl. March 13,1804, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
R.illin .lenkins, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, lOOIh Regt., Co. D. 
Johh II. Kincaid, Jr., cnl. Nov. 13, 1801, 03d Regt., Co. F. 
James Kerr, onl. Nov. 3, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. F. 
Joseph D. Keyworth, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2d Cav,, Co, E. 




7 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



329 



Wm. Kinmonth, ™1. Sept. 3, 1801, 2(1 Cav., Co. E. 

Michael Kennedy, enl. Jan. 6, 18G2, OGtIi Rcgt., Co. E. 

Eugene Kelley, cnl. Aug. 15, 18011, lOOIli Kegt, Co. T>. 

John Kane, aergt.; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, 7th Cav., Co. E. 

Alanson Lewis, enl. Nuv. 12, 1801, 9.1(1 Rogt., Co. F. 

Dennis Leonaril, cnl. Dec. 21, 18C3, 16th Art., Co. I. 

Isaac W. Lander, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. L. 

Samuel A. Lesler, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 

David Lucee, drummer; enl. Dec. 20, 1801, OCtli Uegt., Co. E. 

Adam Looniis, enl. Dec. 26, 1801, OOlh Uegt., Co. E. 

Josejdi Leclerc, cnl. Dec. 9, 1801, OOth licgt., Co. E. 

James F. Lincoln, enl. Nov. 29, 1801, 90th Regt., Co.E. 

Joe! Loveless, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 169tli Kegt., Co. D. 

Jolin H. Miller, enl. Sept. 16, ISOl, 2d Cav., Co. L. 

Roger Mesack, enl. Sept. 6, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 

George E. Milliman, sergt.; cnl. Aug. 8, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 

Thomas McDonald, cnl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2a Cav., Co. E. 

Henry McFai land, enl. Aug. 8, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 

James McGuire, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 

James McLaughlin, enl. Sept. 14, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. E. 

Alexander McMillan, enl. Sept. 3, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 

Robert McVickar, cnl. Aug. 12, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. E. 

James McCarthy, sergt.; enl. Nov. 5, 1862, 9Cth Regt., Co E. 

Wm. Muri>hy, corp.; enl. Nov. 1, 1802, 9eth Regt., Co. E. 

Fdward Moss, corp.; enl. Dec. 0, 1802, OOth Regt., Co. E. 

Abrnm R. Mosher, corp.; enl. Jan. 7, 1802, OOlh Regt., Co. E. 

Horace F. Miller, Corp. ; enl. Jan. 7, 1862, 96th Kegt., Co. E. 

George B. Moshier, capt.; enl. Oct. 19, ISOl, 93d Regt., Co. F. 

Conday Morrison, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. T. 

Samuel McMillan, cnl. Dec 30, 1863, 10th Art., Co. H. 

Joseph Miller, enl. Dec. 31, 1863, 10th Art., Co. U. 

Joshua Morse, enl. Dec. 21, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I. 

David Mountain, cnl. Dec. 29, 1803, loth Art., Co. I. 

John Mountain, enl. Dec. 30, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I. 

Ealscy S. Mills, enl. Dec. 12, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 

Michael McNetty, enl. Dec. 21, 1863, loth Art., Co. I. 

Nicholas J. Mclnlyrc, cnl. Dec. 25, 1863, loth Art., Co. I. 

Jan)cs McNeil, Corp.; eul. Sept. 30, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. L. 

Joseph D. Myers, s.addlcr; enl. Sept. 8, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. h. 

Edgar Murray, enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. L. 

Randall McDonald, enl. Sept. 13, ISGl, 2d Cav., Co. L. 

Eugene Munn, cnl. Nov. 13, 1861, OOlh Regt , Co. K. 

Edward McAvoy, enl. Nov. 14, 1861, 96th Regt., Co. B. 

John McGuire, enl. Nov. 11, 1801, OOth Regt, Co. E. 

John F. Miller, enl. Dec. 1, 1861, 96th Regt., Co. E. 

James A. Mix, enl. Jan. 12, 1862, 961h Regt., Co. E. 

Benjamin Mouty, enl. Feb. 10, 1802, OOlh Regt., C... E. 

A. A. Munroe, enl. Ang. 22, 1802, 1 OOth Regt., Co. D. 

Duncan McNeil, enl. Ang. 15, 1802, lOOth Regt., Co. D. 

Oscar 0. Niles, cnl. Nov. 13, 1801, 93d Regt,, Co. F. 

Edward O'Keefe, enl. Nov. 8, 1861, 96th Regt., Co. E. 

Robert Orr, cnl. Feb. 14. 1802, 90th Regt., Co. E. 

Joseph Pardee, enl. Nov. 10, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. V. 

James C. I'ratt, enl. Dec. 23, 1803, loth Art., Co. I. 

George H. Prindlc, enl. Sept. 15, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. L. 

Stephen Pelot, enl. Sept. 2, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. E. 

Er.istiiB M. Pierce, sergt.; enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 96th Regt., Co. E. 

Henry Parker, enl. Oct. 20, 1861, 9r,th Kegt., Co. E. 

George Payne, cnl. Dec. 10, 1801, OOth Regt , Co. E. 

Henry Pizro, enl. Jan. 7, 1862, 9Gth Regt., Co. E. 

Eli Pokct, cnl. Feb. 3, 1862, 96th Regt., Co. E. 

James M. Pelton, enl. Oct. 10, 1861, 77tli Regt., Co. G. 

licwis J. Pharnies, enl. March 16, 1864. 

John Quiglcy, enl. Sept. 23, 1861, 2il Cav., Co. L. 

W. A. Reyn(dds, enl. Oct. 30, 1801, 93il Regt., Co. F. 

Benjamin S. Robinson, enl. Dec. 25,1803, lOtli Art., Co. I. 

Reuben E. Robinson, enl. Dec. 23, 1803, lOlh Art., Co. I. 

George H. Rice, corp. ; enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. L. 

Clark Racey, enl. Sept. 13, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. L. 

Stephen Reynolds, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 

Andrew J. Kussoll, Ist lieut. ; enl. Nov. 28, 1802, 90lh Regt., Co. E. 

Stephen F. Rathbun, sergt. ; enl. Nov. 0, 1802, 96th Regt., (h. E. 

George W. Smith, sergt. ; enl. Oct. 21, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. F. 

Clark Simpson, enl. Dec. 15, 1803, loth Art., Co. I. 

Charles Simmonds, enl. Dec. 25, 1803, loth Art., Co. I. 

Fisher A. Stoughton, enl. Dec. 16, 1803, lOth Art., Co. I ; had served hi 

beforcin2dCav.,Co. E. 
William Smith, enl. Dec. 17, 1803, 16th Art., Co. I. 
Edward Squiers, enl. Sept. 8, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. L. 
John Smith, corp.; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. E. 
Silas E. Swift, sergt. ; enl. Nov. 0, 1SG2, OOth Kegt., Co. E. 
George Stevens, Corp.; cnl. Nov. 8, 1802, OOth Regt., Co. K. 
Charles II. Skidmorc, enl. Nov. 1, 1801, 96th Regt., Co. B. 
Edward Smith, enl. Nov. 10,1861, 96tli Regt., O. K. 
Duncjin Stalker, enl. Dec. 1, 1861, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
John J. Starks, enl. Dec. 2, ISOl, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
William Spanlding, enl. Dec. 7, 1801. OOth Rogt., Co. E. 

42 



Patrick Sullivan, enl. ,Ian. 7, 1862, OOth Rogt, Co. B. 
William H. Taylor, enl. Doc. 21, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I. 
John Thompson, corp. ; enl. Sept 18, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. 
William Tabor, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. B. 
James G. Tanner, cnl. Sept. 4, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 
Andrew Thornton, cnl. Dec. 2, 1861, 9Cth Kegt, Co. E. 
Henry Taylor, enl. Jan. 5, 1862, 96th Regt, Co. E. 
Edward Taylor, enl Jan. 18, 1802, 9Glh Regt, Co. E. 
Joseph Vinos, enl. Aug. 14, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. G. 
Joseph Vilmer, Ang. 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. 
Henry Van Schaick, enl. Dec. 30,1801, OOth Regt, Co. E. 
Norinau Williams, enl. Nov. 12, 1861, 03d Regt., Co. F. 
Ralph S. Williams, cnl. Nov. 12, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. F. 
Peter Wood, enl. Sept. 26, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. L. 
Charles E. Whitney, Corp.; cnl. Aug. 12, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. K. 
Cornelius Willbur, enl. Nov. 12, 1801, OOlh Kegt, Co. E. 
James Welch, enl. Dec. 13, 1801, OOth Regt., Co. E. 
Alvin Woodruff, enl. Nov. 1, 1801, OOth Kegt, Co. D. 
Peter Wolman, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, lOOHi Kegt., Co. D. 
Jidin AVhalen, enl. Aug. 18, 1862, 160th Regt, Co. D. 
George White, enl. Aug. 16, 1802, 109th Regt, Co. D. 
George H. Youngs, cnl. Sept. 18, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SRETCHh^S. 



FREDERICK D. HODGEMAN 

was born in the town of Fairfax, Lamoille Co.,* Vt., June 
10, 1812. He was third son in a fliiiiily of eight children of 
Jonathan Hodgeman and Marvel Burdiek, both natives of 
Vermont. His father was a farmer by occupation, and his 
ancestors among the early settlers of the State, and upon 
the breaking out of the Revolutionary war he enlisted on 
the side of the colonists, and he was among the brave ones 
at the battle of Bunker Hill. 

In this battle he became incapacitated for very much ser- 
vice afterwards, by deafness. He lived to the very advanced 
age of ninety-six years, and died in the year 1847. The 
mother of Frederick D. Hodgeman died in the year 1824. 
Both were buried where they lived, at Fairfax. 

Mr. Hodgeman's opportunities for obtaining an education 
from books were very limited while young, but his subsequent 
career gives unmistakable evidence that what was lost in his 
early life in book knowledge was compensated for by his 
great natural ability. At the age of thirteen he left home, 
and soon after was apprenticed to learn the manufacture of 
cloth in a woolen-factory, at which business ho remained 
until he was nineteen years of age, and during the latter 
part of this time he became the proprietor, and the one to 
whom he had been apj)renticed became the employee. Thus, 
early in life, he manifested groat self-reliance, strong resolu- 
tion, and a shrewdness, tact, and executive ability not com- 
mon to young men. 

In 1831 he left his native State and came to Rexford's 
Flats, Saratoga Co., N. Y., where he in the course of two 
years contracted for and built the lower aqueduct, a public 
work constructed by tlie State. He was successful pecu- 
niarily in this operation, and upon its completion purchased a 
farm, and for a few years carried on farming in that county. 

After an examination of the water-power on the IIud.son 
river, at Fort pjdward, with his usual sagacity, foreseeing its 
future value, he, in a company with others, erected a saw-mill, 
the first built in tlie place. He afterwards erected the first 



■ Now Franklin county. 



330 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



grist-mill put up at Fort Edward, and from that time until 
his demise he was largely interested in tha business interests 
of the place. In 18GG he built a paper-mill on the river 
to replace the one burned. In 1872, that one being burned, 
he erected another, which is now in operation. He was 
president of the National Bank of Fort Edward at the time 
of his death. A portion of the time he lived at Fort Ed- 
ward he was in the mercantile business, and at one time a 
partner with James Cheeseman. 

Mr. Hodgeman's life was one of almost unexampled ac- 
tivity, and, with a will to do whatever he conceived to be 
right, he evinced a determination characteristic of his 
nature and not uncommon among self-made men. 

It is to his sagacity and enterprise, in a large degree, that 
the prosperous village of Fort Edward owes its advance 
from the hamlet of thirty years ago, he having been fore- 
most in inaugurating nearly all of the large manufacturing 
interests of that place, and from its inception, through 
many successful years, during the balance of his life, he 
was the friend and most munificent patron of the Fort Ed- 
ward Institute. In his earlier political life ho was a Jeffer- 
soiiian Democrat, but upon the formation of the Republican 
party became an ardent supporter of its principles. He 
was never solicitous of any publicity by way of oiEce or 
emolument, but regarded carefully the principles involved, as 
well as the representatives of the same, in casting his vote. 

As early in life as the age of thirteen he united with the 
Methodist Episcopal church, remaining an active and de- 
voted member of the same during his life. He was warmly 
attached to the church of his choice, yet liberal in his views 
towards those diifering with him in religious doctrine. 

As he was prosperous in worldly goods, he remembered 
the Giver, and contributed largely in the establishment of 
church and school, and to all entwprises looking to the 
building up of good society. Especially worthy of record 
were his large contributions to benevolent societies, as indi- 
cated in his will, as also the investment permanently of a 
sum of money, the income of which was to form a fund 
for the benefit of the poor of his church. Mr. Hodgeman 
is remembered by those who best knew him as a man of 
strict integrity of purpose, of mature judgment, of correct 
habits, and strong decision of character. He died Dec. 7, 
1873. 

Mr. Hodgeman was married three times, — first, to Miss 
Angeline Knowlton, of llexford Flats, a lady of good judg- 
ment, a safe counselor in all her husband's matters, a devoted 
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, possessing that 
marked decision of character which lends influence and 
honor to life. She died March 16, 18G1, at the age of 
fifty years. 

For his second wife he married Miss Jemima Washburn, 
at the time of the marriage preceptress of the Jennings 
Seminary (formerly Clark's), at Aurora, 111. She was a 
native of Fishkill, Dutchess Co., N. Y. A lady of strong 
sympathy, accom2}anied with that force of affection for 
those around her that gave her prominent rank in the best 
circles of society. She died May 23, 1867, at the age of 
thirty-nine years. 

For his third wife he married Miss Mary E., daughter 
of Lucius A. Foutc and Emily I'. Smith, of Port Henry, 



N. Y., the former a native of Rutland, Vt., the latter a 
native of Addison, Vt. 

Her father was a lineal descendant of Nathaniel Foote, 
an emigrant from England as early as 1033, when he took 
the freeman's oath at Watertown, Mass. 

Mrs. Hodgeman has been for many years identified with 
the Slethodist church, and a constant attendant upon its 
.service. 



JOHN WAGMAN 



traces his descent on the paternal side through Nicholas 
Wagman, born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., 1781, to Henry 
Wagman, his grandfither, who emigrated from Zurich, 
Switzerland, about the year 1760. A singular incident or 
custom of that country was exemplified in connection with 
his emigration. No person leaving the country vras allowed 
to carry any money away with him ; hence, although the 
Wagmans in Switzerland were well-to-do in the world, 
Henry was only allowed to bring with him what he secretly 
received from his friends while bidding them adieu. His 
sLster came with him. Born in the year 1740, he came to 
this country at the age of twenty years, settled in Dutchess 
Co., N. Y., was married about the year 1768 to an Amer- 
ican lady of German descent, by whom he had three children. 
His wife dying, he married for his second wife Miss Efiii 

, by whom he had nine children, of whom Nicholas 

was the fifth. All these children lived to advanced ages, 
engaging in agricultural pursuits. 

The grandfather died at the age of eighty-two years. 

Nicholas Wagman married Miss Sarah Euiigh, of 
Dutchess county, about the year 1812, by whom he had 
five children, — Almira (deceased), Henry E., William (de- 
ceased), Rachel and Elizabeth (deceased). Mrs. Wagman 
was of German descent. She died about the year 1828. 
For his second wife he married, in 1829, Miss Mary Close, 
of Greenfield, Saratoga county, by whom lie had five chil- 
dren, — Lewis S., Benjamin C. (deceased), Sarah, John, and 
Nicholas. 

In the year 1818, Nicholas Wagman, with his family, 
removed from his native county and settled in the town 
of Saratoga, Saratoga Co., where he remained, following 
the occupation of a farmer, until his death. May, 1870. 
He left his wife, who, at" the time of writing this sketch 
(1878), is now in the eighty-first year of her age, being 
born Aug. 7, 17'J7. 

The third son, John, was born Aug. 20, 1835, in the 
town of Saratoga, Saratoga Co. He spent his boyhood 
days on the farm at home, and attending the district school 
winters. At the age of twenty he gave his attention to 
teaching during the winter, and followed farming during 
the summer. In the year 1863, December 31, he married 
Miss Naomi Swctland, of the town of Moreau, Saratoga 
Co. Mrs. Wagman died October 28, 1874, leaving behind 
her a record of purity of character, and devotion to the 
churcli in which she took so active and influential a part. 
She was a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, and re- 
spected by all who knew her. Her example and influence 
still live. For his seeund wife Mr. Wagman married, on 
October G, in the year 1875, Mis^s Ida M., daughter of 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



331 



George W. Bennett and Lydia M. Hill. Her father is a 
native of Saratoga county, and was boru August 20, 1820. 
He is a farmer by occupation, and resides iu the county of 
his birth. Her mother is also a native of Saratoga Co., 
N. Y., and was born June, 182-1. 

Mrs. Wagman was born Nov. 16, 1855. 

Mr. Wagman came to Fort Miller in the year 1870, and 
engaged in the manufacture of paper under the firm-name 
of H. G. Craig & Co, having, soon after his marriage the first 
time, engaged in the manufacture of jiaper in Saratoga 



county, town of Greenfield. This business he continues at 
the present time, under the firm-name of" Wagman, Thorpe 
& Co." 

The Wagman family still retain the political principles 
of the ancestors, who were among the standard-bearers of 
the old Whig party, and now the representatives of this 
fiimily are ardent supporters of the Republican party. 
Characteristic of this family are their temperance proclivi- 
ties, — the result of early education at home, and tlie impres- 
sions received from a model mother. 






'^-•i'-'n 




Niiiis, Fmt E.1«:im1. 



JIAIIU.MIET OII.CimiST. 



GILCHRIST FAMILY. 

Alexander Gilchrist, the emigrant, was born in Glasgow, 
Scotland, about the year 1722. He came to America in the 
year 17-10. His emigration was purely accidental. Many 
of his friends were embarking for a new home in America. 
Alexander went to the ship to give them farewell presents, 
and while on board the ship put out to sea, and he then was 
prevailed upon to continue the voyage. He was so much 
attracted with the new country that he wrote back to his 
father '• that he liked it better than Scotland," and hence 
he settled here for life. He first settled in Orange Co., 
N. Y., in the town of Goshen, where he married Miss 
Catherine McNeal, of Scotch descent, who had come to 
tliis country with an uncle by the name of Brown. He 
remained in Goslien for some fifteen years, and removed to 
the town of Argyle, Washington Co., N. Y., with his 
family of wife and seven children, and settled ou two hun- 
dred and thirty-seven and a half acres of land, obtained by 
liis father from the duke of Argyle, and deeded by the king, 
George III., of England, by letters-patent dated 17C5. 



The father died in the year 17GS. The mother, with 
the family of two .sons (Alexander and Archibald) and five 
daughters, trusting in the protection of Him " who doeth 
all things well," managed, with the assistance of her sons, 
to clear ofi" the original forest and establish a home. The 
incidents of the family's career as pioneers, in detail, would 
doubtless interest the ofispring now If a narration could be 
given. The devoted mother lived to the advanced age of 
eighty-nine years. 

The eldest son, Alexander, became the sole owner of his 
father's estate. His brother Archibald purchased a farm 
of the Mclrityro fixmily, a part of Livingston's manor, in 
the town of Fort Edward, and where now liis nephew, 
Lewis Gilchrist, resides. Alexander was born about the 
year 1758, and was married to Miss Sarah White, of Irish 
descent, then of the town of Argyle, about the year 1704. 
He spent his whole life upon the farm owned originally 
by his father, and raised a family of eleven children, — 
Alexander, Walter, Charles, Gertrude, Blargaret (now 
living), Ann Maria, Sally, Almira, Catherine, John, James 
H. (deceased). Alexander, the father of these children, 



332 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



died in the town of Fort Edward in the year 1843. His 
wife died in 1845. Walter Gilchrist, whose portrait is 
found above this sketch, was born in the town of Fort 
Edward, Aug. 10, 1812, and was the ninth child of the 
family. He now resides on a part of the firm upon which 
he was born, and has spent his life as a farmer. In poli- 
tics, Mr. Gilchrist was identified first with the Whig, and 
tlien witli the Republican party. Although not active ia 
politics, he is firmly attached to the principle.s of his party. 
He has always been identified with the best interests of 
society, and a liberal contributor to church and school in- 
terest. Miss Margaret Gilchrist was born June 18, 1808, 
and resides with her brother Walter. She is a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal cliurch at Fort Edward, and is a 
lady of strong decision of character and sound judgment, 
pos.scsses a very retentive memory, and has given most of the 
facts for this sketch. She has always remained a maiden 
lady. 




^ 



James II. Gilchrist was born in the town of Fort Edward, 
April 21, 1805. He spent his minority at home, and 
owned a part of the old homestead until his death, Aug. 1, 
1877. He was a man of marked decision of character, 
very industrious, and, active. He was connected with the 
best enterprises for the public good in his vicinity ; was 
trustee of the Presbyterian society of Fort Edward for 
some twenty-four years, and a member of that church at 
the time of his decease. 

Mr. Gilchrist was a stanch and ardent supporter of the 
Republican party, and some thirty years ago was elected to 
and held the office of .school commissioner of the county of 
Washington. He was highly esteemed as a citizen, a man 
of plain, unpretending ways, considerate in judgment, and 
of strict integrity of purpose. 

In the year 1874, May 6, he married Miss Mary, daugh- 
ter of John G. and Agnes Gallagher, of Fort Edward. She 
was a native of Liverpool, England, and came to America 
with her parents. She was born Aug. 30, 1840, and has 



one child by this union, who inherits the estate of her 
father, which has now been in the family for one hundred 
and thirteen years. 



ENOS HOWLAND. 

The Howland family in Washington Co., N. Y., is traced 
to the emigrant Stephen Howland, who emigrated from 
England, prior to the Revolutionary war, while he was a 
young man, and settled in Dartmouth, Mass., where he 
Wiis married. Shortly after the marriage he became a sea- 
captain, and followed the sea for a few years. He was cast 
away on an Lslaiid, and returned finally to his family after 
an absence of about one year and a half After his return 
he moved to Dutchess Co., N. Y., where the majority of a 
family of fourteen children were born. He afterwards 
settled in Mayfield, Saratoga Co. He remained there a 
short time, and finally settled in Galway, the same county, 
where he died Sept. 20, 1831, having been born June 21, 
1754. 

Enos Howland, the subject of this memoir, was grand- 
son of Stephen Howland, and son of Stephen Howland 
and Susan McOmber. The former, born May 29, 1793, 
in Providence, Saratoga county, was next to the youngest 
child of the flimily ; the latter was a native of Dutchess 
Co., N. Y., born Aug. 12, 1789. She is now living with 
her son Amasa, at Fort Edward, Wa.shington Co., N. Y., 
and gives quite readily the facts narrated in this sketch. 
Stephen Howland, the father, was married Nov. 7, 1812, 
and engaged in farming in Saratoga county for several 
years. 

David, eldest of the sons, first came to Sandy Hill about 
the year 1835, and carried on a book-binding establish- 
ment, and died April 30, 1838. Gardner, the second son, 
then assumed control of the business, and carried it on for 
some years, when the father and his two sons, Enos and 
Amasa, in the year 1844, came to Sandy Hill and erected 
the first paper-mill there and, of any importance, in the 
county. At the time of the death of the father, July 28, 
1802, these sons assumed control of the paper-manufactory, 
which is now carried on by Amasa and his nephews, Derby 
and Lansing M. Howland. 

Of a family of eleven children of Stephen Howland and 
Susan McOmber, — viz., David (deceased), Amanda M., 
Gardner, Enos (deceased), Joseph (died at the age of ten 
years), Jane F. (deceased), Mary B. (deceased), Amasa, 
Philip M., Deborah, and Edmund Stephen, — Enos was 
fourth child, born July 20, 1819, at Galway, Saratoga 
Co. He spent his minority at home on the farm, teach- 
ing school during the winter months after he became 
of proper age. At the age of twenty-five he came to 
Sandy Hill and engaged in the paper-manufacturing busi- 
ness with his brother, Amasa, which he continued until 
185G, when tlie two brothers sold out their interest in the 
paper-mill at Sandy Hill, and established a mill of the 
same kind at Fort Ann, Washington Co., which was 
the first in that place. This manufacturing interest was 
carried on for some ten years, when the partnership was 
dissolved, Enos remaining at Fort Ann, and Ama.sa return- 
ing to Sandy Hill, where he built a new mill for the manu- 













■t-"^'- ''^^2> ; 










-vjf^^,^ 












^ 

f.^ 

v^^ 



>, J 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



333 



facture of manilla paper, which he now carries on in 
partnership with his nephew. 

After a year's stay at Fort Ann Mr. HowhmJ returned 
to Sandy Hill and retired from active business life. He 
died March 25, 1877. 

Mr. Howland was an active and resolute man, possessed 
of sterlini; integrity and good judgment. He was a director 
in the old Commercial Bank at Glen's Falls, and during the 
latter years of iiis life was a director in the First National 
Bank at Fort Edward. 

In politics Mr. Howland was formerly a member of the 
Whig party, but. upon the formation of the Republican 
party became an ardent supporter of its platform and the 
propagation of its principles. 

In the year 1845 (Feb. 0) he married Miss Susan C, 
daughter of Elijah Murphy and Elizabeth Bliss, of Sandy 
Hill. Her father was a native of Springfield, Ma.ss., and 
settled at Sandy Hill in the year 1812. Her mother was 
a native of the same place. 

Mrs. Howland was born May 10, 1823. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Howland have been born seven 
children, — Helena E., wife of Thoma.s Phillips, of Akron, 
Ohio; Lan.sing M., married to Miss Hattie C. Odell, of 
Fort Edward ; Stephen, resides in Cleveland, Ohio, and is 
a teacher in a business college ; Clarence, married to Miss 
Jennie Frouser, and resides in Akron, Ohio ; Charles E. ; 
Anna J. ; and Mary. 

Lansing M. is a partner with his uncle, Amasa Howland, 
in the niaimfacture of paper at Sandy Hill, and is a director 
in the First National Bank at Fort Edward. 



AMASA HOWLAND. 

Araasa Howland was born in Galway, Saratoga Co., 
N. Y., June 29, 1827, being the eighth child of Stephen 
Howland and Susan McOmber. He was first married to 
Miss Mary L., daughter of Rowland Green, of Galway, by 
whom he had one daughter, Mary L. Howland. His wife 
died in August, 1858. For his second wife he married, 
in the year 1859, Mrs. Lydia, widow of the late Nathaniel 
Groesbeck, of Fort Ann, by whom he has two children, 
James Edward and Fred. Derby ; Mrs. Howland having 
previous to her second marriage two children, Frank Eliza 
and Nathalie Groesbeck. 

Mrs. Howland was born in the town of Fort Ann, Sept. 
29, 1833. Mr. Howland spent his early life at home on 
the farm, and at the age of seventeen came to Sandy Hill 
and engaged in the manufacture of paper, and now is the 
senior member of the firm of Amasa Howland & Co. He 
has given his entire time, since his first coming to the 
place, to active business pursuits, and is identified not only 
with the most important manufacturing interests of the 
vicinity in which he lives, but he is a liberal supporter of 
the church and school interests of Sandy Hill. 

Mr. Howland is really the oldest paper-manufacturer of 
the county, having participated in the first one established 
in the county (except one on a small scale at Fort Edward, 
established about 1843). 

He was first identified with the Democratic party, and 



remained a stanch member of the same until 1861, when 
he became an ardent supporter of the Union cause, and 
has since been identified with the Republican party. 



ALEXANDER CARSWELL. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Ar- 
gylc, Washington Co., N. Y., March 24, 1802. He was 
second son in a family of eight children of Daniel Carswcll 
and Elizabeth Safford, — the former a native of the town of 
Coleraine, Mass , born in the year 1775, and came to this 
county with his parents, Nathaniel and Sarah Carswell, 
about the beginning of the Revolutionary war, and settled 
in the town of Salem, some of the descendants now residing 
on the farm where the family first settled. Abnor, the 
oldest brother of Daniel Carswell, was a soldier of the war 
for independence, and was at Fort Ann. He was substi- 
tuded by his brother David, who was taken prisoner by the 
Indians and carried to Canada, where he was kept in irons 
six months, being a prisoner altogether for twenty-two 
months. Daniel Carswell was a blacksmith by trade, which 
he followed during the former part of his life. He died in 
the town of Argyle, at about the age of eighty years. 
Elizabeth Carswell was a native of Connecticut, town of 
Norwich ; born in 1777 ; moved to Salem with her parents 
when about six years of age. She died about the year 
1857, at the age of eighty years. Alexander spent his 
early life at hard work at whatever offered, his father not 
being in circumstances to assist his children financially. 
Hence they were obliged to depend upon their own efforts 
for support after becoming of sufficient age, and Mr. Cars- 
well is one of those self-made men who has met the obstacles 
not only of a pioneer life, but struggled with self-sacrifice 
and poverty; but in this he learned those valuable les.son3 
of economy and the necessity of industry which, in after- 
life, have secured a sufficient competence to place him be- 
yiiid the apprehension of want and leave his children in 
fair and comfortable circumstances. His education from 
books was necessarily very limited. 

At the age of twenty-two, in 1824, he married Miss 
Reconcile, a daughter of Shubael Terry and Reliance Hath- 
away, of Argyle. She was born May 14, 1803, in Hart- 
ford, this county. Her father was born Feb. 4, 1771, in 
Bedford, Mass., and came to this county about 1797. Her 
mother was born April 19, 1774, and was a native of Taun- 
ton, Mass. The family consisted of nine children, of whom 
Mrs. Carswell was third child. 

To Mr. and INIrs. Carswell have been born ten children, — 
Shubael T., Gideon II. (deceased), Elizabeth, Nancy Reli- 
ance, Theodore (deceased), Mary Jane, Marcy Joanna, 
Esther, Theodore A. (deceased), Daniel Seth (deceased). 

Mrs. Carswell was a member of the Baptist church, 
having united as a member about 1827, and was a devoted 
Christian woman, warmly attached to her family, — and her 
many virtues will long be remembered by all who knew her. 
She died Feb. 24, 1877. 

Mr. Carswell, at the age of sixteen, learned the tailoring 
trade, which he followed until the year 1839, when he 
gave his attention to farming, and purchased a farm of one 



334 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



hundred and fifty acres in the town of Fort Edward, upon 
which he now resides. A view of his residence and sur- 
roundings will be seen on another page of this work. He 
afterwards added to tliis purchase and now owns some one 
hundred acres more. His life has been one of activity, di- 
rected by principles of integrity in all business transactions. 
He was formerly a Wiiig, and is now a Republican. 
Held in favorable esteem by liis fellow-citizens, he has been 
elected to important offices in tlie town in which he lives, 
and was assessor for three years. 



Mr. Carswell, over thirty years ago, united with the 
Bajjtist church, and has been prominent in the councils of 
that body, — serving as deacon for some twenty years, which 
office he now retains. 

The Carswell family has ranked among the best families 
of the county, and several of the descendants have occupied 
positions of distinction in the councils of the nation. Mr. 
Carswell has only one brother — Gideon S., of Fort Edward 
— and two sisters — Mrs. Wm. Taylor, of Fort Edward, and 
Mrs. George Taylor, of j\rgyle — still living. 



->-ooc>=(i-=<. 



GREENWICH. 



Greenwich was formerly embraced within the limits 
of Argyle. In 1803 it was set off with its present bounds, 
and named after Greenwich, R. I. The shape of the town 
is very irregular, owing to its having the Batten Kill for 
one of its boundaries. The general length is about twelve 
miles from east to west, and it is nearly six miles in width. 
With reference to other towns it is south of the centre of 
the county, extending westward to the Hudson river. The 
area comprises nearly twenty-seven thousand acres, some- 
what broken, but presenting a pleasing aspect. There are 
high hills in the east, and west of the centre is Bald moun- 
tain, with an eminence of nine hundred and twelve feet, 
and comprising about fifteen hundred acres of land. The 
elevation belongs to a range of the same name extending 
northward into Vermont. It is composed of a peculiar 
rock, resembling in general the blue limestone, but the strata 
to which it belongs has not yet been properly determined. 
As the country westward to the Hudson is very level, the 
mountain is a prominent and marked object in the land- 
scape. 

Greenwich was originally covered with forests of pine, 
hemlock, and the hard woods. Some of the uplands are 
yet crowned with timber lots, whose contrast with the cleared 
lowlands and vales produces a pleasing elfect. In the east- 
ern part vast quantities of pine have been cut into lumber, 
whose manufacture formed for many years the principal 
business. The soil is generally fertile, and capable of yield- 
ing a variety of productions. It varies from a sandy loam 
to a heavy clay. The Batten Kill is the principal stream, 
having its source in Vermont, and flowing westward through 
the county to its junction with the Hudson. For many 
miles it forms the southern boundary of the town, and is 
characterized by a number of falls rapids, affording excel- 
lent power, whose improvement is a source of wealth to the 
town. The river descends seventeen feet at Centre falls, 
forty feet at Galesville, and half a mile below that point has 
an almost precipitous fall of seventy feet. In seasons of 
high water these rapids attain a grandeur rivaling Niagara, 



and in any condition they deserve a prominence which will 
place them alongside of the minor cataracts of the country. 
They have been appropriately named the Dion-oudrhowa 
/(ills, the Indian term for the great falls of the Batten Kill. 
The picturesque surroundings make the place highly attract- 
ive, and it is much frequented by pleasure-parties. Cossa- 
yuna creek, in the eastern part of the town, is the outlet of 
a lake by the same name, which is partly between Green- 
wich and Argyle. That sheet of water is one of the finest 
in this part of the State, and affords good fi.shing. Centuries 
ago it was the favorite resort of the Massachusetts Indians, 
wliosc trail was along the little creek. There are several 
small brooks situated in the western part of the town, and 
near the centre is a peat swamp, which has not yet been 
developed. 

The many natural advantages and location of Greenwich 
invited early settlement and the disposition of the lands by 
patents to those always ready to engage in speculative enter- 
prises. The first patent issued which covered any portion 
of the present town of Greenwich is that known as the Sara- 
toga patent, which was granted November 4, 1G84, under 
the provincial administration of Thomas Dongan. The 
grantees were Cornelius Vandyke, John John.son Bleeker, 
Peter Philip Schuyler (a great-uncle of General Philip 
Schuyler, of Revolutianary fame), Johannes Wendell, Dirck 
Wessells, David Schuyler, and Robert Livingston. Vandyke 
sold a portion of his share (that east of the Hudson river) 
to William Kettlehuyn and Killian De Bidder, in 1085. 
The patent covered two towns on the west side of the Hud- 
son river, and the. town of Easton, and a portion of the 
town of Greenwich, on the east side of that river. " The 
original graut," says Dr. Fitch, '' does not appear to have 
been recorded. The proprietors subsequently applied for, 
and Oct. 9, 1708, obtained, a renewal of it, in which that 
portion of the patent falling within this county is described 
as follows : ' And from the Last Terminacion by a Straight 
Line, to be drawn East, to the North side of the mouth of 
Creek Dionondehowe [Batten Kill], and from thence con- 




RESIDENCE or EDMUND H. G-IBSON, Gaeen wich WashinoiohCo HY 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



335 



tinued East Six Miles into the Woods on the East Side of 
Hudson's River, and from thence by a Lino Southerly Par- 
allel to the course of said Hudson's River, and Six Miles Dis- 
tant from the same, soc farr Southerly until it come Opposite 
to and bear Six Miles Distant from the North Side of the 
Mouth of Schaachook Kill [Hoosiok River], which is the 
bounds of Schaachook Patent, Late belonging to Henry Van 
Rensselaer.' (Patents, vol. vii. pp. 375-379) . . . The 
northeast corner of the patent being in the town of Green- 
wich, nearly two miles north of Centre falls." At the time 
of the re-issue of the patent its ownership had changed some- 
what, the share of Vandyke being owned by his grandson, 
Cornelius ; David Schuyler's sliare by Peter and Robert 
Schuyler ; while Johannes Schuyler owned the share of 
Johannes Wendell. 

In 1732, William Kettlehuyn, a merchant of Albany, 
before mentioned as a purchaser of a portion of Vandyke's 
interest in tlie Saratoga patent, in connection with Cor- 
nelius Cuyler, yeoman, also of Albany, applied for a grant 
of land adjoining that patent, claiming to have purchased 
it the preceding year of the Indians. May 6, 1732, a 
patent was issued, eight hundred and fifty acres being 
given to Kettlehuyn, and seven hundred and fifty acres to 
Cuyler, the lands conveyed therein being situated near the 
Hudson.* 

In January, 1763, Donald, George, and James Campbell, 
sons of Captain Laughlin Campbell, whose abortive attempt 
at colonization is described in the general history, petitioned 
for a grant of a hundred thousand acres of land. This was 
refused; but, on the 11th of November of that year, a 
patent of ten thousand acres in the present town of Green- 
wich, just north of the Saratoga patent, was issued to the 
Campbell brothers, their three sisters, — Rose Graham, Mar- 
garet Eustace, and Lilly Murray, and four others : Allan 
Campbell, John Campbell, Sr., James Caldor, and John 
Campbell, Jr. Dr. Fitch states that at the commencemen 
and during the Revolutionary war the patent was sparsely 
settled by a few Dutch families, and that the land, so far as 
is known, was owned by the eldest of the three brothers, 
General Donald Campbell, who espoused the patriot cause, 
while the other brothers were Tories. After the war, all 
traces of the family disappeared. 

On the 21st of May, 1704, the Argyle patent was 
granted to the colonists of Laughlin Campbell and their 
descendants, and so located that it covered all that portion 
of the present town not included in the foregoing patents. 
A full account of the Argyle patents appears in the general 
history. The lots originally belonging to that township, 
but now forming a portion of the town of Greenwich, were 
numbered and allotted as follows: Lot 41, two hundred 
and fifty acres, commencing at the northeast corner of the 
Campbell patent, with its greatest length from cast to west, 



* Fort Saraghtoga, bo often mentioned in the general history, was 
only a short distance below, in the present town of Easton. As sta- 
ted in the general histoVy, it is very certain that there was a settle- 
ment around that fort considerably before the war of 1744. It is also 
probable that settlements were made on the Cuyler and Kettlehuyn 
tracts, for it is not likely those gentlemen, when land was so jjluuty, 
would have taken the trouble to prueurosuch small tracts unless Ihey 
had desired immediate settlement. 



was allotted to Catharine Shaw. South of this, towards 
the Batten Kill, were nine lots, also laid out with greatest 
length from east to west, and numbered and allotted in the 
following manner : lot 30, three hundred acres, to Angus 
McDougall ; lot 31, three hundred and fifty acres, to Don- 
ald Jlclntyre ; lot 32, six hundred acres, to Alexander 
MoNachten; lot 33, three hundred acres, to John McCore; 
lot 34, three hundred and fifty acres, to ^Villiam Fraser ; 
lot 35, running east across Cossayuna creek, two hundred 
and fifty acres, to Mary Campbell ; lot 36, at the mouth of 
Cossayuna creek, four hundred and fifty acres, to Duncan 
Campbell, Sr. ; lot 27, three hundred acres, to Neil McFad- 
den ; lot 38, two hundred and fifty acres, to Mary Torry ; 
lot 39, a triangular plot of two hundred and fifty acres, to 
Margaret McAllister, being the southernmost allotment of 
the patent. Then, commencing at the eastern boundary of 
lots 41, and 30 to 35, were lots with greatest length from 
east to west, and numbered and allotted as follows : lot 40, 
four hundred and fifty acres, to Robert Campbell, Jr. ; lot 
51, three hundred and fifty acres, to Charles McArthur; 
lot 52, three hundred acres, to Duncan McFadden ; lot 53, 
three hundred acres, to Roger Reed ; lot 54, three hundred 
acres, to John McCarter ; lot 65, throe hundred acres, to 
Hugh l\Iontgomery ; lot GO, two hundred and fifty acres, at 
the junction of White crock with the Batten Kill, to Isabella 
Livingston ; lot 67, two hundred and fifty acres, running 
across White creek to the Batten Kill, to Catharine McCar- 
ter; lot 68, two hundred and fifty acres, also running to 
the Batten Kill, to Margaret Gilchrist. Besides these lots, 
there were several on the east side of Cossayuna lake running 
north to the " street." The numbers and allotments are as 
follows: lot 42, four hundred acres, to John McGuire ; lot 
43, two hundred acres, to Elizabeth McNeil, also known by 
the name of Campbell, from her first husband, Archibald 
Campbell, one of the trustees of the patent ; lot 44, four 
hundred and fifty acres, to Duncan McArthur; lot 29, two 
hundred and fifty acres, to Daniel Clark ; lot 50, three hun- 
dred acres, partially in the lake, to John McGowan, Sr. ; 
lot 55, three hundred acres, to Ann Campbell; lot 56, 
three hundred and fifty acres, to Archibald McCollum ; lot 
57, two hundred and fifty acres, to Alexander McArthur ; 
lot 58, two hundred and fifty acres, to Alex. McDonald ; 
lot 59, five hundred acres, to John McEwen ; lot 62, three 
hundred acres, to Mary Baino ; lot 63, three hundred acres, 
to Margaret Cargyle ; lot 64, four hundred and fifty acres, 
to Neil McEachcrn ; lot 69, four hundred acres, to Hannah 
McEven ; lot 70, four hundred and fifty acres, to John 
Reid; lot 71, three hundred and fifty acres, to Archibald 
Nevin, making in all about twelve thousand acres which 
were set off from the old township of Argyle at the forma- 
tion of the town of Greenwich. 

The patents thus briefly described as making up the area 
of the town were, with the exception of Saratoga, subject 
to the following conditions, under which, at that period, all 
public lands were granted, viz. : " An annual quitrent of 
two shillings and sixpence sterling was imposed on every 
one hundred acres, and all mines of gold and silver, and all 
pine-trees suitable for masts for the royal navy, — namely, all 
which were twenty-four inches or more in diameter twelve 
inches from the ground, — were reserved to the crown." 



336 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



THE FIRST SETTLERS. 

The first man known to have attempted a permanent 
settlement in the town was one Rogers, a kind of desperado, 
who built on the flats of the Batten Kill, above the mouth 
of Cossayuna ereek, as early as 1763 or 1764 (the exact 
time of his coming is not known), and lived there for some 
time. Alexander MeNachten (McNaughton), Archibald 
Living.ston, Duncan Campbell, and Roger Reid settled near 
the Batten Kill, as allottees of the Argyle patent, in the spring 
of 17G5, and found him living there and claiming title 
from Col. Lydius to a tract of land running east from 
Co.ssayuna ereek to the vicinity of the stream now known 
as Black creek. He warned them not to trespass on his 
claim, making various threats as to what he would do. 
These men knew, however, that they had perfect titles, and 
went on industriously with the work of clearing their 
lands and building their houses, regardless of his threats. 
One day, when Livingston was away, his wife was forcibly 
carried off, and set down outside of the limits of the claim, 
by Rogers, who then proceeded to remove the furniture 
from the promises. For this act he was subsequently 
arrested by Reid, who w:ls a constable of the old town of 
Argyle, assisted by Joseph McCracken, from Salem. The 
arrest was made under a warrant from Esquire MeNachten, 
who had been appointed a justice of the peace, and was the 
fii-st civil process ever served in this county. It was, of 
couree, to be expected that a man of the reckless character 
of Rogers would resist the officers, and the result justified 
the expectation. Rogei-s tried to defend himself with his 
gun, which McCracken seized. In his endeavors to wrest 
it from the liands of the ruffian he burst the buttons from 
tlie waistband of his pantaloons, which, as he did not wear 
suspenders, slipped down over his feet. The little son of 
Rogers, observing MeCi'acken's exposed condition, and see- 
ing his father taken at a disadvantage, ran up and, as Dr. 
Fitch relates, " bit him posteriorly," but without causing 
him to loosen his hold of the gun. Rogers was secured and 
conveyed to Albany, after which we find no trace of him. 
His house was the first one erected in the town. 

Different portions of Argyle township began to be set- 
tled at this time, the survey having been completed in 1704. 
Duncan Campbell, whom we have mentioned as settling on 
lot oG, was the first supervisor of the new town, and held 
that office from 1771 to 1781. The surveyors who ran 
the division lines in 1764 were Archibald Campbell and 
Christopher Yates. The former was a son of Duncan 
Campbell, and a brother of the wife of Duncan McArthur. 
Archibald Campbell 1st, as he was called, was a man of 
wealth, education, and influence. He married Flora McNeil, 
and soon after the survey was completed settled on a tract 
of six hundred acres, which he owned in what was then 
Cambridge, now Jackson. Whether this land came to him 
by inheritance or purchase we are unable to learn. He 
posses.sed no little vanity, and was frequently heard to boast 
of his distinguished family connection. His house and 
furniture and his manner of living corresponded with his 
pretensions. 

The house which he built in the year 1800, and in which 
he lived at his death, which occurred January 31, 1808, is 
now owned and occupied by John Cowan. Little change 



has been made in the house, which is a handsome, modern- 
looking structure. Mr. Campbell died at the age of sixty- 
nine years. He had prior to his death conveyed to his son 
Jolin the tract now known as the Lyman Woodard farm, 
and which ran cast as far as the old tavern-stand at the cor- 
ner of the road leading to Cossayuna lake. To his son 
Alexander he had conveyed the lands now composing the 
farms of Job Skellie and Alexander Maxwell, on the south 
side of the Batten Kill. In his will, John Campbell is not 
mentioned as a legatee, although all his other children re- 
ceived legacies. Duncan inherited the tract known later as 
the " Dunn" place, while the remaining lands in Green- 
wich were divided equally between him and his brothers 
Archibald and Alexander. Archibald received the home- 
stead, on condition that he gave his mother a comfortable 
support during her natural life, or, if they lived separate, 
pay to the executors the amount of a legacy (seven hundred 
and fifty dollars) mentioned in the will. A similar legacy 
was devi.sed to EUinor, the daughter, who married Hon. 
John Crary, of Salem. John Campbell married Polly 
Walker. They were the parents of Mrs. Marinus Fair- 
child, of Salem. Duncan Campbell, the second son, married 
Betsey Edie. Alexander Campbell married Nellie Dyer, 
and .settled in .Jackson, on what is now the Skellie farm. 
Archibald Campbell (2d) married, late in life, Sallie Fuller, 
who is still living, his widow, at Centre Falls. Their son, 
Archibald Campbell (3d), now resides in the town of 
Easton. This family were related, we learn, somewhat dis- 
tantly, however, to Archibald Campbell, the trustee of the 
patent, who was a merchant and hotel-keeper of the city of 
New York. In his later years he removed to Fort Edward, 
where he died. 

The fiimily of Archibald Livingston, who settled with 
others on the Argyle patent in 1765, were prominent in the 
community at an early date. Living-ston married a daughter 
of Alexander McNaughton. The record of that event, and 
of the subsequent births, is so quaint that we cannot help 
transcribing a portion of it: "Archibald Livingston and 
Ellinor McNaughton, Joined in Matrimony and Lawfully 
married in November 23d, In the year of our Lord Jesus 
Christ 1756, And Since Children are Born unto them 
through the Blessing of God of which the first is a girle 
whose name is Mary who was born in September the 26th, 
in the year 1757 ; the second a girle also Whose Name is 
IMargaret. She was born in May the 30th day, in the 
year 1759 ; the third a girle named Jennie was born in Feb- 
ruary the 2d in 1767." Four other children were born to 
them. Alexander was born June 8, 1769 ; Moses was born 
March 2, 1772 ; Margaret, June 29, 1774 ; and Nellie, Au- 
gust 10, 1777. Alexander became a mark in the town, and 
was well known throughout the county. The people hon- 
ored him by sending him to the Assembly iTi 1809, and 
again in 1812, and in 1818 he was elected for the third 
time. He was also a member of the constitutional conven- 
tion of 1821. He died October 23, 1863, aged ninety- 
four. Members of the family still reside at Kast Green- 
wich. 

Lot 32 was assigned to Alexander MeNachten, and .set- 
tled by him in 1765. He was a man of considerable promi- 
nence, and reared a large family of daughters. This farm 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



337 



is now occupied by members of the Christie family, also 
early settlers. Opposite the house is the buria!-plot of the 
McNaughtou and Livingston families. 

Roger Raid, before mentioned as the constable who ar- 
rested the squatter at the mouth of Cossayuna creek, was 
allotted No. 50, which Ls at present occu])ied by a relative, 
Peter Reid. The first house at East Greenwich was erected 
by Roger Reid, and yet remains as the property of James 
Dobbin. Reid removed to South Argylc, where he died in 
the family of Ebenezer Campbell. John Reid, a brother 
of Roger, settled on lot 70. Among his sons were Peter, 
who removed to Onondaga county, Daniel, removed to 
Argyle village ; and Alexander, who lived on the home- 
stead until his death. The latter was the father of William 
Reid, of North Greenwich, and of Peter Reid, yet living, 
at the age of eighty-four, on lot No. 50. Another early 
settler on the Argyle patent was William H. McDougall. 
His first liou.se, on lot 09, was formed of posts dug into the 
ground and covered on the sides and top with bark. lie 
formerly resided in Now York city, as a merchant, but hav- 
ing become destitute through the war, he moved to this 
place to begin anew. He brought a small stock of goods 
with him, and had, in this humble way, the first store in 
the town. Among the sons he reared were Andrew, Rob- 
ert, John, Samuel, Nathaniel, and Ebenezer. Descendants 
of these yet live in Greenwich. 

The next settlement in the town was in the Saratoga pat- 
ent, in 17GC, when Judge Nathan Tefft atid his two sons, 
Stanton and Nathan (2d), came from South Kingston, 
II. I., and located in the towns of Easton and Greenwich, 
Judge Tefft, witli his son Nathan, taking by lease, from 
Killian De Ridder, the farm now owned by his great- 
grandson, Nathan B. Tefft, in Easton, while Stanton Tefft 
took in the same manner, from De Ridder. the farm now 
owned by Harvey Rogers, at Middle Falls, and built on the 
Batten Kill, at the fine waterfall at that point, the first 
saw-mill on that stream of which we have any authentic 
information. The following mention of this mill is made 
in the field-book of the survey of the Saratoga patent, 
made in 17G4, by J. R. Blecker: " Whereas, we the sub- 
scribers, commissioners appointed for the partition of all 
such lands, creeks, rivers, and falls of water as remained 
undivided in the Saratoga patent, have lately proceeded to 
the survey, partition, and balloting thereof, and have as- 
signed for defraying the expenses accrued on the same all 
the islands lying in IIud.son river between the southernmost 
and northernmost bounds of the .said patent, being in all 
nine islands, as also two falls of water, with four acres of 
land lying adjacent and convenient to each of them, the 
one being the second fall on Dionundehowa creek, where 
Staten Tefft now has a saw-mill." This conclusively proves 
the early date of their .settlement in Greenwich. After 
the marriage of Nathan (2d), Judge Tefft lived at the 
house of his son, Stanton, in Greenwich, until liis death, 
in 1789. The sjtilement of the Teffts was the beginning 
of the large influx n| Rhode Island colonists, from which 
the Baptist church subsequently organized. The family 
yet remains one of the most prominent of the town. Soon 
after their arrival, there came a man called, from his pow- 
erful and sonorous voice, " Whi.spering Somes." He saw 
43 



that the land in this locality was good, and determined to 
remain. There is a tradition that, after looking over the 
country, he ascended Bald mountain, and called back to 
Jonathan Foster, in Rhode Island, " Come up. Captain 
Foster, there is good land here." We do not vouch for the 
truth of the tradition, and can only assert, in support of it, 
the fact that " Captain Foster" did come up here in 17G7, 
and settled upon the farm now owned by Morgan Heath. 
Mr. Foster was the ancestor of several families of that'name, 
who still reside in Greenwich. One of his daughters mar- 
ried Nathan Tanner, afterwards prominent as the fii.st pa.stor 
of Bottskill Baptist church. Not far from the time of Cap- 
tain Foster's arrival, a man named Bryant settled at the 
foot of Bald mountain, and erected a log house of peculiar 
strength, to resist the attacks of the Indians, who several 
times tried to gain entrance to it, but were unable on ac- 
count of the thickness of the doors and the manner in 
which they were strengthened with iron. Through some 
lieedlessness, they did on one occasion get into the house in 
the absence of the family, and tried to get at some of the 
valuable possessions of the settler, which they, not incor- 
rectly, supposed were kept under the floor. The trap to 
the subterranean room defied their ingenuity, and they un- 
dertook to get through the floor with their tomahawks, but 
failed in the attempt, as the floor was made of hewn logs, 
pinned to heavy sleepers beneath. In after-years, Mr. 
Bryant would gleefully point to the gashes made by the 
tomahawks of the savages in their fruitless attempts to find 
his valuables. At an early day Mr. Bryant burnt lime at 
the mountain. One day, when absent with his family, he 
left a pan of air-.slacked lime in the house. Some Indians 
entered the place, and mistaking the lime for flour, attempted 
to make some broad of it, but discovering (jualities in the 
flour with which they were not familiar, they abandoned 
culinary pursuits for more congenial duties. 

Following these men, Samuel Dickinson came to Green- 
wich in 1769, and located on what is now known as the 
Bailey place, about half a mile east of Centre Falls. His 
son, Thomas Dickinson, who lived most of his life near 
Bald mountain, was born here in 1770. In 17G9 or 1770, 
Daniel Rose, a millwright (long in the employ of General 
Philip Schuyler, at Old Saratoga), came to Greenwich, and 
erected the first grist-mill in the town on what was then 
called " Foster's brook," but is now known as the " Flax- 
mill brook," on Job G. Sherman's flirm. This mill was 
probably in operation as early as 1771, as Dr. Fitch speaks 
of it as having been erected before Reed's mill at Fitch's 
Point, in the town of Salem, and that mill was completed 
in 1772. Mr. Rose also erected a saw-mill on the brook, 
and we believe these mills to have been those called by the 
next generation the " Old Rhodes' Milks." We do not 
learn that anywhere in the county there were mills answer- 
ing as clo.sely to the traditionary descriptions of " Rhodes' 
Mills" as those built by Daniel Rose. It seems probable 
that the name " Rhodes" as applied to mills came from a 
misunderstanding of Rose's name. Robert Kenyon came 
to Greenwich with Ro.se, and selected the farm now owned 
by William M. Holmes as the place of his future residence; 
but being obliged to go to Rhode Island for money, he 
found on his rrtuni that a man named Mosher had 



338 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



" squatted" on his claim, and he took the farm now owned 
by Rev. William Day. 

In 1772, James Rogers (2d), father of Thomas Rogers, of 
Bald Mountain, and of the late James Rogers (3d), of 
Middle Falls, came from Rhode Island and settled at the 
mouth of the Batten Kill, near the place where Clark's mills 
now stand, on lands leased from the Lansing fiimily of 
Albany. Rev., or, as he was called, " Elder" James Rogers, 
fether of James (2d), came with his son and occasionally 
preached to the Christian people of the surrounding country, 
although he was not settled over any church. Abner Yates 
Rogers now lives on the farm first owned by his grand- 
father, James Rogers (2d). In the same year (1772), Smith 
Barber, then a lad of twelve years, walked from Rhode 
Island to Greenwich. After a few years he married a 
sister of Nathan Rogers, who came at about the same time 
with himself, and settled on the farm now owned by Ilorton 
Tefft, Mr. Rogers taking up what is now the Centre Falls 
tavern stand. Smith Barber was for many years a deacon 
of the Baptist church, where his cousin, Elder Barber, 
afterwards officiated for many years as pastor. Thomas 
Bentley and David Tefft located themselves in Greenwich 
about the period of Barber's coming, the first on a lot of 
one hundred acres, just east of what is now known as the 
Hannah Place property. He built a dam across the Bat- 
ten Kill, near his house, where remnants of it may still be 
seen. He erected a saw-mill, which he ran for many years. 
John Rogers settled near Bentley, and soon after David 
Tefft came and erected a house on the Hannah Place lot, 
where he early kept a bar, and his house was known as 
Tefft's Tavern. It was afterwards moved to where it now 
stands, and was long called the '' Betsey Whipple House.'' 
It is the present residence of Amasa Rose. It owns the 
distinction of being the birthplace of the celebrated preacher 
Rev. E. H. Chapin, D.D., of New York. Dr. Chapin 
informed the writer that his recollections of the town were 
very indistinct, as he left when he was only a few months 
old. His father, who was a portrait-painter, had rented 
the house temporarily while plying his profession. This 
is one of the oldest houses, if not the oldest, now standing 
in the town. Its sides are built of three-inch plank, dove- 
tailed together at the corners. 

In the Campbell patent, we note in the same range of 
time, although the exact date we have been unable to obtain, 
that John and Rip Van Dam Sybrant, or Soebrandt, as it 
was then called, settled on the farm now owned by Horace 
Gavette. On a lot belonging to this farm, opposite a large 
tree, the stump of which may still be seen, was erected a 
log meeting-house for the us6.of the Baptists of the locality .■ 
This was undoubtedly the first house of worship erected in 
the town. It was abandoned prior to 1790, about which 
time it was purchased by Jeremiah Newberry, and removed 
to the next firm north, and fitted up as a dwelling. Some 
of its timbers may still be seen in the corn-house on the 
Newberry farm, now owned by a Mr. Graham. Mr. Jere- 
miah Newberry came to Greenwich in March, 1778. His 
father, a soldier of the French war, present with Wolfe at 
the storming of Quebec, came at the close of the Revolu- 
tion, in which he was a patriot soldier, to Greenwich, and 
lived with his son until his death. A large number of 



families came from Rhode Island during the war, of whom 
we may mention Eber Crandall, Robert Pcrrigo, Francis 
Robinson, David Sprague, Phineas Kenyon, John Edwards, 
Lemuel Foot, Eleazer Woodworth, and Phineas Langworthy. 

The names of many other early settlers will appear in 
connection with the sketches of the villages, the church 
histories, and the lists of civil and society officers. "Among 
the early .schools was one in the western part of the town, 
taught by Elisha Bentley ; and one on the farm of the late 
Alexander Rcid, where Robert McDougall was the teacher. 
An early school was also taught near Greenwich on the 
Easton side. 

In the preparation of this chapter we have been much 
aided by E. P. Thurston's " History of Greenwich," whose 
pioneer sketches we have largely incorporated, having found 
them conscientiously prepared and worthy of a place in 
this connection. To Blr. Thurston, Stephen Newberry, 
and Peter Reid obligations are due for favors received. 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The first town-meeting was held in April, 1803, Robert 
Pcrrigo, Jr., serving as moderator. The election resulted 
as follows: supervisor, John Hay; town clerk, Araspaes 
Folsom ; assessors, Alexander Livingston, Samuel Heath, 
Jr.; collector, Jonathan Sprague; poormasters. Pardon 
Tefi't, David Sprague ; constables, Jonathan Sprague, Aras- 
paes FoLsom, James Hunting ; commissioners of highways, 
Nathaniel Folsom, Nathan S. Tefft, Robert Kenyon, Jr. ; 
pounduiasters, Reuben Parker, Abner Dwello; fence-viewers, 
Samuel Ross, Smitli Barber, Elijah Wright. 

The succession of the principal officers from 180-1 to 
1877 has been as follows : 





Supervisors. 


Town 


Clerks. 


CoUectors. 


1S04. 


Robert Konj-on. 


A 


rasp 


les 


Folsom. 


James Huntington. 


1805. 


John Itay. 




" 




" 


Jeremiah Reynolds. 


1806. 


David Sprague. 




" 




" 


" " 


1807. 


John Hay. 




" 




" 


Eber Randall. 


1808. 


Simon Stevens, Jr. 




" 




" 


" 


1809. 


" 








•' 


" 


1810. 


Francis Robinson. 




•' 




" 


" " 


1811. 


" " 




" 




" 


" 


1812. 


" " 




" 




" 


" 


1813. 


Jonathan Sprague. 




" 




" 




1811. 


John Campbell. 


I 


rael 


W 


illiams. 




1815. 


" " 




" 




" 


M'illiam Shearer. 


1816. 


Israel Willi.am?. 


A 


rasp 


aes 


Folsom. 


William S. Sprague 


1817. 


Pcleg Bragg. 


I 


rael Williams. 


" 


1818. 


Seth Spr.ague. 




" 






" 


1819. 


Thomas McLean. 




" 






Earl Pierce. 


1820. 


Francis Robinson. 




" 








1S21. 


.Joseph Boies. 




" 






Nathan Tucker. 


1822. 


Thomas McLe.in. 


J 


uhn 


Ba 


n,ird. 


" 


182.'?. 


Seth Sprague. 




" 






James Sybrandt. 


1824. 


Gardner Phillips. 




" 








1825. 


Joualban K. Norton 




" 






" 


1826. 


" 




" 






J.shua Dyer. 


1827. 


" 




" 






" 


1828. 


" 




" 






" 


1829. 


Gardner Phillips. 




" 






Joshua ('. Tucker. 


1830. 


Jonathan K. Ilorton 




" 






Itllanier Barber. 


1831. 


" 




" 






Francis Robinson. 


1832. 


" 




" 






Miller I>obbin. 


1833. 


Moses Robinson. 




" 






Lyman Carpenter. 


1831. 


Jiison Langworthy. 




" 






" 


1835. 


Moses Robinson. 




" 






Joseph Potter. 


1S3H. 


Jason Langworthy. 




" 






Ebenezer Bell. 




J-Oryn.^ Jl/l^yvO^- oL&M.'KJL^ 



HON. JAMES I. LOURIE. 



The ancestors of Judge Lourie all came to this country from 
Scotland and the north of Ireland. They were among the earliest 
settlers of the ■' old town of Oambrirjj^e." James Irvine, his maternal 
grandfather, wjis the first supervisor of Jackson, and was for many 
years a prominynt man in the public aflFairs of that part of the 
country. 

His father. George Lourie, was an elder in Dr. Bullion's church 
— now llev. Henry Gordon's — for more than half a century, and was 
an officer of the Cambridge regiment in thu AVar of 1S12 and after- 
wards. 

His brother, Thomas B. Lourie. owns and occupies the farm which 
has been in the possession uf the family since some time before the 
Revolution. 

Judge Lourie was born in the town of Jackson, on the 29th day of 
September, 1810. In the fall of 1828 he entered the Cambridge 
Academy, under Rev. Nathaniel S. Prime and Samuel Ireneus Prime, 
and in four years from that time graduated and received his diploma 
at Union College. For several years he was principal of the Union 
Village Academy, of which he was the founder, having commenced 
with a single scholar, who came with him from Cambridge. The 
school became known far and wide, and its exhibitions and examina- 
tions were attended by multitudes. 

In 1840 he married Mary H. Robinson, daughter of General 
Henry Robinson, of Bennington, Vt. She was loved by all those 
around her, and very highly esteemed and respected by the whole 
community in which she resided. During the war she was the ladies' 
agent for this-county of the Sanitary Commission. 

After studying law in the office of Hon. Charles F. Ingalls, Judge 
Lourio was admitted to the bar as attorney in 1844, and about a year 
and a half afterwards, by special favor of the Supreme Court, he re- 
ceived his diploma as counselor. A short time previous to this he was 
nominated by Governor Silas Wright as one of the judges of common 
pleas for this county, and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate. 
For a time he was a partner in Judge Ingall's office, under the firm- 
name of Ingalls, Lourie & iiigalls. In 1854 he was elected member 
of Assembly for the First district of this county. His principal op- 
ponent was both a Democrat and Know-Nothing. Many of the 
Democrats voted for Judge Lourie, and he was elected by over six 
hundipd majority. In the Legislature he earnestly advocated tem- 
perance, and opposed with much success fraudulent claims and dis- 
noneat schemes of every kind. 

At the joint caucus of the two houses to decide on the propriety of 
forming the Republican party, he advocatod that measure with much 
energy, and it was carried by a large m-ijority. He has ever since 



been a Republican in theory and in practice, and supported the war 
enthusiastically and with all his powers. He has always spoken 
publicly in presidential years. 

In 1856 he went to Brooklyn, retaining his pleasant residence in 
Union Village. It is said thai in his very active practice in that city 
he never lost a case before a jury. lie returned to Union Village in 
1861. He was elected surrogate of this county in I86S by a majority 
among the largest in the county, and performed its duties for the 
term of four years. He appointed special terms once in each month 
at Argyle and Salem, and established the practice of publishing the 
proceedings of the surrogate's court in the county papers. Universal 
satisfaction was the result of his decisions and administration of the 
office. 

For the past nine years, Edmund H. Gibson, from Poultney, Vt., 
has been bis partner, under the firm-name of Lourie k Gibson. The 
business of the firm has always been large, and is still increasing and 
successful. Of late. Judge Lourie has written and delivered in various 
places in the county three historical lectures, which have been much 
applauded. The subjects are " Burgoyne's Campaign." "John Paul 
Jones," and " King Henry the Eighth and the Episcopal Church," 
each exhibiting very extensive research and a general knowledge of 
history. He is, in fact, one of the most extensively read men in this 
region of country. , 

As an educator^ Judge Lourie was peculiarly qualified ; he not only 
took a deep interest in education, but was one of the few decidedly 
practical and successful teachers. Courteous in manner and indefati- 
gable in whatever he undertook, he endeared himself to his pupils; 
he seemed to know just how to manage an institution of learning. 
By his familiarity and kinduess he secured the confidence of his 
students, and, by his unobtrusive dignity of manner, commanded 
their respect. A number of the distinguished men of this State were 
his scholars. 

Asa /(iioi/erhe has become a leading member of the profession in this 
county. Deeply and accurately read in the law. he sways a jury with 
great power. He is a safe and candid adviser, being more anxious 
that men should avoid rather than engage in litigation. His clients' 
real good has been his characteristic. 

As a man of undoubted integrity, none stand superior to Mr. 
Lourie. His high-toned, moral sense, which ever moves and tempers 
his acts, is known to all acquainted with him, either in person or by 
reputation. Not only is Mr. Lourie possessed of those qualities 
which so distinguish the good citizen and neighbor, and which so 
adorn the home life, but, combined with these, a degree of talent and 
power of conversation which are adornments in themselves. 



ISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



339 





Supervisora. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors 


1837. 


William Rcid. 


Joh 


1 Barnard, 


James C. Tucker. 


183S. 


Oliver Ro.-=s. 


Edw 


in Andrews. 


Archibald Campbell. 


1839. 


" 


" 


" 


Sidney Fuller. 


1840. 


Lyman Woodard. 


Joh 


1 Barnard. 


Elijah Hyatt. 


1841. 


" 




" 


William Teflt. 


1S42. 


Francis Robinson, J 


. •' 


" 


C. 0. Rand.Tll. 


1843. 


" " 


" 


" 


John H. White. 


1844. 


David S. Adams. 


" 


" 


James iM. Burdick. 


1845. 


« " 


" 


" 


Christopher Wallace. 


1846. 


Morgan Heath. 


" 


" 


Joseph Patten. 


1847. 


« 


" 


" 


Noadiah Burnham. 


1848. 


Le Roy Mowry. 


" 


"' 


William H. Horton. 


1849. 


Orson Salisbury. 


" 


" 


David W. Fisher. 


1850. 


Edwin Andrews. 


" 


" 


Moses White. 


1851. 


« 


" 


" 


Thomas E. Weir. 


1852. 


Simon Pratt. 


Will 


iam C. Allen. 


Chas. R. Robertson. 


1853. 


William Rcid. 




" " 


Phineas Langworthy 


1854. 


« « 




" 


Thomas E. Weir. 


185.'>. 


Morgan Heath. 


H. A. Thompson. 


John H. Barnard. 


185G. 


« 


' 


" 


John H. Tefft. 


1857. 


« 


Sidn 


ey Morse. 


^ Hart Reynolds. 


1858. 


" 


Edwin Wilmarth. 


Moses White. 


1859. 


Perry M. Sclleck. 


" 




" 


1800. 


« 


" 




John M. Dobbin. 


1861. 


John Stewart. 


" 




David W. Fisher. 


1862. 


„ 


" 




Chauncy P. Johnson. 


1803. 


„ « 


" 




John D. Walsh. 


1804. 


Isaac G. Parker. 


" 




Abel AVilder. 


1865. 


>, 


" 




Benj. S. Patterson. 


1866. 


" " 


" 




George Robinson. 


1867. 


James C. Shaw. 


" 




Albert A. Norton. 


1868. 


Monroe Conlee. 


" 




Oscar Tefft. 


1869. 


« « 


" 




Alexander Dobbin. 


1870. 


Edgar S. Hyatt. 


" 




Arnold A. Young. 


1871. 


" " 


" 




William A. Hay. 


1872. 


Robert W. Lowber. 






Aaron M. Hyatt. 


1S73. 


George L. Robinson 


" 




Moses White. 


1S74. 


Edwin Andrews. 


" 




" " 


1875. 


« 


" 




Thomas Robinson. 


1S70. 


" 


" 




Harvey J. Martin. 


1877. 


William Walker. 


" 




Jcdm F. Fi.ich. 


1878; 


" 


" 




Sidney Morse. 



JUSTICES OF TIIF, PEACE. 



1830. 
1831. 
1832. 
1833. 
1834. 
1835. 
1836. 
1837. 

1838. 
1839. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 

1845. 
1846. 
1847. 

1848. 
1849. 

1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 



Joseph Boies. 
James Watson. 
Tbom.as Cottrell. 
Robert Coon. 
Duncan Patterson. 
James Watson. 
Thomas Cottrell. 
Richard W. Richey. 
Allen Corey. 
Gilbert Bailey. 
Jesse Mott, Jr. 
Thomas Cottrell. 
Nathaniel Rood. 
Titus Bailey. 
Joseph Hall. 
Jacob Owen. 
David A. Boies. 
Robert Coon. 
David A. Boies. 
Joseph Hall. 
William A. Collins. 
William A. Collins. 
Nathaniel Rood. 
Charles R. Ingalls. 
David A. Boies. 
Samuel Burk. 
EInathan Sanderson. 
Nathan Tucker. 
Charles R. Ingalls. 



1855. 

1856. 
1857. 
1S58. 
1859. 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 

1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 

1872. 



Samu(d Burk. 
Charles J. Gunn. 
William H. Beid. 
Walter G. Stewart. 
Thomas Ingalls. 
Anson Durham. 
George H. Wells. 
Lewis T. McLean. 
James I. Louric, 
Anson Durham. 
Edgar S. Hyatt. 
George H. Wells. 
Edgar S. Hyatt. 
Alonzo T. Mason. 
William L. Robinson. 
George H. Wells. 
Edgar S. Hyatt. 
Alonzo T. Mason. 
Anson Durham. 
Edwin Wilmarth. 
George H. Wells. 
Wilber J. Dennis. 
Edgar S. Hyatt. 
Charles .1. Gunn. 
James White. 
Anson Durham. 
George H. Wells. 
Edgar S. Hyatt. 
James White. 



The following readable extracts have been made from the 
town records : 

1803. — " JicmliKil, That hogs sliall not be free commoners but 
when well yoked, and that any person yoking a hog may recover 
from the owner twenty-five cents before any court having cognizance 
thereof." 

1804. — "The meeting was held at the Baptist meeting-house, and, 
upon a vote, it was decided that they be hci'eafter held alternately at 
the house of Jonathan Sprague and the White meeting-house." 

Mat/ 5, 1806. — " This day entered on record the age of a negro girl 
named Violet, aged one year eleven months, the servant of .lohn Fol- 
sora, Esq., formerly the servant of James McCowan." 

1807. — " Jit^Kotred, That if any person, from the first day of May 
until the first day of July, shall kill a crow in the town of (rreen- 
wich and make oath before the supervisor of the same, .shall be en- 
titled to one shilling per head." 

1818. — " A ta.v of si.\ hundred dollars was voted for the support of 
the poor." 

1846. — "A special meeting was held May 19 to obtain an expression 
relating to the excise law of May, 1845. 603 votes were cast, of 
which number 442 were inscribed ' No license,' and 161 were for 
' License.' " 

1 847. — " Again, on the 27th day of April, the question of license or 
no license was brought before the electors, 686 votes being cast. The 
relative vote was, ' No license,' 327 ; ' License,' 359, a majority of 32 
favoring the sale of liquor under restriction." 

ROADS AND RAILROADS. 

While yet a part of Argyle, the principal roads were 
located very much as they now run. In 180-1 the high- 
ways were districted in the following manner : 

District No. 1, Andrew Freeman, overseer ; No. 2, Auiasa 
Curtis ; No. 3, Simon Dwellie ; No. 4, John Campbell ; No. 
5, Smith Barber; No. 6, Thomas Bentley; No. 7, Otis 
Whipple ; No. 8, John Draper ; No. 9, Francis Robinson ; 
No. 10, Benjamin Boss; No. 11, Joshua Tanner; No. 12, 
David Remington ; No. 13, George Dunn ; No. 14, Martin 
Luther ; No. 15, Elijah Wright; No. Ki, John Tefft ; No. 
17, Solomon Draper; No. 18, Ichabod White; No. 19, 
Eleazer Woodworth ; No. 20, Ebenezer Hall; No. 21, 
Ebenezer Cahoon ; No. 22, Joseph Crandall ; No. 23, 
Jeremiah Newberry; No. 24, Samuel Crandall; No. 25, 
David Rood; No. 26, Ezra Dyer; No. 27, Francis Robin- 
son, Jr. ; No. 28, Tabor Tefft ; No. 29, Peleg Bragg ; No. 
30, David Paddock ; No. 31, David Hodges. 

The number of road districts in town has been greatly 
increased, securing, as a general thing, good roads. The 
Batten Kill and other streams of the town have been well 
bridged, several of these structures being substantially 
built of iron. 

In the western part of the town is the Champlain canal, 
affording excellent .shipping facilities, and at Greenwich 
village is 

The Greemcich and JohnsonviUe Railroad. — This line 
extends south along the lowlands of the Vly and other 
streams, through the towns of Easton and Cambridge to 
JohnsonviUe, on the Boston railroad. Its lensth is four- 
teen miles, and all its grades and curves are easy. The 
cost of the road, with its equipments, which are first-class, 
was three hundred and thirteen thousand five hundred and 
fifty-two dollars and seventy-seven cents. The work was 
begun and carried to completion by home enterprise, and is 
yet controlled by citizens of Greenwich and adjoining towns. 
The following have been the directors since the company 



3iO 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



was formed : *Johii Lee, AVni. M. Holmes, R. W. Lowbcr, 
AV. L. Cozzens, W. D. Robertson, Andrew Thompson, H. 
L. Mowry, *E. L. Kcnyon,* Wm. M. Palmer, E. D. Cul- 
ver, Waldon Eddy, *Adam Cottrell, *T. C. Whiteside, 
Abrani Reynolds, Whiteside Hill, *H. Wilcox, *Isaac 
Parker, Edwin Andrews, I<]. H. Gibson. 

John" Lee was the first president, and it was largely 
tbrongh his untiring efforts that the road was built in op- 
position to the many obstacles which beset the enterprise. 
He retained the office until his death in .1870, when Wil- 
liam H. Holmes succeeded to the position. Edwin An- 
drews has been the secretary and treasurer, and H. H. 
Warner the superintendent, since 1870. The firet survey 
was made in 1864, the fii-st ground broken in 1867, and on 
the 31st of August, 1870, the first train ran to Greenwich. 
At this point the company has a repair-shop, engine-houses, 
and depot buildings. There are stations at Easton, Sum- 
mit, West Cambridge, South Cambridge, and at Lee, afford- 
ing every facility for shipping the produce of the rich 
country through which the road passes. 

CEJIETERIKS. 

The first settlers inhumed their dead in private grounds, 
or several familie.«, related by marriage, united in setting 
aside a place which should be sacred to the memory of the 
departed ones, but which, alas ! after the lapse of years, 
has too often been abandoned to other uses. 

One of the first cemeteries is that connected with the 
old Bottskill church, in which are interred many pioneers. 
The ground is completely filled with graves. A new ceme- 
tery was formed just outside the corporation limits, on the 
Middle Falls road, which has been incorporated under the 
general act. The following were the first trustees : John 
McClellan, James I. Lourie, George L. Robinson, Wm. L. 
Mowry, Ilorton Cottrell, Henry R. Stone, Edward B. Rob- 
inson, and Edwin Andrews. It contains about ten acres, 
which have been surveyed into appropriate lots, drives, and 
lawns, and presents an attractive appearance. 

In the northern pait of the town is a small burying- 
ground, and at East Greenwich a public cemetery. 

GREENWICH YILL.VGE. 

has a very pleasant location on both banks of the Batten 
Kill, eight miles from Cambridge, and five miles from 
Schuylcrville, in Saratoga county. The natural beauty of 
the place has been much enhanced by planting its wide 
Streets with rows of elms, whose spreading branches nearly 
overarch the avenues. Beyond these are spacious yards, 
adorned with shrubbery and statuary, surrounding homes 
whose appearance denotes the wealth and refinement of 
their owners. There are, also, a nuniber of good business 
blocks and public buildings, and the village ranks among the 
finest and most flourishing of its class in' the State. There 
are fifteen hundred inhabitants. 

It was settled as a business point about 1780, by a IMr. 
Carbine, who purchased tracts of land on both sides of the 
river, and built a dam across the stream, opposite the pres- 



* Those iiiai'ki.'il wilh :i star aif not niciiibcrs of the prcsint board 
of directors. 



ent site of Eleazer Looker's house. He erected a sawmill, 
and a small dwelling in which he .sold such goods as the 
settlers most needed. But he was poorly calculated to bear 
the burdens of a pioneer life, and soon tired of the lot in 
store for those who enroll themselves in that class. He re- 
turned to Albany and disposed of his intere.sts to Job 
Whipple, of Rhode Island, who was then looking for a lo- 
cation to engage in manufacturing. Mr. Whipple's deed 
for the properly was dated 1791, and it was supposed that 
he began a new dam and grist-mill a little north of the 
present mill the same year. These improvements gave the 
place the name of " Whipple City," by which it was known 
until 1809, when it was incorporated as " Union Village." 
This name was selected because the corporate bounds in- 
cluded the settlements in Greenwich and Easton. The 
present name was adopted in 1867, sis more suitable, since 
the growth of the village has been principally on the 
Greenwich side. 

A number of the Whipple family came to the place, and 
descendants yet live in the village. The names of other 
prominent settlers are given in connection with the various 
industries and professions which follow. f 

"Mr. Whipple was an energetic, pushing man. He saw 
clearly that the future value of his purchase would depend 
upon the rapidity with which he could make his water- 
power a centre of productive industries. He at once 
sought, and in William Mowry found, a man competent to 
carry out his plans. Mr. Mowry had for yeare been in the 
employ of Samuel Slater, the lather of American cotton- 
manufacturers, at Pawtucket, R. I., was thoroughly up in 
his business, and having been refused a merited advance- 
ment by Mr. Slater, he the more readily listened to Mr. 
Whipple's proposals to remove to Greenwich. This he did, 
married Mr. Whipple's daughter, and about the year 1800 
set up some spinning-frames in a building then occupying 
the present site of Weaver's machine-works. His yarn was 
for a number of years jobbed out to the women of the sur- 
rounding country to be woven. Ladies rode in on horse- 
back from Whitehall, Granville, and other remote towns in 
this county, and also from Vermont, for yarn to weave, 
taking their pay in yarn for the use of their own families. 
Probably at no time in the history of the village has more 
briskness characterized its people than during those primi- 
tive days, when the dames from all the surrounding country 
came here to do their trading, because their own industry 
could here help them to eke out the earnings of the year 
with strong, serviceable cloth for house and under-wcar. 
The enterprise proving eminently successful, an association 
was formed in 1812, under the style of Wm. Mowry & Co., 
the other members of the firm being Townsend and Samuel 
McCoun, of Troy, and John Gale, of Greenwich. 

" Mr. Mowry 's enterprising spirit would not permit him 
to rest while in other parts of the world manufacturers were 
growing rich upon the fruitful products of improved ma- 
chinery. 

" He therefore embarked, July 9, 181G, for Liverpool, 
accompanied by a Mr. Wild, of Hudson, a most expert 
mechanician ; and on their arrival in the manufacturing 



I Thurston. 




T 






^r, 



'A 




HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



341 



districts of England, in defiance of all rules refusing admis- 
sion to manufactories, forced their way to the machines he 
most desired. His able coadjutor, in the few moments be- 
fore they were ejected, obtained so clear an idta of the 
double-speeder that on his return he was able to build for 
Mr. Mowry, and put in operation, the first doublc-specder 
used in this country, which was, in 1817, placed in the 
brick mill, which occupied the site of the old flax-mill, — in 
fact, a portion of the present flax-mill is the old weaving- 
room of the cotlon-factory, which contained eighty looms 
and two thousand five hundred spindles. 

" Tims commenced in Whipple City the industry that 
more tlian all others has made the prosperity of the village 
of Greenwich, which continued under Mr. Mowry's man- 
agement until failing health compelled him to resign the 
charge of the business to his son-in-law, Henry Holmes, 
by whom it was continued until the year 1845, at which 
time the machinery had become antiquated, and the stock 
had mostly passed into the hands of others ; and the factory 
was shortly afterwards abandoned." 

The above was the first attempt to manufacture cotton 
goods in tliL' State, and its success caused the spaeJy estab- 
lishment of many factories in other localities. 

Meanwhile saw- and grist-mills wore operated, and are 
yet continued near the original location. 

About the close of the last century Perry Miller moved 
to the place and began the manufacture of plows. He is 
credited with having made the second cast-iron plow in the 
country. In front of his shop was a sign, — a plow on a 
beam, — extending across the road. His sons, Hill and 
David, succeeded him, and carried on the trade until 1830. 
In 1832, Waldon Eddy, the senior member of the present 
firm of Eddy, Reynolds, Langdon & Co., began the manu- 
facture of plows, having a pattern which became justly cele- 
brated afterwards as the '• Old Rough and Ready Wrought- 
Iron Beam," and it is believed that from this .source have 
originated all the wroughtiron beam-plows in the country. 
Mr. Eddy also invented a shovel-plow that has had a large 
sale, and the firm control many other first-class patents of 
farm machinery. The shops erected on the eastern side, 
on the Vly, have been extended to meet the demands of 
the growing business, and now include a main shop, forty- 
four by one hundred and seventy-seven feet, two stories 
high, and a number of side shops. Twenty-five men are 
employed. This firm also operates the flax-mills at this 
point, using a number of buildings, and employing in the 
working season from thirty to fifty men. 

In 1848 the manufacture of boots and shoes was begun 
in the village, and soon increased to such an extent that it 
became the controlling interest. It was conducted on the 
co-operative plan, and the work produced had a reputation 
that obtained fur it a ready sale wherever introduced. The 
long brick block on Washington place was occupied, and 
from fifty to seventy-five workmen were emjiloyed. Un- 
fortunately for those interested and the village, a business 
complication caused the abandonment of the shops, and the 
removal of the trade to Troy and other places, about 1870. 
In 1851 a new enterprise in American art was projected 
at Albany by George L. Jones. It was the staiupitig of 
tea-trays, etc. In 1859, Mr. Jones was employed as man- 



aging agent by Messrs. ISIowry, Masters & Anderson to 
superintend the works they established at Greenwich that 
year. For a number of years they were the only ones of 
the kind in the country, and the wares produced met with 
a ready sale. Mr. Alfred J. Jones, who stamped the first 
tray in America, is yet connected with the works, which 
are now operated by the American Tea-Tray Company. 
Several large buildings arc occupied, and a large amount of 
the most artistic work, consisting of tea-trays, servers, du.st- 
pans, etc., is manufactured. 

A large factory building was erected at the upper dam 
in 1SG2, which was occupied by the " Batten-Kill Knitting 
Works," for the manufacture of all kinds of knit goods for 
men's wear. In 1870 the establishment was incorporated 
as the " Pleasant Vale Mills," and is at present operated as 
such by William M. Palmer. Employment is given to 
fifty operatives. 

In the .same locality is a good paj)er-mill, operated by 
Angell, Saff'ord & Co., in a building erected for this purpose, 
in 1863, by Ballou & Craig. Several hundred tons of 
excellent hanging-paper are annually manufactured, em- 
ploying fifteen men and women. 

About 18G8 a movement was inaugurated which resulted 
a year later in the formation of the " Greenwich Linen 
Company," of which William Weaver and the Cottrell 
family were the principal stockholders. A third dam was 
built below the village, and a large brick building erected 
and supplied with machinery. But before it could be 
gotten into operation the company failed. The machinery 
was removed, and the building has lain idle ever since. 

Mr. Weaver embarked in another enterprise, and in 1870 
opened the " Greenwich Machine- Works," for the manu- 
facture of wood-working machines of his own invention, 
and which have had a sale extending to Europe and Aus- 
tralia. He has lately invented a loom for the weaving of 
Turkish toweling and similar goods, to be operated by power, 
which promises to work an innovation in that branch of 
manufacturing, as heretofore all that class of goods has 
been woven by hand in foreign countries. It is possible 
that a company will be formed to occupy the linen-factory, 
to put in operation Mr. Weaver's invention in the manu- 
facture of goods from the thread of the flax of Washing- 
ton county, which is not excelled in this country. 

The village has several wagon- and carriage-factories, and 
a large number of mjchanic-.shops, some of them giving 
employment to a number of men. 

Araspaes Folsom was the pioneer merchant. He had a 
store about 1800, on the corner occupied at present by 
Tefft's store. Moses Cowan and Lewis Younglove were 
also early in trade, the former continuing many years. 
Edwin Andrews had a store farther down the street, and 
Hill Miller had a grocery-store until 1848. Others after 
that period were Perry Sellick, Thompson, Tobie & Hooper, 
and Heath & Co. Joseph Satt^rd was one of the first to 
engage in the s:ile of liardware, and Wm. L. Cozzens, in 
1854, and T. Crandall, in 18G4, have since been in this 
branch of trade. The place has about a dozen stores. 

William Tefft, Jr., had one of the first taverns, in the 
house now occupied by Hill Miller. It wa.s continued 
uutil about 1810. David Whipple built a tavern on the 



342 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



site of the present Union Hotel, about 1810, where Cap- 
tain Moores, Simeon Taylor, Simon Kittle, and John R. 
Cameron served as hosts. The present house was erected 
in 1850, by a stock company, for a temperance hotel. For 
many years it was kept by Billings Blakely, and was known 
by that name. John Bassett had an inn years ago, where 
the Hill block now is, in which Consider White afterwards 
had a store and a tavern. A public-house was also kept in 
a building which occupied the site of the Congregational 
church, in which the JMa.sons had a lodge-room. At the 
lower end of Main .street is the " Greenwich House," by R. 
Hamilton, which is the oldest in the place. 

The banking interests of the village have always been 
faithfully represented by the Washington County Bank, 
which was established in 1838, with a capital of one hundred 
thousand dollars, under the direction of thirteen directors, 
elected by the stockholders. Henry Holmes was the first 
president, and served until his death in 1850. Le Roy 
Mowry is the president at this date (1878). Edwin An- 
drews has been the ca.shier since 1839, succeeding the first 
cashier, Le Roy Salisbury. The capital stock of the bank 
was increased to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars in 
1850, and to two hundred thousand dollars in 1857. In 
1865 it became a national bank, retaining its former name 
with the addition of this distinguished term. A very fine 
building, with fire- and burglar-proof vaults, erected by the 
association in 186G, is now occupied by the bank. 

The People's Bank was started in 18G8 with Edwin Wil- 
marth as cashier, and had a fair business for several years. 
In 1872 this bank was clo.sed, and its interests disposed to 
other banks. 

The post-office was established soon after 1800, with 
John Herrington as postmaster. H is successors have been 
William Henry, Simon Kittle, Moses H. White, J. K. 
Horton, Joseph Holmes, Simeon F. Crandall, Asa P. 
Holmes, Wm. C. Allen, Moses H. White, J. W. Curtiss, 
and Norman T. Andrews. The latter has held the ofiiee 
since 1806. 

A great deal of business is done, as will be seen from the 
report : Letters received daily, 250; letters mailed daily, 
300 ; papers distributed per week, 800. The office has 
six or eight mails per day to various points. It was made 
a postal money-order office July 31, 1871. The amounts 
of the ordei-s drawn per quarter are two thousand five hun- 
dred dollars ; paid fi)r orders received, two thousand dollars. 

Tiie learned professions had many able members in the 
village. 

One of the first physicians was Dr. Cornelius Holmes. 
He was an able practitioner, and remained until his death. 
One of his contemporaries was Dr. Hiram Corliss, whose 
skill as a surgeon extended beyond his home, and who was 
so attached to his profession that he continued in practice 
until his death, Sept. 7, 1877. Outside of his profession 
he was equally prominent, as the subjoined sketch from 
'• Thurston's History" well shows : 

" Very soon after he came to Greenwich, in 1827, he com- 
menced the agitation of the temperance question, and soon 
after, in 1833, the anti-slavery movement claimed his 
attention. He was one of the first abolitionists of the 
county and of the State. Elder Colver, of the Bott,skill 



Baptist church, was one of his disciples in this movement, 
and from the meetings called and held by these two men 
.sprang that intense feeling on the slavery question, which 
madevthe town of Greenwich noted throughout the land as 
a prominent station on that line of march towards Canada 
and freedom, which was known as ' the underground rail- 
road.' Many slaves who were concealed in the town were 
tracked by their owners, but not one who had reached this 
point was ever taken back to slavery. Notable cases a re 
related where slaves had escaped and arrived at Greenwich 
closely pursued, but so securely were they hidden that they 
were never found. John Salter, now a farmer living in 
Easton, was formerly a slave who ran away from his master. 
He intended to go to Canada, but Dr. Corliss and other 
leading abolitionists told him to stay, and they would pro- 
tect him. He accordingly stayed, although for five years 
persistent attempts were made by slave-holders to abduct 
and carry him back into slavery. The movement carried 
with it the best element of the town's population. Active 
in the movement, in connection with Dr. Corliss, was Elder 
Colver, whom we have already mentioned, Mrs. A. C. 
Holmes, William H. Mowry, Leonard Gibbs, and many 
others. In the houses of all these persons might, at one 
time, ha\'i3 been found secret recesses or chambers, where 
.slaves were hidden, and indeed several of them remain to 
this day. Leonard Gibbs, who was the legal adviser and 
constant coadjutor of this coterie of fugitive slave law 
breakers, was a lawyer of distinguished ability, and was 
brought prominently into public notice by his connection 
with the ' Jerry Rescue' at Syracuse, which took place in 
1848. Mr. Gibbs came to Greenwich, from Granville, in 
1846. Up to the commencement of the war, eiforts were 
made in the abolition movement. George Corliss, of Pro- 
vidence, R. I., whose name has recently been so much 
before the public in connection with the construction of 
the immense centennial engine which bears his name, is a 
son of Dr. Corliss, who is mentioned in this connection, as 
is also William Corliss, the inventor of the ' Corliss Spheri- 
cal Safe,' and Rev. Albert H. Corliss, of Lima, Livingston 
Co., in this State. His daughter is the wife of Rev. Sabiu 
McKinney, of Binghamton." 

Among others who practiced in the place were Doctors 
Simeon F. Crandall, William Bullions, J. B. Scott, Fayette 
P. Mason, Morgan Cole, A. R. Edson, J. Langwcu'thy, and 
Williamson. In present practice are Doctors Langworthy, 
Bartlett, Hulst, Henry, Gray, since 1867, and A. G. Peirce, 
since 18G4. 

The fir.st lawyer of the town was Charles Ingalls, who 
was born in Andovcr, Mass., in the year 1763, graduated 
at Dartmouth College in 1790, was admitted to the bar in 
1803, when he establi.shcd his office at Union village. In 
1804 he was elected member of Assembly. Israel Williams 
and Joseph Bjies prosecuted tiieir legal studies under his 
instruction. He continued practice until his death, in 
1812. His son, Charles F. Ingalls, was born in 1795, was ad- 
mitted to practice Oct. 29, 1819, and wasafterwards appointed 
judge of the court of common pleas. After the expiration 
of his term, he continued his professional labors until his 
death, in 1870. His sons, Charles R. and Thomas F. In- 
galls, followed the legal profession ; the former at Green- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



343 



■wich until 1860, when he removed to Troy, and practiced 
as partner in the office of David L. Seymour, where he re- 
mained until elected judge of the Supreme Court, in 18C8, 
to which office he was recently re-elected without opposi- 
tion, both parties joining in his nomination. Thomas F. 
Ingalls, a man of fine natural abilities, practiced until his 
death, in 1873. 

Joseph Boies, of whom we have spoken, commenced 
practicing law in Greenwich in 1813, and with the excep- 
tion that he was, for a time, judge of the court of common 
pleas, and afterwards surrogate, he practiced until his death, 
in 18G6. His son, David Artemus Boies, entered the legal 
profession in 1852, and was elected surrogate. E. D. Cul- 
ver came in 1836 ; was a member of Congress, judge of 
city courts in Brooklyn, and minister to Venezuela. James 
I. Lourie was admitted, in 1844, a member of Assembly; 
judge of common pleas, and surrogate. A. A. Moor, ad- 
mitted in 1846. E. H. Gibson, in 1863; is a member of 
Lourie & Gibson. Alonzo T. Mason was captain Co. A, 
123d Regiment, admitted in 1866 ; died in 1872. Besides 
some of the foregoing, — Boies, Moor, Lourie, and Gibson, — 
the following are also in practice: J. G. Sherman, S. M. 
Burke, and J. G. Milliman. 

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 

The village assumed corporate honors in pursuance of an 
act of the Legislature, " to vest certain powers in the free- 
holders and inhabitants of Union village, in the county of 
Washington," passed March 2, 1809. The electors having 
been assembled at the house of Araspaes Folsom, May 2, 
1809, the first municipal election was held with the follow- 
ing result, the president being afterwards chosen from the 
board of trustees : Trustees, Job Whipple, Araspaes Fol- 
som, William Teift, Jr., Moses Cowan, and William Mowry ; 
president. Job Whipple ; clerk, Jonathan K. Horton ; 
assessors, Cornelius Holmes, Otis Whipple, and Abraham 
Burrell ; collector, William Whipple ; treasurer, John S. 
Wright. Since the foregoing the following have been the 
presidents and clerks : 

Presidents. Clerks. 

1810 John P. Becker. Thomas Barrows. 

1811 Job Whipple. J. K. Horton. 

1S12 Robert Moores. " 

isi:'. " ■' 

18U E. Wells. J. Boies. 

1815 Willi.am Mowry. C. F. Ini^iilis. 

I.SIC Uor.ice W. Bowers. J. Williams. 

1817 " " J. Southworth. 

1818 Henry Robinson. " " 

1819 Moses AVhite. " " 

1820 Edmund Rowland. 

1821 William Mowry. C. A. Lockwood. 

1S22 Cornelius Holmes. 

lS2:i Perry Miller. " " 

1824 Moses White. 

182.') " " C. F. Ingalls. 

1826 gtimon Kittle. William Henry. 

1827 Joseph Boies. Moses White. 

1S2.S Moses White. R. M. Norton. 

182'.l Marraaduke Whipple. G. Tcfft. 

1830 " •• J. Ilerrington, Jr. 

lS.il 

18.32 Alexander Mosher. 

Un John Barnard. Wm. H. Mowry. 

1834 Moses White. All.irt Boies. 

18.33 Jonathan K. Horton. Wm. M. Ferine. 

1836 

1837 .Joseph Boies. Edwin Andrews. 

1838 Moses White. Asa F. Holmes. 

18.39 Wendell Lansing. Gilbert Bailey. 

1.840 Moses White. C. R. Instils. 

1841 " 



Prcslilenta. Clerks. 

1842 Abraham Cornell. C. R. Ingalls. 

1843 " " Joseph Potter. 

1844 Moses White. 

1845 Daniel Frost. 0. K. Rice. 

1846 " " Edwin Wilmarth. 

1847 Mosc White. P. L. Barker. 

1848 " " " 

1849 Leonard Oibbs. Wm. C. Allen. 

1850 Charles 11. Ingalls. " " 

1851 " 

1852 P. M. Selleck. 

1853 •' " " " 

1854 O.K.Rice. " 

1855 C. P. Johnson. Chnrlcs J. Gunn. 

1856 Aaron Selleck. Darwin W. White. 

1857 " 

1858 Charles J. Gunn. Alanson II. Knapp. 

1859 Perry M. Selleck. 

1860 Simon M. Chubb. " " 

1861 " " " " 

1862 " 

1863 " " " " 

1864 llufus A. Lnmh. " " 

1865 Simon M. Chubb. 

1866 " " " " 

1867 AVm. M. Holmes. S. L. Stillman. 

1868 Harvey Wi!eo.>i. Alanson 11. Knapp. 

1869 " " 

1870 Wm. H.Norton. " " 

1871 A. G. Peircc. " " 

1872 " " " " 

1873 " " " " 

1874 Abram Reynolds. 

1873 " " " " 

1876 " " " 

1877 Aaron Griffin. " 

It is interesting to note some of the ordiuances enacted 
by the council, but which did not meet with popular ap- 
proval. A law to prohibit swearing within the corporate 
limits provoked .so much opposition that a special meeting 
was called Sept. 14, 1829, when the trustees repealed it. 

Measures were taken as early as 1819 to secure protec- 
tion against fires, and a small engine was soon after pur- 
chased. That year William Cozzens, Otis Southworth, 
Israel Williams, and David Whipple were appointed fire- 
wardens. About 1835, the matter of forming a regular 
department was agitated, and it was provided tliat Dr. 
Corliss, C. F. Ingalls, and Henry Holmes should give the 
command at fires. A further step in this direction was 
taken on the 22d of March, 1837, when 

Fire Company No. 1 was formed with twenty-four mem- 
bers, comprising the leading citizens of that time. Edwin 
Andrews was chosen captain of the company, and held the 
position until May 10, 1858. Suitable apparatus was pro- 
vided, and members added until it was a complete organiza- 
tion. The changes in the population of the place made a 
reorganization desirable, and it was effected June 3, 1872, 
with William Weaver captain. 

The present rooms of the company are on Washington 
place, where suitable provision has been made to accommo- 
date the engine and other apparatus, which arc first-class. 
The company has forty members, with Albert Coibett 
captain, and George E. Dorr secretary. 

Rongh-and-Ready Fin Company, No. 2, was organized 
Au". 8, 1854, with thirty members, having James M. 
Eddy foreman, and P. S. Taylor secretary. The basis of 
this company was an older organization, known as the 
'• Washington Volunteers," but which had di.sbanded a 
short time before. A house was secured on the Easton 
side for headquarters, and the rooms have been very hand- 
somely furnished by the company, with co.sy furniture, 
library, etc. 



344 



HISTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In 1870, H. A. Knapp took command of the company, 
and has since retained that position. He has rendered the 
organization effective service in bringing it to its present 
proud position. In contest with other companies at Salem, 
Bennington, Saratoga, and other places, Ilough-and-Ileady 
was successful in carrying off prizes aggregating nearly one 
thousand dollars in value. The present engine is a No. 3 
Button & Blake, built in 1859, has a nine-inch cylinder 
and a seven-inch stroke. The company owns two good 
hose-carts, having eight hundred feet of hose. There are 
at present forty members, fully uniformed and trained for 
their work. In 1875 they became members of the State 
Firemen's Association. 

GREENWICH ACADEMY. 

This institution was established in 1836. and after three 
years' successful conduct was incorporated by the board of 
regents. In 1849 the present commodious building was 
erected at a cost of about four thousand dollars. It has 
since been improved, and is well adapted to meet the wants 
of the school. The academy has been well patronized, and 
has always maintained a good reputation for scholarship. 
Hon. James I. Lourie was the first principal, and of his ad- 
ministration and those in attendance, it is said : 

" In the first three years of this institution, during which 
time Judge Lourie was principal, the following gentlemen 
were scholars : Daniel 11. Anthony, a prominent citizen of 
Kansas; Chester A. Arthur, collector of the port of New 
Y'^ork ; Henry A. TefFt, commissioner to establish post- 
ofiices in California, member of the con.stitutional conven- 
tion, and justice of the Supreme Court of that State; 
William Wallace Rockwell, member of Assembly from 
Saratoga county ; Charles R. Ingalls, member of Assembly 
and justice of the Supreme Court of this State; Patrick 
Mullon, judge of common pleas, Ohio ; Rev. James A. 
TefTt, known among his companions as Ticonderoga Tefft, 
missionary on the western coast of Africa ; and Joseph 
Potter, district attorney, county judge, and justice of the 
Supreme Court of this State." 

In 1868 it was merged with the village .schools as a 
union free school, but retaining its individuality as an 
academy, and yet offers all the advantages of such an insti- 
tution. Three separate departmetits are maintained, — 
classical, normal, and English, — -who.se conditions of ad- 
mission are similar to those of like institutions. The ag- 
gregate attendance is about one hundred and thirty, furnish- 
ing from twenty to thirty students per year who pass the 
required examinations. The academy is well supplied with 
philosophical and chemical apparatus, whose estimated 
value is five hundred dollars, and has an excellent library 
of twelve hundred volumes. 

The academy and the other schools of the village are 
under the control of a board of education, composed of a 
president, clerk, and seven members, which is at present as 
follows: Dr. Henry Gray, president; G. T. H. Knapp, 
clerk ; Abram Reynolds, W. V. K. Reynolds, Aaron Grif- 
fin, James H. Thompson, James M. Eddy, Dr. A. Lang- 
worthy, Rev. H. F. Austin. 

The instructors are W. Somcrs, A.JL, principal ; Miss 
Alniie Iving, preceptress; iMiss Sula Crandall, a.ssistant; 



Miss Alice B. Wheeler, senior intermediate department ; 
Mrs. W. Somcrs, junior intermediate department ; Miss 
Georgie McGown, Easton department ; Miss Emma Wat- 
son, jirimary department. 

SECRET ORDERS. 

In 1805, June 5, Rising Star Lodge, F. <f- A. J/., or- 
ganized, and had a prosperous existence until 1837, when 
the great excitement concerning the Morgan disclosures, 
and his supposed murder, caused its downfall. On the 
10th day of July, 1865, some of the Freemasons of the 
town organized Ashler Lodge, No. 584, and it was insti- 
tuted by the Grand Lodge June 27, 1866, and, notwith- 
standing some opposition, has been prosperous and growing, 
and numbers among its hundred members many of our 
leading citizens. It has had but three Masters since its 
organization, Chas. H. Robinson being the first, occujjyiug 
the position two years. Dr. S. L. Stillmaii, who served ten 
years, and the present, Allan Stewart. The lodge numbers 
ninety-nine members, and meets in a fine room in Cozzens' 
block. 

Union Village Lodge, No. 122, I. 0. of 0. F., was insti- 
tuted Aug. 15, 1844, with P. L. Barker N. G. Its meet- 
ings were discontinued in 1857, but on the 24th of August, 
1871, the lodge resumed its charter, with a new number 
for lodge, — No. 253. At present there are thirty-two 
members, who meet in a comfortable hall in Tefft's block. 
M. Sutherland is N. G., and John S. Culver Sec. 

In 1848, and since that period, divisions of the Sons of 
Temperance were instituted ; and other orders have had 
lodges in the village, but no trustworthy data has been 
available. 

PIONEER LIBRARIES. 

The village has had several libraries, whose former exist- 
ence deserves to be perpetuated in this connection. The 
Washington library was formed at the house of J. K. Ilor- 
ton, Nov. 13, 1805, and the following trustees chosen to 
attend to its affairs: Araspaes Folsom, Oliver Norton, 
Winter Pettcys, Charles May, Jonathan K. Horton, Arte- 
nias Robbins, Joseph Tefft, Solomon Place, and James 
Place. It is probable that this library went down in the 
course of a few years, as there is a record of the establish- 
ment of the Union Village library, Feb. 12, 1828, in re- 
sponse to the agitation of need of such an institution. 
Forty shares, at three dollars each, were taken by thirty- 
nine citizens, Joseph Safford taking two shares. The first 
trustees were Jonathan K. Horton, Henry Holmes, Hiram 
Corliss, James Tefft, James Watson, Joseph Safford, and 
Israel Williams. The library wa.s continued until the re- 
moval of some of its members, and other reasons, caused its 
decline and final dissolution. 

THE BOTTSKILL BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The history of this old and respect;ible body has been 
compiled from the published works of Rev. J. 0. Mason, 
D.D., and others. 

The time when the church was organized appears some- 
what indeterminate, and is fixed at periods all the way from 
1767 to 1775. It is altogether probable that numbers of 
the Baptist faith a.s.senibled for worship as early as the 






'^ 0^^:j2y^ 



C^ Jiy^<2^jy 



^4^ 



THOMAS ROGEKS 



was bom at the moutb of the Batten Kill, in the town of 
Greenwich, March 2, 1784. 

In the year 1772, James Rogers, father of Thomas, came 
from Rhode Island and settled at the mouth of the Batten Kill. 
"Elder" James Rogers, the grandfather, came with his son 
to this county, and occasionally preached to the Christian 
people of the surrounding country, although he was not 
settled over any church. 

His father, James Rogers, was married to Mercy, daughter 
of Judge Nathan TefFt, prior to coming here. The family 
of TeflFt also came at the same time and settled in the town 
of Greenwich. By this union there were born ten childi-en, — 
Isabell, Mercy, Betsey, Samuel and James (twins), Polly, 
Thomas, and Susan, and two died young ; all of whom, in 
1878, are deceased. 

The father died on the farm where he first settled, at the 
age of forty-eight years, in the year 1792. The mother 
died April 1837, aged eighty-eight years. 

Thomas Rogers spent his minority at home and at the 
district school, where he received those lessons of industry 
and economy, and cultivated such a desire for knowledge, 
as in his subsequent life made him a useful citizen, a leading 
agriculturist in his town and county, and a man conversant 
with the current topics of the day. 

Previous to and until removing to the farm near Bald 
Mountain, where he died, he was engaged quite extensively 
in lumbering, rafting his lumber down the Hudson river, 
and shipping to Albany. In this bus.ness he was successful. 
In the year 1809, Oct. 5, he married Betsey, daughter 
of John Merchant and Prudence Stoddard, of Amenia, 



Dutchess Co., N. Y., born May 5, 1788. Her father was 
born in Stratford, Conn., 1728; her grandflither was of 
French birth ; the former died in 1803, in Amenia, N. Y. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rogers have been bom ten 
children : Susan (deceased), wife of Hiram Clark ; Ann 
(died in infancy) ; Elizabeth ; Louisa (deceased) ; James, 
resides in Alexandria, Va. ; Ann (deceased), wife of Vol- 
ney Shearer of Mui-phy's, Cal. ; George, Charles, Abram 
Yates, and Helen M. 

Mr. Rogers acquii-ed a large property in real estate, and 
at the time of his death, Dec. 19, 1877, owned some three 
hundred and ninety-six acres of land near Bald Mountain. 
A view of his late residence and surroundings, showing 
the result of a life of toil, may be seen on another page of 
this work. Politically, Mr. Rogers was a Democrat, and 
stood an unswerving standard-bearer in that party, and had 
lived under every administration since the close of the 
Revolutionary war, always regarding carefully the right of 
suiTrage. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were members of the Baptist 
church since the year 1833, and always ready, with a char- 
acteristic liberality, to do their part in every good work. 
Mr. Rogers was known for his strict integrity in all business 
matters, and had the full confidence of all who knew him. 

Mrs. Rogers still survives_, and has lived to see the wilder- 
ness give place to cultivated fields and gardens, schools and 
churches established, and machinery of all descriptions take 
the place of, and lessen labor ; and is now, in her ninety-first 
year, able to dictate most of the facts for this sketch, having 
lived with her husband sixty-nine years. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



345 



former period, and that these meetings were composed 
essentially of the same persons who afterwards formed the 
Bottskill church. It matters little, then, as to the date of 
the first records, — June 9, 1775, — since the germ of the 
churcli had an earlier existence. It was the sixth Baptist 
church in the State, and at that period the communicants 
of all the churches did not exceed two hundred. The first 
meetings were held at the house of Nathan Teift, below 
the Middle falls, and among the early attendants were 
members of the Tefft, Rogers, Bentley, Rose, Tanner, 
Kenyon, Petteys, and Burdick families. Joseph Reynolds 
was the first clerk, and Harper Rogers and Nathan Teft't 
the first deacons. 

For fifteen years the church was without a pastor or 
house of worship, yet during all this time the regular meet- 
ings of the church, both for worship and business, were 
sustained. They were held in dwellings, in barns, and in 
the open air. The exercises consisted only of reading of 
the Scriptures, prayer, and exhortation, and occasionally 
preaching when the flock was visited by some minister 
from the older settlements, at which times people would 
come in from a circuit of fifteen miles around, on foot, on 
horseback, and in ox-carts. Converts were added to it 
from time to time in covenant, as it was called, being 
obliged to wait many months for the visit of a minister to 
have the ordinance of baptism administered. The first 
general revival occurred in 1781, extending through many 
months, and the ordinance of baptism wasadministered on the 
2d of February, 1782, by the Rev. Lemuel Powers, pastor 
of a church recently organized at Stillwater, being the first 
time the ordinance was administered in the waters of the 
Batten Kill. 

After this revival, — which may properly be called the 
close of the first period of the church, in consequence of 
the inftision of young and active men into the church, — 
steps were taken for the erection of a house of worship, 
and for the procuring of a settlement of a pastor. 

A grant of land was obtained from General Schuyler, 
on petition of one Joseph Reynolds, in behalf of the 
church, of a piece of ground about a mile south of Union 
village, on the Easton road, for a site, and a log house 
twenty-six by thirty-two feet was built, mainly by the 
voluntary labors of the members of the church. The work 
was under the direction of David Petteys, Daniel Rose, 
and Elisha Coon, building committee. This was in 1783. 
The first pastor. Elder Nathan Tanner, had been ordained 
in 1782, at the house of Robert Kenyon, by a council of 
which Elder Peter Worden, of Massachusetts, was moder- 
ator. Mr. Tanner had been an active member of the 
church for many years, and continued in the pastorate 
some twelve years, until 1794. Soon after the completion 
of its house of worship the church enjoyed the most pow- 
erful revival with which it had up to that time been 
blessed, adding one hundred and eleven by baptism alone. 

On the 9th of March, 1794, Edward Barber, then a 
young man, aged twenty-six years, a licentiate from the 
church at Stephentown, presented himself, as the record 
says, " to improve his gift with a view to further acquaint- 
ance." He supplied the church until September following, 
when he was formally installed as pastor. The exercises 
44 



were held in the barn of William Tefft. Rev. Caleb Blood 
ofiiciated as moderator, and preached the ordination ser- 
mon ; Rev. Samuel Rogers offered the ordaining prayer ; 
Rev. Clark Rogers gave the charge to the candidate ; Obed 
Warren gave the hand of fellowship ; and Amasa Brown 
made the concluding prayer. His salary was fixed at 
twenty-five pounds a year, or a little more than one hun- 
dred dollars. Immediately after his ordination measures 
were taken for the erection of a new church building. 

A large settlement having been made at what is now 
Greenwich village, it was determined to erect the new 
church at that point. For this purpose John P. Becker 
donated a lot and burying-ground in the rear, and David 
Whipple presented the parsonage lot several years later. 

The society was incorporated this year (1794), with the 
following trustees: Robert Kenyon, Nathan Tefft, William 
Tefft, Oliver Rogers, Smith Barber, and William Tefft, Jr. 
The house was completed in 179.5, and was used until 
1866. 

The pastorate of Elder Barber continued forty years, and 
left an abiding impression on all that community. During 
his ministry the church enjoyed an unexampled degree of 
prosperity and divine favor. Several revivals were ex- 
perienced, the most powerful of which was that of 1816, 
which continued through two years, and during which more 
than three hundred were added to it. The church num- 
bered one hundred and seventy-two when he entered it ; it 
numbered five hundred and seventy when he was taken 
from it. 

He continued in the pastorate until his death, in 1824. 
While preparing to attend the annual meeting of the asso- 
ciation of the Washington county Baptist churches, he was 
suddenly stricken with paralysis, and survived but a short 
time. His funeral was more largely attended, probably, 
than that of any other person in the county. The sermon 
was preached by the Rev. Mr. Witherell, then pastor of 
the Hartford church, from the text, " Help, Lord, for the 
godly man ceaseth ; the faithful fail from among the chil- 
dren of men." 

His character is thus summed up by the Rev. Dr. Kend- 
rick : " He was a man possessed of a vigorous and active 
mind, a ripened and well-balanced judgment, a chastened and 
humble spirit, a generous and affectionate heart. As a 
preacher, a pastor, and a counselor he was excelled by few. 
His praise was in all the churches, and his remembrance is 
garnered up in the hearts of thousands who knew him." 

During the ministry of Elder Barber the church took a 
very decided stand against what is known as " speculative 
Freemasonry," a position it has persistently held to the 
present time. We find the church, at a business meeting 
held May 7, 1796, passing the following resolutions : 

" Resolved, by the church, that any member of this church that 
joins the Freemasons after this date is a transgressor of the covenant 
of this church. 

" Reaolfed, by this church, that if any member that belongs to this 
or any other church, coming here and joining this church, and then 
to meet with the Masons without acquainting the church thereof, 
shall be culpable for so doing." 

In the year 1808 the subject again came up, and was laid 
before a large council called to meet with the Bottskill 
church. The deci.sion of the council was unanimous in ad- 



346 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



vising the churches to discountenance the institution, for 
cei-tain reasons which are given at length in the result. 
When, a quarter of a century later, the disclo.sures of Wil- 
liam Morgan and others laid bare the secret mysteries of 
the order, the church, as might have been anticipated, judg- 
ing from her antecedents, took still stronger ground against 
the institution. Tiiis position she has endeavored to main- 
tain, in regard to this as well as to all similar oi^ganizations, 
unto the present day. A position so peculiar and ultra, as 
many have regarded it, has not failed to excite a great 
amount of secret and open hostility to the church for 
seventy years past. 

His successor was Elder Nathaniel (Jolvcr, a man of ex- 
cellent powers of mind and strong convictions, who, with 
the church, took advanced ground on the questions of 
slavery and intemperance. So high did the excitement run 
that, fi'om 1834 to 1837, the eliurch edifice itself suffered 
damage from missiles, and it is stated that Elder Colver, in 
defense of his principles, did not hesitate in the exercise of 
muscular Christianity. His pastorate closed Jan. 1, 1838, 
leaving the church strong and vigorous. 

Elder William Arthur succeeded to the pastorate of the 
church, commencing his labors about the 1st of November, 
1839, and remained about five years, enjoying a peaceful 
and pro.sperous pastorate. Elder Arthur was father to 
General Arthur, the present collector of the port of New 
York. He retired from the charge of the church in Au- 
gust, 1844, and in September of the .same year Rev. J, 0. 
Mason entered upon his long, peaceful, and useful pastorate, 
during which about one thousand persons were added to 
the church, and the present handsome and commodious place 
of worship erected, which event took place in 1866. This 
history can add nothing to his reputation or to the esteem 
and veneration in which he is held. The resident mem- 
bership of the church was about five hundred and fifty at 
the close of his labors, which, owing to his feeble health, 
occurred in May, 1873. 

Rev. C. A. Johnson commenced his labors with the 
church in November following, and proved an able, consci- 
entious, and discreet pastor, who won the sincere respect 
and afFection of his people. The chief incident of interest 
connected with his pastorate was the endeavor, during the 
jvinter of 1875-76, to secure a modification or abolishment 
of the clause in the covenant of the church which requires 
the exclusion of members who unite with any secret organ- 
ization. The pastor earnestly favored the proposed change 
in the covenant, preaching a very able discourse in its favor, 
being willing to trust to the consciences of the church 
membership all questions of this kind ; but at a church- 
meeting held during the winter it was decided to leave the 
covenant unchanged, and offending members were accord- 
ingly excluded from church fellowship. The church took 
this extreme ground at the time of the Morgan disclosures, 
and has held her position ever since. 

This state of affairs caused Mr. Johnson's resignation 
in May, 1877. Since that period Dr. J. 0. Mason has 
served it as a supply. 

Bottskill church has been a power from the first, among 
its members being some of the most prominent families in 
town, as the Cottrells, Heaths, Barbers, Teffts, and Rogers', 



etc. Its aggregate membership has been more than three 
thousand, and its present membership is five hundred and ' 
twenty. The present deacons are A. R. Crandall, N. R. 
Stewart, Ezekiel Herrington, George H. Wells, and Enos 
Durham. 

The present house of worship was begun in 1865, in 
charge of a building committee composed of N. R. Stewart, 
Adam Cottrell, Charles Bradley, Morgan Heath, and Amos 
Tefft, and was completed in the fall of 1866, and dedicated 
November 28. It is of brick, and its dimensions are fifty- 
sis by seventy-six feet. From one angle rises a tower fif- 
teen feet in height. The basement is divided off into a fine 
large lecture and Sabbath-school room, a minister's study 
and reception-room, a robing and retiring room for candi- 
dates for the ordinance of baptism, and a room for meetings 
of the church and society for social purposes. These are 
connected with folding-doors, which can be thrown open, 
making all the rooms substantially one large one if desired. 
The audience-room in the body of the church is a splendid 
one for a worshiping congregation. The windows are of 
stained glass, the furniture is of chestnut, the pulpit, under 
which is a baptistry, ample and funiLshed richly, and the 
seats (a rare thing in modern churches) very comfortable. 
The cost of the house completely furnished, including a 
large organ, was thirty thousand dollars. The church also 
owns a parsonage worth two thousand five hundred dollars. 

A Sabbath-school was organized in connection with the 
church work in 1836, which at present has two hundred 
members, and a library of three hundred volumes. Wm. 
V. R. Reynolds is the superintendent. 

THE REFORMEK CHURCH. 

The following sketch has been compiled from a sermon 
delivered by the pastor. Rev. J. G. Smart, May 11, 1873, 
on the occasion of leaving the old meeting-house ]ire[iara- 
tory to the erection of the new building. 

The church was formed in 1807 of members who formerly 
belonged to the Easton church. On the 20th of March, 
1807, an agreement was made whereby the services of the 
Easton pastor. Rev. Philip Duryea, were secured by the 
new society for one-third of the time. 

This agreement was renewed the next year. Services 
were probably held at Reuben Bride's, afterwards Captain 
jSIoores' tavern. They held the services in the ball-room, 
Mr. Duryea preaching part of the time. The old tavern 
stood in front of the site of the present hotel, its front 
stoop coming dose to the well curb. Opposite and a little 
southeast from this stood the house soon after purchased 
and occupied by Luke Prentiss. The old store stood near 
the lower part of Main street, and the road ran up over 
the hill, across the place where this building is standing ; 
it also branched and ran north of Mr. Prentiss' house and 
up to the tavern, and came together again near the residence 
of Mr. Dyer. This was an open lot down to Main street, 
the only houses on it being those owned by Mr. Whipple. 

The recorded history of this house begins with the fol- 
lowing brief minute ; it bears no date, but, as we learn from 
the unexecuted bond of Charles Ingalls, should have been 
dated Feb. 5, 1810 : 

" At a nieetinii' of a number of inhabitants of the town 





MRS. JAMES BEVERIDGE. 



JAMES BEVERIDGE. 



James Beveridue was burn iu tlic town uf Ilcbrou, 
WashiDgton Co., N. Y., Feb. 28, 1791. He wa.s fourth 
child in a family of. ten children — George, Thomas, Janet, 
James, Alexander, John, Ann, Matthew, Andrew, and 
David — of Andrew Beveridge and Isabella Cummings. The 
former was a native of Scotland, and came to this country 
prior to the war for independence, in the year 1774, with 
his widowed mother and one full sister, Anne, and one half 
sister, Janet Fotheringhame. 

His father was born about 1750 ; first settled in the town 
of Hebron, on a farm still occupied by his youngest son, 
David. He was a farmer by occupation, and a weaver by 
trade ; was an elder of the Associate Presbyterian church 
of Hebron. He died about the year 1833. 

His mother, Isabella, was of Scotch birth, and came to 
this country with her parents prior to the Revolutionary 
war, and settled in the town of Cambridge. She was a 
member of the Presbyterian church, lived to an advanced 
age, and died about the year 183G. Of the children there 
are three brothers living, — John, Andrew, and David ; the 
first in Jackson, this county; Andrew in De Kalb Co., 
Illinois ; and David on the old homestead in the town of 
Hebron, this county. 

Mr. Beveridge spent his early life on the old homestead 
in Hebron, receiving the limited opportunities only of the 
log school-house days for obtaining an education from books ; 
but his time was so improved in his youth, and impressions 
made, as to lay the foundation of a successful business 
career, and a life void of reproach. 

In the year 1827 he married Janet, daughter of 
Thomas Lamb and Janet Stevenson, of Cambridge. She 
was born in the year 1800, and previous to her marriage 
became a member of the Associate Presbyterian church, 



remaining warmly attached to that body during her life. 
She was a devoted wife and mother, and instructed her 
children in all that makes true manhood and womanhood. 
She died in the year 18G4. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Beveridge have been born three child- 
ren. Thomas died at the age of thirty-one, in the year 
1860, leaving one child, John T. ; Andrew died at the age 
of twenty-five, in the year 1855, leaving a wife and one 
child, James Andrew ; and James, Jr., who was born Feb. 
2, 1832, and resides on the homestead, in the town of Green- 
wich. In the year 1859 he married Mary, daughter of 
Archibald Armstrong and Nancy Donaldson, of Argylc. 
She was born Jan. 11, 1836. They have three children, — 
Thomas L., Minnie N., and Archie A. James Beveridge, 
Sr.'s, and his wife's portraits are herewith given. 

In the year 1829, Mr. Beveridge, soon after his mar- 
riage, settled on the farm in Greenwich, where he now 
lives with his son, James, Jr.* He has spent his life as a 
farmer, and by industry and economy, secured a competence, 
sufficient to place him beyond the apprehension of want. 

In polities Mr. Beveridge was formerly a Whig, and is 
now identified with the Republican party. Never active in 
politics, or desirous of political notoriety, he has led a quiet, 
unobtrusive life, having the confidence of his fellow-men, 
and known for his uprightness in all his business. He 
early in life became a member of the same church as his 
father, and has remained a constant supporter of its interests 
until the time of writing this sketch, 1878, when he is 
found in the eighty-eighth year of his age, having lived 
under every administration .since the first President of the 
United States. 

* A view of the homestead is given ou another page. 



HISTORY OF WASIIINdTON COUNTY, NEW VOKK. 



347 



of Greenwich and Easton, with a view of taking into con- 
sideration the propriety of building a house for public 
worship in Union village : Voted, That it is a wish of this 
meeting to build such house, and that a committee be 
chosen to view the ground, and report to the meeting. 
Committee, — Thomas McLean, John P. Becker, and Closes 
Cowan. Committee to draw a plan to the house, — -Captain 
Ezra Dyer, J. S. Wright, and Abram Tice." 

Again, on the 14th day of September, 181(1, those wlio 
had subscribed for the new church gathered at the residence 
of Reuben Bride, received reports from the two committees 
appointed at the first meeting, adopted a plan and arranged 
the method for collecting the subscriptions. A building 
committee of six was appointed, viz. : Robert Moores, 
Araspaes Folsom, Elijah Norton, Moses Cowan, Otis 
Whipple, and Aaron M. Ferine. Captain Moores was 
specially appointed to purchase material, employ workmen, 
collect and pay out all moneys, to superintend the work, 
and was to be paid a reasonable compensation for this 
service. 

The lot selected for the house was the present one, hav- 
ing been deeded for this purpo.se by Nathan Rogers and 
John S. Wright. 

The foundation of the new 'church was immediately be- 
gun, and the frame erected before winter set in. The place 
was selected evidently because of its commanding position. 

Rev. Philip Duryea, of Saratoga, now Schuylerville, 
continued to officiate in the new church occasionally until 
a pastor could be secured. Under his influence, in 1812 
(the exact date we have not been able to ascertain), the peo- 
ple worshiping here appointed Simon De Bidder a commis- 
sioner to present their petition to the classis of Rensselaer, 
praying the classis to organize them and receive them into 
the communion of the " Protestant Reformed Dutch 
Church," under the title of the "Reformed Dutch Church 
of Union Village," the same now designating this church, 
excepting the word " Dutch," stricken out a few years ago 
by the general synod. 

On the 16th of November, this same year, a commis- 
sioner from the classis met in this house, and resolved to 
grant the petition. Whereupon the congregation proceeded 
to organize. Moses Cowan was elected chairman, and Israel 
Williams clerk. *An election was held for officers, and, by 
a unanimous vote, Benjamin Griffin and Thomas McLean 
were chosen elders, Simon De Bidder, Luke Prentiss, and 
James Wells were chosen deacons. Thomas McLean re- 
fusing to serve, Simon De Ridder was chosen elder in his 
place, and on Sabbath, the 29th of November, the first 
officers of this church were ordained and installed, and the 
" Reformed Dutch Church of Union Village" began its 
existence, all things having been made ready near two years 
before. 

The first communion service of which we have a record 
was held July 10, 1813. 

Calls to the pastorate were unsuccessfully extended, in 
1814, to Revs. John Battie and W. C. BrowncU, and full 
four years passed, after the house was completed, before 
Rev. James Christie was secured as the first regular pastor, 
Nov. 25, 1815. He remained two years, and added twen- 
ty-six to the church membership. His home was in a 



parsonage on Main street, which was purchased, about the 
time lie was called, for 880(1. 

In 1820 (February 29), Jacob D. Fonda was called; 
one-third of his time to be given to the church in Easton. 
He remained fifteen years, the longest pastorate enjoyed by 
this church since its organization down to this time. In 
1830, Easton was given up, and he labored for this church 
alone. The most interesting period of the church's history 
was during Mr. Fonda's ministry. 

About 1824 four men, each bearing on his shoulders a 
small tree, entered the church-yard, and to-day four large 
elms put forth the annual promise of grateful shade, and 
stand upon our northern bordei's a living monument to re- 
mind us of the zeal and the love of Dr. Holmes, Joseph 
Southworth, Moses Cowan, and Moises White. 

In 1827 (Dec. 28), Moses Cowan and John Hay with- 
drew from the church services, their consciences being 
oifended by the introduction of instrumental music at the 
public worship on the Sabbath, a bass viol having been 
brought in to assist the choir. Consistory sent a commit- 
tee to talk with them, and referred the question to classis 
for their opinion. But all to no purpose. The offended 
parties would not be reconciled. The instrument was ban- 
ished, but as late as 1829 we find consistory sending a 
committee to these men. Again, in 1830, resolutions were 
passed in consistory, regretting the occasion of offense, and 
sending another commissioner. At this time Mr. Cowan 
returned to attendance upon the services of the church. 
But John Hay never forgot nor forgave the bass viol, and 
remained away unreconciled. Though John was deaf, he 
was not blind. 

Feb. 25, 1830, was appointed a day of fiisting and 
prayer, on account of the low state of religion existing in 
the community, and during this year eleven were added to 
the church upon profession of their fiiith ; two of tliis 
number are still living in our community. 

The next year began a revival which seems to have been 
almost continuous up to the last year of Mr. Fonda's min- 
istry. In 1831 one hundred and thirty- four pereons were 
received into the membership of this church, — one hundred 
and eighteen of these upon profession of their faith, and 
one hundred and ten of these between April 20 and June 
12. This was probably the most marked revival in all the 
history of the church. That 24th day of April, when Wil- 
liam Mowry, Reuben Norton, and good old Solomon Place 
stood forth with fourteen others to receive the sacrament of 
baptism, must have been one of deep and lasting impre.s- 
sions. 

On Oct. 9, 1835, on account of some difficulties in the 
church, Mr. Fonda was released from his long and fruitful 
pastorate. During this year an addition was made to the 
church lot by purchase from John Cushman of a small 
parcel of land at a cost of eighty dollars. 

In 1863 (January 4) a call was made out for Rev. Wil- 
liam Cannon, an agent for the missionary society, and de- 
clined because of his engagement with that .society. The 
following August a call was sent to Benjamin Van Zandt, 
and he became pastor by ordination and installation Sept. 
23. During this pastorate the old parsonage was sold and 
the proceeds appropriated to the purchase of the one now 



348 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



belonging to this church. Nearly forty were added to the 
church as the results of .six years' labor by Mr. Van Zandt. 
The most memorable thing in his mini.stry is the sad dissen- 
sion of the first few months, marring the church's history 
and resulting in that separation from which originated the 
Congregational church. We only mention it in its histori- 
cal connection, rejoicing that its bitterness has passed away, 
and in the full faith that many who were thus parted here 
have been brought together in that kingdom of clear and 
full light, where all see eye to eye, and where all is love. 

From 1839 to 1846 a number of alterations and repairs 
were made on the meeting-house to give it a more modern 
appearance. 

Mr. Van Zandt resigned in 1842, and the next pastor. 
Rev. Mr. Morris, was called in February, 1843, and in- 
stalled the following April. During his ministry the as- 
sembly's shorter catechism was again substituted for the 
Heidelberg in the instruction of the Sabbath-school. 

In 1845, November 10, by request, a committee was ap- 
pointed to arrange a basis of a union between this and the 
Congregational church. Its results, if not all that was hoped, 
yet evinced a kindly and Christian spirit. It is summed 
up in one of the resolutions, a copy of which was sent to 
the consistory of this church : 

" Itemhed, That although we do not deem it ailvisable to dissolve 
our church for the purpose of uniting with the Protestant Reformed 
Dutch church, still we do most cheerfully tender our willingness 
to labor reciprocally with them in any moral and religious effort for 
the good of mankind and the glory of (rod." 

In 1848, Rev. Morris was released from his charge, and was 
succeeded April 18 of the same year by Rev. Uriah JIarvin. 
His pa.storal connection was severed March 17, 1855. His 
successor for the next three years was the Rev. C. Van 
Santwood, who was followed, in 1850, by Rev. John Steele. 
His ministrations extended through .six years. In June, 

1867, Rev. David Van Horn became the pastor, remaining 
until the following June. Mr. Hoyt was called in August, 

1868, and resigned July 24, 1871. In February, 1872, 
the present pastor came, and was ordained and installed 
May 15, 1872. Ten pastors have been in.stalled over this 
church. Six of them were here ordained to the gospel min- 
istry, and gave here the first and best years of their life 
work. 

We find no report in all the records which places the 
membership so small as at present. In 1854-55, one hun- 
dred and twelve families were reported, four hundred and 
fifty persons in the congregation, and nearly two hundred 
members of the church. 

The present membership of the church is one hundred 
and nineteen,, but under the pastoral direction of Rev. 
Smart the work is in a flourishing condition. Through 
his energetic efforts and judicious management, the present 
imposing church edifice was erected. Work on the founda- 
tion was begun May 26, 1873, and on the following 25th 
of June the corner-stone was laid in the presence of a large 
concourse of people. A copper box, containing various 
documents, etc., was placed in the stone by Edwin Andrews, 
and the stone was put in its place by the pastor. Ad- 
dresses were made by Revs. Sprague, Fisher, and Judge 
Culver, of New York city. 



Work on the building progressed rapidly, and it was 
ready for dedication Jan. 29, 1874. It is a .stately struc- 
ture of brick, in the Gothic style of architecture, with a 
slate roof, whose ridges are adorned with neat cresting. The 
front of the church is relieved by a handsome side-tower. 
The interior is finished in a corresponding style, the furni- 
ture and adornments being chaste and appropriate. The 
audience-room affords four hundred and twenty sittings. 
The entire cost was about twenty thousand dollars. The 
church was con.secrated by the Rev. C. N. Waldron, D.D., 
assisted by Revs. W. S. Smart, D.D., J. H. Noble, D.D., 
J. R. Fisher, J. H. Collins, and others, with but a small 
debt resting on it. 

The society has received bequests from the following 
members: in 1833, a forty-acre farm from Moses Cowan; 
1854, one hundred dollars from Miss Lydia Mowry ; 1865, 
two hundred dollars from Obadiah Culver; and in 1866, 
twelve shares bank stock from Elizabeth Stewart. 

THE CONGREGATIO.NAL CUIHCII. 

As noted in the history of the Reformed church, there 
was a dissension on account of the slavery question, result- 
ing in the withdrawal of a number of persons and the 
formation of a new society. Its history is thus given in 
the church manual : 

"The Orthodox Congregational church of Greenwich, as 
is the corporate name of the body, was organized March 
15, 1837, by a council composed of pastors and delegates 
from the nearest Congregational churches of the region, 
without reference to State lines. It was a leading object 
with the founders to have a church according to their idea 
of the primitive Scriptural plan, — one independent of every- 
thing beyond itself, and democratic in the equality and self- 
government of its members. And such a one was formed, 
and has been continued down to the present time, as being 
in both external relations and internal polity just like all the 
Congregational churches of New England, except a portion 
of those in Connecticut. But the founders sought, as an ob- 
ject of still greater importance, to represent that most gen- 
uine, yet much neglected type of religion, which has compre- 
hensive, practical love for mankind in all their interests, 
both temporal and .spiritual. This was felt to be the cry- 
ing want of the land and of the Christian world, as evi- 
denced not only by the too generally selfish and unbenevo- 
lent course in private life of professors of religion, but also 
by the existence, tolerance, and even indorsement with 
Christianity, of huge evils like intemperance, slavery, and 
war. It is about the oldest, if not indeed quite so, among 
the many Congregational churches of the kind, which the 
growing light and love of the age have brought into being, 
and especially in our own State ; while it also belongs with 
the most prosperous of such. 

" The original members of the organization were thirteen 
in number: Daniel Frost, Jr., Roxanna Frost, Hiram Cor- 
liss, Susan Corliss, William H. Mowry, Angelina G. Mowry, 
Charles J. Gunn, Abigail Gunn, John Clark, Martha Clark, 
Roswell Grandy, James Watson, Lydia Watson, Edwin Wil- 
marth, Beulah Downs, Elizabeth Horton, Mary F. Corliss 
(Cook), Lucy Pattison, all of whom have passed away. 

" The church had a stormy infancy, from outward oppo- 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



349 



sition in part, but more from factious elements entering 
into its membership. But at length all internal troubles 
ceased, from the exercise of the wholesome discipline of 
Christ's house. And then followed years of reigning peace, 
prosperity, and happiness. This, however, was not to con- 
tinue always, as better than the most favored human lot ; 
for next came what before was hardly known, — bereavement, 
and such in a very grievous and repeated manner. Precious 
ones have passed away from us among the founders, officers, 
and members of the church ; and not only those in old age, 
but oftener those in mid-age or youth. Several of them, 
who may well be mentioned, as Mrs, Angelina G. Mowry, 
Mr. Charles H. Holmes, and Mr. Erastus Bigelow, have 
left senerous funded legacies to the church of their love, 
conditioned on its maintenance of the principles of human- 
ity and reform. The various bequests made amount to 
several thousand dollars, aside from the waiting ones of the 
living, while the tasteful and pleasant church, with its 
connecting chapel, of a hundred feet in all from front to 
rear, and the contiguous parsonage, the whole standing on 
a roomy lot of nearly an acre, together with the organ and 
tower-clock, have been provided at an outlay in the sum 
total of more than fifteen thousand dollars. The property 
is held by trustees elected on the part of the society, which 
is composed of all those statedly attending and supporting 
the church. In this does it differ from that of churches 
not of the independent order, as held by a ruling board of 
officers in their own name, else by trustees for the use of 
an extended ecclesiastical body. But in so well providing 
for itself, this church has not forgotten others in the great 
field of the world, white and suffering for the harvest, nor 
to move in their behalf by way of liberal giving and ready 
doing. Indeed, it sustained a mission church in Kentucky, 
with the help of the people on the ground, for a time, or 
till a pro-slavery mob burned the house of worship and broke 
up the operations. While it assisted, to a considerable ex- 
tent, that devoted and dauntless man of the same State, 
Rev. John G. Fee, in his worthy educational enterprises of 
religion and reform, it has also ever taken good care of 
the needy poor in its own circle, as keeping them from 
want and public charity. And thus from small beginnings, 
and against the tide of the world, as insisting on the pure, 
whole gospel of Christ, did this baud of Christians, in view of 
results, ability, influence, and numbers even, though always 
a secondary thing with them, have much reason to acknowl- 
edge the blessing of Heaven, and to say, ' Hitherto hath 
the Lord helped us.' 

" The following are the clergymen who have served the 
church since its organization : Revs. R. A. Avery ; John 
Smith, from June, 1838, to January, 1841 ; E. C. Prit- 
chett, from April, 1841, to August, 1845 ; Sabin McKin- 
ney, from November, 1845, to December, 1846; J. B. 
Grinnell, from June, 1847, to November, 1850; C. S. 
Shattuck, from November, 1850. 

" Since Mr. Shattuck's pastorate, which closed in IStlO, 
the church has been without a pastor most of the time. 
Mr. Pomeroy, a Methodist clergyman, preached there for a 
time, after which, for a short season. Rev. Mr. Holmes was 
settled. Since the close of his labors there has been no 
stated preaching, but the reading of the sermons of dis- 



tinguished preachers has been kept up until very recently. 
The church accomplished much good, in the course of its 
existence, by the advanced ground it took on the questions 
already adverted to. But the changes of time have so 
much affected it, that the organization is about to disband 
and dii3po.se of its temporalities." 

ST. .Joseph's roman catholic church 

was established as the result of the labors of Father Wal- 
dron, who preached to a small flock, in a hall, prior to 1871. 
That year. Father James Fedigan, aided by David Don- 
nahue and others, purchased the old Methodist Episcopal 
meeting-house, which was moved to a desirable location on 
Hill street, and thoroughly renovated until it presents an 
inviting appearance. The property is estimated worth 
three thousand five hundred dollars. The parish has been 
in charge of the following reverend fathers: T. A. Field 
and E. A. Daily, and under their tutelage the communi- 
cants of the church have increased to two hundred and fifty, 
while the Sunday-school numbers fifty members. John 
Geetings is in charge of the temporalities of the parish. 

ST. Paul's episcopal church 

was formed as a mission, under the spiritual care of Rev. 
Walker, of Scbuylerville, in 1872, and assumed its present 
name a few years after, calling the Rev. H. M. Blanchard 
to the rectorship. Worship was held in the Congregational 
meeting-house. His successor in the pastoral office was the 
Rev. M. Smythe. The parish is at present vacant, and no 
other data has been available. 

THE WORK of THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN 
GREENWICH.* 

When or by whom IMethodist preaching was introduced 
in Greenwich, no records existing nor recollection of the 
elders give reliable information. Cambridge, the mother of 
Methodist churches in Washington county, embraced a re- 
gion in its early circuit which contained many preaching- 
places. As early as December, 1804, Greenwich appears in 
the Cambridge circuit records as paying " quarterage" for 
the support of the circuit preacher. 

At that time the circuit was embraced in the New Y^ork 
conference, whose bounds extended from the city on the 
south to Montreal on the north, including Augusta, Me., 
and Detroit, Mich., in the appointments. In 1804, Revs. 
Elias Vanderlip and Phineas Cook were the preachers on 
Cambridge circuit, and doubtless preached part of the time 
in Greenwich that year. Previous to that time, in 1806, 
one Phineas Laiigworthy (father of the late Robert and 
Dr. James Langworthy), a devout Methodist, moved into 
Greenwich from the town of Easton, occupying the farm 
now owned by Wm. Fisher. Mr. Langworthy soon com- 
menced holding Methodist class-meetings in the Gavette 
school-house, in the northwest part of the town, now district 
No. 18. 

Connected with the class in that neighborhood was the 
family of Eleazer Woodworth, whose son James has since 
made the name familiar as the mayor of the city of Chicago 



By Rev. H. F. Austin. 



390 



HISTORY OF 'WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and member of the national Congress. The Woodworth 
family moving west, Mr. Langwortliy changed his meetings 
to North Greenwich, where to the present time Methodist 
meetings have been maintained. 

Phineas Langworthy juay justly be called the father and 
founder of the Methodist Episcopal church in Greenwich. 
By his invitation and influence, North Greenwich became 
connected with the Cambridge circuit through the preach- 
ing of Methodist ministers at that place. Doubtless, before 
his day they had preached occasionally in the town in 
various places, but through his eflForts Methodist preacliing 
was permanently established in Greenwich. He was a 
large-hearted, open-handed man ; a reliable friend and 
counselor of the church ; an earnest, efficient Christian 
worker, of irreproachable and unblemished Christian char- 
acter and conduct. 

His son, the late Robert Langworthy, long and well filled 
the place of his father in the church. His name gave 
credit and his testimony was a tower of strength in the 
church, and his life was a shining light in the Christian 
community. The influence of his experience and example 
is still manifest in the ^Methodist church, and his memory 
will be long and gratefully cherished in the minds of its 
oldest members. 

Of the family of Robert Langworthy there are now 
living in Greenwich his widow, Mrs. Harriett Langworthy ; 
his son, Phinea.s B. Langworthy, and his two daughters, 
Mrs. C. B. Carter and Mrs. P. Skinner, all worthy members 
of the church of their fathers. Of his grandchildren four 
are also members of the Methodist church. 

April 20, 1818, the first Methodist society of Greenwich 
obtained a legal standing according to the statutes at North 
Greenwich. The society wa.s organized in the school-house 
of district No. 6. The preachers then on Cambridge cir- 
cuit were Revs. Friend Draper and Tobias Spieer. John 
Sprague, Derastus Hanks, and Phineas Langworthy were 
the first trustees. 

The society statedly worshiped in the school-house 
during the first year of its organization. In 1819 the 
society built a small house of worship at North Greenwich, 
which they occupied till the building of the present Metho- 
dist church in that place. It was the first church or chapel 
erected by the Methodists in the town of Greenwich. That 
first building is now owned and occupied as a barn by Mr. 
Asa Tefft. It formerly stood farther north, on the opposite 
side of the street from its present site. 

At Battenville, on the Batten Kill, in the southeast part 
of the town, a Methodist class was formed in August, 
1829. 

At what date Methodist preaching commenced at that 
place no records determine. Revs. J. B. Houghtaliug and 
J. M. Weaver were the circuit preachers when the first 
class was formed. Of the members of that class several 
are now living who remember well the circumstances of its 
formation and the trials of those times. David Walsh, 
now eighty-two years and his wife seventy-six years old, 
still residing at Battenville, joined the class at its organiza- 
tion, and have to the present time been consistent members 
of the Methodist church. Several of their children are 
also members of the church, and one son, the Rev. John 



Walsh, is a member of the Kentucky annual conference. 
Phineas K. Stewart, now seventy-one years old, born near 
Battenville, and always having lived at that place, was a 
member of that class, and still remains a member of the 
church of his first choice. Abram Edwards, connected 
with the class from its commencement, was an earnest and 
influential member for years till he moved from the place. 
Abel Whitney was also an active member. Rev. Roswell 
Kelly, a.ssisted by Rev. W. Rider, followed Rev. Mr. 
Houghtaling on Cambridge circuit, and preached statedly 
at Battenville. During his ministry, in 1831, the Hicksite 
Quakers took oft'ense at his outspoken trinitarian theology, 
and organized such an opposition to such orthodox teaching 
in the school-house that the majority of the trustees, being 
Hicksites, decided to close the doors against Methodist 
ministers. 

Hence the Methodists met for worship in the house of 
David Walsh, in which both their social meetings and 
stated Sabbath preaching services were held for two years. 
The pressui'e of public sentiment becoming so strong against 
the course of the school trustees, they opened the school- 
house again, and invited the Methodists to occupy it for 
public worship. 

In June, 1832, Greenwich, as a part of Cambridge cir- 
cuit, fell within the bounds of the Troy annual conference 
from the division of the New York annual conference, by 
the decision of the general conference, held at Philadelphia 
that year. 

December 2, 1833, the Methodist society at Battenville 
was legally organized, with Abram Edwards, P. K. Stewart, 
and David Walsh as trustees. The names of Abel Whitney 
and David Walsh appear on the records as the first elass-^ 
leaders. 

The Union village class (now Greenwich proper) was 
formed some time in 1833. At that time Revs. Joel 
Squires and John Lagrange were the circuit preachers. 
Among the more prominent members of the class were 
Robert Langworthy and wife, George Fisher and wife, 
Lemuel Peterson and wife, Joseph Fisher and wife (Eng- 
lish), and Mrs. Baily. Lemuel Peterson was the first 
class-leader. Previous to the formation of this Methodist 
class the circuit ministers had occasionally preached at 
Union village, holding meetings in the old school-house, 
then standing on the south side of Church street, nearly 
opposite the present ^lethodist parsonage. In that school- 
house the Methodists worshiped for years. Union village 
first appears on the circuit records June 18, 1836. 

March 9, 1838, agreeable to an appointment, several 
friends met at the house of Mrs. Baily to consider the 
building of a Methodist Episcopal church in Union village. 
Rev. Samuel Covel, preacher in charge of Cambridge cir- 
cuit, was chairman, and Rev. Wright Hazen, assistant, was 
secretary of the meeting. Francis Roberson, Oliver Ross, 
and Joseph Hillman were " appointed to circulate a sub- 
scription in fiivor of a church," and also to " ascertain where 
the most favorable site may be obtained, and report at the 
next meeting." 

The Methodist society at this place organized according 
to the statutes of the State, at the school-house, April 21, 
1838. Abram Mosher was chairman. George Fisher, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



351 



Oliver Ross, Joshua Dupy, Francis J. Robersoii, Joseph 
Milluiati, and P. R. Stewart were appointed " trustees of 
the Methodist Episcopal church of Union village." 

By the Troy annual conference, held at Kecsville, June, 
1838, Greenwich, including North Greenwich, Union vil- 
lege, and Battenville, was separated from the Cambridge cir- 
cuit, and becoming a " charge" or circuit by itself, its name 
first appears that year in the conference minutes. Rev. 
Wright Hazen, the junior preacher of Cambridge circuit 
the previous year, was the first minister appointed to the 
Greenwich charge. He resided at North Greenwich, in 
the Methodist parsonage which liad been built at that place 
in 1834-35. He statedly preached at each of the three 
places where a Methodist society had been organized. His 
ministry continued but a few months. His health the 
previous year had been poor, and entirely failed early in the 
fall of his pastorate in Greenwich. He died of " pulmo- 
nary consumption," at North Greenwich, Nov. 12, 1838, in 
the thirty-ninth year of his age. He was born in the town 
of Kent, Putnam Co., N. Y. He joined the New York 
annual conference in May, 1827, and for eleven years he 
was a successful itinerant minister of the New Testament. 
His dying testimony was, " That gospel I have preached to 
others I find to be my support and comfort in this trying 
hour. The cradle of death is fast rocking me away into 
eternity, and I am sure it rocks easy." " Elder" Wash- 
burn preached his funeral sermon from the words, " I 
have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I 
have kept the faith." He was buried with his friends in 
Troy. This faithful Methodist minister, the only one hav- 
ing died in Greenwich, was " diligent in business, fervent 
in spirit, serving the Lord." He is well and kindly remem- 
bered by several of the older members of the church, who 
attended his earnest ministrations of the Word. 

The first Methodist church at Union village stood on the 
site of the present Methodist parsonage. The edifice was 
erected in 1839, and dedicated in March, 184U. Rev. C. 
P. Clark, of the Fort Ann circuit, preached the dedicatory 
sermon. Rev. David Poor was the preacher in charge of 
Greenwich circuit, and Rev. S. D. Simonds superintendent. 

This first house was a small wood structure, with seating 
capacity (including galleries) for four hundred, and cost, 
with one acre of land, some four thousand eight hundred 
dollars. 

During the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Edgerton, in 1856, 
a convenient chapel, costing about one thousand dollars, 
was built on the rear of the church. In 1871 this church, 
with its chapel, was sold to the Roman Catholics, and re- 
moved to Hill street, where it is now occupied by them as 
a hou.se of worship. 

The society at North Greenwich having by default lost its 
legal standing, was reorganized March 14, 1842, with Jonas 
Soames, John W. Clark, and Jesse Spencer, as trustees. 

The present Methodist church at that place will com- 
fortably convene an audience of two hundred and fifty, and 
cost about four thousand dollars. 

The first Methodist parsonage at Greenwich was built in 
the fall of 1843, and occupied the following winter by the 
pastor, Rev. D. C. Starks. It stands just west of the Bap- 
tist church, and is now owned by John S. Crandall. 



In 1844, the society at Battenville bought a lot and 
building formerly occupied as a carriage-shop, and changed 
it into a comfortable chapel, with a capacity for convening 
two hundred jn'rsons, at an entire cost of six hundred dol- 
lars. 

The present magnificent and commodious Methodist 
church edifice was erected during the very successful pasto- 
rate of Rev. F. A. Soule. The fine building site on the 
corner of Church and New streets was purchased of Mr. 
William Holmes. The ground was broken and the mason- 
work commenced in the .spring of 1868. The church was 
completed and publicly consecrated to the worship of God 
in February, 1870. 

Subse(|uently a two-story brick chapel, corresponding 
with the main edifice in style and finish, was built in 
the rear of the church. The entire cost of lot, church, and 
chapel was thirty-three thousand dollars. It is an attractive 
building, of Gothic architecture, and composite style with 
beautiful front, well-proportioned tower, and tall spire, 
thoroughly built, and pleasantly frescoed and fini.shed within, 
with orchestra and auditorium, and end gallery, with sufli- 
cient capacity foi- comfortably seating a thousand persons, 
and, including its capacious aisles, for paching a congrega- 
tion of over fifteen hundred by actual count. 

Altogether it is the most imposing, spacious, and costly 
church structure in Washington county. In 1875 the 
society built a well finished, convenient, two-story par.'ionage 
fronting south, on the site of the old Methodist church, 
valued at four thousand five hundred dollars, making the 
total value of the church property thirty-seven thousand 
five hundred dollars. In convenience and value of church 
property and numerical membership, the Greenwich Metho- 
dist church leads the denomination in the county. Not in- 
cluding North Greenwich, which now is connected with the 
Argy'le Methodi.st Episcopal church, the present total mem- 
bership of the church is over four hundred and twenty-five 
communicants. 

During several pastorates in the history of the church it 
has been greatly favored with gracious evangelical awaken- 
ings and extensive religious revivals, adding to its member- 
ship families of intelligence and influence. As results of 
such religious awakenings, about sixty were added to the 
church, in full fellowship, during the pastorate of Rev. J. 
M. Edgerton, in 1856-57; over one hundred and .sixty 
during the pastorate of Rev. F. A. Soule, in 1866-68; and 
ninety-three during the pastorate of Rev. H. F. Austin, in 
1875-78. During several other pastorates the church has 
been prospered greatly in spiritual interests and material 
increase. 

The growth of the Methodist Episcopal church in Green- 
wich has been almost constant from its very commencement. 
Its gain in membership, moral power, and material prosper- 
ity has been remarkable, considering the obstacles it has 
had to contend against and the older church organizations 
it has had to compete with, that were already occupying the 
ground when Methodist ministers first preached the gospel 
of free grace in Greenwich. 

In Sunday-school work, evangelical efforts, Christian ex- 
ample, benevolent enterprise, church building, gospel tem- 
perance, Christian patriotism, and ipiestions of moral reform, 



352 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the Grreenwich Methodist, church has no mean record or 
cause for shame, when compared with contemporary Chris- 
tian ciiurchcs. In view of all that God hath wrought in the 
growth of this church, " who iiath despised the day of small 
things?' 

At its organization it was a few and " feeble folk," de- 
spised and disputed in its efforts to establish a church. It 
was even complained of to civil authorities by its Christian 
neighbors, who petitioned a court-judge to enjoin its pro- 
ceeding to build as a " public nuisance." But their cause 
was of God, and His good hand in prosperity was on the 
Methodists, who now command the respect of their neigh- 
bors, and are in love and charity with tlie Christian churches. 

The following is a complete list of the pastors, with the 
term of their service, of the Greenwich Methodist Episco- 
pal church, commencing with its separation from the Cam- 
bridge circuit in the spring of 1838 : 1838, Wright Ha- 
zen, one year; 1839, David Poor, one year; 1840, Benja- 
min Marvin, one year; 1841, E. B. Hubbard, two years; 
1843, D. Starke, two years; 1845, Clark Puller, one year; 
1846, Jacob Leonard, two years ; 1848, S. L. Stillman, two 
years; 1850, Ensign Stover, two years; 1852, L. A. San- 
ford, one year; 1853, John Pegg, one year; 1854, Andrew 
Witherspoon, two years; 1856, J. M. Edgerton, two years ; 
1858, Robert Fox, one year; 1859, S. M. Merrill, two 
years; 1861, Hiram Dunn, one year; 1862, Sanford Wash- 
burn, two years ; 1864, P. P. Harrower, two years; 1866, 
F. A. Soule, three years; 1869, Thomas W. Harwood, 
three years; 1872, Elisha Watson, three years; 1875, H. 
F. Austin, three years. 

For list of Methodist ministers preaching in Greenwich 
from 1804 to 1837, inclusive, see history of Cambridge 
(circuit) Methodist Episcopal church. 

CENTRE FALLS 

is a small liamlet on the Batten Kill, two miles above 
Greenwich village, and was settled about 1790 by Smith 
Barber and Natlian Rodgers, who have already been men- 
tioned. James Conlee was next in order of settlement, 
and a son, Monroe, yet resides at the place. Osborn Wil- 
son is also an old settler, having lived in the house he occu- 
pies more than sixty years. Several saw-mills were operated 
here at a very early period, and one was continued until 
1870. A grist-mill was added on same side, which was 
operated by Mathew Burdick. Afterwards this was changed 
to a flax-mill, and la,stly enlarged and formed a part of a 
paper-mill operated by Parker & Co. It was burned in 
1865. On the Jackson side a woolen-factory was erected 
forty years ago by Daniel Anthony, which was enlarged 
to a four-story building, and used as a cotton -factory by 
Thomas Truesdell. Six thou.sand yards of sheeting per 
week were manufactured and many hands employed. This 
factory was destroyed by fire in 1853 ; and a flax-mill 
erected on its site met a similar fate. The magnificent 
power is at present entirely unemployed. 

Near the bridge is the old Nathan Rodgers tavern, yet 
in good condition, but long since surrendered for a private 
house. Farther up the river is another stand, where John 
Kenyon, and later George Ellendorph, kept a tavern, whicli 
has also been converted to private uses. A few mechanic- 



shops are the only things to distinguish the place from a 
farming settlement. 

BATTENVILLE. 

Four miles from Greenwich village is the above-named 
village. It has a pleasant location on both banks of the 
Batten Kill, which here affords good power, and contains 
about three hundred inhabitants. It was settled as a busi- 
ness point about 1815 by John McLean, Thomas McLean, 
Pardon Tefft, Nathan Cottrell and others. Saw- and grist- 
mills were early erected, and as late as 1825 the place was 
known as the " mill-yard." Both are yet operated. About 
1815, Thomas McLean and Abel Dunham laid the founda- 
tion of the old woolen-mill at that place. They failed, and 
the property passed into the hands of Judge McLean. In 
1826 his son-in-law and Daniel Anthony converted it into 
a cotton-mill. Soon after both McLean and Campbell died, 
and Anthony, who acted as agent, subsequently failed. In 
1836 it was for a while run by a man named Graves, after 
which it again lay idle until 1842, when Thomas Truesdell, 
from New York, carried it on successfully for three or four 
years. Then a man named Jloore ostensibly bought it and 
soon after failed, and the Haskin Brothers bought it and 
ran it successfully until it was burned in 1868. 

There were sixty looms in charge of Elijah Hyatt, pro- 
ducing about twelve thousand yards of calico per week and 
employing many operatives. 

In 1872, L. W. Haskin, H. L. Mowry, and W. R. Hob- 
bie formed the Phoenix Paper Company, and erected a mill 
fifty-five by one hundred and forty feet and two stories 
high, with a bleaching-room attached. It was designed at 
first to manufacture hanging-paper, but for the last few 
years it has been run on wrapping-paper. A superior 
quality is produced, which has been awarded the first prize 
at several State fairs. The yearly product is seven hundred 
and fifty tons, and from ten to twelve hundred tons of 
straw are consumed. Sixteen hands are employed. Mowry 
and Hobbie at present constitute the firm. 

A small store was carried on in 1828 by Steward & 
Merriam. Afterwards the different factory companies sold 
goods to their employees and others, among the store- 
keepers being Willard White, Aaron McLean, and An- 
thony. 

Edgar S. Hyatt is at present in trade. 
The post -oflice was established about 1829, — Daniel An- 
thony postmaster. The office has also been held by Aaron 
McLean, Elijah Hyatt, Theodore Graves, Job Skellie, H. 
B. Woodard, E. S. Hyatt, and Fitch McLean. It has a 
tri-weekly mail, from Salem to Greenwich. 

Evening Star Lodge, No. 229, /. 0. of 0. F., was in- 
stituted in 1846, with Charles Frederickson, N. G. ; D. S. 
Teff"t, V. G. The lodge had a flourishing existence for a 
few years, but has gone down. 

The place has had two churches, — a Reformed, on the 
Jackson side, which has become extinct ; and a Methodist 
Episcopal, whose history is elsewhere given. 

EAST GREENWICH. 

This is a pleasant village, near the Salem line, on the 
Batten Kill, and is one of the oldest places in the town. 




CORNELIUS HOLMES, M.D. 



Cornelius Holmes, M.D., was born at Plymouth, Mass., 
June 15, 1774, and was a lineal descendant of the 
emigrant Holmes, one of the Puritan fathers who came in 
the " Mayflower." His parents died when he was only three 
years of age, and he was adopted by his uncle, Cornelius 
Hood, of Pelham, Mass., from whom he received his name. 
Until he was sixteen years of age his time was spent at 
school and on the farm. At the age of twenty-one he came 
to West Rupert, Vt., and began the study of medicine with 
Dr. Graves, which he continued for some four years. Cir- 
cumstances necessitated him to provide his own means for 
completing his studies, and he accepted the principalship 
of the Washington Academy, at Salem, which position he 
filled for two years, when he resumed his study with Dr. 
Asa Fitch, at Fitch's Point. 

After receiving a license to practice his profession, he 
married, September, 1809, Miss Mary, daughter of Colonel 
David Gray and Sarah Smith, of Salem, — the latter of 
Scotch descent and whose ancestors were driven from Scot- 
land to L-eland on account of religious persecution. Dr. 
Holmes gave the first impulse to planting trees in the vil- 
lage, and brought on horseback from Fitch's Point, where 
he had studied medicine, the first shade-trees planted in 
the village of Greenwich, — they were young poplars, — but 
finding they were not the best trees for shade or beauty, 
he planted elms and maples in their places. 

He was one of the first trustees of the village (in 1809), 
and was one of the five who built the first academy, — the 
building now owned by Mr. Ira C. Stevens. He was 



earnest and very energetic in its support and prosperity, 
and took an active part in all its operations, though his 
medical practice was very large. He was among the first 
to suggest improvements, and if money was wanted to 
carry forward any enterprise he furnished it without dis- 
play. Dr. Holmes was a man of much decision of char- 
acter. Honest and upright in all his dealings, studious 
and very skillful in his profession, outspoken and un- 
reserved, he was a man upon whom his friends could rely 
under all circumstances. He held in contempt cunning 
and intrigue and prevarication in all their forms. W^hat- 
ever was done by him was not for show or to gain applause, 
but for some real, genuine benefit. 

Having enjoyed a very extensive practice for over forty 
years, he at the age of seventy-five gave up his ride and 
retired from the active duties of life ; yet so long as he 
lived he did not relax in spirit, in the development of not 
only the village but in establishing good society. He died 
Jan. 29, 18H5, at the very advanced age of ninety-one 
years. There were born to Dr. and Mrs. Holmes nine 
children, four of whom died young. The others were Asa 
Fitch Holmes, Leroy ; Sarah Gray, wife of Dr Daniel M. 
Neil, of Jersey City; Mary Elizabeth (decea.sed), wife of 
William Dewitt McLean, of Greenwich ; and Julia A. 
The wife and mother survived her husband some twelve 
years, and died Oct. 24, 1877. Dr. Holmes was a self- 
made man in every sense of the word, and left an example 
in his works worthy the emulation of the young men of 
the rising s;eneration. His influence still remains. 





ASA FITCH HOLMES. 



MRS. ASA P. HOLMES. 



ASA FITCH HOLMES. 



Asa Fitch Holmes was boru in January, 1S13, in the 
village of Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y. He was a 
son of Dr. Cornelius Holmes and Mary Gray, early settlers 
of the village, the former one of the pioneer physi- 
cians of the county, and especially of Greenwich, and 
after a life of usefulness as a citizen and in his pro- 
fession, honored by all who knew him, died at the 
advanced age of ninety-one years.* 

Mr. Holmes spent his minority at school at Cambridge 
and Eiizabethtown, and as a printer and a clerk in a store, 
where he learned the useful lessons of a business char- 
acter, which fitted him for his subsequent career of active 
life. In the year 1829 he entered a partnership with 
Edwin Andrews, in the dry goods trade, which continued 
for soven years. Subsequently he went into trade with 
Morgan Heath, and continued for some eight years, and 
the balance of the time he was in business he was alone, 
until about six years prior to his death. After the close 

* See hia portrait and biography elsewhere in this work. 



of his mercantile business he was appointed postmaster, 
which position he occupied for four years. His life was one 
of activity, industry, and self-reliance, with that unostentatious 
integrity that commands the confidence of all good citizens. 

In politics, Mr. Holmes was a Whig formerly, later an 
ardent, though not very active, member of the Republi- 
can party. In whatever he undertook he was characterized 
for his firmness, decision, and great resolution. 

In the year 1834, September, he married Miss Lucy 
S., fifth daughter of Luke Prentiss and Susannah Wil- 
der, formerly of Massachusetts, but of Greenwich at that 
time. By this union there were born two children, only 
one of whom, a son, Leroy M. Holmes, survives, and 
resides in Springfield, Vt. He married Miss Amelia 
Cutler, of Springfield. 

Mrs. Holmes, since the death of her husband, Feb. 5, 
1857, has most of the time resided with her sister, Mrs. 
Wing, and is a lady of great sociability, strong resolution, 
and of tliose fine (jualities that make home attractive. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



353 



Roger Reid was the first to make a beginning at this point, 
and the house he erected remained many years. Other 
pioneers were Archibald Livingston, William Blake, Alex- 
ander and James Shaw, James Cherry, Samuel Curtiss, Wm. 
McDougall, and Wm. Robertson. The growth of the 
place has not been rapid, and at present it numbers only a 
few hundred inhabitants, including the settlement on the 
Jackson side. 

The dam across the Batten Kill aft"iirds an eight-fnot 
power, which was employed, about ISOO, to operate saw- 
mills for James Shaw, James Cherry, and others ; and mil- 
lions of feet of lumber were cut at this point. This fact 
caused the place to be named " Slab City." A sawmill, 
erected in 1818 by James Shaw, has its site occupied by a 
first-class lumber-mill, operated since 1861 by Wm. Walker. 

The grist-mill was erected the same year by Shaw, and 
some modifications yet remain. Since 1856, W. H. Lar- 
kins has owned this property. On the Jackson side, a two- 
story woolen-factory was put up in 1828 by Jedediah Post 
and John Taggart, which was operated until its destructioti 
by fire in 1845. 

The present factory was shortly after erected by Wm. 
Baker, and enlarged by Nelson Keefer. It is a good fac- 
tory, but has not been operated for some time. A sash- 
and blind-factory has been kept in succcs.sful operation since 
1850 by Archibald Leudrum. 

Seventy years ago William McDougall had a saw-mill 
and a tannery on the brook below the village, the ruins of 
the works yet being visible. The mechanic arts are at 
present represented by several good shops. 

James Shaw was one of the first to engage iu mercantile 
pursuits to any great extent, and remained until his death. 
There was a union store at this place ; and others active in 
trade were Moses Robertson, J. E. Beebe, Thomas Mc- 
Claughry, Wm. Jacoby, and Snyder. The village has sev- 
eral stores doing a good business. 

The post-oiBce was established about 1835, with Mo.ses 
Robertson postmaster. Subsequently the position has been 
held by William Hall, Moses Billings, Nelson Keefer, J. 
Beebe, and the present official, Wm. H. Martin. There is 
a tri-weekly mail from Salem, distance five miles. 

Chester Johnson put up the first tavern in 1841, using 
the frame-work of an old factory which was demolished at 
Fitch's Point. In an enlarged condition this is the tavern 
at present. Below the village, at the foot of Sand street, 
was a pioneer tavern, dating its origin to the beginning of 
the present century. It was a noted hostelry, and in later 
years bore the name of the keepers, — the Dunn family. 
The house is used as a farm residence. 

About 1829, Dr. Robert Stevenson located as the fir.st 
physician. Since his removal Drs. Scott, Stewart, Doug- 
las and others have been in practice. Dr. J. J. Milling- 
ton is the present resident physician. But a short distance 
above the village is Dr. Asa Fitch, for many years one of 
the foremost physicians in the county. 

THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OF EAST 
GREENWICH. 

This society was organized May 30, 1849, with fifty-one 
members, most of whom had withdrawn from the South 
45 



Argyle congregation for this purpose, as the Associate 
congregation of East Greenwich. The Rev. D. W. French, 
of Salem, presided over the meeting, which elected Samuel 
Dobbin, William McNeil, and Robert Telford as the first 
ruling elders. At a subsequent meeting .steps were taken 
to build a church, and the same season a substantial frame, 
forty by fifty-two feet, was erected on an eligible site in the 
village at a cost of two thousand dollars. The house was 
consecrated in December, 1849, by the Rev. James P. 
Miller, of South Argyle, who preached an appropriate 
sermon from the text, " Not by might, nor by power, but 
by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." On the 28th of 
January, 1850, the congregation appointed George Christie, 
Wm. McNeil, Francis H. Arnot, Alexander Small, Andrew 
Randies, and Thomas Cherry a board of trustees. Their 
present successors in office arc John Cowan, John W. 
Snyder, Alexander Ilea, and Charles Dunn. 

In the spring of 1850 the Rev. Joseph McKirahan was 
ordained as the first pastor, and labored in that capacity 
until 1854. From that period until 1857 the congregation 
was without a regular pastor, but in the fall of that season 
the Rev. John B. Dunn was settled, and remained four 
years. Again there was a vacancy in the pastoral office, 
but in October, 1863, the Rev. James M. Orr came in 
obedience to a call, remaining, however, only a short time, 
as poor health warned him to return to his home in Ohio, 
where he died in 1865. In July, 1868, the Rev. W. R. 
Gladstone entered the pastoral office, continuing until Jan- 
uary, 1877. The present pastor, the Rev. George T. 
Galbraith, commenced his labors in July, the same year, 
preaching to a congregation of about two hundred, and 
having one hundred and twenty-two communicants. The 
present session of elders is composed of John Beveridge, 
John Arnot, John Maxwell, A. Lendrum, John Cowan, 
James Small, James McMorris, and John McGeoch. 

A Sabbath-school was established in 1850, which has 
been superintended since 1869 by A. Lendrum ; has about 
one hundred members. 



Nine miles northeast of the village of Greenwich is the 
thriving hamlet of liake. Being situated at the foot of 
Cossayuna lake, on both sides of the creek of the same 
name, it has attained some importance as a manufacturing 
place. The first settlers at Lake and its vicinity were 
Alexander Reid, John McEachron, John Tinsler, Robert 
Mount, Jonathan and David Paddock, Richard Hay, James. 
Alexander, Thomas Lamb, E. Clougli, William Henry, and " 
Walter Stewart. The latter came about 1782, and settled 
on lot 41, which yet remains in the family. Walter G., 
one of his sons, is an old resident of Lake. Another old 
settler was William Pratt, on lot 57, where he died in 1830. 
Of a family of twelve children, Simon, an old man, resides 
at Lake, William, an attorney, in California, and Daniel in 
Syracuse. The latter, after graduating from Union College 
in 1833, moved to Onondaga county, studied law, and in 
1843 was appointed the first judge of the county. In 
1847 he became a justice of the Supreme Court, and held 
that position until 1859. In 1873 he was elected attorney- 
general of the State. In the same neighborhood lived 



354 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



George Beveridge, who removed to Illinois, where one of 
his sons, John L., was elected to the office of governor. 
An uncle of his, James Beveridge, Sr., still resides near 
Lake. Here also settled the Hanks family, and one of the 
sons yet occupies the homestead, on lot 71. 

One of the first mills in this locality was erected below 
the village by Asa Carter. The overflow of this dam caused 
a great deal of sickne.ss, and, on complaint, it was torn 
down by the .sheriff, when the epidemic abated. 

At the village three dams were built across the creek to 
afford power for as many saw-mills, operated by men named 
Vanderburg, Pulsom, and Bragg. But one mill remains, 
and is operated by the Alexander brothers. The grist- 
mill was erected in LSIO, and is the same sti-ucture in a 
remodeled condition. 

A fulling-mill took the place of one of the early saw- 
mills, and was owned by Silas Walter and Jacob Hyatt. 
Afterwards it was used as a potato-starch factory, and is at 
present idle. 

Sixty years ago a tannery was built at the middle dam 
by Moses Cowan, and was operated by different parties 
until a few years ago, being at present inoperative. 

In 1860, Durham & Burdick erected a flax-mill, which 
is yet operated on a large scale, by the Alexander Brothers. 
Employment is given to many men, and an excellent quality 
of lint is manufactured. 

A store was opened at this point about 1800; and in 
1812, George Stewart began trade in a small frame house 
near the present stand of his son, Walter G., who has been 
a merchant in the place for the last forty years. Among 
other merchants were Moses Cowan, John Viele, R. W. 
Richey, Durham & Burdick. 

The post-office was established about 1840, with R. W. 
Richey as the first postmaster. G. Taylor, D. Wallace, 
and W. G. Stewart have been his successors. The mail is 
semi-weekly from North Greenwich. 

Among the physicians resident at Lake were Doctors 
Turner, Sprague, McNish, Mack, Spencer, Harris, and 
Irwin. There is no practitioner at present. 

THE LAKEVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH 

is a branch of the Bottskill church, at Greenwich, and was 
organized Sept. 10, 1834, at a council called for this pur- 
pose, over which the Rev. G. Witherell presided. Norman 
Wallace and Joseph Tefft were chosen deacons, and Daniel 
Wallace, clerk. The first meetings were held in the school- 
house, but on the 24th of January, 1835, measures were 
taken to build a meeting-house thirty-four by forty feet. 
But it is believed that thie house was not dedicated until 
January, 1837, the cost at that time being estimated at 
twelve hundred dollars. In 1874 the house was recon- 
structed, its length increased by the addition of twelve feet 
and otherwise improved, so as to make it a comfortable 
place of worship. This cost, including the bell, was three 
thousand three hundred dollars. The rededication services 
were performed Dec. 17, 1874, by the Revs. J. 0. Mason 
and A. E. Clark. 

The following have served as pastors or stated supplies : 
Revs. A. Kenyon, B. F. Garfield, W. Brand, S. Wright, D. 
Sweet, J. J. Peck, J. 0. Mason, E. R. Warren, M. P. 



Favor, and A. E. Clark. The latter has occupied the pul- 
pit about one-third of the time since 1834. The church 
has about ninety members. H. Hanks and L. Brown are 
the deacons, and E. Clough clerk. A flourishing Sabbath- 
school, superintended by J. H. Dinge, is connected with 
the church. 

NORTH GREENWICH 

is a small hamlet in the northern part of the town, extend- 
ing to the Argyle line. It was foi'inerly known as Reid's 
Corners, from William Reid, an early settler, whose son, 
H. L. Reid, is yet a prominent citizen of the place. Other 
pioneers in this locality were Nathan and Joshua Tucker, 
Archibald McKallor, Asa Teff't, Seth Rood, Jedediah Harts- 
horn, Phineas Langworthy, and Woods & Shankland. The 
latter had the first store, about 1800. W. G. McMasters 
was also early in trade. From 1816 to 1860, William 
Reid, and since 1865, H. L. Reid, have been the merchants 
of the place. 

In 1825 the post-office was established, and William 
Reid was the first postmaster. It has since been in charge 
of F. A. Parker and H. L. Reid, and has a daily mail 
from Greenwich. 

About 1836 a hotel was opened by Hezekiah Luther, 
and kept by him until his death. The building is now F. 
Gleason's residence. 

The place has had as physicians Drs. McKnight, Har- 
kins, and Stevenson. 

The apple-orchard of G. H. Wells, near the hamlet, is 
the largest in the county, containing four thousand thrifty 
trees. It was planted since 1850. 

The history of the Methodist church will be elsewhere 
given. 

MIDDLE FALLS. 

This enterprising place is very pleasantly situated on both 
banks of the Batten Kill, on a bend of the stream, two 
miles below Greenwich village. Settlement was begun 
here before 1800, but, on account of its proximity to the 
former village, the place has never attained the size which 
its valuable water-privileges would otherwise have given 
it. It has about five hundred inhabitants. The village 
was formerly called Galesville, in honor of John Gale, an 
early settler and the owner of a portion of the village site. 
In February, 1875, the name of the village and post-office 
was changed to the present one, largely through the instru- 
mentality of J. H. Reynolds, Esq. Two unsucces.sful at- 
tempts had previously been made looking to the same end. 
The village is situated between Hardscrabble falls above, 
and the Dionoudohawa falls below; the latter being ninety- 
five feet in height, the former twelve feet, and the middle 
falls forty -five feet ; for which reason the name adopted is 
made appropriate, both as to location on the stream, and 
height of the fixll. 

Abraham G. Lan.sing made the first business settlement 
about 1790, by building a house and mill on the Greenwich 
side. The mill was a small affair, and when Joseph Heath 
purchased it he enlarged and remodeled it. On this founda- 
tion the present mill was erected, whose capacity is six 
hundred bushels per day. On the Easton side John Gale 
erected, in 1810, the " Washington County custom and 
flouring-mills," which are yet operated by his sou, F. A. 





NELSON 

Nelson H. Wing was born at Glen's Falls, Warren Co., 
N. Y., March U, 1807. He was the .son of William Wing 
and Rachel Gray. The former was an active business man, 
and spent most of his life as the proprietor of a public- 
house, for many years in Whitehall, N. Y., and subse- 
quently at Troy, N. Y. 

Nelson H. resided at the place of his birth until ho was 
thirteen years of age, when he went to Albany as clerk for 
Wiswall & King, and remained there until 1822. He 
then, for one year and a half, was clerk for J. & J. R. 
Westcot, of Saratoga Springs, when his father opened the 
Clinton House at Whitehall, the first hotel in the State 
named after Governor Clinton. He was at Whitehall for 
three years. In the spring of 1827 his father went to Troy 
and bought the Franklin House, and they as partners carried 
it on for three years, when Mr. Wing .sold his interest to 
his father and went to Michigan, then on the borders of 
civilization, and engaged in trade with the Indians, who 
thickly inhabited that part of the country. His operations 
there laid the foundation of the immense fortune he pos- 
sessed, for he went west with only a small sum of money, — 
one thousand dollars ; but he had made many friends among 
the first business men of Troy and Albany, and by reason 
of his honesty and strict business habits lie could get all 
the credit he desired. Of the one thousand dollars, he built 
a store and house costing three hundred dollars. 

He left Troy for Michigan in 1830, and went to Dexter, 
about forty-eight miles west of Detroit, where he opened a 
general store and began barter with the Indians, who were 
his chief customers during the first five years. At the end 
of twenty months he had made seven thousand dollars, — a 
brisk business for the wilderness. He lived at Dexter about 
twenty years in all, and, in connection with his store, engaged 
in locating land at the government price, — one dollar and 
twenty-five cents per acre. 



J}, 



U 



^7' 



II. WING. 

Some time in 1851 or 1852, with Abram Wing, of Glen's 
Falls, he established a bank at Detroit, and removed to 
that city, living there more or less until 1859, when he 
came east, living at Greenwich, Washington county, during 
the summer, and at Boston in the winter. He lived at 
Boston, with his family, about twelve winters, always board- 
ing at the Revere House. While in the west, Mr. Wing 
was director of a bank fifteen years ; was county treasurer, 
and was postmaster at Dexter seven years and a half. 

He bought and sold a large amount of real estate in 
Chicago, Detroit, and Dubuque. He was interested in all 
the railroads of his time. He went to Omaha, Plattsmouth, 
and Nebraska City to fix the terminus of the B. k M. R. 
R. R., and purchased property along the line for depots 
and other purposes. 

He purchased the lands for their freight depot at Chicago. 
In Iowa he formed a land company. He bought and con- 
tracted for eighteen farms near Jackson, Michigan, for the 
M. C. R. R., in order to prevent the M. S. R. R. building 
a road ; and at one time he owned and managed four 
stores, had an interest in two grist-mills, and owned twenty 
farms. During his long experience among the aborigines 
he never lost but one debt due him by an Indian ; and never 
had a difiiculty with any of them but once, when a drunken 
Indian drew a knife to stab him, when he immediately 
knocked " the noble red man" down with an axe-helve, 
and threw him out of the store. Mr. Wing was considered 
one of the shrewdest business men that ever lived in the 
country. 

In December, 1829, he married Miss Emma Prentiss, of 
Greenwich, a most estimable lady, who is still living. 
She has had two children, both deceased. Mrs. Wing 
is a lady of rare good common sense, unassuming in her 
ways, and a model woman, carrying arouud her a circle of 
warm friends. 



HISTOllY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



355 



Gale. Their capacity is one thousand bushels per day. Mr. 
Gale also operates plaster- and cement-mills. On the same 
side, an excellent woolen-factory was built in 1845, of brick, 
forty by sixty feet, and four stories high, by Gale & Co. It 
was first operated by Hart Reynolds, and was at one time 
supplied with knitting machinery. This has been removed. 
A fulling-mill and distillery were owned many years ago by 
Joseph Heath. He had, also, one of the first stores, in the 
red building near the bridge. Sherman & Gale built a 
good business block on the Easton side, and were suc- 
ceeded in their business in 1838 by Ingraham & Hall. It 
1842, Hall erected the large brick block on the Greenwich 
side. The later merchants have been the Reynolds Brothers 
and W. L. Robinson. 

Pioneer taverns were kept by a man named Crowner and 
Nathan Tefft. The present Middle Falls House was origi- 
nally the residence of Sidney Heath. The physicians of 
the place have been Doctors Carmichael, Mason, Scott, and 
Zipperley, at present in practice. 

The post-office of Galesville was established in or about 
the year 1835, with Bryant Sherman as postmaster. He 
was succeeded by S. M. Burke, and he in turn by William 
L. Robinson. The present postmaster of Middle Falls is 
James H. Reynolds, and the office is now located at the 
store of W. Pitt Reynolds. 

The village now contains one large woolen-factory, two 
cement- and plaster-mills, and two flouring- and custom- 
mills, which rank among the best in the county. 

THE WEST GREENWICH BAPTIST CHURCH. 

On the 10th of June, 1837, a number of persons formed 
themselves into a legal body to be known as the " Church 
and Society of West Greenwich," and elected the following 
trustees to have charge of the temporalities of the society : 
D. W. Heath, Abner Wright, David W. Williams, James 
R. Newbury, Enos C. Clark, Francis P. Robinson, and 
Amos Egleston. On the 23d of August, 1843, the corporate 
name was changed to the present title. This society 
erected a plain but neat brick house of worship in the vil- 
lage of Middle Falls, which has been used by the Baptist 
church, as well as by other bodies for occasional services, 
and in which, in 1837, met the newly-organized body. 
This was composed of sixty members who had withdrawn 
from the Bottskill church for the purpose of establishing a 
church nearer their homes, and were under the charge of 
the Rev. B. P. Garfield. His pastoral connection extended 
to 1844, when Thomas S. Rogers succeeded him. From 
1845 to the present the following have been the clergy : 
Solomon Gale, Jerome Mason, William Bowen, M. P. 
Forbes, Emerson Andrews, E. S. Yocum, J. 0. Mason, and 
J. Gardner. The church has a membership of one hundred 
and forty-five, and the Sabbath-school has one hundred and 
fifteen members. It has a library of two hundred and seventy 
volumes. F. A. Parker is the superintendent. 

The present church clerk is W. L. Robinson. 

THE BATTEN KILL DIVISION, SONS OP TEMPERANCE, 

was instituted at this place, June 12, 1848, and had for 
several years a very flourishing existence. It has long 
since disbanded. 



BALD MOUNTAIN 
is a village of a few hundred inhabitants, situated at the 
western base of the mountain, two miles from Middle Falls. 
A scattering settlement was made here before 1790 ; and 
it is supposed that lime was burned at the mountain as early 
as 1785. Samuel Dunham erected a kiln for the regular 
burning of lime soon after, and Gardner Thayer and Sam- 
uel Heath carried on the business on an enlarged scale. 
In 1849 there were a number of kilns, owned by Gamble, 
Teff"t, and Wright, but the business was not carried on very 
extensively until 1852. That year Robert W. Lowber pur- 
chased the quarries and much of the surrounding land, and 
pushed the business with remarkable energy. He erected 
ten kilns of the most approved kind, with elevated truck- 
ways to transport the rock from the quarry to the top of 
the kiln. He had a large saw-mill and cooper-shop, which 
enabled him to manufacture barrels directly from the log. 
These facilities enabled him to manufacture one hundred 
and sixty thousand barrels of lime annually, which always 
found a ready market. To facilitate transportation to the 
canal, three miles distant, Mr. Lowber constructed a macad- 
amized road costing $10,000. For his workmen he erected 
sixty plain but very neat and comfortable tenements, which 
compose the village. For many years this place was one 
of the busiest in the town, but in 1872 Mr. Lowber dis- 
posed of his interests in the lime-works to the Bald Moun- 
tain Lime Co., who also operate lime-works at Glen's 
Falls. By the terms of the contract the Lowber works 
were to bo kept in operation so as to afibrd employment to 
his old workmen. This has been observed in the .spirit 
only, as but one kiln is kept at work, thus throwing hun- 
dreds of persons out of employment and causing their re- 
moval. The place at present has a forsaken appearance, 
only a few of the cottages being occupied. Years ago an 
excellent article of pottery was produced at this place by 
Lemuel Rowel and others, but the manufacture has long 
since been discontinued. 

lu 1853 a store was opened in the village by R. W. 
Lowber, and continued several years by the Bald IMountain 
Union Store Co. The interest was disposed to the Bald 
Mountain Store Association, who continued in trade until 
Jan. 1, 1S78. The post-office was established in 1854, 
and had Samuel B. Thome as postmaster. John Lowber 
had the office in 1869, when it was discontinued. 

A pleasant chapel was erected in 1870, by Mr. Lowber, 
which was designed for the use of his workmen, but which, 
owing to the affiiirs at the lime- works, has never been opened 
for worship. 

A few miles below Middle Palls, near the mouth ot the 
Batten Kill, is a mill settlement known as 

Clark's mills. 
The place contains about twenty houses. Here is the 
first water-power on the kill from the Hudson, and it is 
supposed that* it was improved as early as 1731, and that 
the mill mentioned in the records of the French and Indian 
wars, of the exploits in this section, was located at this 
point. In later days Holmes & Shearer carried on the 
lumber business very extensively. Hiram Clark succeeded 
to the business, and yet operates the saw- and plaster-mills. 



356 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



A planing-mill is operated by Carhard & Van Valken- 
burg, who are also heavy dealers in lumber, having large 
yards, which are supplied from points on the Hudson river. 
The place has a store, which was opened in 1862, on the 
co-operation system. In 1869, George Rogers secured the 
interest, and has been in trade ever since. 

Below the State dam, on the Hudson, are Thonipsun's 
mills, which rank among the most complete establishments 
in the county. The dam is a V-shaped structure, of the 
most substantial masonry, thus affording permanent power. 
The mills were erected on a smaller scale, in 1870, by 
Richards & Co. Two years later, L. Thompson purchased 
the property and enlarged to the present dimensions, ninety- 
.six by one hundred feet. The mill has six wheels, and is 
supplied with the most approved machinery for sawing and 
finishing all kinds of lumber. Its cutting capacity is forty 
thousand feet per day. The logs are floated to the mill 
from the forests on the upper Hudson and tributary streams. 
Fifty men are employed, and the place presents a scene of 
interesting activity. Above the dam is the Fort Miller 
bridge, a wooden structure more than one thousand feet in 
length. Three miles above is the Fort Miller village, a 
small part of which is in Greenwich. Formerly a saw-mill 
was on the brook at this place, and it is said that in 1790 
seven mills were operated by the same stream in the town 
of Greenwich. 

MILITARY HISTORY. 

Our space will permit but a brief allusion to some of the 
events which will be more fully detailed elsewhere. In the 
movements of Bargoyne's army from the north a detach- 
ment, under Lieut.-Col. Baum, crossed into Greenwich and 
encamped near the present Clark's Mills. From this point 
small scouting-parties were sent along tlie Batten Kill, on 
both sides of the stream, towards the objective point, Ben- 
nington. It is thought that the route on the eastern side 
was reported the most favorable, and that the movement of 
Baum's force was on that side. The scouting-party which 
passed up on the Greenwich side stopped at the house of 
Thomas Bentley, near the Hannah Place house, but nothing 
was done to molest the inmates, who at that time were Mrs. 
Bentley and two small children. The scouts evidently 
intended to disguise their purposes, and moved as quietly as 
possible. The presence of the enemy caused the flight of 
many of the settlers to what were supposed to be places of 
safety, but which brought them into the path of the army, 
near Bennington. 

The part taken by the citizens in the struggle for inde- 
pendence does not seem to have been considerable, but the 
names of some have already been mentioned in the list of 
early settlers. 

In 1812 a large number responded, but did not reach 
the seat of war in time to be actively engaged. 

In the Civil War of 1861-65 the town furnished two 
hundred and thirty-one men, and perhaps more, for whom 
no credit has been received. One hundred of these lost 
their lives in the service. The town was represented in 
about twenty regiments, although the greater number were 
in the 12.Sd, 93d, 30th, and 22d Regiments of New York 
Volunteers. The town expended for war purposes eighty- 
eight thousand and seventy-four dollars and eighty-two 



cents, and furnished the following commissioned officers : 
Lieut.-Col. E. Franklin Norton. Capt. Alonzo Truman 
Mason, Capt. Abram Reynolds, Capt. James Cowan Shaw, 
and Brevet-Capt. George Robinson. Lieut.-Col. Norton 
was the only commissioned officer who lost his life in battle.* 
He died May 12, as brave men die, from wounds received 
at the battle of Chancellorsville, May 1, 1863. The 123d 
Regiment, in which most of our volunteers were found, 
participated in twenty battles, and their regimental flag, laid 
away in the military archives of the State, bears evidence 
in its tattered folds of the true hearts that followed it. 

The names of those who served in the army are appended 
hereto. The town adopted appropriate measures to fill the 
quotas required, at a special meeting, Oct. 30, 1862, when 
a bounty of two thousand four hundred dollars was author- 
ized to be paid by the town auditors. On the ISth of De- 
cember, 1863, the action of the board of supervisors was 
ratified, and John Stewart, James I. Lourie, Archibald 
Lendrum, Morgan Heath, and I. G. Parker appointed a 
committee to fill the quota, by paying a two-hundred-dollar 
bounty to each volunteer. 

At the annual meeting of town auditors, Nov. 15, 1863, 
it was resolved to extend relief to indigent families of sol- 
diers, and the town clerk and justices of the peace were 
authorized to ascertain such cases and supply their needs. 

At a special meeting, March 26, 1864, the supervisor 
was authorized to pay three hundred and fifty dollars per 
volunteer; and Aug. 11, 1864, Isaac G. Parker, N. G. 
Moor, Abram Reynolds, Wm. M. Holmes, J. T. Masters, 
Morgan Heath, as a committee, were to pay five hundred 
dollars per volunteer. Dec. 27, 1864, I. G. Parker, Abram 
Reynolds, and Wm. L. Cozzens were appointed a final com- 
mittee to fill the quota. 

WAK OF 1861-66. 

Albert Allen, eiil. Aug. 5, 1S62, 123d Kegt., Co. A ; ilied of ilisrase at Murfrees- 
boio', Teiin., Dec. 1863. 

Joshua AHen, eiil. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Kt-gt., Co. A; disch. Juno 8, 1865. 

Frank L. Amos, enl. Aug. 20, 1862, 123d Kfgt.,Co. I ; discli. June 8, 1865. 

Evander Burtis, 123d Regl., Co. A; died at Philadelphia, 1862. 

Ansel Bentley, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 12.1d Regt., Co. A ; disch. May 24, 1865. 

Ezra Bootcr, enl. Aug. 16, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 

Le Roy Briggs, enl. July 24, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 

Ferdinand Bourne, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kcgt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 

Wni. Bartlett, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 12;id Regt., Co. A ; killed in battle at Chancel- 
lorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Oscar Baumes, enl. Aug. 17, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; killed, May 1, 181*), at 
Chancellorsville, Va. 

.Tohn Baumes, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. Juno S, 1865. 

James H. Bennett, 123d Regt., Co. A. 

Adelliert Brown, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A. 

John Barry, enl. July 29, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. H. 

Wm. Barron, enl. April 2.1, 1861, 22d Regt., Co, D; pro. to sergt. ; diacli. June 
19, 1863. 

John M. Baker, 123d Regt., Co. A. 

.Tohn Brackett, enl. Sept. 1, 1861, 44th Regt., Co. K- wounded at Gettysburg, 
and died July 15, 1863, 

John M, Burdick, sergt, ; enl. May, 1861, 30th Regt,, Co, I ; served full time; 
re-enl, 2l8t Cav,, Co. I; taken prisoner June 19,1864; detained seven 
months ; died from effects after reaching home, Jan. 8, 1865. 

Debis Baird, 21st Cav., Co. E. 

George F. Burke, enl. Dec. 30, 1863, 16th Art., Co. K ; died of wounds received 
at Old Point Comfort, Va. 

.Tohn Blake, enl. Nov. 1, 1862, 96th Regt., Co. E; discharged, 

John Brannin. 

Charles Bridges, enl. Doc. 23, 1863, 16th Art,, Co, I. 

John Baker, enl. Sept. 3, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A, 

Harvey Bosworth, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A. 

s See iiiirtrait and hiogruijllical sketch. 





^ ' V ' S)4X</T!ZA^ 



GEO. STEWART. 



WALTER G. STEWART. 



Walter G. Stewart was born in the town of Greenwich, 
Washington Co., N. Y., Blarch 13, 1813. 

His grandfather, Walter Stowai't, with liis wife, Isabella 
Dunlap, came from Scotland about the year 178-4, soon 
after their marriage, and settled in the town of Greenwich 
about the year 1790, and a part of the old homestead is 
now owned and occupied by one of the grandsons, Robert 
Stewart. Once settled in the wilderness, they met the ob- 
stacles of pioneer life with that courage and resolution that 
characterized the generations following. 

He lived to the age 'of eighty-two years, and died Jan. 
22, 1836. His wife died, at the age of eighty years, some 
six years prior to his death. Their children's names were 
Robert, George, and James. 

George Stewart, father of the subject of this narrative, 
was born in the year 1786, and was five years old when 
they came to Greenwich. Married Anna Darrow, of Heb- 
ron, Jan. 10, 1810, by whom he had nine children, — 
Jared D., Walter G., James, Mary Ann, Jane, George D., 
John, William, and Robert ; of whom four are living in 
1878, — Walter G. ; Jane, wife of Alexander Lyon, of Ford 
Co., Illinois ; George D., of Argyle; and Robert, of Green- 
wich. 

The father was a farmer by occupation. Was a member 
of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church of Salem 
nearly his whole life (of which church the grandfather was 
an elder, and among the members in its early history), and 
died in the year 1859. 

The mother was only daughter of Jared Darrow, of Heb- 



ron ; was also a consistent member of the same church as 
her husband, and died May 27, 1839. Some of her an- 
cestors lived to be very old, her grandmother living to be 
nearly a hundred years of age. 

Walter G. spent his minority until the age of fourteen 
on the farm, and at that age entered the store of his father 
at Lake, in the town of Greenwich, where he remained 
until he was of age, when he took charge of the business 
for himself; he has made the mercantile trade a life-work, 
and ha.s been very successful. 

In the year 1840 he married Miss Eunice, daughter of 
William Reid, a merchant, of North Greenwich. She was 
born in the year 1819. By this union were born four 
children, — Mattie A., wife of Rev. J. H. Robinson, a 
Presbyterian clergyman, of Delhi, Delaware Co., N. Y. ; 
Caroline (deceased) ; William Herbert ; and Mary T. Mrs. 
Stewart, during the latter part of her life, was a member of 
the United Presbyterian church of South Argyle ; was an 
exemplary woman in all her ways, and her example is 
worthy the emulation of those who follow her. She died 
Dec. 10, 1873. 

Mr. Stewart has spent a life of activity in business. Has 
been postmaster of Lake for some twenty-five years. In 
politics he is identified with the Republican party, and by 
the suffrages of his townsmen has enjoyed the office of 
justice of the peace for one term of four years. He is still 
carrying on the mercantile business at his old stand, having 
as.sociated with him, in the year 1871, his son, William 
Herbert, under the firm-name of W. G. Stewart & Son. 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



357 



George L. Cramer, sergt.; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 12.3d Regt., Tn A ; trans, to Vut. 

Reserve Corps, Sept. 1862 ; disch. June 24, 1865. 
Eugene Cowen, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; pm. to sergl. ; disch. 

June 8, 1865. 
Albert M. Cook, corp. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 12ad Regt., Co. A ; pro. to sergt. ; discli. 

June 8, 1865. 
Robert Cliambers, enl. Sept. 11, 18G2, 22d Regt., Co. D; trans, to 76tli Begt.; to 

147th Regt.; disch. June 7, 1805. 
Charles Campbell, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, ISOO. 
Palmer K. Clark, musician; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. for 

wounds, Dec. 25, 1863. 
James Curtis. 

Volney Craw, enl. Aug. 18. 1862, 3d Art. ; disch. July, 1865. 
John Cutter, enl. April, 1861, 9th Regt., Co. A ; re-enl. 12.id Regt., Sept. 1864; 

disch. June 8, I860. 
Darius S. Chapin, enl. June 3, 1801, 22d Regt., Co. D ; disch. June 19, 1803. 
John R. Creighton, 21st Cav., Co. E. 
John Curtis, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A. 
John Cary, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Begt., Co. 1. 
Martin Curtis, enl. Dec. 6, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Charles Dings, enl. 123d Regt., Co. A. 
Martin F. Dunlap, enl. 123d Regt., Co. A. 
William H. Dobbin, corp. ; enl. Aug. 7,1802. 123d Begt., Co. A; diedof feverat 

Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 10, 1804. 
Albert A. Davis, enl. Sept. 10, 1862, 43d Regt., Co. G ; disch. June 16, I860. 
Charles H. Davis, corp. ; enl. July 26, 1862, 43rt Itegt., Co. G ; pro. sergt. ; died 

of wounds, July 14, 1864, at Washington, D. C. 
Elisha Downing, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Michael Divine, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. H. 

Alexander Dobbin, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Richard Durham, enl. .\ug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt , Co. A; pro. Corp.; taken pris- 
oner, June 22, 1804; disch. June, 1865. 
David Donobue, enl. .\ug. 22, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. for disability, Feb. 

2, 1863. 
Edward W. Durling, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. E ; disch. June 29, 1865. 
James E. Davidson, enl. Oct. 1861, 77th Regt., Co. I; killed May Id, 1864. 
Thomas Dorsey, July 28, 1863, 21st Cav., Co. K. 
Richard Durrau. 
Alfred Durling. 
Albert Deming, enl. 93d Regt. 
John Down, enl. Ang. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A. 
John Decker, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A. 

Phineas F. Dixon, enl. Sept. 1864,123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. .June 8, 1865. 
Orrin W. French, musician ; enl. Sept. 12, 1862, 93d Regt. ; disch. July 6, 1865. 
Charles A. Fowler, enl. Aug. 0, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A. 
Samuel L. Fones, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
John B. Fuller, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Cortland Faxon, enl. Ang. 24, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1805. 
William Fenton, enl. Ang. 22, 1862,123d Begt., Co. A ; wounded at Gettysburg, 

at White House Landing; disch. July 7, 1865. 
James H. Ferris, enl. 123d Regt., Co. A. 
Norton E. Franklin, capt.; enl. Sept. 1861, 77th Begt., Co. I; pro. lieut.-col., 

123d Begt., Aug. 18, 1862; wounded at Chancellorsville, Va. ; died of 

wounds, May 12, 1863. 
John Grooms, enl. Ang. 6, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June S, 1865. 
Charles Gilson, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Thomas 0. Giles, enl. Ang. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. .lune 8, 1865. 
Asel Galusha, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Patrick Gilroy, enl. March 4, 1862, 77th Begt., Co. I; pro. sergt.; supposed 

killed. May 10, 1804. 
Rensselaer 0. Green, enl. Aug. 25, 1864, 4th Art., Co. D ; disch. Aug. 21, I860. 
Russell Goodwin, enl. July, 1863, 2l6t Cav., Co. E. 
James Galusha, cul. July, 1863, 21st Cav., Co. E. 
Richard Galusha, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A. 
Edward Green, enl. July, 1863, 21st N. Y. Cav., Co. B. 

Wm. J. Harrison, sergt.; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; killed at Chan- 
cellorsville, Va., May 1, 1863. 
Myron Holsopper, enl. 25th Begt. 
John Hughes, enl. July 29, 1862, 123d Begt., Cb. A. 

John F. Hillman, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1805. 
George H. Hay, enl. Aug. 8, 18U2, 123d Regt., Co. A. 
John Hemibrook, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. for disability, 

July 15, 1864. 
Jonathan Hatch, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; disch. Juno 8, 1865. 
Zachariah B. Hastings, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A. 
James Hay, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. July 10, 1865. 
Benjamin B. Hyde, enl. Aug. 1862, 115th Regt. ; taken prisoner at Harper's 

Ferry ; disch. for disability, Nov. 1862. 
lirainard T. Harkness, enl. Dec. 26, 1861, 4th Art., Co. D; wounded May 19, 

1864 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, 2d Begt., Co. K ; disch. at close of the 

George W. Hoffman, enl. Aug. 25, 1864, 4th Art. ; disch. Aug. 21, 1805. 

Emory L. Hoffman, enl. Jan. 18, 1802, 4th A rt., Co. D ; wounded May 19, 1864 ; 

disch. Dec. 19, 1864. 
Ferdinand Hill, enl. Aug. 29, 1864, 4th Art., Co. D ; di.scli. June 10, 1865. 
Aaron M. Hyatt, coi-p. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 30, 

1865. 



Rnfus Hall, enl. Dec. 1863, 16th Art ; died in the service. 

Obed Hartwell, enl. 16th Art. 

Alexander Hay, eul. May 10, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. 1); disch. June 22, 1863. 

John Herrin. 

Michael Herrin. 

Arthur Hughes, enl. "Ttb Regt. 

Alexander Hempstreet, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 12.3d Regt., Co. A. 

John F. Hillman, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A. 

Thomas Hughes, enl. Aug. 0, 1862, 12:id Begt., Co. A. 

Jnhn II. Hyde, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. A. 

David Irwin, enl. 123d Begt., Co. A. 

Bobert B. Jones, enl. 123d Begt., Ca>. A. 

Lewis Y. Johnson, enl. June 0,1861, 22d Begt., Co. G ; killed .at sec.md Hull 

Run, Aug. 30, 1862. 
William M. Johnson, eid. Ang. 24, 1804, 2Gth U. S. C. T., Co. A ; disch. May 18, 

1865. 
Henry Jones, enl. Dec. 26, 1863, 20th U. S. C. T., Co. E; died at Port Hudson, 

April, 1864. 
Roswell B. Jones, Corp.; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Begt., Co A. 
Gilbert H. Kuapp, enl. May 22, 1861, 22d Begt., Co. D; disch. June 19, 186.>. 
Franklin A. Knapp, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. July 14, 1865. 
Henry J. Knapp, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. for disability, Jan. 

29, 1863. 
Edward B. Kenyon, corp.; enl. Dec. 25, 1861, 4th Art., Co. D; pro. to sergt.; 

had served seven months in 22d Regt.; disch. for wounds, May 15, 1865. 
Harry Knapp, enl. Aug. 0, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A. 
Robert Kernigau, enl. 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A. 
Johu Luddy.enl. 123d Regt., Co. A. 

James Livingston, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Vitell Lapoint, enl. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1805. 
Lucius Long, enl. Ang. 8, 1802, 123d Regt.. Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Alexander Lambert, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June S, 1865. 
Charles Lapoint, enl. Ang. 11, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; killed at Culp's Farm, 

June 22, 1862. 
John H. Lampson, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 12.3d Begt., Co. A ; wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville; died at .\quia Creek, Va. 
Joseph Lapoint, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A. 
Nathan Lanpbier, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A. 
John C. Lamont, assist, surg. 

John Lampman, enl. Sept. 5, 1864, 123d Regl., Cu. A; disch. June 8, 18i;5. 
Preston Long, eld. May 20, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. D; disch. June 22, 1863. 
William Langworlby, enl. Apiil 22, 1861, 22d Begt., Ci>. D; pro. to sergt.; 

discharged; re-enl. Jan. 2, 1864, 16tli Art., Co. K ; disch. Aug. 21. 1865. 
Henry Lampman, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A^ 
.\lonzo T. M.ason, 1st. lieut.; enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. A ; pro. t.i capt.; 

brevet maj.; di.sch. June 8, 1865. 
Alexander Mitchell, enl. Aug. 6,1802, 123d Begt, Co. A; died of disease, at 

ChattaTiooga, Tenn., Ang. 16, 1804. 
Edwin B. Mosher, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1805. 
William H. Manning, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1805. 
William McNulty, enl. 77th Begt. 
Thomas McCuUough, enl. Aplil 22,1861, 22d Regt., Co. D; re-euL I23d Begt., 

Co. A, Aug. 25, 1864; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Henry Morgan, enl. 21st Cav., Co. E. 
Luther Morgan. 
Daniel Morse, enl. 77th Begt. 
Morgan Morse, enl. Dec. 30, 1863, 16th An., Co. K. 
Albert A. Norton, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 6, 1802, 12id Regt., Co. A ; disch. Juno 8, 

1865. 
John Sevins, enl. Sept. 3, 1862, 44th Begt., Co. K ; disch. June 30, 1865. 
Charles Norton, enl. Sept. 22, 1862, 169th Begt., Co. E; disch. 
Wallace Orton, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. at Philadelphia, Pa. 
Daniel Parks, enl. July 25, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
John Preeve, enl. July 30, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; disch. April 17, 1865. 
Albert Potter, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; killed near Atlanta, Ga., 

July 30, 1804. 
George W. Potter, enl. Aug. 26, 1864, 12:)d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
James Pilling, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. May 21, 1865. 
John H. Pullman, enl. Aug. 20, 1861, 44th Regt., Co. B; died of wounds, Juno 

17, 1863. 
.\.bner W. Porter, enl. 1861, 30th Begt., Co. G ; re-enl. 16th Art., 1864; died at 

Fortress Monroe. 
Orion C. Potter, corp. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1863, 2l8t Cav., Co. F ; pro. sergt. ; prisoner ; 

disch. 
Alonzo Rice, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; disch. June 6, 1865. 
John W. Richards, corp ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1862. 
George Robinson, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; pro. 2d lieut. ; 1st 

lieut.; brevet capt.; disch. Juno 8, 1865. 
Edward Remington, enl. 43d Regt. 
Albert Rogers, enl. Aug. 16, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. for disability, Jlarch 

27, 1863. 
Hiram R. Rice. enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 0, 1805. 
Benjamin F. Rodier, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Begt , Co. A. 
George J. Ru.<8ell, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Adolphus Rosebush, eul. Aug. 0, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Abram Reynolds, capt. ; onl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; resigned July 19, 

1863. 



358 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



William Bobingon, enl. 13d Regl. 

Lewis H. Reynolds, enl. Nov. 21, 18Gl,93iI Rest., Co. F ; re-enl. 192d Regt., April 

12, 1865; disch. May 12, 186«. 
John M. Reynolds, enl. Jan. 7, 1864, 16th Art., Co. K ; disch. June 13, 1865. 
David S. Randall, enl. March 14, 1865, 192cl Regt., Co. G ; pro. corp. ; disch. Aug. 

28, 18&5. 
James C. Shaw, 2d lieut. ; enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A ; pro. Ist lieut., and 

capt. ; discli. June 8, 1865. 
George H. Sutfin, enl. 44th Regt. 
James Saunders, enl. 44th liegt. 

Harmon Shaw, enl. July 26, 1862, 12:id Regt., Co. A ; disch. for disability. 
Jacob Steves, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; dieil in the service. 
George Sheffield, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1866. 
George W. Sears, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1805. 
William Sheffield, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. July 13, 18e.i. 
Jolin A. Spencer, enl. 123J Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
William H. Spencer, enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Oscar Sparhawk, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. May 10, 1865. 
Reuben Stewart, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1865. 
John Scott, enl. 123d Regt., Co. A. 

Theodore Stover, enl. Aug. 16, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. H ; disch. June 8, 1806. 
Joseph Safford, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June-g, 1S65. 
Isaiic Saulter, enl. Aug. 15, 1864, 26th Begt. U. S. Colored Troops, Co. G; disch. 

Sept. 9, 1865. 
Jerome Sears, enl. Dec. 25, 1861, 93d Kegt., Co. I ; killed at Deep Bottom, Va., 

Aug. 15, 1864. 
Almon Spencer, enl. Dec. 20, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I ; discli. June IS, 1865. 
Patrick Savage. 
John Stevens. 

Charles B. Sweet, enl. Dec. 24, 1803, 16th Art., Co. I. 
Martin Shearer, enl. Aug. 1, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A. 
Wm. J. Smith, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1866. 
Albert N. Tanner, corp. ; enl. Aug. 1,1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 

1805. 
Hir.im B. Tetft, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. A; trans, to navy, April 17, 

1804; discli. July 15, 1805. 
Charles Tucker, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Charles Tofft, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
George Tacy, enl. Dec. 26, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 28, 1865. 
Frank Tefft, enl. q:-m. sergt., July, 1863, 21st Cav., Co. E; disch. Sept. 9, 186.5. 
Caleb B. Tefft, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Samuel Vorse, enl. Aug. 24, 1804, 2eth U.S. Colored Troops, Co. D; disch. Aug. 

28, 1806. 
Wm. U. Van Buren, enl. Aug. 29, 1864, 26th U. S. Colored Troops, Co. D ; pro. to 

Corp. ; disch. Sept. 8, 1865. 
Charles Van Valkenburgli, enl. Aug. 17, 1801, 44th Begt., Co. C ; died of disease 

at Anuapolis, Md. 
.loel Volentine, enl. Dec. 28, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 
Benjamin Van Norman, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. A. 
George E. Wilmarth, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 1st Mounted Billes, Co. D ; was present 

at the fall of Richmond ; disch. June 12, 1805. 
Wm. W. Willard, 44ch Begt. 

Alfred Wilmarth, wagoner; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. for dis- 
ability, Feb. 21, 1803. 
Monroe Waller, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Thomas D. Wright, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Le Boy Wright, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; killed at Atlanta, Ga., 

July 20, 1861. 
John Wilson, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. for disability, March 

16, 1863. 
Erastus T. Williams, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. May 24, 1865. 
Thomas W. Wilson, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Clark K. Whittaker, enl. May 22, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. D ; disch. for disability ; 

re-enl. 123d Regt., Co. I; died of disease at Alexandria, Va., Sept. 19, 

1803. 
Abner T. Wilcox, enl. Aug. 25, 1864, 51st Regt., Co. J!; disch. June 1, 1865. 
Le Boy Whittaker, enl. Sept. 3, 1864, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
CharlesH. Waller, enl. April 21, 1861, 2d Regt,,Co.C; disch. May 21,1863;re. 

enl. 16th Cav. ; disch. June, 1806. 
Sidney R. Wolf, enl. Dec. 26, 1861, 4th Art., Co. D. 
John Willard, 44th Begt. 

W. G. Watson, enl. Nov. 1, 1801, 77th Regt., Co. C; disch. Dec. 14, 1864. 
Webster Woodward, died of disease at Washington, D. C, July 7, 1864. 
Wm. Wright, enl. Dec. 24, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 
David Whipple, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A. 
Arnold A. Youug, musician; enl. Aug. 0, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; disch. May 

27, 1865. 
Hiram T. Young, eul. July 28, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

DAVID A. BOIES. 

Josepli Boies, the father of David A. Boies, w;is born at 
Bhindford, Hampden Co., Mass., Oct. 2, 1783. The Boies 
family was of French descent. On the revocation of the 
edict of Nantz, they fled to England, thence removed to 
the north of Ireland, and some time in the last century 
they crossed the ocean, and finally settled at Blandford, a 
Green mountain town, about twenty miles west of >Spiing- 
field. 




Photo, by ArnoM, Gr 



He graduated at Williams College in 1808, and the 
same year commenced the study of the law, in the office of 
Savage & Crary, of Salem, in this county, where he con- 
tinued until 1810, when he went to Union village, in this 
county, and studied in the office of Charles Ingalls, the 
grandfather of the present Judge C. R. Ingalls, of Troy, 
until he was admitted to the bar, in 1811. He then went 
to the village of Cambridge, and opened an office in the 
hotel then kept by Major Porter, opposite the old white 
church, where he remained until the death of Mr. Ingalls, 
in 1812. He then moved back to Union village and 
opened an office, where he continued to practice law until 
his death, in 1866, aged eighty-three years. 

In 1813 he was married to Anna Eights, a daughter of 
Abraham Eights, of Albany, N. Y., whose name appears 
as one of the committee of public safety in Albany in the 
time of the Revolution. The Boies family is a striking 
illustration of the intermingling of blood and races in this 
country. 

As before stated, the Boies family were originally French, 
and intermarried with the Scotch-Irish and New England 
Yankees. Abraham Eights, the father of Miss Anna 



HISTORY QF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



359 



Eights, who married Joseph Boies, was a Dutchman or 
Hollander. His father immigrated from Rotterdam, Hol- 
land. The wife of Abraham Eights was an Englishwoman. 

Joseph Boies mainly spent his life in the practice of his 
profession, at Union village (now Greenwich), Washington 
Co. He held several town offices, and was judge of the 
Washington county common pleas court for several years. 
In 1847 he was elected to the office of surrogate of Wash- 
ington county. 

He was always highly respected and esteemed as a good, 
safe counselor, and an honest man. He joined the Re- 
formed Dutch church about ISiU, was immediately elected 
an elder, and held the position until his death, in 1866. 
He was born in the last year of the Revolutionary war, and 
was one of the connecting links between the Revolution 
and the great Rebellion. 

He had six children, only three of whom lived beyond 
early childhood, and they are still living, namely : Abra- 
ham Eights Boies, of Greenwich, unmarried, sixty-two 
years old ; David Artemas Boies, lawyer, of Greenwich, 
fifty-nine years old ; and Catharine Eights Boies, now the 
wife of Hon. Joseph Potter, of Whitehall, in this county, 
justice of the Supreme Court. 

David A. Boies, the son of the Joseph and Anna Boies 
above mentioned, was born on the 28th day of April, 1819. 

His life has been an uneventful one. He entered Union 
College, at Schenectady, under the presidency of the cele- 
brated Dr. Nott, in the spring of 1836, and was graduated 
in July, 1839. The class of 1839 was the largest class 
which at that time had ever been graduated in the United 
States ; one hundred and six received diplomas at " com- 
mencement." Mr. Boies stood number two on the merit- 
roll of that large class. 

Afler his graduation he entered his f;ither's office and 
commenced the study of the law, and was admitted a.s an 
attorney of the Supreme Court in 1842. He has continued 
the practice of the law ever since in his native village. 

In 1858 he married Miss Margaret Gilford, daughter of 
Eiihu GiflFord, Esq., of Easton, in this county. He has 
one child, a daughter, Louise, fifteen years of age. 

In 1852 he succeeded his father as surrogate, and filled 
the office to the satisfaction of the people. 



HON. LEONARD GIBBS. 

His grandfather Gibbs emigrated from England about 
the close of the Revolutionary war, and settled in the town 
of Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y. He was eldest son 
in a family of eleven children of Dr. Leonard Gibbs and 
Betsey Roberts, of Warren Co., N. Y., and was born April 
21, 1800 ; was educated a lawyer, and for a number of years 
practiced his profession in his native town. Rapidly rising 
in influence and esteem in the county, he was, in the early 
days of his profession, appointed district attorney for the 
county, in which office he continued a number of years, 
and was once elected to the Legislature of the State. He 
never disappointed his friends, but filled every place to the 
satisfaction of all and with credit to himself 

In the year 1839 he removed to the city of New York, 



and continued the practice of the law until the year 1845, 
when he came to the village of Greenwich and retired from 
business, where he resided until his death, Sept. 12, 1863. 
Mr. Gibbs was a man of strict business habits and un- 
swerving integrity, possessed a warm heart, a clear intel- 
lect, pure motives, and an unyielding will. He was in politics 
and religion radical and uncompromising. His course was 
never governed by policy or expediency. He desired only 
to know the right, and then to embrace and defend it with all 
the energy of an ardent and sanguine temperament, and the 
frequent expressions of trust and confidence on the part of 
those who best knew him is a worthy commentary upon 
his life. His intellectual, moral, and affectional develop- 
ment was as symmetrical as it was rare. True to his highest 
convictions and noblest aspirations, — and his ideal standard 
was ever most exalted, — he had no fear of " the world's 
dread laugh," or of its frowns or threats, and seemed proof 
against every temptation to turn aside from a hated and 
unpopular cause. 

He was long known as among the early advocates, and 
most thoroughly conscientious, of the anti-slavery cause, 
and in his addresses delivered before the public, as an advo- 
cate at the bar, or elsewhere, he is said to have had com- 
mand of almost unprecedented wit, and to have been a most 
fascinating and accomplished orator. He was long a pro- 
fessor of religion, and for fifteen years had been a member 
of the Orthodox Congregational church of Greenwich, and 
at his death looked back upon life with gratitude, and for- 
ward to eternity with hope. 

On April 15, 1834, he married Miss Mary, daughter of 
Henry Beckwith and Edie Griswold, the former a native of 
North Granville, Wiishingtou Co., N. Y., and whose father 
was one of the first settlers of that town, and a soldier of 
the Revolutionary war. She was born Jan. 9, 1813, and 
slUl survives in 1878. To Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs have been 
born four children, of whom Mary and Helen £^re living, 
and reside in the village of Greenwich. 



NELSON PRATT. 



The Pratt family is of English extraction, and settled in 
this country, probably in the State of Connecticut, at an 
early day. Daniel Pratt, the great-grandfather of Nelson 
Pratt, resided at Pomfret, Conn., where he engaged in farm- 
ing. In 1790 he removed to the town of Greenwich, 
Washington Co., N. Y., where he also pursued farming. 
With Daniel Pratt came William Pratt, his son, and grand- 
father of Nelson Pratt. He located at Greenwich also, 
established a farm at that place, and followed farming 
throughout his life. He was one of the earliest settlers of 
the town of Greenwich. Ho married for his first wife 
Eleanor Newcomb, of Rensselaer Co., N. Y., by whom he 
had six children, of whom Simon N., father of Nelson, was 
one, and Lydia, a daughter, is still living at Argyle. For 
his second wife he married Sarah Morey, of Salem, by 
whom he had fifteen children, of whom only four are now 
living, namely, Hannah, of Plainville, Minn.; Judge Daniel 
Pratt, of Syracuse, N. Y. ; William, of Walnut Creek, Cal. ; 
John M., of Mentor, Ohio. Of those who lived to maturity 



360 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and are now deceased are the following: Sarah (Newcomb), 
who first married Joshua Brown, of Saratoga county, after- 
wards Win. Hutchins, of Greenwich ; Milly, who married 
Robert Burnett, of Deerfield, Mich. ; Elizabeth, who mar- 
ried John McClelland, of Greenwich ; Juliana, who married 
Rev. Archibald Kenyon, of Chicago, 111. ; Christopher, and 
Alexander. He died in 1830, at the age of .sixty-five years. 

Simon N. Pratt was born Nov. 15, 1796, at Greenwich. 
He passed his early life as a farmer, and engaged in the 
lumber business. On March 9, 1819, he married Deborah 
Nelson, daughter of Joseph Nelson, of the town of Argyle, 
who was born Dec. 15, 179U. By this union were born ten 
children, namely, Elizabeth, who married Hon. Wm. Pat- 
ton, of Sandwich, 111., and is now dead ; Sarah Maria, widow 
of Sydney Matthews, of Argyle ; Hannah, who died in 
infancy; Moses T., now deceased; Jane N., who married 
Samuel Johnston, of Omro, Wis., and is now dead ; Eleanor, 
now dead ; William, of Greenwich ; Nelson, of Greenwich ; 
Mary L., of Omro, Wis. ; Emily A., wife of A. M. Nes- 
bit, of Hoopeston, 111. 

Simon N. Pratt is still living at Greenwich, engaged in 
farming. He was au early and active worker in the tem- 
perance cause, and is still earnest in the support of his 
principles. He is a man of prominence in the community, 
and possessing great influence, and has filled the various 
offices of the town, including the important one of super- 
visor. He is now in his eighty-second year. 

William, only living brother of Nelson Pratt, married 
Mary E. Somes, daughter of Jonas Somes, of Argyle, and 
now resides at Greenwich, on the same farm cleared and 
settled by his great-grandfather, his children being the fifth 
generation of Pratts who have occupied the same. He has 
three children, namely, Lizzie, Newcomb, and Willie, all 
residing at home. 

Nelson Pratt was born in the town of Greenwich, on 
Sept. 23, 1832. He passed his minority at home, assisting 
on his flither's farm, and attending the common school and 
the Greenwich Academy. At the age of nineteen he com- 
menced teaching, a pursuit which he followed for two terms 
in Greenwich, and one term in Illinois. At the age of 
twenty-two he went to Rice Co., Minn., and took up one 
hundred and sixty acres of land under the pre-emption act, 
to which he added one hundred and sixty more by purchase, 
the whole of which he traded for a farm in the town of 
Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y. He subsequently pur- 
chased two thousand acres in Osage, Iowa, which he dis- 
posed of to settlors. He also bought an interest in what is 
now the town of Northwood, county-scat of Worth county, 
Iowa (in which he still retains an interest), and for four 
years engaged largely in real estate, both here and in the 
west. In the year 1860 he returned to his native town, 
purchased the farm on which he was born, and married, Jan. 
30, 1861, Mary E., third child and only daughter of Elijah 
and Ann Eliza Clough, who was born Dec. 31, 1840. He 
has two children, to wit, Anna E., born Dec. 7, 1861. and 
Simon Nelson, born Oct. 9, 1864, both of whom reside 
with their parents. 

Politically, Mr. Pratt is identified with the Republican 
party, and has been chosen to different official positions by 
his townsmen; is a member of the United Presbyterian 



church of South Argyle, has been one of its trustees, and 
is foremost in all enterprises tending towards temperance 
and reform in his vicinity. Mr. Pratt controls extensive 
business interests in the west, and is a man of great activity, 
resolution, and perseverance, and of the strictest integrity 
in all his transactions. He has met with marked success 
in all his business enterprises. 

A view of the residence and farm of Nelson Pratt may 
be seen on another page of tiiis work. The farm comprises 
two hundred and thirty-five acres, and is notably one of the 
richest and most productive in Washington county. 



ALPHONZO DWELLE 

was born in the town of Greenwich, May 3, 1800, and was 
the seventh child in a family of thirteen children, of whom 
five are living, viz., Lemuel, born Dec. 8, 1788; Moses, 
May 17, 1790; Lydia, June 13, 1792; Jedediah (de- 
ceased), May, 1794; Jedediah, Feb. 12, 1796; Betsey, 
April 27, 1798; Alphonzo, May 3, 1800; Almyra, May 
31, 1802; Abner, Jan. 2, 1805; Horatio, May 2, 1806; 
Horatio Nelson, Nov. 25, 1807; Miriam, June 25, 1811. 
His father, Abner Dwelle, was born at Scituate, Mass., 
June 10, 1758. His mother, Miriam Martin, was born in 
Salem, Washington Co., Feb. 5, 1770, and married Sept. 8, 
1786. His father served in the Revolutionary war, and 
held various offices of trust in his town. He was identified 
with the Presbyterian society, but not as a member, always 
contributing to its support, as well as to that of school in- 
terests, and every other good woi-k. In politics he was 
first a Federalist and subsequently a Whig. He died June 
30, 1826. 

His wife was a member of the Presbyterian society, and 
died Oct. 13, 1825. 

Mr. Dwelle spent his early life in the routine of farm- 
labor, and attending the common school. May 2, 1824, he 
married Elizabeth, daughter of Tabor Teff't, who had a family 
of thirteen children. The result of this union was ten chil- 
dren, — Lemuel, born Aug. 16, 1824; subsequently married 
to Hattie Edwards, of Wisconsin. He has been chosen 
State Senator one term, and member of the State Legisla- 
ture one term. James Albert, born March 16, 1826 ; mar- 
ried, in 1859, to Sarah Walker, of Salem. Occupation, 
real-estate dealer and money-lender. Henry B., born July 
13, 1827. Practicing medicine in St. Louis. Caroline, 
born June 8, 1829 ; widow of late B. T. White. Mary 
Elizabeth, born Nov. 16, 1830; died April 29, 1870. 
Horace and Horton, born Dec. 25, 1832 ; the latter died 
June 7, 1868. Lydia, born Jan. 19, 1835 ; married to J. 
E. Hoag, of Easton, June 28, 1865. Mariani, born May 7, 
1836 ; died in infancy. Charles Hamilton, born Jan. 27, 
1842 ; died at the age of eight years. 

Mr. Dwelle has held various offices of trust in his town, 
and is to-day enjoying the confidence of all who know him. 
He is a man of correct moral habits and strict integrity of 
purpose in all his business transactions. Mr. Dwelle has 
been a Republican since the party's formation, prior to 
which he was a Whig ; his first vote was cast for De Witt 
Clinton, and he has never failed to attend a presidential or 




^ \ 




Alphonzo Dwelle 

Lieut.-Col. Franklin Norton was 
born at Greenwich, July 20, 1834. 
The family of Norton is supposed to 
be of Welsh descent, and the ancestry 
to have emigrated during the early 
days of the settlement of the Eastern 
States. His greatgrandfather, Elijah 
Norton, came from Martha's Vineyard, 
and settled in the town of Cambridge 
prior to the struggle for independence, 
and with a brother, Jonathan, were 
soldiers of that war. His grandfather, 
Kobert Norton, was in the War of 
1812-14. Colonel Norton was eldest 
son of William H. Norton and Mary 
Roumelia Bassett ; spent his minority '■"'"'" " * 

at school, and learned the business of 
painting. In the year 1855 he mar- 
ried Miss Caroline M., daughter of 

Boughton Lamb and Lydia Le Baron, of Greenwich, the 
former a native of Massachusetts, and whose father was a 
soldier of the Revolutionary war ; the latter was of French 
descent, and her father of French birth. 

By this union there is one sxirviving daughter. May 
Norton. Colonel Norton, tnie to the patriotism of his ances- 
tors and to his country, enlisted September 12, 1861, in 




Col fRANKUN I^OffTON 



|V1RS./4lphonzo Dwelle. 

the War of the Rebellion, as a private 
of the Seventy-seventh N. Y. In- 
fantry, under Colonel McKean. His 
gallantry and bravery soon gained him 
rank as captain, and just before the 
battle of Antietam he was promoted 
to the office of lieutenant-colonel. He 
was in the various engagements on the 
Peninsula ; was in the battles of York- 
town, Williamsburg, and Mechanics- 
vjlle, and conducted the retreat of the 
regiment to Harrison's Landing. At 
the battle of Chancellorsville, when 
color-bearer after color-bearer had been 
shot, resolved that the Union flag 
""■"> should float. Colonel Norton stepped 

forward and raised it, but was pierced 
with a ball from a rebel sharpshooter, 
who was in turn also shot by a Union 
man. He went at once to Washington, where he soon died 
from the effects of the wound, May 12, 1863. Thus Was 
one of America's noble and brave sons brought to a premature 
grave, just at a time when there loomed up before him a 
bright fiiture of usefulness to the country, and happiness to 
his family and friends. 




w|«=MBr- 



,A^yU A^^:2Ja^^i/ ^^^c 



'^^^yfy^ 





Residence or HARVELY HANKS, G)?C£NWlCH,WASHlNGTo^Co,,/'y 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



361 



township election since. He was formerly an anti-Mason, 
but latterly more favorable to tlie organization. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dwelle were identiflod with the Bapti.st 
church, and have always contributed liberally to the su])iiort 
of school interests. 



CAPTAIN HARVEY HANKS 
was born in the town of Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., 
Aug. IG, 1816. He was seventh child and youngest son 
of a family of ten children of Amos Hanks and Polly Fisk. 
The former, of German descent but of American birth, 
was married March 15, 1804, spent his life as a farmer on 
the farm where his son Harvey now resides, was a .soldier 
in the War of 1812-14, and died in April, 1859, having 
survived the decease of his wife eight years. He was 
prominent as a member of the Baptist church, and was also 
prominently identified politically as a Jackson Democrat 
u,ntil the agitation of the slavery question, when he became 
a Free-Soiler, and subsequently au ardent supporter of the 
Republican party. The latter, his wife, was of English de- 
scent, but of American birth. Of the children living are 
Louisa, wife of Wm. Brown, of Greenwich ; Fisk, of Onon- 
daga county ; Isaac, Harvey, and Harriet, of Greenwich ; 
and Alvira, wife of Luther Brown, of Greenwich. 

Mr. Hanks purchased the old homestead in the year 1841, 
and has resided thereon until the present time (1878). His 
early education was confined to the common school of that 
day. In the year 1848 he married Sarah Stewart, of Ar- 
gyle, she being third child and third daughter in a fiimily 
of five children. She has only one sister living, who is the 
wife of Henry Rogers, of Ohio. The result of this union 
was six children, — Martin, born Nov. 7, 1848 ; Mary, born 
Nov. 28, 1850 ; Fannie S., born Jan. 23, 1855 ; Harriet 
L., born July 1, 1858; Harvey A., born Aug. 4, 1865; 
and Stewart W., born Oct. 14, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Hanks 
are identified with the Baptist church of Lakeville. In 
politics Mr. Hanks Ls an ardent supporter of the Republi- 
can party. In the year 1842 he became captain of a com- 
pany, in the State militia, of the Fiftieth Regiment, Fif- 
teenth Brigade of Infantry, in which capacity he served for 
three years. His ancestors, grandfather and great-grand- 
father, were also at one time residents of the town of Green- 
wich, both being natives of Connecticut. 



WILLIAM BUTTON 

was born in the town of Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., 
on the farm where he now resides, April 21, 1821, being 
the youngest child of John and Margaret Hutton. He 
had three brothers and two .sisters, — John (deceased; ; 
David, of Greenwich ; Mary Ann (deceased) ; Susannah 
(deceased) ; and Andrew, of Greenwich. 

His father was of Scotch descent, and settled in the town 
of Greenwich about the year 1800. His mother was also 
of Scotch descent, but of American birth, her maiden name 
being Margaret Carson. She survived her husband some 
twenty-seven years, he dying in the year 1826. 

Mr. Hutton spent his minority on the farm, with the 
usual opportunities for an education at the district school, 
residing with his widowed mother until her death, when 
46 



ho, with lii.s bnithor David, bought out the interest of the 
other heir.s in the homestead, and still own the farm to- 
gether, consisting of three iiuiidred and thirty-four acres 

In the year 1870, March 2X, he married Miss Ann 
Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph R. and Lydia Tefft, of 
Greenwich. Mrs. Hutton was one of eleven children, of 
whom ten arc, in 1878, living, — five .sisters and four 
brothers. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Iluttiin huv(! been born two children, — 
Frank Andrew, born Oct. 10, 187o, and Margaret L., born 
May 13, 1876, both living. 

In politics Mr. Hutton has been identified with the Re- 
publican party, but never aspired to any official notoriety. 
He is a man of no ostentation or show, satisfied to lead a 
quiet life, and is known for his honesty and uprightness in 
all his business transactions. Although not connected as a 
member of any church, he contributes to the support of all 
interests tending to educate and elevate the rising genera- 
tion. ]Mrs. Hult(jn is a member of the Baptist church of 
Greenwich. 



HORACE MORSE 

was born in the town of Greenwich, Aug. 11, 1837. He 
was younge.st son, in a family of ten children, of Sanford 
Mor.se and Lucinda Mead. The former, a native of Ver- 
mont, came to the town of Easton when a young man ; 
was married, and soon after settled in the town of Green- 
wich ; was a farmer by occupation ; firmly identified first 
with the Whig party and afterwards with the Republican 
party. He lived a man of strict integrity of purpose, and 
was respected by all who knew him. He died at the age 
of a little over eighty years, and about the year 1870. 
The latter was a native of Plattsburg ; came to the town of 
Easton when a young woman. She was born in the year 
1800, September 12, and still survives in 1878. 

Of the children living are Joseph, resides in the town of 
Greenwich ; Morgan, of Pontiac, INIich. ; George, of San 
Francisco, Cal. ; and Horace. Mr. Morse spent his early 
life on the farm at home, and attending the district school. 
At the age of twenty-one he married Miss Mary A., only 
daughter in a family of two children (the son's name being 
Alexander) of John Hutton and Eve Maria Bain ; the 
former a native of Greenwich, and whose fiitber was one 
of the pioneers of the town. John Hutton died about the 
year 1867, aged fifty-six years. The latter was born in the 
town of Argyle, in the year 1811, and .still survives in 1878. 
The son, Alexander, died about the year 1869, at the age 
of thirty-five years. Mrs. Morse was born 1838, April 20. 
After his marriage Mr. Morse settled as a farmer in the 
town of his nativity, where he has since resided, and in the 
year 1868 he purchased the Charles H. Cottrell farm, con- 
sisting of one hundred and six acres, a view of which may 
be found on another page of this work. After the manner 
and integrity of his ancestors, Mr. Morse is identified with 
the Republican party in politics, and as a former ranks 
among the foremost of his town. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Morse have been born eight children, 
—Charles H., Frank E., Eva B., Mattie J., Willis W., 
Grace H. (deceased), Earl C, and Roscoe C. 



HAMPTON. 



LOCATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. 

Hampton lies upon the east border of the county, north 
of the centre. A range of hills, about five hundred feet 
above the valleys, and for the most part covered with 
forests, extends through the central and eastern parts of 
the town. Poultney river, separating the town from Ver- 
mont, is the principal streatn. The town is bounded on 
the north by Vermont, on the east by Vermont, south by 
Granville, and west by Whitehall. The town is long and 
narrow, of peculiar sh;ipe, comprising twelve thousand 
six hundred and sixty-four acres, or a fraction le.ss than 
twenty square miles. It is the smallest town in the 
county. The western portion of the town is liigh and 
mountainous, which renders it not very attractive for 
settlement. The suijace is mostly drained eastward to 
the Poultney river. A small stream in the centre of the 
town flows westward to the Pawlet river. In the south- 
west part of the town another stream, tlie outlet of several 
ponds, flows into the Pawlet river. Between the foot of 
the hills and the Poultney river are alluvial flats. The 
stream is subject to overflows, alternately fertilizing and 
desolating the valley. 

TITLE OF land. 

The greater part of this town is included in patents 
granted to provincial officers after the French war of 1756- 
60. The north part embraces about two thousand acres 
of the so-called •' Skene's Little Patent." This patent, of 
nine thousand acres in all, was granted July G, 1771. 

South from Skene's, as marked on old colonial maps, are 
the patents of L. Williams, L. A. Grant, J. Mooney, and 
D. Mooney. 

None but Skene's appear in the table of patents prepared 
from the documents in Albany ; but this is the case with 
most of the small patents throughout the State. The land 
was all transferred to other parties at a very early day, 
probably before the Revolution, and no descendants of the 
original proprietors remain in the town. 

The eastern boundaries of these patents are not co-in- 
cident with the present east line of Hampton, as they ex- 
tend beyond the Poultney river into what is now Vermont ; 
but they are apparently limited westward by the present 
west boundary of the town. Upon late township maps 
appear the names of Turner, Taylor, Faesh, and Bass, as 
also patentees. 

EARLY SETTLE.AIENT. 

The early settlement of the town was probably made 

previous to the Revolution, but exact dates are difiicult to 

be obtained. A.s in other towns of this vicinity, the early 

settlers endured all the toils and privations of pioneer life. 

362 



They were mostly from Massachusetts, but some hailed 
from Connecticut. The following family sketches show 
the first and early settlement : 

Colonel Gideon Warren and family came from Williams- 
town, Mass., into Hampton, among the firet settlers, and 
located in the south part of the town on five hundred acres, 
a part of which is now included in the village limits. He 
built his house on the site of the house now owned by 
Wm. Hyland. His sons were Caleb, Eben, Asa, and 
Bishop. Caleb was in the army of the Revolution, and 
was a pensioner. He married Rachel Webster. They had 
fourteen children grown to adult age. Those who remained 
in the town were Ethan, Eben, Rachel, and Mary ; the 
others moved to the west. Ethan married Eunice Owens 
for his first wife. Their son, Gideon, is now living on his 
father's homestead, formerly owned by a man named Doo- 
little. Eben married Abigail Savage ; Rachel married 
Jason Kellogg, Jr. ; and Mary married John New. They 
are both living at Hampton Corners. Squire A. Warren 
lives on the farm first owned by Jason Kellogg. Chauncey 
Warren lives at Ea.st Whitehall on a farm. They are sons 
of Ethan. Colonel Gideon Warren was at Ticonderoga, 
and Wius wounded in his elbow, which stift'ened his arm for 
life. 

Benjamin C. Owen and wife emigrated from Roxbury, 
Mass., at an early day. He bought land on the Bass pat- 
ent, now owned by Mrs. Warren, south of the village. He 
was a soldier of the Revolution, and a pensioner, and was 
known as Major Owen. One of his daughters became the 
wife of Ethan Warren. 

Jason Kellogg was heie previous to 1786. He was the 
first town clerk, elected in that year, and continued to hold 
the oflice thirty-six years. His farm was the one now owned 
by Squire A. Warren. His sons were Silas D. Kellogg, 
well known as a surveyor, Jason, Jr., Zina, and Ezra, who 
became an Episcopal minister. The family moved to Ohio 
after Mr. Kellogg's death, which took place in 1821-22. 
His first wife, Miriam, died Oct. 4, 1789, aged thirty-one 
years. His second wife, Martha, Nov. 25, 1812, aged fifty- 
six years. 

Rufus Hotchkiss came from Connecticut at the close of 
the Revolution. He settled on the Granville road, about 
two miles from Hampton Corners. He made a clearing 
and put up a log house, then went back, was married, and 
moved here with his wife. Of six children, only two are 
living in the town. 

Shubael Pierce and family — five daughters and four 
sons — came from Swansea, Mass., about the year 1800, set- 
tled in Salem, and then moved to Hampton, locating in the 
southwest part of the town, on the farm now owned by 
Levi Prouty. Mason Pierce, a son, married Anna Archi- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



363 



bald, of Salem ; their family was Hiram, now living in 
Colton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Prudence, Lucina, Dio- 
dema, — married Horace Hotchkiss, and are still living in 
Hampton, — Solomon, and Betsey Ann. Mr. Pierce moved 
to Eaton Co., Mich., after the death of his wife. 

Ashbel Webster moved into Hampton from East Hart- 
ford at an early period. He bought land of Colonel War- 
ren, and settled where the village now stands. H. Martin 
has his house on the spot. He had fourteen children. 
Miner Webster, a son, lived on the homestead, but sold off 
to John P. Adams and Daniel Mallary. Nathaniel Dailey 
bought of them. Miner Webster built a distillery. 

William Morris settled on what is now known as Jlorris 
Hill, and gave it his name. He followed weaving, and wove 
blankets and cloth. 

Elisha Kilbourn, Enoch Wright, Samuel Waterhouse, 
and a man named Carver, owned a large tract of land in the 
northern part of the town, and were the first settlers. 
Their land was on the river, north of Low Hampton. Eli 
Parsons was an early settler, and lived near the river. 
Among other early settlers near the Whitehall line, west 
and south of the Baptist church, were Peter and Thomas 
Christie, Ebenezer West, and a man named McFarlane. 
Beriah Rogers, supervisor in 1816 and at other times, and 
also justice of the peace, lived about two and a half miles 
southwest of Low Hampton. Richard and Samuel Wheat 
lived in this vicinity. In the southern part of the town, 
among the early settlers was Captain Stephen Brooks, noted 
as a hunter. He lived on the road west of Hampton Cor- 
ners, about three miles out. North of the corners lived 
Captain Peter P. French and Esquire Samuel Beaman. 
They built and kept the first store in town, and Captain 
French kept the first tavern. They were one mile north of 
the bridge. Captain French and family moved to Penn- 
sylvania. McNoyes kept the tavern after French. Esquire 
Beaman was agent for the sale of lands and a prominent 
man in the town, and was supervisor and justice of the 
peace. His son, the Rev. N. S. S. Beaman, D.D., late of 
Troy, was born in the town. Lucy, a daughter, married 
Charles Bulkley of Granville. 

Samuel Hooker was an early settler in the southeast part 
of the town. His son, Martin P. Hooker, resides on the 
homestead; another son, Samuel P. Hooker, lives in Le Roy, 
N. Y. Ebenezer Popple was an early settler, and gave the 
name to Popple Hollow. Roderick Chapin was also an 
early settler in the Hollow. Caleb Warren and Captain 
Lemuel Hyde lived on what is the D. Smith farm, about 
three-fourths of a mile south of where Gideon Warreu 
now lives. 

Abiather Millard came from Connecticut. He settled 
on the hill about half a mile west of Poultney river, at the 
upper bridge. He was a blacksmith, and followed his trade, 
together with farming. He was a soldier of the Revolu- 
tion. His son, Paulinus, born in 1792, is still living on 
the homestead. He married a daughter of Elder Draper, 
the first Methodist preacher. Paulinus Millard was in the 
War of 1812, and was at Plattsburg. His sister, Mrs. 
Stacy, is living in Benson, Vt. 

Another Abiather Millard, also a blacksmith, came in at 
an early period, and settled at the lower bridge. He and 



the Abiather Millard mentioned above were not related by 
blood, but married sisters. 

William Miller, Sr., the father of the celebrated " prophet'' 
Miller, had a family of sixteen children, of whom there are 
now living in the town and vicinity Solomon P., now living 
on the homestead on which he was born ; Mrs. Shaw, now 
living in the town with her son-in-law, Levi W. Manchester ; 
and Mrs. Joseph Adams, of Fair Haven, Vt. 

From Mrs. Daniel Mallary, residing in Delavan, Wis., 
we receive the following. She is a daughter of Colonel 
Pliny Adams, a pioneer of Hampton. Colonel Pliny Adams 
and wife, Lucretia (Vail) Adams, moved from Salisbury, 
Conn., to Hampton Corners, about 1793. Here he opened 
a store, which was the first and only one at this point for a 
number of years. His first store was the old yellow house, 
afterwards converted into a tavern, and long kept by Daniel 
Rockwell. In 1803, Colonel Adams built the house now 
standing next the tavern building, and resided in it for some 
years. He built a store across the street from his house, 
which he occupied till his death, in 1816. He was ap- 
pointed captain in a militia company, and furnished the 
uniforms for most of his company from his store. On the 
breaking out of the War of 1812, he was commissioned as 
colonel, and led his regiment to Platt.sburg. 

Among the old settlers were Samuel Beaman, afterwards 
called " Old Squire Beaman," who owned a large farm on 
the "intervals," and Major Peter P. French, also a farmer, 
who raised a large family. Near him, on Hampton plains, 
lived Mason Hulett, a farmer. His youngest daughter, 
Mrs. W. H. Webster, now resides in Omro, Wis. "Old 
Squire" Jason Kellogg, justice of the peace and farmer, had 
sons who grew to be men in honorable positions ; one of 
them, Rev. Ezra B. Kellogg, is now a minister of the Epis- 
copal church in Ohio. 

Prominent in later years was the family of Eli Richards. 
He came from Connecticut in March, 1813, and settled on 
the farm now owned by Ralph Richards, his sou. He had 
one daughter, Mrs. Franklin Norton, of Clermout, N. H. 
After the death of her husband she returned to Hampton, 
and resides with her brother. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

The town of Hampton wa.s organized by act of the Legis- 
lature, March 3, 1786. The following extracts from the 
records, together with a complete list of town oflBcers, give 
a full account of its civil history. The old school-house, at 
which the first town-meeting was held, was situated on the 
hill just east of the old cemetery, near the present residence 
of Gideon Warren. The present school-house occupies the 
same site. The town of Hampton, before it was organized 
by law, was called Greenfield by the old settlers. The name 
of Hampton is a common one among New England towns. 

H.\MPTON TOWN RECORDS. 
At a town-meeting holdeu at the school-house, near 
Colonel Gideon Warren's, May 2, 1786, the following 
oflicers were elected : Captain Lemuel Hyde, moderator ; 
Jason Kellogg, district clerk ; Captain Lemuel Hyde, 1st 
supervisor; John Howe, 2d supervisor; Peter Fuller, 
Joseph Kellogg, and Moses Perkins, iisscssors ; Asa Tyler. 



364 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



coustable and collector ; Samuel Church, David Nichols, 
and Jason Kellogg, commissioners of higliways ; Lemuel 
Hyde, Nathan Wheeler, Stephen Brooks, and Samuel 
Calkins, overseers of lughvpays ; Jacob Howe and Lemuel 
Hyde, overseers of the poor ; Derick Karner, James Michel, 
Jr., Nathan Wheeler, and Moses Perkins, wardens ; Peter 
P. French, pound-keeper, and his barn-yard for a pound ; 
Nicholas Spoor, David Nichols, and Moses Perkins, fence- 
viewers ; Asa Warren, Caleb Warren, and Samuel Church, 
grave-diggers for the year ensuing ; Lemuel Hyde, Joseph 
Hyde, aud Nicholas Spoor, a committee to purchase a bury- 
ing-place at each end of the town, and to set a time to clear 
the same ; Joseph Kellogg and Thomas Treat, choristers. 
It was voted to raise a tax of eight pounds to defray town 
expenses for the year ensuing. 

In 1787, Jason Kellogg was elected town clerk,, and 
Peter P. French, coustable and collector. 

Supervisors. — John Howe, 1786; Lemuel Hyde, 1786- 
87 ; Gideon Warren, Esq., 1788-89 ; John Howe, 1790- 
91 ; Peter P. French, 1792; John Howe, 1793; Peter P. 
French, 1794-95 ; Samuel Beaman, 1796 ; Jason Kellogg, 
1797-98; Pliny Adams, 1799-1801; Jason Kellogg, 
1802-5; Samuel Hooker, 1806-8 ; Pliny Adams, 1809 ; 
Samuel Hooker, 1810-11 ; Jason Kellogg, 1812; Samuel 
Hooker, 1813-14; Jason Kellogg, 1815; Beriah Rogers, 
1816-17; Silas D. Kellogg, 1818-20; Wm. Miller, 
1821; Silas D. Kellogg, 1822; Beriah Rogers, 1823; 
Moses Ward, 1824-25; Beriah Rogers, 1826; Ethan 
Warren, 1827-28; Wm. Miller, 1829; Ethan Warren, 
1830-31; Wm. Miller, 1832; Samuel P. Hooker, 1833; 
Moses Ward, 1834; Hiram Shaw, 1835; Moses Ward, 
1836-37 ; Hiram Shaw, 1838; Ethan Warren, 1839-40; 
Hiram Shaw, 1841 ; Henry S. Beaman, 1842 ; Hezekiah 
Bosworth, 1843; Martin P. Hooker, 1844-45; Hiram 
Shaw, 1846 ; Roswell Clark, 1847-48 ; Seth Peck, 1849 ; 
John Ward, 1850; Martin P. Hooker, 1851; Wm. S. 
Miller, 1852; Hiram Hotchkiss, 1853-54; Gilbert Peck, 
1855; J. W. Egery, 1856-57; Thomas Manchester, 
1858 ; Hiram Hotchkiss, 1859-60 ; Thomas Manchester, 
1861 ; Martin P. Hooker, 1862-63 ; Solomon P. Miller, 
1864; Ralph Richards, 1865-66; Harrison Phelps, 1867 ; 
Martin 0. Stoddard, 1868-69 ; Josiah Peck, 1870 ; Squire 
A. Warren, 1871; Rufus H. Clark, 1872; L. W. Man- 
chester, 1873; Squire A. Warren, 1874-75; L. W. Man- 
chester, 1876 ; Rufus H. Clark, 1877-78. 

Tovm Clerks.— J aaou Kellogg, 1786 to Jan. 15, 1822, 
inclu,sive; Moses Ward, Jan. 15, 1822, to fill vacancy oc- 
casioned by the death of Jason Kellogg ; John P. Adams, 
1822 to 1833, inclusive; Ethan Warren, 1834-36; John 
P. Adams, 1837; Samuel H. Beaman, 1838; John P. 
Adams, 1839 ; Peter Honey, 1840-41 ; John P. Adams, 
1842 ; Chauncey L. Adams, 1843-46 ; Rufus H. Clark, 
1847-55 ; John Honey, 1856 ; Rufus H. Clark, 1857-58; 
Peter Farnham, 1859-60 ; Henry Martin, 1861-73 ; Wm. 
Hyland, 1874; Rufus H. Clark, 1875-77; William Hy- 
land, 1878. 

Justices of the Peace. — Horace K. Rice, 1830; Samuel 
P. Hooker, 1832; Hezekiah Bosworth, 1833; Horace K. 
Rice, 1834 ; Wm. Miller, 1835 ; William Hotchkiss, 1835 ; 
Hiram Shaw, 1836 ; Gilbert Leonard, 1836; Beriah Rogers, 



1837 ; Seth Peck, 1837 ; Hiram K. Rice, 1838 ; J. P. 
Adams, 1839 ; Hezekiah Bosworth, 1840 ; Wm. Hotch- 
kiss, 1841 ; Seth Peek, 1842 ; Jacob Stowe, 1843 ; M. P. 
Hooker, 1843 ; Geo. W. Neal, 1844 ; Ruel Ruggles, 1845 ; 
H. Bosworth, 1845 ; Wm. S. Miller, 1846 ; H. Bosworth, 
1847; Nathaniel Daily, 1848 ; Ruel Ruggles, 1 849 ; N. 
Daily, 1851; A. Phelps, 1851; Norman Peck, 1852; 
Wm. Hotchkiss, 1852 ; A. C. Broughton, 1853 ; William 
Hotchkiss, 1854; A. Witherell, 1855; H. W.Webster, 
1855; N. Peck, 1856; R. Clark, 1856; J. C. Broughton, 
1857; J. Stowe, 1857; B. G. Streetor, 1858; II. Phelps, 
1859 ; Nathaniel Daily, 1859 ; Levi W. Manchester, 1 860 ; 
F. Farwell, 1861 ; J. H. Green, 1861 ; N. Daily, 1862 ; 
N. Peck, 1862; H. Phelps, 1863; Josiah Peck, 1863; 
Thomas Manche,ster, 1864; F. Farwell, 1865; N. Peck, 
1865; A. C. Broughton, 1867; W. S. Wood, 1868; H. 
Phelps, 1868; Ira E. Phelps, 1869; A. C. Broughton, 
1870 ; Josiah Peck, 1871 ; N. Daily, 1872 ; I. E. Phelps, 
1873; Richard McGrath, 1873; A. C. Broughton, 1874; 
M. P. Churchill, 1875; Lyman J. Warren, 1876; M. P. 
Churchill, 1876; John H. Miller, 1877; Henry Martin, 
1878. 

Collectors.— Asa Tyler, 1786; Peter P. French, 1787 ; 
John Howe, 1788-89; Solomon Morris, 1790 ; Peter P. 
French, 1791 ; Peter Fuller, 1792-93 ; Elias Hibbard, 
1794-95; Elizur Webster, 1796; David Morgan, 1797- 
1803; Daniel Rockwell, 1804; David Morgan, 1805; 
Caleb Warren, 1806; David Morgan, 1807; Moses Per- 
kins, Jr., 1808; John Lawrence, 1809-11; Joel Hyde, 
David Morgan, 1812-13; Josephus Hyde, 1814; Josiah 
Lyman, 1815; John Lawrence, 1816-20; Samuel P. 
Hooker, 1821 ; Daniel Merritt, 1822 ; Robert Millard, 
1823; Eli K. Post, 1824-26; Ambrose D. Rice, 1827; 
H. Bosworth, 1828; P. F. Kellogg, 1829; Elliott Lamp- 
.son, 1830; Arnold Harvey, 1831; C. L. Adams, 1832; 
Hiram Ransom, 1833 ; Paul Spink, 1834 ; Gideon AVarren, 
1835-36 ; A. Witherell, 1837 ; George W. JIather, 1838- 
39; J. Kilbourn, 1840; George W. Mather, 1841 ; Otis 
D. Kellogg, 1842; John Broughton, 1843; Josiah Peck, 
1844; Daniel Smith, 1846; 0. H. Webster, 1847; Rob- 
bins Miller, 1848 ; L. W. Manchester, 1851 ; John Honey, 
1852; 0. D. Kellogg, 1853; B. F. Millard, 1854; J. 
Williams, 1855-56; Byron Inman, 1857-58; Allen Gil- 
christ, 1859 ; J. E. Phelps, 1860 ; J. Q. Hotchkiss, 1861- 
62; E. Inman, 1863; Charles J. New, 1864; Thomas B. 
Clark, 1865 ; I. E. Phelps, 1866; Junius L. Clark, 1867 ; 
L. J. Warren, 1868 ; William H. Leonard, 1869 ; Warren 
Wilson, 1870-71; W. W. Douglass, 1872; Levi W. 
Prouty, 1873; A. L. Wilson, 1874; T. J. Leard, 1875; 
W. WiLson, 1876; James Q. Hotchkiss, 1877; Nathan 
Bachelor, 1878. 

We add the following notes taken from the town records : 

1792. — Voted, to allow Captain Howe, £1 9s. Id. for 
his loss in collecting taxes in 1788 ; voted, that Esquire 
Beeman shall pay but twenty shillings for his license to sell 
spirituous li()uors the ensuing year. 

1793. — Voted, to pay a bounty of ten dollars for every 
wolf killed by any inhabitant of this town ; .said wolves to 
be pursued from, or killed in, said town. 

1794. — Voted, that each town inhabitant shall mow all 





Faulinus Millard 



Benjamin FMiLLAFfo. 




Residence of PAULINUS MILL4RD,H,*MProN.WASHiNCTONCo„NY 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



365 



the thistles on his farm, or on the farm in liis possession, 
highways included, twice iu each year ; and if any one shall 
neglect or refuse to do the same, shall forfeit or pay the 
sum of £2 New York money. 

1795. — Peter P. French appointed to take the census of 
the electors in this town. 

1796. — Voted, Jason Kellogg, Samuel Hec^man, Samuel 
Bibbins, commissioners of schools ; voted, that the .small- 
pox may be set up by inoculation at suitable pest-houses in 
this town, with the consent, and under the authority, of 
said town, and not otherwise, under the penalty of £50. 

1797. — Voted to pay Amos Collins and others ten dol- 
lars out of excise money which is in the hands of the poor- 
masters, for killing a wolf, agreeable to the laws of this 
town ; voted, to raise by tax twenty dollars to rebuild the 
bridge at the north end of town. 

1798. — At a special town-meeting held on tlu' 27th day 
of January, 1798, it was unanimously voted to set off the 
north part of said town, lying north of the line running 
easterly from Whitehall, parallel with the north line of 
Skenesborough, old town, till it intersects Poultney river ; 
voted to hold our annual town-meeting in future at the 
house of Peter P. French, innkeeper. 

1811. — Voted, that the dwelling-house of David Collins 
be occupied as a house of correction for town paupers the 
year ensuing. 

1822. — Town-meeting held at the inn of Samuel W^ood. 

1823. — Voted, That the town raise fourteen dollars to 
buy a cow from Elijah Scott, said cow to be town property. 
And that Newton Sanford be agent in behalf of the town 
to take care of said cow. These votes were reconsidered, 
and thirty-nine dollars was voted for the support of the poor. 

1824. — Town-meeting was held at Eli K. Post's inn. 

1826. — Town-meeting was held at Wm. P. Noyes' inn. 
The tax to be collected the year ensuing was put up to the 
lowest bidder Eli K. Post being the lowest bidder it was 
struck off to him at three-fourths per_cent. 

1827. — Voted, To allow the collector three per cent, for 
collecting. 

1832. — Town-meeting held at Mallary & Ransom's inn. 

1833. — Resolved, as the sense of this meeting, that it 
is expedient to abolish the law of imprisonment for debt, 
and recommend a repeal of said law, and transmit a copy of 
this resolution to the member from this district. 

1847, April 27. — At a special town-meeting one hun- 
dred and twenty votes were cast, of which license received 
fifty votes, no license seventy votes. 

1864.— Special town-meeting held March 30, 1864. 
Voted to raise money to pay four recruits the sum of three 
hundred dollars each, and voted to pay each drafted man 
three hundred dollars. 

Special town-meeting held Aug. 12, 1864. S. P. Mil- 
ler, Dan. E. Atwood, and S. A. Warren appointed a war 
committee for raising recruits to fill the quota of Hampton 
under the last call. Voted to have the county treasurer 
pay said recruits and charge the same to this town. 

Special meeting held Dec. 24, 1864. Voted to pay vol 
unteers, drafted men, or substitutes, one year, two hundred 
dollars ; two years, four hundred dollars ; three years, six 
hundred dollars. 



1865.— Special meeting held Jan. 3, 1865. Voted that 
the supervisor pledge the credit of the town to pay volun- 
teers or substitutes to fill the quota. 



The first record of highways, dated June 19, 1786: 
" Begins at the southwest corner of Richard Wheat's land, 
on the road running from thence to Whitehall, and marked 
a northerly eour.se to Samuel Wheat's house.' 

"April 12, 1787. Begin at a stake and stones in the 
main road that leads from Abraham Sharpe's bridge to 
Whitehall ; thence north six chains to lots 1 1 and 1 2 ; 
thence to the north end of said lots ; thence northwesterly 
to a stake and stones upon Mr. Waterliouse's lot ; thence 
northerly to Mr. Sears' mill." 

" Begin at a stake and stones from the south side of the 
main road and running thence south across the corner of 
Eli Parson's lot ; thenee southerly to Leonard's bridge." 

" January, 1788. Begin at Elias Stephens' house and 
running thence westerly twelve chains fifty links to a hem- 
lock-tree marked ; thence northerly to the road leading from 
Leonard's bridge to William Miller's house." 

LEGISLATIVE. 

This town has been represented in the Legislature of this 
State by Hon. Jason Kellogg in 1802-5, inclusive, 1807, 
1810, 1812, 1813, 1818. His .son, Silas D. Kellogg, rep- 
resented this town in 1822, both being members of Assem- 
bly. Hon. Ralph Richards was in the House as member 
in 1858, .senator in 1862-63. Hon. Nathaniel Dailey rep- 
resented the town at a later date. 

V ULLAGES. 
ILVMI'TON CORNERS 

is located on the Poultney river, about a mile west from 
Poultney, Vt. The building of a dam and the erection of 
a saw- and grist-mill on the Vermont side of the river at an 
early day by Solomon Norton and the convenience of trade 
led to the growth of a vilhige at this point. The first store 
in the village was kept by Colonel Pliny Adams. The 
building is still standing, and is owned by J. O'Donnell. 
Ormis and Reuben Doolittle built the first blacksmith-shop 
where the brick store now stands. 

A distillery was built at an early day by Miner Webster 
on land a few rods west of the present residence of Rufus 
H. Clark. It went to decay and was finally torn down. 

LOW HAMPTON 

is a hamlet situated im the Poultney river, about five miles 
above Hampton Corners. It contains one store and a 
woolen-factory. 

SCHOOLS. 

The pioneers of Hampton, realizing the advantages de- 
rived from education, erected their first school-house on 
the hill, on the site of the present house, which is the third 
on that site. The first .school-house was built of logs, the 
second and third were frame ; the last one was built about 
thirty years ago. Eliakim Doolittle was probably the first 
teacher. In the north end of the town we could get no 



366 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



definite account of the school-house. Peter Christie is 
mentioned as having taught the first school. The first 
physician in the town was Dr. VVilJiaui Codman. The 
first frame house was built by Squire Samuel Beaman, and 
used as a store. It stood on the Stowe farm till within a 
few years, when it was torn down by Mr. Stowe. The first 
tavern was kept at this point by Captain Peter P. French. 
The first tavern at the Corners was built and kept by 
Daniel Rockwell. lie was succeeded by Eli K. Post, and 
he by Mallary & Ransom. Colonel Pliny Adams built 
and kept the first store at the Corners. The first orchard 
planted was by Colonel Gideon Warren. 

At the annual meeting in 1S16 the town accepted the 
provisions of the school law of 1812, voted to raise a sum 
of money equal to that proposed to be given by the State, 
and elected as the first school commissioners the following 
persons : Silas D. Kellogg, Luke Hotchkiss, William 
Miller. Inspectors were also elected at the same time, as 
follows: Stephen Sweet, Josiah Lyman, Price P. Kellogg, 
Seth Peck, Robert Millard, Isaiah Inman. 

During the succeeding years, down to 1843, the follow- 
ing citizens also served one or more years each as commis- 
sioners : William Jliiler, David Rood, John P. Adams, 
Silas D. Kellogg, Seth Peck, Edward W. Martin, Robert 
Millard, Benjamin Rice, Samuel P. Hooker, William 
Hotchkiss, John Fuller, David Rood, Seth Peck, M.D., 
L. F. Hooker, Henry J. Ruggles, Roger D. Hotchki.ss, 
William P. Noyse, Horace K. Rice, Hiram Shaw, Samuel 
P. Hooker, Martin P. Hooker, Hael S. Austin, William S. 
Miller, Smith Philips, Augustus Austin, Warren Brown, 
William Ward, Nathaniel Daily, William H. Ward, 
Ralph Richards, David Bosworth, Henry S. Beaman, Levi 
S. Smith, Joseph D. Crippin, Oliver Hulet. 

In the same period other citizens served as inspectors 
one or more years each : Henry H. Kilbourne, Oliver 
Thayer, Stephen Brooks, Rev. Stephen Sweet, Rev. Edward 
W. Martin, Benjamin W. Hoar, David Burt, Jr., Robert 
Inman, E. P. Kellogg, William Miller, William Hotch- 
kiss, Seth Peck, Harry D. Kilbourn, Marvin Cady, Isaiah 
Inman, Jr., Beriah Rogers, Samuel P. Hooker, Robert 
Millard, John Ward, John Searles, William P. Noyse, 
Henry J. Ruggles, Truman Andrus, Jacob Streeter, John 
Norton, Price F. Kellogg, Samuel P. Hooker, Hiram 
Ranson, William H. Ward, Oliver Hulet, Smith Philips, 
Samuel B. Austin, Gilbert Peck, John W. Wood, Caleb 
S. Philips, Bobbins Miller, George Morris, Samuel B. 
Law, Hiram Ward, Amos Pierce. 

This system was succeeded, in 1S43, by that of town 
superintendents, and the incumbents of that oiEce were : 
1844, Aaron C. Broughton ; 1845, Amos M. Pierce; 
1846, James H.Wood; 1847, David Bosworth; 1848, 
Aaron C. Broughton; 1850, John M. Webster; 1852, 
Aaron C. Broughton ; 1854, Ralph Richards; 1856, Henry 
A. Bourne. 

This last ofiBcer was legislated out by the act which 
changed the supervision of the schools from the town 
authorities to assembly district commissioners. 

The earliest report upon the condition of the schools to 
be found in the town clerk's office is for 1849, and shows 
the following distribution of public money twenty-nine 



years ago: District No. 1, 846.02; No. 2, 855.23; No. 3, 
$26.70; No. 5, 830.38; No. 6, 822.10; No. 7, 19.34; 
part of No. 4, 810.14 ; part of No. 6, 83.70 ; part of No. 
9, $4.62 ; total, $218.23. 

The last apportionment filed with the town clerk by the 
school commissioners for 1877 shows to some extent the 
present condition of the schools : 



ChlMiili iHtuci'ii 


Kntiri' giii 


fi\f untl eiYtoen. 


iminey. 


tr 


$101.4:1 


'^^> 


1.W.27 


40 


US.1 1 


.2 


97.90 


i>. 


96.ll.i 


i7 


IK). 19 



Total 269 $114:5.01 

CHRTST (EPISCOPAL) CHURCH, HAMPTON.* 

This parish was founded in the year 1798, by Rev. 
Philander Chase, then rector of a parish in Vermont. He 
afterwards became bishop of Ohio, and also of Illinois. 
The Rev. Amos Pardee, in a letter dated Aug. 15, 1839, 
says, " In the summer of a.d. 1797 I was introduced to 
the parish composed of Episcopalians of Pawlet, Wells, 
and Granville. I officiated during that summer about one- 
quarter of the time. About the beginning of the following 
year I returned to Pawlet, and not long after my return I 
was invited to visit Hampton. In Hampton resided Major 
Peter P. French, whose mother was an Episcopalian, and 
he had some traditionary attachment to the church. Here 
also resided John Dowd, a good sort of a man, and very 
strongly attached to our church. On the hill towards 
Gi'anville resided a Mr. Doolittle, who, on account of a 
deranged brother residing with him, was seldom able to 
attend church. A Mr. Martin, also living on the lower 
road, laid some claim to the name of churchman. The 
principal men of the place, Samuel Beaman, Esq., Jason 
Kellogg, Esq., Colonel Pliny Adams, etc., though previous, 
to this but little acquainted with the church, now some- 
what readily received the truth. In this year, viz., A.D. 
1798, I think the church was legally and canonically organ- 
ized, and a subscription was circulated for the erection of a 
church edifice, which was at length effected, and the house 
used for religious worship, though not completed. In 
Poultney the principal man who manifested much regard 
for the church was Esquire Canfield. There was also in 
the south part of the town Samuel Dowd ; perhaps there 
might have been some others in the town who laid some 
claim to the name of churchmen. There were others who 
were friendly to the church. There was no very formal 
organization of the time spoken of, but there was a con- 
sultation held, the chief object of which was to request me 
to take charge of the spiritual concerns, to lease the glebe 
lands (the rent of which was .small), to preach in the town, 
as special occasions required and my convenience would 
permit. The friends of the church were willing, for the 
most part, to attend at Hampton, where we had a congre- 
gation and house of our own. In the fall of a.d. 1800 I 
moved my foinily into East Poultney, because I could not 



» T.akcn Iruiu the cluircli 
Town of PoiiliiK'V.'' 



[id "Frisbic's Histury of the 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



367 



find a comfortable house that I could live in Pawlet, nor 
in Hampton. I remained there until I loft the State, in 
the forepart of A.D. 1802." 

At a period still earlier than the ministry of the Rev. 
Amos Pardee, this parish was occasionally visited by the 
Rev. Bethuel Chittenden, of Tinmouth, Vt. His ordina- 
tion by the first American bishop, Dr. Seabury, must iiave 
taken place as early as A.D. 1784-88. Mr. Chittenden 
was succeeded by the Rev. Daniel Barber. Mr. Pardee 
was succeeded, it is supposed, by Mr. Chittenden, and he 
by the Rev. Stephen Jewett, who remained here about ten 
years (1811-21 ). Under his charge the parish and cliurch 
acquired considerable importance, and became the motlier- 
church in the vicinity. 

Between 1820-25 the churcli in East Poultiicy, Vt., was 
organized by the Rev. Palmer Dyer, and became a separate 
and independent parish, under the title of St. John's church, 
Poultney. It still remained, however, as before, to all prac- 
tical purposes a part and parcel of Christ church, Hampton, 
until July 13, 1828, when in its parochial capacity it united 
with .said parish in calling the Rev. Moore Bingham, and 
shared equally in his services until Easter JMonday, A.D. 
1837. During the period of nine years the parish of 
Hampton contributed about one-sixth of the minister's 
salary, which averaged about four hundred dollars per an- 
num. In the spring of 1831 St. John's church edifice. 
East Poultney, was commenced, and was completed and oc- 
cupied on the 27th day of May, 1834. On Easter Mon- 
day, 1837, at a parish-meeting the rector observed that as 
neither parish was likely to prosper with half-services, 
he advised the parishes to tiy the experiment of each 
sustaining its own rector. The recommendation was 
adopted, but the Rev. Moore Bingham remained in the 
Hampton parish. He remained here a year or two, and 
then removed to East Berkshire. In 1845 he returned 
to Hampton, rendering also partial service in Tinmouth 
(1848-52), teaching pupils and working the few acres of 
the rectory lot. Finally, he bought a western farm, and 
had scarcely settled upon it when he was summoned away 
from all earthly toils and pains. He was a man of sterling 
moral characteristics, great enei'gy, a good mind, and a 
reliable and earnest Christian minister. About 1840, the 
Rev. Lucius M. Purdy ofiiciatod in this parish. About 
Christmas, 1844, the Rev. Daniel Barber became the rector 
in Hampton and Poultney. His ministry was brief He 
died the following September, and was buried in the old 
church-yard in Hampton. The nest rector was the Rev. 
Oliver Hopson, giving one-fourth of his time to this parish 
(1850). In 1853, up to 1868, the half-services were given. 
The last rector in the parish was the Rev. J. H. H. De 
Mill. The old church edifice stood on ground given by 
Colonel Gideon Warren, situated on the northwest corner 
of the cemetery. The site commanded a beautiful view of 
the valley of the Poultney river and the surrounding hills 
and mountain-peaks. It was a church upon a hill. The 
building was torn down a few years ago. The society oc- 
cupied in its later years a chapel near the bridge, now occu- 
pied by the Roman Catholic society. As an outgrowth of 
the church in Hampton and East Poultney, Trinity church, 
Poultney, was organized in the summer of 18UG, by the 



Rev. Nathaniel F. Putnam. The services were at first held 
in Joslin Hall, and were well attended, and by the vigorous 
eflbrts of the friends of the church this part of the pari.sh 
increased so as to warrant an eifort towards building a church 
edifice in the west village. Trinity church was consecrated 
in the fall of 18G8. In the fall of 1869 the Rev. E. H. 
Randall was called to this parish, and is rector at this time. 

METHODI.ST EnSCOPAL CHURCH. 

The earliest account of this church in the town of Hamp- 
ton is from an entry in Bishop Asbury's journal, that the 
bishop visited Hampton Hill, Washington Co., N. Y., and 
preached at the hou.se of one Wheat, and administered the 
sacrament to a society which Philip Embury and Barbara 
Heck had organized. This is confirmed by the fact that 
records show that there were several Methodists there in 
1788, the earliest date at which Methodist ministers were 
appointed by conference to this territory. The whole ter- 
ritory from New York city northward was created into one 
district, entitled New York district, of which Freeborn Gar- 
retson was the first presiding elder. In the year 1788, al- 
ready mentioned, Lemuel Smith was appointed to Cam- 
bridge circuit, and Samuel Wigdon to Lake Champlain ; 
both circuits embraced in the New York district, but being 
quite indefinite with regard to boundaries. Smith found 
members and a class at Hampton, but whether Wigdon found 
any we cannot say. They visited Hampton together, and 
were hospitably received by Samuel Bibbins, whose name 
thenceforward is prominent among Methodists of this region 
for many years. In 1801 Cambridge circuit was divided, 
and Hampton was set ofi' to Brandon (Vermont) circuit. At 
a quarterly conference for Brandon circuit, held at Pittsford, 
Oct. 27, 1821, the following vote was passed: "That 
Samuel Draper circulate a subscription paper to build a 
meeting-house in Hampton, and report at the next quar- 
terly conference." At this time John B. Stratton was pre- 
siding elder, and Samuel Draper, Moses Amadou, and 
Jacob Beaman the circuit preachers. The next quarterly 
conference was held at Hampton, Jan. 13, 1822, and Mr. 
Draper reported, " That he had attended the business as- 
signed him at a former conference to circulate a subscrip- 
tion for the purpose of building a meeting-house in the 
town of Hampton, and that his report was unfavorable to 
any probable success." A vote was called to dismiss the 
subject, and carried in the aflirmative. Elder Draper in- 
formed the conference he had drawn a subscription, at the 
request of a number of the inhabitants of the town of 
Poultney, to build a Methodist meeting-house in Poultney, 
with a prospect of success. In 1822, Hampton and Poult- 
ney passed from the Brandon to the Whitehall circuit. Its 
first quarterly conference was held in a school-house near 
William Hotchkiss', Aug. 24, 1822. J. B. Stratton was 
presiding elder ; Orrin Pier and Philo Ferris, circuit 
preachers. At a quarterly conference for Whitehall cir- 
cuit, held in the meeting-house in Poultney, Nov. 5, 1825, 
Poultney is recognized as a station, and Seymour Landon 
is called " station preacher." The '■ Stone church" had 
been occupied by the circuit preachers for meetings, but it 
was unfinished ; and on the 13th day of April, 1826, the 
leading Methodists of West Poultney, with the few Metho- 



3G8 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



dists ill other parts of the town, and with several Methodists 
in Hampton, New York, to the number of thirty-six in all, 
united to form a society, whose objects are set forth in the 
following compact : " We, the subscribers, inhabitants of 
Poultney, in the State of Vermont, and of Hampton, in the 
State of New York, do hereby associate and agree to form 
a society, under the name of the Methodist Episcopal So- 
ciety of Poultney, for the purpose of building or furnishing 
a meeting-house, paying and supporting ministers, and pro- 
curing a parsonage lot for their accommodation." 

Tlie first Methodist meeting-house in Poultney was built 
in 1822. From the introduction of Methodism into this 
region, Hampton had been much more prominent than 
Poultney, and the house would have been located there but 
for a contest which arose at this time between Poultney 
and East Poultney in regard to the post-office. 

In 1841 the Methodists in Hampton separated from the 
Poultney society, and organized a society at Hampton Cor- 
ners. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Cooper, who officiated 
here and at Whitehall alternately for two years. The first 
trustees were Wm. Hotchkiss, Roswell Clark, Ethan War- 
ren, for one year ; Lyman Broughton, P]benezer Gould, 
Ma.son Pierce, for two years; Hiram Hotchkiss, Z. Kellogg, 
E. R. Morgan, for three years. Mr. Cooper's successor was 
Rev. Mr. Chipp, who remained two years, preaching half 
the time at Poultney, Vt. Rev. S. S. Ford was the next 
pastor, giving his whole time to this church for two years. 
The church edifice was erected in 1842. The ministers 
have been the following : A. C. Rose, J. G. Craig, R. West- 
cott, Wm. G. Leonard, J. N. Webster, S. A. Knapp, Cyrus 
Meeker, Hiram Meeker, D. H. Lovelaud, J. J. Noe, D. 
Starks, R. T. Wade, J. W. Belknap, and D. B. McKenzie, 
the present pastor. The present trustees are Roswell Clark, 
L. E. Prouty, N. Dailey, J. O'Donnell, Rufus H. Clark, 
Gideon Warren, Jesse Wilson, J. Q. Hotchkiss, and Dr. 
H. Meeker. The society own a parsonage. The present 
membership is seventy. The Sunday-school has a mem- 
bership of sixty-five pupils ; T. D. Southworth, superinten- 
dent. 

BAPTIST CHURCH (LOW HAMPTON). 

Elder Elnathan Phelps, of Orwell, Vt., a minister of the 
Baptist church, was well known in his day for the plain, 
scriptural character of his preaching, through the whole 
section of country extending from western Massachusetts 
along the line of Vermont and New York to Lake Cham- 
plain. Through his labors, the Baptist church was organ- 
ized in Low Hampton. In 1799, Elisha Miller was .settled 
over the church, and was pastor to 1821 ; a small meeting- 
house was erected about 1812. In 1833, Wm. Miller was 
licensed to preach, and officiated for this society. Here and 
elsewhere he preached his doctrine, and a majority of the 
members having embraced the Advent faith, they were, by 
the action of an ecclesiastical council, in 1845, separated 
from the Baptist denomination. The minority being weak 
the church disbanded, and the building was finally torn 
down. The members now attend worship at Fair Haven, Vt. 

THE SECOND ADVENT CHURCH 

was organized Sept. 11, 1850, with thirty members ; the 
first house of worship was erected in 1S48. Elder Leonard 



Kimball was the firet pastor; at pre.sent it has none. 
There are but few of the society left in the neighborhood. 

William Miller, the first preacher of and founder of the 
Advent faith, was born Feb. 15, 1872, on the Miller farm, 
about one mile we.st of Pitt.sfield, Mass. His father, ('apt. 
Wm. Miller, was in the army of the Revolution. He mar- 
ried Paulina Phelps, a daughter of Rev. Elnathan Phelps, 
a minister of the Baptist church, residing in Orwell, Vt. 
In 178(5, Capt. Miller with his family removed to Hampton 
in the State of New York, and settled on a farm located 
near the bank of the Poultney river, and about a mile and 
a half from what is now known as the village of Fair 
Haven, Vt. He leased one hundred acres of land, for which 
he was to pay annually twenty bushels of wheat. After a 
suitable clearing had been made, a log cabin erected, farming 
life in the wilderness with its toils and privations was fairly 
begun. In a newly-settled country, the public means of 
education must necessarily be very limited. William's 
mother had taught him to read, so that he soon mastered 
the few books belonging to the family. But if the terms 
of school were short, the winter nights were long. Pine- 
knots could be made to supply the want of candles, and the 
spacious fire-place was ample enough as a substitute for the 
school-house. ^Villiam possessed a strong physical consti- 
tution, an active and naturally well-developed intellect, and 
an irreproachable character. He had enjoyed the limited 
advantages of the district school but a few years, before it 
was generally admitted that his attainments exceeded those 
of the teachers usually employed. June 29, 1803, he was 
united in marriage with Lucy Smith, of Poultney, Vt., and 
took up his residence there. In 1809 he was appointed 
sheriff, in which office he continued until he received a 
commission, in 1812, as captain of a company of infantry, 
in the 1st Brigade of Vermont State volunteers. In 1814 
he was appointed captain in the 30th Regiment, United 
States Infantry, and took part in the battle of Plattsburg. 
On the retirement of Capt. Miller from the army, he re- 
moved his family from Poultney to Low Hampton, to begin 
the occupation of farming. 

His father, dying in 1812, left the homestead encum- 
bered with a mortgage ; this was canceled by Captain 
Miller, who permitted his mother, and brother Solomon 
(who is still living on the homestead), to live there, while 
he purchased another farm in the neighborhood, about half 
a mile west. On this farm, in 1815, he erected a con- 
venient farm-house of wood, two stories high (this is still 
standing and occupied by one of his sons). At the Baptist 
church in the neighborhood he became a constant attend- 
ant, and contributed liberally to its support. The prox- 
imity of his house caused it to become the headquarters of 
the denomination. There the preachers from a distance 
found food and shelter and a home beneath his roof. 
During a period of twelve years previous to 1816 Captain 
Miller was an infidel. The time had now come when God, 
by his providence and grace, was about to enlist the patriotic 
soldier in another kind of warfare. In the minister's 
absence one Sunday it devolved on Captain Miller to read 
a sermon of the deacons' selection. They had chosen one 
on the importance of parental duties. This sermon was the 
turning-point in his life. He publicly professed religion 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



369 



and united with the little cluireli that he liad despised, 
opened his house for meetings of prayer, and beeanio an 
aid to pastor and people. He pursued the study of the 
Bible with the most intense interest. He became fully 
satisfied that the Bible is its own interpreter. He found 
that, by a comparison of Scripture with history, all the 
prophecies as far as they had been fulfilled had been ful- 
filled literally. In the fall of 1831 it was impressed on his 
mind " to go and tell it to the world.'' He delivered his 
first public lecture on the Second Advent iu Dresden, 
Washington Co. In February, 1833, he published his 
views in a pamphlet of sixty-four pages, entitled " Evi- 
dences fioui Scripture and History of the Second Coming 
of Christ about the year 1843, and of His Personal Reign 
of One Thousand Years." By William Miller. 

In the fall of 1833, Captain Miller received a license to 
preach froiji the church of which he was a member. From 
1832 to 1844 he had lectured three thousand two hundred 
times in the cities, villages, and towns of this country. 
The vernal equinox of 1844 was the farthest point of time 
to which Mr. Miller's calculation had extended. The pass- 
ing of the time was a great disappointment to Mr. Miller 
and his followers, but it did not impair his confidence in 
God or affect his usual cheerfulness of disposition. Jan. 
29, 1845, charges were made against him before an eccle- 
siastical council. In tlie fifth charge he was charged with 
a departure from the usages of the Baptist church. The 
charges were all sustained, and he and a majority of the 
church were separated from the Baptist denomination. He 
continued lecturing in the towns and cities until January, 
1848, when his health began to decline, and in April he 
was confined mostly to his room. On the 20th of Decem- 
ber, 1849, he died. His funeral was attended from the 
Congregational church in Fair Haven, Vt., December 23. 
He left a wife and six sons and two daughters. His re- 
mains repose in the Low Hampton cemetery, where there 
is a monument erected to his memory. 

Mr. Miller's published writings comprise his sixteen 
lectures on the Prophecies, his life and views, of about 
three hundred pages each, and a number of pamphlets, 
tracts, etc.* 

BURYING-GROUNDS. 

At the town-meeting held May 2, 1786, Lemuel Hyde, 
Joseph Hyde, and Nicholas Spoor were appointed to pur- 
chase a burying-place at each end of tlic town, and to set a 
time to clear the same. At the same meeting, Asa Warren, 
Caleb Warren, and Samuel Church were appointed grave- 
diggers for the year ensuing. The grave-yard in the south 
end of the town was located on land given for that purpose 
by Colonel Gideon Warren ; this lot lay between the school- 
house and the Episcopal church. The first burial was that 
of a stranger who was taken sick and died in the neigh- 
borhood. 

Up to 1816 the following named were buried in this old- 
time grave-yard : Miriam, wife of Jason Kellogg, Oct. 4, 
1789; Martha, wife of Jason Kellogg, Nov. 25, 1812; 
Mrs. Lucy French, wife of Captain P. P. French, Nov. 23, 
1793, also his second wife, Jerusha, Nov. 13, 1798; Mi-s. 



■ Memoirs of William Miller, by Sylvester Bliss. 



Elizabeth French, wife of David French, Aug. 24, 1795 ; 
Ashbel Webster, Aug. 1, 1801 ; Colonel Gideon Warren, 
April 4, 1803, aged seventy-three years; Colonel PHny 
Adams, April 2, 1816, aged fifty years. The grave-yard 
in the north end of the town is located on land given by 
Captain Wni. Miller, Sr. The first interment in this ground 
was a daughter of Captain Miller; the next was that of Eli 
Parsons. Peter Christie was buried in this yard May 8, 
1797 ; Nehemiah Lewis, Feb. 15, 1799. Here lie the re- 
mains of Wm. Miller, the founder of the Advent faith. 

Here, in these olden-time grave-yards, repose all that is 
mortal pertaining to names loved and honored ; here sleep 
the dust of aged pioneers. 

MANUFACTURES IN THE TOWN OF HAMPTON. 

In the northern part of the town, at an early day, the 
iron-forges were started. The iron ore was brought from 
the west side of Lake Champlain. Leonard's forge was 
located near Leonard's bridge, at Lower Hampton. Daniel 
Smith built a forge and cardingmill near this point, and a 
man named Carver built a forge in the northern of the town, 
where the powder- and woolen-mill is now. 

These forges made flat and square bar-iron for black- 
smiths' use. The powder-mills were erected about 1850, 
by Quackenbush, Steere, and Armstrong, of Hoosick Falls. 
They employed ten men, and manufactured blasting and 
sporting powder ; their capacity was about one hundred kegs 
a day. Austin & Goodwin succeeded them in the business. 
The concern has not been in operation for about four years. 

There is a woolen-mill at Low Hampton. All the slate- 
factories in the town are situated in the vicinity of Hamp- 
ton Corners. At present there are only four worked, — the 
New England Slate and Tile Company, employing about ten 
men ; the Warren Slate quarry, employing about six men ; 
the David Williams & Brothers quarry, employini; about four 
men ; and the Jesse Wilson quarry, of red slate, employing 
four men. The Hampton Cheese-Manufacturing Company 
was organized in May, 1869, with a capital of four thou- 
sand dollars. The incorporators were Julius J. Stowe, 
president; Rufus H. Clark, superintendent and secretary; 
John O'Donnell, S. A. Warren, L. Collins, M. 0. Stod- 
dard, Jesse Wilson, M. P. Hooker, C. J. Inman, and 
Nathaniel P. Daily. 

Ofiicers the present year: M. P. Hooker, president; 
R. H. Clark, superintendent and secretary. 

This factory has the milk from four hundred cows, and 
in the last season used 1,539,508 pounds of milk, making 
150,492 pounds of cheese. 

SOLDIERS OP HAMPTON. 

Few facts have been obtained upon the early wars, as far 
as this town is concerned. The pensioners living iu town 
in 1840, according to the official register, were Thomas Todd, 
aged seventy-nine ; Eleazer Lyman, seventy-four ; Samuel 
Beaman, eighty-four ; Caleb Warren, seventy-sis ; Benja- 
min C. Owen, seventy-seven ; Joseph C. O'Brien, forty -four. 

The following roll of men who served in the war of 1861 
-65 has been taken from the list written by the town clerk 
for the bureau of military statistics, Albany. It has also 
been compared with the printed muster-in rolls, and has 



47 



370 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



furthcv been examined for additions and corrections by the 
present town clerk, Mr. Rufus Clark : 

Nelson L. Allard, onl. Sept. IG, 1861, 2(1 Cav., Co. F: miHsing after the »econil 

battle of Bull Kiiu. 
Wm. 0, Alliird, onl. Aug. 14, 1802, 123d Bogt., Co. K ; died of disease, at WaBli- 

ington, D. C, Fob. 28, 1803. 
Charles E. Allard, onl. Aug. 0, 1804, llth VI,; died of fuvor, at Martinsliurg, 

Nov. 11, 1804. 
Wm. B. Barber, cnl. Nov. 1801, 93d Rogt., Co. I ; pro. lut «orgt. ; dincli. ; re-olil. 

Jan. 1804; died uf wounds, Juno 11, 1804. 
Benjamin Barker, onl. Aug. 18, 1802, 9.3d Rogt., Co. I ; lost an arm in battle of 

Wilderness ; discli. 1864. 
Hool B. Clark, onl. Aug. 26, 1862, 93d Rogt., Co. I ; disch. March 1, 1803. 
Junius L. Clark, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 93d Rogt., Co. I ; pro. corp.; disch. Juno 2, 

1805. 
James Crawloy, onl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. C; disch. Juno 8, 1805. 
Bdmond Croake, enl. Dec. 3, 1801, 93d Begt., Co. K ; disch. Juno, 180.5. 
Thomas Oassidy, enl. April, 1801, 1st Vt. ; disch. at end of time ; re-enl. in reg- 
ular army ; killed at Vicksburg, May, 1803. 
Jas. Cassidy, onl. Oct. 1801, 12th Rcgt. ; killed before Richmond, Juno 27, 1802. 
Patrick Croake, eul. Doc. 3, 1801, 93d Rcgt., Co. K. 

Charles B. Doble, Corp.; onl. Aug. 29, 1802,93d llegt.,Co. I ; dixch. June 1, 1805. 
Joseph Dickinson, onl. Aug. .5, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. K. 
Chester Dowd, enl. Dec. 10, 1861, 77th Rogt. 
Wm. H. H. Douglass, cnl. Harris I,ight Cav. 
Walter W. Douglass, onl. Vermont. 
OrilBth Edwards, enl. Doc. a9, 1803, 10th Art., Co, I. 
Rollin M. Green, corp.; onl. Jan. 1862, 7th Vt., Co. C; pro, 1st lieut. ; died of 

fever, at Barancas, Flu., Nov. 10, 1803. 
John Grant, onl. Doc. 3, 1801, 03d Rogt., Co. E. 
Albert Honey, enl. Aug. 29, 1862, 93d Regt., Co. 1; died Dec, 1'2, 1S03, at 

Washington. 
Thomas B. Huntington, enl, Aug. 1.5, 1862, 123d Regt., Co, K ; di.ich. for dis- 
ability, Feb. 1803. 
Michael Hayes, musician ; enl. Aug. 1802, 123d Rcgt,, Co, K. 
Moses R. Jones, enl. Doc. 29, 1863, 10th Art., Co. I. 
Timothy Kennedy, onl. Deo. 29, 1803, lOth Art,, Co. I. 
Franklin Murray, enl. Doc. 17, 1861, 93il R!lgt., Co, 1 ; lo-eni. Fob, 28, 1804, 93d 

Begt., Co. I ; lost an arm. Doc. 29, 1804. - 
Abol F. Mounts, enl. Aug. 1802, 123d Begt,, Co, K ; disabled; rliscliarged, 
Wm. Mairs, enl. Dec. 29, 1803, Kith Art., Co. I. 
Vcranus W. New, enl. Doc. 1801, 9'3d Regt., Co. I ; died of disease, at Yorktown, 

May 13, 1802. 
Lawrence Ostrander, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; pio. Corp. ; discli. 

Juno 18, 1805. 
Alpheus C. Osborne, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123d Regt,, Co. K; killed on pirkc^t, 

Aug. 8, 1804, at Atlanta, Ga. 
Charles Pitney, onl. Doc. 18, 1801, 93d Rogt., Co. I; diod soon afler discharged. 
Peter auinn,onl. Dec. 11, 1801, 93d Rogt., Co. G. 
Frank M. Rood, onl. Doc. 10, 1801, 93d Rogt., Co. 10 ; pio. to corp, ; disch, .June 

18, 1805; rc-cnl. 93d Regt.; disch. Aug. 1, 1805, 
Edward Ryan, onl. Nov. 1, 1801, 93d Rogt, Co, 1; re-enl. Dec, 27, 1803, 93d 

Regt.j Co. H ; discli. July 27, 1805. 
Wm.Beardon, enl. Aug, 1802,123d Begt., Co. K ; died at Hilton Head, Oct, 1801, 
Clark H. Busaell, enl. Aug, 0, 1862, llth Vermuiit, Co. C ; woundeii ; died Ironi 

that cause, Aug. 27, 1804. 
Isaac Baco, onl. Dec. 10, 1801, 93d Begt., Co. E. 

William SearlcB, enl. Dec. 1861, 93d Regt,, Co. I; diod In service, 1802. 
Barnnm Stephens, onl. March 20, 1864, 93d Rcgt., Co. I; disch. Juno, 1805, 
John Soarlos, enl, March 20, 1804, 93d Rogt., Co. I. 

John B. Shaw, onl. Doc. 16, 1863, 6th Vermont, Co, I; wounded in tin. Wilder- 
ness ; disch. April 29, 1866, 
John Shaw, enl. Jan. 1865, 7th Vermont; dischargeil. 
Milo Shaw, enl. Aug. 0, 1862, 123d Rogt., Co. K. 
John Sherman, onl. Aug. 10, 1802, 12;!d Regt., Co. K. 
Samuel Stiles, onl. Aug. 21, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K. 
Chauncey S. Sharp, enl. Dec. 17, 1801, 93d Rogt., Co. I. 
Edward Tanner, onl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. K. 
N. A. Thayer, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K. 

John Van Andeu, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Bogt., Co. 0; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Hiram 0. Warron, Ist liout.; onl. Sept. 14, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. K; pro. to 

capt., April 20, 1864. 
Peter M, Willis, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Begt., Co, K ; dis.b, for disability, 

March 20, 1803. 
Edwin Willis, enl. Aug, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. K ; disch. for disability, April 24, 

1803. 
Lyman J. Warren, 2d liout.; enl. Oct. 1, 1801, 93d Begt,, Co. E; disch. Jan. 22, 

1863. 
Stewart Wilson, enl. Aug. 29, 1862, 93d Regt,, Co. 1 ; wounded ; disch, June 2, 

1805. 
Conrad Weiss, onl. Aug. 1862, 93d Rogt., Co. 1 ; disch. Juno 2, 1865. 
Charles C. Wostcot, eul. Aug. 3, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K; disch. for disability, 

March, 1803. 
Gyrus 11. Westcot, onl. Aug. 1861, 2d Eogt. ; wounded at second Bull Run ; died 

soon after, Sept. 14, 1802. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. RALPH RICHARDS, 

son of Rli ami Amanda lliclianl.s, was horn in Wonthors- 
field, Windsor Co., Vt., Nov. 22, 180!». Hi' i.-< nf Kiij,'lish 
descent. After receiving a comraon-scliool education he 
entered Castleton Academy, where he spent considerable 
time preparing himself for a teacher. In 1813, his father, 
Eli Richards, removed into the State of New York, and 
settled in Hampton, Washington Co., where he remained 
until his death, at an advanced age, in March, 1858, and 
where his son, the subject of this sketch, still resides. For 
twenty-five ytsars Mr, Richards followed the profession oi' 
teacher, and during a part of this time was principal of the 
school at Whitehall. He was eminently successful a-s a 
tcacliiM-, winning by his kind, genial manners a host of 
riiciid-;, wliii icg;inl liiiii to-day as the earnest and faithful 
teacher and a wi.se and good man. Several years since hv. 
retired to the old home in Hampton, where he has been 
equally successful as a farmer. He has always taken a 
deep interest in political affairs, and has always been tmt- 
spoken in his opinions. He was a Whig, or rather an Abo- 
litionist, until the organization of the Republican party, 
when he joined it. In fact, he was one of the men who 
helped organize that party. He was always decidedly op- 
posed to slavery, and was known far and near as the cham- 
pion of anti-slavery in all this country. Ho was personally 
acquainted with John Brown many years before his name 
had been blazoned abroad. He has always been a strong 
and unwavering advocate of temperance ; and upon this 
subject, as well as slavery, has frequently spoken in public, 
ever maintaining that intemperance and human bondage 
were the two great evils of our day. He has lived to. see 
the downfall of one, and hopes to see the other consigned 
to its proper place before he is called away. He has held 
vaiious offices of trust and honor, in all of which he has 
given general satisfaction. He was town superintendent of 
schools for several years. In the fiiU of 1857 he was 
elected member of Assembly from the northern district of 
Washington county, and at the ensuing session of the 
Legislature comported himself so well as to secure the 
a])probation of his constituents. In the fall of 1862 he 
was elected to the State Senate, representing the district 
composed of Rensselaer and Washington counties. His 
lionesty of purpose, his sound judgment, and his cordial 
manners secured for him an honorable position among his 
associates in that body. So well pleased were his townsmen 
with him that they elected him supervisor of his town 
without opposition. He served two terms, one of which 
he was chosen " chairman of the board." He married 
Miss Harriet Leland, daughter of Deacon Otis Leland, of 
Hartland, Niagara Co., N. Y., April 23, 1838. Mrs. H. 
Richards was born Oct. 22, 1820, and died Jan. 31, 1847. 
Mr. Richards married Miss Mary, daughter of James 
and Mary Richardson, of Poultney, Vt., Jan. 12, 1848 
She was born Oct. 17, 1820. By this union five children 
were born, — Eugene H., Frank A., John F., Hattie E., and 
Martha E., — the last of whom died while an infant. Mrs. 




^ -^ ^5^ 





I^RS Ralph Richards, 



^ON Ralph Richards 




h?iCHARDS,/(AMFroN. Washington Co,N Y 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



371 



Richards is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church 
of Poultney. 

In private life, among his friends and neighbors, no man 
is more highly esteemed than Mr. Richards. All speak of 
him as the good son and brother, the kind and aflFectionate 
husband, the faithful guardian and father, the wi.se coun- 
selor, and an honest man. 



ALBERT RICHARDS, 

brother of Ralph, was educated at the Troy Conference 
Academy and at Union College, where he graduated in 
1850. That it is the duty of every man to educate him- 
self is a sentiment that he always dwelt upon with em- 
phasis, and by which his own course of life had for years 
been determined. In the discharge of this duty he had 
succeeded in completing his collegiate course, and but one 
short month before his decease " left the shades of his 
alma mater" to pay, as the sad event proved, a farewell 
visit to the home of his childhood. When arrested by 
disease, he was on his way to Troy, Ohio, where he in- 
tended to follow the profession of teaching. He died among 
strangers, but left to his friends a good name, and his re- 
mains were brought home and he was buried with his 
parents. 

MRS. JULIA NORTON. 
Mrs. Julia Norton is a daughter of Eli and Amanda 
Richards, and was born in Weathersfield, Vt., Jan. 30, 
1807. She is one of nine children, — namely, Maria, Ma- 
rian, Julia, Ralph, Alonzo, Amanda, Sally, Martha, and 
Albert. Of these, Julia and Ralph are the only ones that 
are now living. Mrs. Norton settled in Hampton in 1813 
with her parents. She received a common-school education. 
She has always been identified in the temperance cause and 
cause of religion. She joined the Methodist Episcopal 
church in Poultney in 1829. She married Mr. Franklin 
Norton, of Claremont, N. H., Jan. 1, 1862. Mr. Norton 
died Feb. 8, 1875. Mrs. Norton's married life was very 
short, but she remembers Mr. Norton to-day with very 
pleasant recollections. Since the death of Mr. Norton she 
has returned to the " old home," in which she has an equal 
interest with her brother Ralph. She is deeply interested 
in everything which pertains to the highest intere.st of her 
brother's family or the community at large. 



PAULINUS MILLARD. 

Among the native-born settlers of the town or county, 
not many have lived to see as many years as the subject of 
this sketch. He is the son of Abiatha and Eleanor Millard, 
and was born on the place he now owns in Hampton, Aug. 
10, 1792. His father was born in Connecticut, Sept. 14, 
1760 ; his mother was born in Connecticut, Dec. 10, 1762. 
They were married Jan. 16, 1784, and immediately emi- 
grated to Hampton, where they continued to reside till 
their death. Abiatha Millard was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary war. He was married three times. His first wife 
died Sept. 22, 1793, leaving five children, of whom Pauli- 



nus is the only one now living. He had three children by 
his second wife (all are dead) and two by his third wife, 
of whom one only remains. By occupation Mr. Abiatha 
Millard was a blacksmith and farmer. He died Feb. 10, 
1825. Paulinus became the sole owner of the " old home- 
stead," and has been a farmer through life. He was a 
soldier in the War of 1812. He married Ruth Mathews, 
Jan. 1, 1815, by whom one son, Benjamin F., was born. 
Mr. Millard married Harriet Draper, a native of Easton, 
Washington Co., N. Y., for his second wife. She was born 
Oct. 11, 1800. 

Mr. Millard has owned some four hundred acres of land, 
but has sold some two hundred. In politics he rather affil- 
iates with the Democratic party. He has been commis- 
sioner of highways and assessor of his town. He and 
President Fillmore were cousins. He is now an old man ; 
time has made its mark on him, and ere long he will 
go to join the grand army of the dead. Mr. Millard and 
his first wife joined the Baptist church soon after their 
marriage, and have always been regarded with esteem by 
those who know them. Benjamin F. married Laura Peck, 
a native of Sandgate, Vt., by whom four children were 
born, — Ruth, George, Frederick, and Adelia. George is 
dead. Mr. B. F. Millard died in March, 1868. Mrs. 
Millard is now residing at Fair Haven with her daughter 
Adelia. Ruth married Rollin Smith, a farmer of Sandgate, 
Vt. ; while Frederick lives with his grandfather, and will 
own the " old home." 



FONROSE FARWELL, 

son of John G. and Lucy Farwell, was born in Pond Hill, 
Poultney, Vt., Dec. 22, 1831. His father was a native of 
Groton, Mass., and was born Nov. 15, 1783, and settled in 
Poultney in December, 1798, with his father, Benjamin 
Farwell, who was a son of Daniel Farwell. 

Fonrose's mother was a native of Saratoga Co., N. Y., 
and was born March 9, 1800. Her father was from the 
Isle of Jersey, and emigrated to America during the Rev- 
olutionary war and settled in Saratoga Co., N. Y. John 
G.'s business was that of a farmer and shoemaker. He 
had six children, — two of them, Laura and Daniel P., died 
while young. Benjamin F., Charlotte, Lucy, and Fonrose 
are still living. John G. died in Poultney March 24, 1872. 
Mrs. Farwell died July 22, 1863, while living with the 
subject of this sketch, in Hampton. She was a member of 
the Baptist church at Poultney. In politics Mr. Farwell 
affiliated with the Republican party. Fonrose was reared 
a farmer, and early learned those principles which have 
ever followed him through life. On the 1st of April, 1855, 
he settled in Hampton, on Dr. Beaman's form, and carried 
on the same for three years in company with a brother. In 
1858 he took his present farm on shares, and continued to 
carry it on until 1866, when he bought it of the heirs of 
Mason Hulett, who was one of the early settlers of Hamp- 
ton. Said farm contains some three hundred acres of good 
land, on which Mr. F. Farwell has remodeled and built all 
the fine buildings which are to be seen. The buildings are 
very fine indeed, being mostly new, and are the best in the 



372 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



town, and compare favorably with the best in the county. 
He has the very best cider-mill in the county : it is thirty 
by forty feet, with an engine-room attached. It is complete 
throughout, and has a capacity for making from eighty to 
one hundred barrels of cider per day. Mr. Farwell is also 
extensively engaged as a bee-raiser, standing to-day in the 
front rank in the county. In five years he has increased 
from five to sixty-one swarms, having in the mean time sold 
twenty-eight swarms for eight dollars per swarm. It is 
worth any one's while to visit him and learn somewhat of 
the bee interest. He married JMiss Ida L. Dyer, daughter 
of Samuel E. and Julia Dyer, Dec. 22, 1863. She was 



bom in Rutland, Vt., Aug. 24, 1842. Her father was 
born in Rutland, Vt., Jan. 24, 1814, and married Julia A. 
Arnold Oct. 31, 1839. She was born in Clarendon, Vt., 
Dec. 23, 1818. For many years Mr. Farwell has been en- 
gaged as an agent for Walter A. Wood, and during fifteen 
years has sold many machines. In politics a Republican. 
He has held several town offices, among which may be men- 
tioned that of justice of peace for eight years. He is a 
member of the Morning Star lodge of Masons at Poultney, 
Vt., and was Master of the same in 1872. He is one of 
the most genial men in the county, and is pointed to as 
one of the leadinsr farmers of the town. 



HAKTFORD. 



This town was erected from what was then known as 
Westfield (now Fort Ann), March 12, 1793, and received 
its name from Hartford, Conn., at the suggestion of settlers 
from that place. Its location is north of the centre of the 
county, and equidistant from its eastern and western bounds. 
The adjoining towns are : north. Fort Ann ; east, Granville 
and Hebron ; south, Argyle ; and west, Kingsbury. The 
area comprises about twenty-seven thousand five hundred 
square acres. The general surface is uneven. In the south- 
east and the northwest are hills whose elevation is seven 
hundred feet above Lake Champlaiu, and in other parts of the 
town are lesser elevations. Many of these are composed of 
a slaty rock, which disintegrates by exposure, and forms a 
soil producing excellent crops of grass and wheat. The in- 
tervals are noted for their fertile lands, and are composed 
of a dark loam or a heavy clay. In the southern part is a 
cedar swamp, extending into Argyle, where peat is found. 
The timber common to the county grows in the town, and 
a fair proportion has been preserved. East creek, flowing 
westerly into Wood creek, and its tributary brooks are the 
principal streams. Several chalybeate springs abound. 

The town of Hartford embraces the Provincial patent, 
granted May 2, 1764, to twenty-six officers of the New 
York Infantry. The allotment was made without refer- 
ence to rank, each man receiving one thousand acres. The 
patent was surveyed in the fall of 1764, under the direction 
of Archibald Campbell, department surveyor of the colony, 
into one hundred and four lots, containing each three hun- 
dred acres, more or less. These lots were numbered from 
the northwest corner, and thence from left to right, and the 
reverse, until the limit was reached at the southwest corner. 
None of the grantees received his land in a body, but it 
seems to have been distributed with a view to equalize the 
value as determined by the location. The patentees were 
Peter Dubois, Win. Cockroft, Bernard Glazier, Charles Le 
Roux, Michael Thody, George Brewerton, Sr., George 
Breworton, Jr., Robert McGinnis, Peter Middleton, Isaac 



Corsa, .loshua Bloomer, Tobias Van Zandt, George Dunbar, 
Barack Snethew, Jonathan Ogden, Richard Rea, Verdin 
Ellsworth, Barnaby Byrne, Cornelius Duane, Abraham De 
Forest, Joseph Bull, Tennis Corsa, Thomas Jones, David 
Johnson, Henry Dawson, and Alexander White. Some of 
these never chiimed their lands, and many lots were settled 
by squatters. There is no evidence to warrant the belief 
that 

THE FIRST SETTLEMENT 

was made before the Revolution. It is probable that the 
first settler, or among the first settlers, was Col. John Buck, 
a native of Connecticut, and a soldier of the war for inde- 
pendence, who settled on lot 31, living at first in a house 
split out of logs and covered with bark. The country was 
very wild, and it is related that on one occasion, as the 
colonel and his wife were riding through the forest, his dog 
treed a bear. Leaving his wife to prevent the escape of the 
animal, the colonel hastened home to procure his rifle. 
Meanwhile Mrs. Buck had deposited her babe at the foot 
of a neighboring tree, so as to be better able to watch the 
bear. The barking of the dog warned Bruin to beat a re- 
treat, and he descended from the tree in gi'eat haste, so 
thoroughly frightening Mrs. B. that she ran away, and on 
the return of the husband neither child nor mother was to 
be seen. Having found the alarmed wife, search was made 
for the child, which was at last discovered cosily nestled 
against a tree, none the worse for having been left alone in 
the woods. The bear also was shot from another tree, 
where he had taken refuge. 

Of the three daughters of Col. Buck, Abigail, who after- 
wards became Mrs. Jabez Norton, was born in 1785, and is 
supposed to have been the first female born in town. Col. 
Buck died in 1795. His sons, Enoch and John, removed 
to Onondaga county. 

About the same time came Manning Bull, who located 
on lot 43, .selecting that in preference to any other in town. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



373 



He served as an agent for some of the proprietors; died 
in town, leaving one daughter, who married John Smith. 

The Bump brothers — Stephen, Laban, and Wanton — 
settled on lot 89, and were the first in that part of the town, 
now East Hartford. Two sons of Laban's, Laban and 
Robert, yet live in town ; and Frederick T., a son of Wan- 
ton, lives in Granville. Contemporary with the Bumps, 
and living in the same locality, were the Ingals, — Edward 
and John. The latter left sons: John, Reuben, Horace, 
Chester, and Simeon ; also three daughters ; and the de- 
scendants yet live in town. 

Aaron and Eber Ingalsbe, two young unmarried men, 
came from Massachusetts in 1782, settled on lot 87, and 
built a shanty near where A. Gilchrist's house now stands; 
went back to Massachusetts in the fall, but returned the 
nest spring. Eber removed to the north, but Aaron mar- 
ried Polly Hieks, of Granville, by whom he had ten chil- 
dren. His sons were James, Silas, Belas, Aaron, Reuben, 
Levi, Elias, and Lewis. James was born in July, 1789, 
and yet lives in town ; has four sons, Milo, Royal, Homer, 
and James L., who are prominent citizens of Hartford. 

Nathan, Samuel, and Joseph Taylor came at the same 
time from Massachusetts, following marked trees to their 
destination in East Hartford. A son of Joseph, Daniel, 
resides in Granville, and a daughter, Mrs. Robert Morrison, 
lives in Hartford village. Samuel had no posterity, but 
Nathan had eight children. A daughter, Mrs. Henry B. 
Northup, of Sandy Hill, is the only survivor. In 1784 
came Timothy Stocking, Ebenezer Smith, and John Paine. 
but who removed before many years. 

In the northern part of the town, on lot 6, settled Na- 
thaniel Bull, one of the most prominent citizens of his 
time. He was generally titled Lieutenant Bull. He had 
three sons. Guerdon, William, and Wadsworth. Nathaniel, 
a son of Guerdon, still resides on the homestead. On the 
adjoining lot lived James Henderson ; members of the 
family yet reside there. Eastward and southward of these, 
and coming from 17S0 to 1796, were Daniel Peirce, John 
Utter, Aaron Calkins, Obed Hitchcock, Captain Levi Gates, 
Isaac Boomer, George Davis, Timothy Atwood, Ezekiel 
Whitford, Achilles Walling, Silas Colton, Phineas Spring, 
William and Isaac Warren. John and William Congdon 
also settled in this locality. A son of the former, William 
E., lives in the village, and William, a son of the latter, in 
South Argyle. Various members of the Brayton family 
also settled in the northern part, on a road which yet bears 
their name, and on which some of the descendants yet live. 
David Martin settled on lot 32, on which a son. Job, yet 
resides; and the homestead of Samuel Bowen, on lot 81, 
is also occupied by two sons of that old settler. 

Among the first at the North village was David Austin, 
the agent of De Witt Clinton, who owned large tracts of 
land in this locality. Jabez Norton settled on the lot now 
occupied by his son, John B., and Richard Norton found 
a home on lot 46. The family is yet represented by a son, 
John Norton, Esq., who has been a very prominent man 
in town and county affairs, and has also served as a State 
official and crier of Washington county courts since 1829. 
A short distance from the village lived x\braham Downs, 
who died in 1792. His tombstone is the oldest in town. 



Samuel Downs settled on the .same lot, and was one of the 
leading pioneers. Just before the close of the century, 
there came to the settlement John Hamel, an Irish patriot, 
who having been obliged to flee the country, took refuge 
on board a vessel, where he was stowed away in a hogshead 
three days to elude the search of the officials of the govern- 
ment, who rolled the hogshead over and over in their efforts 
to find him. He came to Hartford in very destitute cir- 
cumstances, but afterwards was a most prosperous merchant. 

In the western part of the town settled Asahel Hodge, 
the first town clerk ; and not far away Jonathan Wood, also 
one of the first town officers, found a home. Joseph Bol- 
ton, Phineas Pelton, Joseph Morrison, the Hawleys, the 
Pattersons, and the Underbills were also among the pio- 
neers in the western section. 

John H. Kincaid settled on lot 17, in 1790. He came 
from Lansingburg, where he had erected the second store, in 
that place. He also opened a store at his new home, and 
carried on a very extensive business until his death, in 1804. 
At that time his place was the centre of trade, having 
taverns, asherics, etc. Kincaid wiis a man of great courage, 
and performed an exploit which rivals that of Putnam in 
the den of wolves. Being attracted to a small cave on his 
land by the baying of his hounds, he procured a pitchfork 
and boldly crawled in to kill the animal, a large lynx, who.se 
skin was stuffed and placed in the museum at Albany. 
Members of the Kincaid family live in the county. 

On lot 19 lived Ezekiel Goodell, a man of considerable 
note and a great hunter. On one occasion he boldly at- 
tacked a bear, and had a ■' hand to paw" encounter with 
him. The bear testified his affection by nearly hugging 
Goodell to death, he being saved from that fate only by the 
timely arrival of a fellow-hunter. The latter hesitated to 
fire for fear of killing his companion. He was, however, 
encouraged by Goodell, who shouted, " Shoot, for God's 
sake, and kill either me or the bear!' The other obeyed, 
and succeeded in slaying the animal without injuring his 
friend. Mr. Goodell did not give up his habits as a hunter, 
but he had less confidence thereafter in his ability to cope 
with a bear in a regular scuffle. As late as 1856, J. H. 
Kincaid killed three bears on East creek, being the only 
ones that had been seen for thirty years. 

Daniel Mason, the first supervisor, settled on lot 67, 
South Hartford. One of his sons, Daniel, yet lives in town, 
at the advanced age of eighty-five years. In 1785, Daniel 
Brown, from Worcester, Massachusetts, came to this place 
and purchased what were then known as Poster's Mills. 
He reared five sons: Lewis, Daniel M., Benjamin F., War- 
ren H., and William, all of whom are dead. Caleb Brown 
located farther south, and opened a public-house. His son 
Harvey yet occupies the homestead. Another Brown, but 
not related to the foregoing, was the Rev. Amasa, also 
among the first settlers. Several of his sons became promi- 
nent attorneys, — Stephen, at St. Alban's, Vt., and Amasa, 
at Ogdensburg, N. Y. Jonathan Cable was also one of the 
first at this place, as well a.s Pasqua Austin, both removed. 
Dr. Isaac W. Clary joined the new settlement before 1800. 
A daughter married Richard Sill, a son of Zachariah Sill, 
who settled in the southern part of the town. One of his 
sons, Zachariah, yet survives, and grandsons live in various 



374 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



parts of the county. Calvin Townsend came about the 
same time as Clary, and distinguished himself bj' an active 
busincs.s life. At tiiis point also lived Daniel Baker, George 
Jilson, the Manns, the Maynards, and at East Hartford the 
Harris fiimilies, from which have come some of the most 
useful citizens of the town. 

The settlement of Hartford was very rapid, many poor 
men coming in with no other capital but the axe they car- 
ried on their shoulders, and a will to wrest a home from 
the forest wild. In 1800 there were nearly four hundred 
voters. In 1845 the population was twenty thousand and 
ninety-four. 

The following Ls added on the authority of Isaac W. 
Thompson, of Granville. The date is earlier than our 
inquiries were able to verify : 

Thomas Thompson came into Hartford during the Revo- 
lutionary war, 1775 or 1776. He was from New London, 
Conn. His pioneer homestead was what has since been 
known as the Beebe place, near the south village. He 
joined the American army during the Burgoyne campaign, 
was in the battle of Stillwater, and served until the end of 
the war. Of his sons, William settled in Pennsylvania ; 
James, in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county; Nathan, in 
Beekmantown, Clinton county ; Charles was in the regular 
army in 1812; Isaac settled in Antwerp, Jefferson county; 
Orsemus, in Granville, near the Hebron line. All of these 
sons were in the War of 1812. William was lost in the 
battle of Lake Erie ; Charles was at the battle of Platts- 
burg. There were two daughters : Polly, Mrs. Sprague, of 
South Hartford, afterwards removed to Michigan ; Nancy, 
Mrs. Stephen Smith, of Hartford, removed to Gouverneur. 
Thirty-two soldiers from these families served in the war 
for the suppression of the Rebellion, — a patriotic record 
worthy of notice. Sons of James Thompson are Isaac W. 
Thompson, Esq., and Judge 0. F. Thompson, of Granville, 
the former of whom has rendered valuable aid in the pre- 
paration of the history of that town. The other sons of 
James are Abram, of Gouverneur ; R. M., of St. Louis ; 
L. E., of St. Paul's; E. 0., of Rock, Iowa; James H., of 
Gouverneur; and Joseph S., of Quincy, 111., of the regular 
army, who has seen and shared in desperate Indian war- 
fare. 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The electors of the newly-organized town assembled at 
the house of Daniel Mason, near the south village, to hold 
their first meeting, April 1, 1794. Daniel Mason having 
been appointed moderator, the election proceeded with the 
following result : 

Supervisor, Daniel Mason; town clerk, Asahel Hodge; 
assessors, Joseph Bolton, David Baker, Daniel Brown ; 
collector, Caleb Goff ; commissioners of highways, Jona- 
than Wood, Ichabod Hawley, Daniel Brown ; overseers of 
the poor, John Buck, Asahel Hodge ; constables, Matthew 
Taft, Caleb GofF; treasurer, John Buck; pound-keepers, 
John Covel, Benjamin Stewart ; fence-viewers, Jonathan 
Covel, Benjamin Stewart, Ezekiel Goodell, Abraham Stock- 
well, Daniel Comstock. 

The following persons have held the principal offices 
since 1794. In the case of the justices of the peace, 



those first named were elected for full terms, others to fill 
vacancies : 





Supervisors. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


179.i 


Daniel Mason. 


Asahel Hodge. 


Ezekiel Goodell. 


1796 
1797 
1798 


Asahel Ilodge. 


Nathaniel Bull. 


Caleb Goff. 


« 


« 


Aaron Ingalsbe. 


1799 


" " 


David Austin. 


" 


1800 


Daviil Austin. 


Asahel Hodge. 


" 


1801. 


" 


.< 


Erastus Hyde. 


1802 


Aaron Norlon. 


" 


Samuel rnderhill. 


180.3. 


" 


« 


Aaron Ingalsbe, 


1804. 


.Jonathan Wood. 


" 


Philander Lathrop. 


1805. 


" 


" 


" 


1806. 


" 


" 


" 


1807. 


" " 


" 


Samuel I'nderhill. 


1808. 


" " 


" 


" 


1809. 


" " 


Samuel Gordon. 


" 


1810. 


Daviil Au.-tin. 


" 


" 


1811. 


" 


" " 


" " 


1812. 


Jonathan Wood. 


" •' 


" " 


1813. 




" 


" 


1814. 


" 


David Austin. 


" 


181.'). 


" " 


Samuel Gordon. 


'• 


1816. 


" 


" 


" 


1817. 


" 


David Austin. 


" 


1818. 


Samuel Downs. 


David Doane. Jr. 


Frederick Baker. 


1819. 


Jonathan Wood. 


" 




1820. 


Samuel Downs. 


" 


" 


1821. 


David Austin. 


Joseph Harris. 


" 


1822. 


Samuel Downs. 




" 


1823. 


Arehiliald Hay. 


" 


" 


1824. 


'• 


Thomas McConnell 


Thomas Eldridge. 


1825. 


Sladc D. Brown. 


" 


William Davis. 


1826. 


" 


" 


Silas Ingalsbe. 


1827. 


« 


" 


Thomas Eldridge. 


1828. 


" " 


Calvin L. Parker. 


" " 


1829. 


" 


William Dorr. 


" " 


1830. 


" 


" 


John Norton. 


1831. 


Richard Sill. 


Ebenezcr Lord. 


" 


1832. 


Russell Smith. 


" 


Elkanah Bullock, 


18.33. 


" 


Alanson Allen. 


Amos Broughton, 


1834. 


Zaehariah Sill. 


William P. Allen. 


Joshua Pelton. 


1835. 


Robert Morrison. 


" 


Giles W. Oatman. 


1836. 


George Chandler. 


John Carlisle. 


John Norton. 


1837. 


" 


" 


Nathan Crouch. 


18.38. 


Robert Morrison. 


Samuel N. Harris. 


Jonathan Woodard 


1839. 


<. 


Riehard Sill, Jr. 


Abraham Stearnes. 


1840. 


u 


" 


Mason H, Slade. 


1841. 


" 


" 


Albert Park. 


1842. 


George Ch.andler. 


Samuel Gordon. 


Elias Ingalsbe, 


1843. 


Daniel M. Brown. 


" 


.\biather Stearnes. 


1844. 


" 




Ralph E. Brown, 


1845. 


Wm. E. Congdou. 


David D. Cole. 


Johnson Smith, 


1846. 


" 


Ira A. Perrin. 


Ralph E, Brown, 


1847. 


Caleb Braytou. 


" 


" 


1848. 


" 


" 


.. 


1849. 


John P. Wood. 


M. N. McDonald. 


Johnson Smith. 


1850. 


" 


u 


William Strow. 


1851. 


" 


Ira A. Perrin. 


Lyman Hall. 


1852. 


Samuel D. Kidder. 


John Norton. 


Wm. G, McDonald, 


1853. 


.1 


William Strow. 


Johnson Smith, 


1854. 


John P. Wood. 


Daniel Mason. 


Daniel W, Norton. 


1855. 


Daniel Mason. 


Frederick T. Bump 


Wm. G. McDonald. 


1856. 


James M. Northup. 


Ransom Clark. 


Amby H. Maynard. 


1857. 


" 


John Perry. 


Johnson Smith. 


1858. 


Edward Sill. 


Wm. P. Sweet. 


Ransom Clark. 


1859. 


" 


Chas. D. Higley. 


Wm. P. Sweet. 


1860. 


« ,. 


William Park. 


Lyman Hall. 


1861. 


Russell C. Davis. 


M. N. McDonald. 


Alonzo Norton. 


1862. 




Edmund B. Doane. 


Johnson Smith, 


186.3. 


Milo Ingalsbc. 


M. N. McDonald. 


Lyman Hall, 


1864. 


-. « 


John Norton. 


M. N, McDonald, 


1865. 


" " 


" 


Hansom Clark, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



S75 



Supemsora. Town Clerks. 

1866. John F. Whitemore. Rufus H. Waller. 
1867. 

1868. " 

1869. Andrew I). Rowc. " " 

1870. " " Samuel C. Downs 
1871. 

1872. Bavi.l Hall. 

1873. '• •• John Brayton. 

1874. James E. Goodman. Henry C.Miller. 
1875. 

1876. " " Samuel C. Downs. 

1877. " " " " 

1878. Alexander Gourlay. " " 



Collectors. 
Alonzo Norton. 
Lyman Hall. 
M. N. MeDonald. 
Benjamin Bell. 
Lyman Hall. 
M. N. McDonald. 
Peter Boushe. 
John MeClarly. 
Edw'd W. Townsend. 
Edw'd C. Reynolds. 
Theo. F. Fa.\on. 
Milton H. Kinney. 
Daniel Wiles. 



JUSTICKS OF THE PE.VCE. 



1827. 


Slade D. Brown. 


1852. 


Warren H. Brown 




Luther Mann. 


1853. 


Milo Ingalsbe. 




Solomon S. Cowan. 


1854. 


William Hall. 




XiTry Maynard. 


1855. 


Levi Hatch. 


1828. 


Luther Mann. 


1856. 


Warren H. Brown 


1829. 


Slade D. Brown. 


1857. 


Milo Ingalsbe. 


1830. 


Xury Maynard. 


1858. 


.John Norton. 


1831. 


Joshua Pelton. 


1859. 


John I. Seeley. 


1832. 


J. B. Seeley. 


1860. 


Warren H. Brown 


1833. 


David Doane. 


1861. 


Milo Ingalsbe. 




Caleb Brayton. 


1862. 


John Norton. 


1834. 


Slade D. Brown. 


1863. 


John I. Seeley. 


1835. 


Amos Broughton. 


1S64. 


Warren U. Brown 


1836. 


J. R. Seeley. 


1865. 


Levi Hatch. 


1837. 


John Norton. 


1866. 


John Norton. 


1838. 


Solomon S. Cowan. 


1867. 


.lohn I. Seeley. 




William Hall. 


1868. 


Warren H. Brown 


1839. 


Luther Mann. 


1869. 


Levi Hatch. 


1840. 


William Hall. 


1870. 


John Norton. 


1841. 


Calvin L. Parker. 


1871. 


John I. Seeley. 


1842. 


Solomon S. Cowan. 


1872. 


Warren H. Brown 


1843. 


.John Norton. 


1873. 


Levi Hatch. 


1844 


Horace D. Mann. 




Ransom Qua. 


1845. 


Calvin L. Parker. 


1874. 


John Norton. 


1846 


James H. Carlise. 


1875 


John I. Seeley. 


1847. 


John Norton. 




Nathan Jones. 


1848 


Calvin J. Townsend. 


1876 


William P. Sweet 


1849 


Ira A. Perrin. 


1877 


Levi Hatch. 


1850 


William Hall. 




R. S. Holley. 


1851 


John Norton. 


187S 


John Norton. 



From the town records the followiug interesting excerpts 
have been made : 

1794. — When the town-meeting was held at tiic house 
of David Austin, and when it was voted that sheep and 
swine be not allowed to run on the commons, and that a 
lawful fence shall be four and a half feet high. 

179G. — " That geese shall not run at large on the com- 
mons. That Canada thistle be cut in the months of June 
and August." 

1800. — " That the pounds be repaired sufficiently to hold 
creatures one year, under the inspection of the commission- 
ers of highways." 

1803. — A special town-meeting was held at the Baptist 
church, Jan. 7, 1803, to take measures to prevent the 
spread of the smallpox. A committee of eleven was ap- 
pointed to devise ways and means to stay the malady, and 
the town clerk was directed to petition the Legislature to 
make a regulation respecting inoculation. Also, to petition 
the Legislature to authorize the county to build a court- 
house at such a place on the middle road as they in their 
wisdom may deem proper. 



At the annual meeting, Aaron Norton, Daniel Mason, 
Jonathan Wood, Asahel Hodge, and John llamel were 
appointed a committee for the purpose of devising some 
legal measures respecting a central court-house in the 
county, and also to be a committee of correspondence con- 
cerning the nomination of a governor and other State 
officers. 

1800. — " Voted, that the town poor be put up and sold 
to the lowest bidder on the following terms : That the 
bidder is to board and keep them in a human-like manner ; 
and that if any clothing and doctoring are required, it be 
at the discretion and expense of the pocjnnastcr and justice 
of the peace." 

Widow Phebe Carpenter was bidden oft' by l.saac W. 
Clary, at seventy-five cents per week. 

1818. — A tax of three hundred dollars for the support 
of the poor was voted, and the overseers empow(!red to pro- 
cure a poor-house at their discretion. 

1846. — In common with other towns, Hartford held a 
special election on the 19th of May of this year to determine 
the sale of spirituous liquors. Of the three hundred and 
two votes cast, one hundred and fifty-one favored license, and 
a like number were opposed to license. On the following 
27th day of April, 1847, three hundred and fifty voters 
gave the matter another consideration, when a majority of 
ninety-two declared for the sale of litjuor under a licen.se 
system. 

In 1877 the sale of li<juor was authorized by the excise 
commissioners. 

EARLY ROADS AND PUBLIC HIGHWAYS. 

The roads of the pioneers were, in most instances, blind 
paths, whose general direction was indicated by blazed 
trees ; but exercising that tact so strongly developed in the 
frontier's-man, the early settlers generally selected such 
courses as nature pointed out, and these have very often 
remained the highways between the principal points of the 
town, and were early authorized roads. Before the division 
of the towns more than forty roads were located ; and at 
the second town-meeting, in 1795, the below-named persons 
were appointed overseers: Caleb Brown, Silas Brooks, 
Colburn Barrell, Solomon Skinner, Jesse Holmes, Aaron 
Blanchard, Jr., Stephen Johnson, Elisha Maynard, Daniel 
Bradley, John Smith, James Henderson, Pasqua Austin, 
Robert Patterson, Oliver Stewart, Ezekiel Goodell, David 
Gates, David Brayton, Phineas Pelton, Nathan Sikcs, Luke 
Chapin, David Austin, Joseph Eldridge, Ethel Cummings, 
John l^ierce, Moses Dusser, Joshua Comstock, Reuben 
Thomas, John Ingalsbe, Jo.seph Dealing, Samuel Taylor, 
Ebenezer Armsbury, William Bigelow, Richard Ogden, 
Martin Salisbury, and Merrill Darely. 

These thirty-five were increased to forty-three in 1800, 
and the list of persons assessed to work on the roads that 
year shows more than three hundred and sixty names. In 
1877 there were fifty-three districts, and the highways 
bear favorable comparison with those of other towns. The 
Saratoga and Whitehall railroad passes through the north- 
east corner of the town, but does not affijrd a station. The 
principal point of .shipment is Smith's basin, in Kings- 
bury, where also the Chauiplain canal has a depot. 



376 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CEMETERIES. 

Besides several private burying-grounds, there are three 
small grave-yards in the western part of the town. The 
principal cemeteries are at the north and south villages. 
At the former place are many old graves, some having head- 
stones whose inscriptions appear quaint compared with 
modern work and Websterian orthography. One of the 
oldest stones is inscribed : 

"In memory nf Mr. Benjamin Baley. 

He died March the 15 day A. 1795 in the 

49 year of his age. 

Death is a debt to Nater du 

Which I have paid, 
And so must you." 

Another inscription tersely, and in a simple manner, ex- 
presses an accident whicli befell a child of Reuben and Lydia 
Cole, aged six years, who was drowned April 21, 1798: 

" It was on the day I went away 
I fell beneath the wave ; 
I lost my breath, as you may see, 
Prepare for death, and follow me." 

A third stone, commemoi'ating a death in 1804, should 
be noted for the sage truth it contains : 

" Afflictions sore 
Long time I bore, 

Physicians were in vain, 
Till God was pleas 
To give me eas 

And fre me from my pain." 

All the cemeteries in town are kept up by individual 
effort, and generally present a neat appearance. 

THE AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS 

of Hartford have always been the pre-eminent features of 
the town, and whatever distinction it has attained are in 
tills direction. The products of the soil have enriched the 
land-owners, and the proportion of well-kept farms and 
fine homes is very great. Of late years the dairy interests 
have gained prominence, and attention has been paid to the 
manufacture of cheese. The oldest factory in town, and 
one of the pioneers in the county, is 

The Old Hartford Factory, erected in the northern part 
of the town, in 1869, at a cost of five thousand dollars. 
Thirty-five dairies, representing an average of ten cows 
each, contribute to it, and an average of one hundred 
thousand pounds of cheese per year are produced. 

The East Hartford Factory was next put up, in 1873, 
by an association of twenty-four members, of which Truman 
Harris was president, and Horace Gilchrist secretary. The 
entire outlay has been thirty-three hundred dollars, upon 
which a fair dividend has been realized. The milk of two 
hundred cows is consumed, and eighty thousand pounds of 
cheese manufactured annually. 

The South Hartford Factory is being built by an asso- 
ciation formed for that purpose, and will do much to pro- 
mote the dairy interests in that part of the town. 

The numerous springs and brooks in town, with the al- 
ternate lots of woodland and mead so common, have also 
proved favorable to bee-keeping, and as the result of experi- 
ments in this direction, begun in 1870, John H. Martin, of 



North Hartford, has erected an apiary, where the produc- 
tion of honey is carried on in a scientific manner. From 
a collection of more than one hundred stands enough has 
been realized to demonstrate the probable future of this new 
interest. 

EDUCATION. 
In matters pertaining to the education of the youth of 
the town the people have always taken a deep interest, and 
early adojtted means to further this end. It is supposed 
that the first school was taught at the north village, about 
1790, by Thomas Payne, a native of Connecticut. Shortly 
after schools were opened in various localities, and upon the 
organization of the town districts were formed whose bounds 
were changed so frequently that few would recognize one of 
the original districts by a description. In 1877 there were 
thirteen districts, — four less than formerly, having five hun- 
dred and seventy-three children of school age, from which 
an attendance of two hundred and forty-four was secured. 
The amount appropriated to maintain these schools was 
fourteen hundred and sixty-three dollars and eight cents. 
Some of the district buildings, especially the one at the 
north village, present a very neat appearance. Opportunity 
is also afforded to obtain the elements of a higher education 
than that imparted by the common schools, by 

THE HARTFORD ACADEMY. 

This school was established in December, 1865, under 
the principalship of Lewis Hallock. The lower part of the 
Congregational meeting-house at South Hartford having 
been prepared for academic purposes by an association of 
which Levi Hatch was the first president, and G. M. lu- 
galsbe secretary, and the proper apparatus and library 
having been supplied, the academy was chartered by the 
board of regents in January, 1866. Since that period 
about fifty students have passed the required examination, 
and the general scholarship of the school has always been 
good. Forty students per term has been the average at- 
tendance, most of the pupils being residents of the town. 
Mr. Hallock was succeeded as principal by John McCarty. 
Henry Barker at present occupies that position. Other 
principals were Wm. McLaren, George Hunt, Daniel J. 
McDougall, E. R. Safford, Hiram Hunt, and a Mr. Qua. 
Levi Hatch has served as president of the trustees since 
the organization of the academy. 

CHURCHES. 

The pioneers of Hartford did not neglect their spiritual 
interests. As soon as their own humble homes had been 
erected, steps were taken to provide a place of worship. 
Initiatory to this was the organization of 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN WESTFIELD, 

about 1787, in a barn not far from the present meeting- 
house. Two years later a small house was erected south of 
the cemetery, on part of the burial lot, the ground having 
been deeded for these specific purposes by De Witt Clin- 
ton, where the society worshiped until 1815, when the pres- 
ent edifice was built. 

As near as can be determined, the pioneer members 
consisted of Deacons H. Mattison ind E. Whitford ; and 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



377 



Daniel Pierce, Noah Scott, Timothy Atwood, Daniel Carr, 
Colburn Barrell, Samuel Downs, Thomas Bmyton, Achilles 
Walling, Job Pickett, David Biayton, and members of the 
Ingals, and Bump and lagalsbe families. Caleb Cum- 
mings was chosen the first clerk, and in 1789 the Rev. 
Amasa Brown was called as the first settled pastor. Prior 
to this a Rev. Simmons preached for the society at occa- 
sional intervals. Mr. Brown came from Swansea, Mass., 
in the full vigor of life, and labored with untiring zeal until 
1821, — thirty-three years. During his pastorate about eight 
liundred persons were added to the membership of the 
church, and at no time has it been greater than at the 
close of his ministerial connection. It is a matter of his- 
tory, not without interest and instructive lessons withal, 
that his salary amounted to but two hundred dollars per 
annum, one-half of which was to be paid in farm produce. 
Elder Brown ended this earthly life among the people he 
had so long served, Jan. 24, 1830. He was succeeded by 
the Rev. George Witherell, who remained as pastor twelve 
years. At this time the church took extreme grounds 
against Masonry, which caused the withdrawal of eighty 
members belonging to that order or sympathizing with 
those placed under condemnation by a resolution of the 
church. Accordingly, in 1830, these united themselves 
into a new body, called 

THE SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH, 

and called the Rev. B. F. Baldwin as pastor. For twelve 
years he served it faithfully, increasing the membership to 
one hundred and eighty, and giving it a character which 
commanded the respect of the older body. The new society 
had meanwhile, in 1833, built a meeting-house, at a cost 
of two thousand three hundred dollars, which was sold to 
the Methodists in 1844. The year previous the two Bap- 
tist churches were reunited on a satisfliotory basis, the 
names of members of both societies being transferred to a 
new record, and thenceforth the work has been known as 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN HARTFORD. 

On the 3d of March, 1845, it was legally incorporated, 
with John Park, Jr., Eli Smith, Ira A. Perrin, Gardner 
M. Baker, Joseph Atwood, Milo M. Whedon, Caleb 
Brayton, John Ingals, and Sylvanus Hatch, trustees, and 
Ira A. Perrin, clerk. 

Services were now held in the upper church, and having 
no diverse interests, a great revival ensued, whereby one 
hundred and twenty-five persons were added to the church. 
From that time to the present, the church has increased in 
usefulness, having had since its formation, ninety-one years 
ago, an aggregate membership of nearly eighteen hundred, 
and has reared a large number for the ministerial ranks. 
One of these, Jonathan Wade, became a missionary to 
Burmah, and John Baudin, a distinguished colporteur 
among the French in Canada. Others became equally emi- 
nent in the ministry at home ; and the church itself is one 
of the most prominent in the county. Its members num- 
ber at present more than three hundred, and are under the 
pastoral care of the Rev. J. D. Mcrrell, who assumed this 
relation in July, 1870. Tiie church is at present a member 
of the Washingtun Union, and lias S. C. Downs as clerk. 
48 



David Baker served in this capacity forty years. Besides 
the clergy mentioned, the Revs. Barna Allen, Daniel A. 
Cobb, Daniel Harrington, William McCormack, J. B. Everts, 
Levi Parmelee, Leland Howard, Daniel Eldridgo, J. B. 
Drummond, G. W. Butler, Wm. Brown, E. D. Towner, 
and J. M. Ferris have been pastors from 1834 to 1870. 
To the deacons mentioned were added in time Timothy 
Heath, Colburn Barrell, John Ingals, Caleb Brayton, Gard- 
ner M. Baker, John Park, Aaron Ingalsbe, Laban Bump, 
Samuel B. Warren, Leonard Colton, and Lyman Norton. 

The meeting-house is a substantial frame, with tower and 
fine bell ; remodeled in 1843, and since repaired, and with 
the parsonage, erected in 18G9, is worth thirteen thousand 
dollars. 

A Sabbath-school was organized in the church in 1828, 
and has been continued ever since. Lyman Norton is the 
present superintendent, and the school has one hundred and 
twenty-five members. 

Methodism had its adherents in the town prior to 1844, 
but that year Rev. Ensign Stover, then on the circuit of 
which Hartford was a part, induced the class to purchase 
the new Baptist church and form a legal organization, to 
be known as 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF HARTFORD. 

Solomon S. Cowan, P. AVhitcomb, Mason Hulet, J. Nor- 
ton, and David Arnold were chosen the first trustees. In 
1850, having then forty members, with the Rev. S. Gard- 
ner in charge, the work was detached from the circuit and 
became a station, since which the church has had a pros- 
perous existence. The pastoral ofiice has been held since 
1850 by Revs. L. D. Sherwood, W. W. Foster, H. Chase, 
J. E. King, J. J. Noe, C. H. Richmond, C. H. Edgerton, 
J. W. Eaton, W. D. Hitchcock, A. C. Ro.sc, W. A. Miller, 
C. B. Armstrong, Newton B. Wood, and D. Kronk, the 
present pastor. 

The church property is valued at sis thousand dollars, 
and is controlled by the following trustees : jNlason Hulet, 
Johnson Smith, Thomas Gilchrist, Joseph Palmer, Enoch 
Norton, H. B. Weir, E. P. Harden, John I. Seeley, and 
Wm. Armstrong. 

A Sunday-school was organized nearly forty years ago, 
which has been maintained by the church ever since, and 
at present numbers sixty members. D. Krouk is tho 
superintendent. 

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HARTFORD. 

The early history of this body is somewhat obscure. Its 
origin dates from the beginning of the century, and a house 
of worship was erected in 1805, which, in a reconstructed 
form, is still used, and is the present frame church in the 
south village. On the 18th of September, 1810, a legal 
organization was effected, from the record of which it ap- 
pears that Isaac W. Clary and Joseph Martin were deacons, 
and Israel Harris, Isaac W. Clary, Asahel Hodge, Theoph- 
ilus Tracy, Matthew Taft, and John C. Parker trustees of 
the society. From this period until Jan. 1, 1830, no record 
of the church is known to exist. At that time a church- 
meeting is recorded by the Rev. John B. Sliaw, the pastor, 
who gives the membership a.s ninety. Tliirteen years later 



378 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOIIK. 



the church was again left without a pastor, and there is 
once more a blank in its history until 1865, when the 
question of reviving the work or abandoning it altogetlier 
was presented to the few surviving members. It was de- 
termined " to go forward," and the twenty-three persons 
composing tlie church secured the llcv. J. M. Crawford, 
who served them as pastor throe years. Tlie house, also, 
was repaired and placed in its present inviting condition. 
The pastoral office was next filled for six years by the Ilev. 
A. B. Lambert, and then supplied by the presbytery until 
Sept. 27, 1877, when the Ilev. G. A. Curtiss assumed this 
relation. 

The church numljors thirty-four members, and is asso- 
ciated with the Hudson river conference. E. B. Doane is 
the clerk. The present ti'ustees are James Ingalsbe, Joseph 
Sill, and E. B. Doane. The church property is valued at 
five thousand dollars. 

Although maintaining a Sabbath-school at an early day, 
it also was suffered to go down. In 1865 it was re-organ- 
ized, and at present has one hundred and twenty members, 
who are superintended by A. W. Vaughan. 

THE riRST UNIVKRSALIST SOCIETY OF HARTFORD 

was organized at the south village, June 20, 1834, and the 
Articles of Faith adopted were signed by forty-six persons. 
A board of trustees was chosen consisting of Calvin Town- 
send, Benjamin Hyde, Jonathan Hastings, Samuel Pear- 
sons, Jacob Bump, and Samuel Harris, clerk. In 1838, a 
plain brick church edifice, thirty by forty feet, co.sting six- 
teen hundred dollars, was erected in South Hartford, and 
the society legally incorporated. At this time Samuel 
Harris, Eli Smith, Anson Brayton, Benjamin Hyde, Daniel 
Smith, Levi Hatch, Jacob Bump, Burroughs Maynard, and 
Calvin Townsend are recorded as trustees. The Revs. J. 
A. Aspinwall, E. S. Foster, Loveland, and several others, 
have served as clergy of the church. The organization has 
not been kept up, and for several years the house has been 
unused. Charles Towusend is the clerk of the society ex, 
officio. 

SECRET ORDERS. 

Hirnchel Lodge, No. 89, F. und A. M., was instituted 
Sept. 21, 1801, at the house of Elijah Sacket, when the 
following officers were chosen : Daniel Mason, M. ; Gardner 
Maynard, S. W. ; Thomas Worden, J. W. ; Asahel Hodge, 
Scribe ; Caleb Brown, Treas. ; Elijah Sacket, Senior Deacon ; 
Jonathan Wood, Junior Deacon ; George Jilson and Nathan 
Taylor, Stewards. Among the other original members were 
Enoch Forman, John Swain, George Patterson, Solomon 
Carswell, C. Higby, Planning Bull, Sanuiel Lo\'e, Thomas 
Love, John Pierce, Samuel Taylor, Zadock Harris, Luther 
Harris, and Wait Doolittle. 

The lodge went down during the Morgan excitement, — 
the record of the last meeting bearing date Dec. 13, 1830, 
when Daniel M. Brown was the Master. On the 13th of 
June, 1861, Herschel Lodge, No. 508, was chartered, with 
William Congdon, M. ; Johu Norton, S. W. ; and Alonzo 
Wood, J. W. It at once entered upon a career of prosper- 
ity, which enabled it in 1874 to build one of the finest 
halls in the county. At present there are one huuJied and 



thirty members, having James B. Harrington as Master, 
and E. B. Norton, Secretary. 

Hartford Chapter, No. 192, R. A. M., was instituted 
Jan. 11, 186G, with AVilliam H. Rowe, H. P.; William E. 
Congdon, E. K. ; John Norton, E. S. ; and six members 
besides. At present there are fifty-seven members, who 
meet in Masonic Hall, North Hartford. 

Washington County Lodge, L. 0. of 0. F., was organ- 
ized at North Hartford, Feb. 12, 1844, with Curtis Mann, 
N. G.; Lucius Cottrell, V. G. ; John Norton, Sec; and 
John Perry, Treas. For some time the lodge had a pros- 
perous existence, but it has long since gone down. 

The town has also had several temperance lodges and 
divisions, but no trustworthy data of their institution has 
been received. 

THE VILLAGE OF HARTFORD, 

formerly North Hartford, is located in the centre and ca.st- 
ern part of the town, chiefly on lot 48, and partly on lands 
formerly owned by De Witt Clinton. It is pleasantly sit- 
uated on elevated ground, and has some fine scenery sur- 
rounding it. The place enjoys a good trade, and is the 
most important village in town, having about four hundred 
inhabitants. A branch of East creek affords limited power, 
which was first employed east of the place by William 
Covel to operate saw- and grist-niUls. In a repaired condi- 
tion these are yet operated by Manser Hall. Nearer the 
village clothing-works and cardiug-niachines were operated 
by Joel and Samuel Downs, and afterwards by Reuben 
Dexter, using the water from a dam which now supplies 
power for the cider-mill. Here, also, a starch-factory was 
put up by Andrew Daizey and George Wordell, but which 
was soon changed to other purposes. Distilleries were 
operated by a man named Hoffman, John Hamel, and 
others, and a tannery by Amby Higby, which was after- 
wards turned into a cooperage. Amasa Ruggles carried on 
the manufacture of hats in an extensive manner, about 
1820 ; and years later Parks & Carlisle had a shoe-factory 
which employed a great many men. The manufacture of 
cabinet ware also formed an important item, Nathan Hatch 
and others being engaged in it. In the common mechanic 
arts shops were carried on many years by Jason Havens 
and Alonzo Wood, and there are yet several shops, all the 
other works having long since been discontinued. 

Ethel Cummings had the first house of entertainment, 
on the present hotel site, in a two-story frame, which was 
taken by Aaron Norton and enlarged. About 1812, Ben- 
jamin Hyde became the host, and for twenty years served 
in that capacity. John P. Wood and others followed in 
the same house, which was burned in 1860. Three years 
later the present structure was erected. A few other houses 
were used a short time for tavern purposes. 

Colonel John Buck was the first to open a store, where 
Hiram Swain now lives. Aaron Norton was next in trade, 
and John Hamel put up a store on Reynolds' corner, in 
which he sold goods many years. Samuel Harris was in 
trade forty years, in the old brick store, and Slade D. Brown 
and Archibald Hay were also active in trade. At present 
there are several well-kept stores. 

The post-office was established about 1807, with Aaron 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



379 



Norton, postmaster, and has since been kept by John 
Hamel, Alanson Allen, Samuel Gordon, C. L. Parker, J. 
Brunnell, S. D. Kidder, Doane Jlartin, R. C. Davis, and 
John Norter, who has held the position many years. There 
is a daily mail service from Smitli's Rasin. 

A Dr. Cutter was one of the first located physicians, al- 
though Dr. Jones, of Revolutionary fame, was often called 
to visit the sick prior to his coming. The profession has 
since been represented by Doctors Harvey, Porter, Bigelow, 
Prouty, Putnam, and the present Dr. B. B. Gilman. 

The village was not without its legal lights. Sladc D. 
Brown, Ira A. Porrin, Warren H. Brown, and others had 
offices. The last named was a man of considerable pmmi- 
nenee. 

About 1S50 a bank of exchange, and later also of issue, 
was conducted by Charles Wesley & Brother. It had a 
prosperous existence for three years, when it was removed 
to Buifalo. 

The village has two churches, a good school. Masonic 
lodge, etc., whose histories are elsewhere detailed. 

About two miles .southwest of this place, and principally 
on the left bank of the south branch of East creek, is the 
village of 

SOUTH HARTFORD, 

with a population numbering several hundred. The water- 
power at this point was improved about 1790 by a man 
named Foster, who soon after sold his interests to Daniel 
Brown. The grist-mill they erected was the first in town. 
In 1810, William Covel having purchased the property, a 
saw-mill was added to the power, and until a few years ago 
these were known as Covel's mills. At present George 
Whedon operates them. Below this site clothing-works 
were carried on by John Scott, which were abandoned in 
1825. The site was sub.sequently occupied by a grist- 
mill, erected by Joseph Harris, who had also a distillery in 
the same locality. The mill was destroyed by fire in 1S48. 
Lower down the stream a saw-mill was built by Caleb 
Brown prior to 1810, and a mill known as Moon's was 
swept away by a flood in 1811. A mile below the village 
a carding-machine was operated by Russell Smith, which, 
being burned, was replaced in 183G by a woolen-factory, 
operated by Wm. P. Allen, and for many years past by B. 
& W. Tolman. A tannery was established at this place 
soon after its settlement, by Daniel Brown, who disposed of 
bis interests to Calvin Townsend about 1800. By him it 
was conducted until 1846, when Levi Hatch became the 
proprietor and yet operates it. A planing-mill, on the site 
of an old plaster-mill, together with the usual mechanic 
shops, concludes the manufacturing interests of the place. 

Major Caleb Brown kept the first tavern. His first 
license bears date Feb. 1, 1797, and is signed by Asahel 
Hodge and John Kincaid, " commissioners of excise." 
About 1800 a building was erected for tavern purposes in 
the southern part of the village, where Brown kept until 
his death, in 1837. Since then his son Harvey has con- 
ducted the hotel, a period extending over forty years. The 
house remains as built. About 1800, John P. Webb had 
a public-house on the site now occupied by Thomas Gil- 
christ's residence, but he removed in the course of a dozen 
years. 



The honor of opening the first store seems to be divided 
between Caleb Brown and Daniel Mason, both selling 
goods about the same time, 1795. Soon after, they were 
succeeded by Joseph Harris, who remained until his death, 
in 1828, his family continuing the trade thereafter. In 
1830, Jacob Allen engaged in business and remained about 
twenty-five years. At this stand E. B. Doane and G. W. 
Harden have sold goods for twenty years. 

There has been a post-office bearing the name of the 
village since 1820, when Joseph Harris held the office. 
His successors in office were George Chandler, Jacob Allen, 
and others. K. B. Doane is the present incumbent. 

Dr. Isaac W. Claiy was the first regular practicing phy- 
sician. His successor was Dr. Richard Sill, and he in turn 
has been succeeded by the present Dr. Joseph Sill. 

There are two churches; and it is the scat of Hartford 
Academy. Southeast of this place, and on the same 
stream, is 

E.\ST HARTFORD, 

a small hamlet, but the centre of some of the first settle- 
ments in town. The water-power is meagre, but it was 
early improved to operate saw- and grist-mills. The former 
was put up by Laban Bump, and passed thence into the 
hands of Zadock Harris' family. The grist-mill was prob- 
ably put up by Hezekiah Mann, although it was operated 
by John Ingals and other members of that family, passing 
subsequently into the hands of the Larkins'. 

John Park carried on the tanning business soon after 
1800, and continued about fifty years. His place was near 
Laban Bump's residence. 

Stores were kept in the place by Fred. Baker, John Car- 
lisle, Thomas Qua, T. E. Ingals, J. J. Reynolds, and by 
the present G. D. Larkham. 

The only brick house in the place was erected for a 
tavern, about 1810, by Elijah Dixon. It was not long u.sed 
for this purpose. The place has a private post-office, and 
about fourscore inhabitants. 

In the southwestern part of the town and principally in 
the town of Kingsbury is the village of Adamsvillc, which 
will be noticed in connection with the history of that town. 

THE MILITARY HISTORY 

of Hartford includes the names of several who rendered 
distinguished service on a hotly-contested field. Samuel 
Taylor was but a boy when the cry for independence rang 
through the land, but he enrolled himself on the side of 
the patriots, and spent the dreary winter of 1777-78 at 
Valley Forge, participated at Monmouth, and was one of 
the picked men who assailed Stony Point. Captain Taylor 
died May 5, 1850, aged eighty-eight years. Colonel John 
Buck, Captain Asahel Hodge, Nathan Taylor, Samuel 
Bowen, Doctor Jones, Alexander Arnold, Asher Ford, and 
others also belonged to the American forces. A number of 
citizens served in the war of 1812, but no accurate account 
of those engaged can be given. 

The late civil war called out many loyal sons of Hart- 
ford, whose names and terms of service are given in the 
annexed list. The town also adopted appropriate mea.s- 
ures to secure the necessary volunteers, and every demand 



380 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



for men and means was met by a clieerful and hearty 
response. 

Jolin Allc-n, i-nl. July 30, 1S02, 12M EcRt., Co. H ; (iisch. June 8, 18G5. 

Wni. Arm'-tning, enl. Auf;. 7, 18C2, 12:i(l Kegt., Co. E. 

Frank Archiiniliolt, (!iil. .Inly 2S, 1802, 12:)il Rogt., Co. E; killed. 

Dennis linker, enl. Oct. 6, 1801. 2cl Cuv.,Co. F; disch. at Wasliington. 

Pclcr Ho\islie, enl. Oct. 6, 1801, 2tl Ciiv., Co. F ; dinch. at Washington. 

Henry Busli, enl. Dec. 2:i, 1801, 93U Kegt., Co. E. 

refer Boiuliee, sergt.; cnl. Aug. 13, 1802, 123(1 Eegt., Co. E; resides in Hurt. 

ford. 
Byron Briggs. enl. Ang. 5, 1802, 12:id Kegt., Co. E; killed at Chancellorsville, 

Jlay :i, 1803. 
John Bell, cnl. Ang. 7, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. E; killed at Gettysburg, July 3, 

1803. 
Darius Brown, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. E; resides at Sandy Hill. 
Dennis Baker, enl. Aug. 10, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. E ; resides at Hartlonl ; disch- 

July, 1805. 
John Brayton.* 
Barrison Brayton.* 

I.»aac S. Brayton,* enl. Jan. 2, 1804, 10th Art., Co. I. 
Melvin A. Brayton,* enl. Dec. 2-t, 1803, ICth Art., Co. I. 
John Burton, died in the service. 

Seth C. H. Cary, 2d lieut.; enl. July, 1802, 12.3d Kegt., Co. E; living in nebrnn. 
Thuraas Clark, died at Albany soon after enlistment. 
Thomas Dickinson, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. H ; died at Atlanta, Ga., 

Sept. 10, 1804. 
Patrick D.dan, enl. Aug. 12, 18C2,^123d Kegt, Co. E ; living last at ■\Vhit<diaII. 
James Dickerson, enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 123d Rcgt., Co. E ; dieil in the service. 
John H. Duicey, ord. sergt. ; eul. Aug. 7, 1802; pro. to 1st lieut.; fell, mortally 

wounded, before Atlanta, Ga., July 20, 1804, and died July 22, aged 28 

yeai-8 ; brought to Hartford, and buried by the members of Ilerschel 

Lodge, No. .5(18, F. and A. M. 
Joseph Felleir, corp ; onl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. E. 
Edward Forsyth, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
Stephen C. Gibbs,t enl. Dec. 3, 1801, 93d Kegt., Co. F; disch. 1862, at Newport 

News, Va. 
Alfred C. Gibbs.t enl. Nov. 29, 1801, 03d Regt., Co. F; re-enl. at Brandy Station, 

Va., Dec. 1803 ; com. sergt. ; ilisch. July 13, ISO.'i, at Washington, D. C. 
A. .J. Gibbs.t enl.Nov. 20, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. F ; re-enl. at Brandy Station, 

Va , Dec. 1803 ; hosp. stew. ; disch. July, 180.'j, at Little York, Pa. 
Alvin Gray, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. E ; wounded at Peach-Tree Creek, 

Atlanta, Ga., July id, 1804; disch. at Albany, June, 1806; resides at 

Hartford. 
Perry A. Goodell, cnl. 1801, 9.3d Kegt., Co. G; disch. at Whitehouse Landing, 

Va., on account of a rupture made by doing fatigue duty in building a 

corduroy bridge. 
George R. Hill, 1st lieut. ; enl. July, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
Julius II. nigby, enl. Aug. 21, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. E; pro. to 1st lieut., July, 

1804; to capt., Jusjo, 1805; trans, to lufltli Regt., U. S. C. I.; in Texas 

from Juno 1, 1805, to March, 1800; disch. at Louisville, Ky., March 15, 

1800. 
Albert E. nigby, enl. April, 1801, 22d Regt., Co. H; disch. May, 1803; ro-enl. 

in Heavy Art., 1804; in battles of second Bull Run, South Mountain, 

Antietam, and Cliancellorsville; died at Wilmington, N. C, April, 1805. 
Adolphns Hatch, enl. Ang. 7, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. E. 
James A. Henry, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
John M. Hughes, Jr., died in the service. 
Adolphus Jcifway, enl. July 28, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E; killed. 
Milton H. Kinney, enl. Oct. 0, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. F. 
Andrew J. King, enl. Oct. 0, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. F; re-enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d 

Regt., Co. E ; disch. at Albany ; resides at Hartford. 
Joseph B. Latimer, enl. Aug, 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
Wm. H. Link, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 12id Rogt, Co. I. 

Marcus Liddle, enl. July 29, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B; resides at Hartford. 
Wm. H. Ladd, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
John Miner, enl. Aug. 21, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. 

Oliver Miner, enl. Aug. 21, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I; disch. at Albany, 1805. 
James McMurray, cnl. Aug. 15, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. H; supposed taken pris- 
oner May 3, 1803; never heard from. 
Wm. McMillan, Corp.; enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E; disch. at Albany. 
Thoniai McCiirty, corp. ; enl. Aug. 6, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
Henry C. Miller, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E. 

Mason McGan, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. E; disch. at Albany, 1805. 
Patrick McKcnna, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. E ; disch. at Albany, 1805 ; 

living now at Argyle. 
Francis More, enl. Ang. 7, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. E. 
Harlan P. Mm tin, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
Andrew McMillan, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. E. 
Wm. Murphy, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
George W. Miner, enl. April 21), 1801, 22d Kegt, Co. H ; killed at second battle 

of Bull Run, Va., July 8, 1802. 
John McClarty ; died soon after discharge, on account of disease contracted in 

the service. 

* One of the Braytots is reported to have died in the service, 
t Of the Gibl.s, fiur b.otheis were in the aimy. 



Jay H. Northup, enl. Nov. 12,1861, 03d Kegt., Co. F. 

Daniel E. Nelson, onl. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. H; disch. Aug. 21, 1863. 
Osciir B. Nelson, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. E. 

James Allen Norton, enl. Aug. 25, 1862; pro. to sergt.; killed at Cliancellors- 
ville, May 3, 1803. 
Chester Orcutt, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. H ; disch. June 8, 180.'-, ; living 

in Hartford. 
George W. Orcutt, enl. July 28, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. G ; disch. June 8, 1805 ; 

living in Hartford. 
Henry Orcutt; killed. 
Douglass I'ottor, farrier; enl. Oct 6, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. F; re-cnl. 123d Regt, 

Co. E; sergt 
John Perry, enl. Oct. 6, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. F. 
Charles P. Pitney, enl. Dec. 3, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. E. 
John Patterson, enl. Ang. 7, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. E ; disch. at Albany, 1805, 

with the regiment. 
Luther M. Park, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. E ; wounded Jan. 22, 1801, at 

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. ; disch. at Albany, with regiment, 1805. 
Ransom Qini, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 12;ld Regt, Co. E. 
Alexander Reid, enl. Aug. 1, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. F. 
John Riley, enl. July 28, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
John Robinson, enl. at Glen's Falls, Aug. 8, 1802, .54111 Mass., Co. G ; served 

fifteen months ; disch. at Morris Island, S. C, on account of siokness ; re. 

enl. Aug.24, 1804,in20tli Regt, U.S. Colored Troops; was biuily woundcil 

at Pocufaligo, W. Va. ; wounded in left wrist ; no use of joint ; receives a 

pension of sixteen dollarsper month; discli. March, 1S05 ; resides at 

Hartrord. 
Walter Smith, enl. Dec. 11, 1801, 93d Regt, Co, G. 

Isaac Stiles enl. July 28,1802, 123d Regt, Co. I ; living; resides in Whitehall. 
Robert W. Skellie, enl. July 8, 1802, 123d Rcgt, Co. I. 
John L. Skellie, enl. July 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I. 
• Wm. Skellie, enl. July 15, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. I. 
Il.amion Shaw, enl. July 20, 1802,12.3d Regt., Co. I. 
Wm. I. Scott, enl. Ang. 7, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. I. 
James L. Sherman, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. I ; disch. with regiment, 

at Alb iny, 1865. 
Charles H. Starks, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., C.i. I. 
Samuel Stiles, onl. July 20, 1802,123d Regt, (Jo. E ; wounded at Peach-Tree 

Creek, Ga.; disch. at Albany, 1805; living; resides in Easton. 
Win. M. Smith, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. E ; living now. 
James Shevlin, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
Austin Taft,enl. Dec. 17, 1801, 03d Regt. Co. E. 
Hiram L. Thomas, enl. July 30, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E ; killed. 
Edward Tanner, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
Edward Vance, wagoner ; onl. Aug. 0, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. E. 
Theophilus T. Whitcomb, Corp. ; enl. Oct. 16, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. F. 
Levi N. Walling, enl. Nov. 20, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. F. 
Andrew Wickes, enl. Oct. 21, 1801, 03d Regt., Co. F. 
James Wilknison, eul. Dec. 8, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. F. ' 
Arlos A. Winchell, enl. Dec. 11, 1801, 03d Regt,, Co. F. 
Norman F. Wier, capt.; enl. July, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E; killed ; buried at 

Hartford by Masonio lodge ; largest burial ever held in town. 
Sidney Wier, corp. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. E. 
John Wright, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; killed. 
James Waugh, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
Wm. H. Warner, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E. 
Harlon P. Waite, cnl. July 24, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; resides at Catlett Station, 

Va. 
Daniel Wilds, enl. Aug. 21, 1802, 12.3d Regt., Co. E ; i 
Isaac Winchell, eul. 1801, 93d Rogt., from Granville ; 

his time out; discharged. 
.John Wright, killed. 
James Wythe, killed. 



ides at Hartford. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. JAMES M. NORTHUP 

is of Eii^liish origin, his ancestors having emigrated from 
England and settled in Rhode Island at an early date iu the 
history of this country. Joseph Northup, the paternal 
grandfather of our subject, was born and roared in Rhode 
Island ; emigrated in after-life to Hebron, Washington Co., 
N. Y., settled on a farm at that phice, where he lived until 
his death, in 1830. He reared a family of seven children, 
— five sons and two daughters. John S., the fourth son, 
was born at Hebron in 1792. He was educated in the 
schools of that day, and became a good scholar in the P]ng- 





James M. Nof^THUP 



f^Rs James fJI Nof^VHUP. 




RESIDENCE OF HON. JAMES M. NOKTHUP, j--^ 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



381 



lish branches, and a teacher in the common schools, and 
also of singing. He served an apprenticeship with the 
firm of Clapp & Day, who were noted builders of that 
period. At the age of twenty-one ho was married to Miss 
Laura Baker, of Hebron, and the next year removed to 
Phittsburg, where for the next fourteen years lie was ex- 
tensively engaged in his business as a contractor and builder. 
At this time, meeting with some reverses of fortune, he de- 
cided to return to his native town of Hebron, from whence, 
in 1841, he removed to Hartford, in the same county, where 
he resided until his death, which occurred in 1863. His 
widow survived his death nine years, when she departed 
this life, at the age of seventy-three. They were the 
parents of eight children, named as follows : Mary J., 
Sarah, James M., Hester A., Charlotte E., Eveline M., 
Laura E., and William B. 

James M., the third child, was born at Plattsburg, N. Y., 
Oct. 8, 1820. His advantages for acquiring an education 
were very limited indeed, as at the age of fifteen years it 
became necessary for him to seek his own living, which he 
did from that time until twenty-one years of age, by work- 
ing out on farms by the month. On Jan. 4, 1842, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Davis, daughter of 
Hczekiah Davis, of Hartford. 

Immediately after his marriage he assumed the charge 
and management of the farm of Mrs. Davis, his mother- 
in-law, whicli he continued for the next eight years. In 
1842, in addition to his farming operations, he commenced 
buying and selling produce, making potatoes a specialty, and 
by his untiring energy and business activity largely stimu- 
lated the growth and production of this element of food in 
Washington county, and at the same time laid the founda- 
tion to the very substantial wealth which he now enjoys. 
He was one of the first to introduce to the farmers of 
Washington county the celebrated " Carter variety," and 
by liberal inducements in the way of contracts for the plant- 
ing of hundreds of acres, succeeded in building up a large 
and lucrative trade directly with the city of New York, and 
in making the town of Hartford and vicinity famous as the 
greatest potato-growing locality of New York, and lie be- 
came widely known in the city and country as the " Potato 
King." 

On May 14, 1850, he was bereaved in the death of his 
wife, leaving him with two children, — H. Davis, seven 
years of age, who is at this time living with his family in 
Hartford, and an infant of six months of age, named Clay- 
ton, who died in one month after its mother. 

On the 13th of May, 1851, Mr. Northup filled the va- 
cancy in his home by choosing another companion, — Miss 
Martha Dunham, daughter of Daniel Dunham, of Argyle. 
About this time he moved into the village of Hartford, and 
became engaged in selling goods under the firm-name of 
Northup & Martin. This partnership was dissolved at the 
end of four years, and Mr. Northup continued his produce 
business, which he has steadily pursued ever since on an 
extensive scale. At this time William B. Northup, his 
brother, and II. Davis, his son, are associated with him in 
the same business. 

Mr. Northup has held various ofiiees and positions of 
trust in his town, county, and State, commencing with 



supervisor of his town for the terms of 1856 and 1857, 
and has been retained in some important office ever since. 
In 1858 he was member of Assembly in the New York 
Legislature, and for the next nine years one of the com- 
missioners of the board of excise of Washington county. 
In 1871 was made treasurer of the county for unexpired 
term, and in 1872 elected to the same office for the term 
of three years; and again, in 1875, re-elected to the same 
office, which position he still fills. 

By his second marriage he became the father of one 
child, — Minnie J., who died at the age of ten years ; and 
in the same year, on the 30th day of November, 1867, his 
second loved companion took her departure for the world 
beyond, leaving him alone and desolate. After four years 
of dreary loneliness Mr. Northup sought and obtained the 
hand and heart of Jliss Harriet D. Sill, a very worthy and 
intelligent lady, the daughter of Zachariah Sill, of Hart- 
ford. They were married on the 8th day of February, 
1871, and the fruit of this union is a bright little boy, 
three years of age, named Charles Sill Northup. 

H. Davis Northup, the child of Mr. Northup's first 
marriage, is married, and has three children, and resides in 
a beautiful residence, at a short distance from his father, in 
the village of Hartford. 

It is with pleasure we are able to present our readers 
elsewhere in these pages a fine view of the home of the 
Hon. James M. Northup, with the portraits of himself and 
his excellent wife, and this imperfect sketch of the life and 
character of one of the most esteemed and honored citizens 
of Washington county, in the hope that his descendants 
may profit by and imitate his noble example and liberal 
generosity in all that concerns the well-being of society and 
the upbuilding of the material interests of the country; 
and that they may, after their fiither, sustain the same hon- 
orable title bestowed upon him by admiring friends, that of 
" the poor man"s friend." 



HARVEY BROWN. 

The family of which Harvey Brown, the subject of this 
sketch, is a rei)resentative is of English extraction. Wil- 
liam Brown, his great-grandfather, caiuc from England to 
this country about the year 1685, and located at Hatfield, 
Blass., being the first settler at that place. About the year 
.1718 he removed to Leicester, Mass., and was one of the 
fifty original .settlers to whom the town was conveyed by 
deed Jan. 11, 1724. Governor Washburn, in his history 
of Leicester, says, " He was one of six of the principal men 
of the town, Nov. 28, 1720, to address a letter to Rev. 
David Parsons to become their pastor ; was one of the nine 
principal men of the town, April 30, 1725, to petition the 
lieutenant-governor for protection against the Indians." 

At the first town-meeting, held in March, 1722, William 
Brown was elected surveyor, and for several years after one 
of the selectmen of the town. He was a soldier in the Indian 
and French wars. He had four sons, — William, John, 
Zachariah, and Samuel. He died in Leicester in 1752. 

His grandfather, John Brown, son of William, was born 
in Leicester in 1703. Governor Washburn, in his history, 
says, " John Brown was a .soldier in the French war, and 



382 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



commanded a company in the Louisburg expedition in 
1745, was a loading man in the town, and its representa- 
tive in the grand court for twenty years, with great accept- 
ance to the people." He says, Sept. 16, 1768, " Captain 
John Brown was moderator of a meeting to pass resolutions 
as loyal subjects on grievances, and that they chose Captain 
Brown as a delegate to Boston to consult measures that may- 
come before them, and to give his advice and influence, 
that rash measures be prevented and mild ones adopted, 
and to restore the court which had been prorogued." Jan. 
4, 1773, "he was chairman of a committee of nine to re- 
port what the town should do in relation to the Boston 
court." 

He married Lydia Newhall, by whom he had two son.? — 
John and Parley — and three daughters. His second wife 
was Mary Jones, by whom he had four sons — Benjamin, 
Caleb, Daniel, and William — and seven daughters. Of the 
sixteen children all but William married, and most of them 
had large families. He died at Leicester, in 1791, aged 
eighty-eight years. His widow died at Hartford, N. Y., 
Nov. 14, 1809, aged ninely-one years. 

The family was distinguished for its patriotism, sound 
common sense, retentive memory, great vitality, manly 
form, and healthy organiz.ition. Their descendants inherit 
in a marked degree the characteristics of the parent stock. 
In the expedition to Fort Wm. Henry, in 1756, John 
and Parley Brown were volunteers and non-commi.ssioned 
officers, and the historian, in .speaking of the age and char- 
acter of the volunteers from Leicester, says, " They had 
families and homes which they must have given up wilh 
reluctance ; for instance, Parley Brown, a son of the most 
considerable man in the town, was nineteen." In 1756, 
John and Parley volunteered in the expedition to Crown 
Point. 

John, Parley, Benjamin, and William Brown enrolled 
them.selves as minute-men, and marched to Cambridge, April 
19, 1775. They soon after joined the regular army, and 
were all in the battle of Bunker Hill. John was twice 
wounded in that battle, and the historian records that his 
captain, though a small man, carried him and his musket 
in his arms to a place of security till his brother Parley 
could care for him. He served in the army until the close 
of the war. He removed to Ohio (then called the North- 
western Territory) in 1797, and died in 1821 in his eighty- 
seventh year. 

Parley was killed at the battle of White Plains in 1776, 
leaving a widow and four sons, who removed to western 
New York, and have for half a century been regarded as 
the lost tribe. They have only by a singular circumstance 
within the past year " been restored to their brethren." 
They exhibit unmistakable evidence of their identity. 
They not only retain the family names, but the Hon. D. S. 
S. Brown, long connected with the Rochester Democrul, 
has in his possession two letters written by bis grandfather. 
Parley Brown, from New York to his wife a few days be- 
fore the battle ; these have been preserved in the ftmily as 
souvenirs, and arc deemed conclusive proof of their iden- 
tity. 

William died in hospital in New York in the early part 
of the war. Benjamin commanded a company in the Eighth 



(Colonel Michael Jackson's) Regiment, and was actively 
engaged among the patriots of the Revolution. He re- 
moved from Leicester to Hartford, N. Y., in 1789, and 
from thence to Ohio in 1796, where he raised a family of 
ten children, — six sons and four daughters, — among whom 
was General John Brown, who died at Athens, Ohio, in 
1876, aged ninety years, and the Hon. Archibald G. Brown, 
still living at that place. He died at Athens in 1821, aged 
seventy-six years. His sisters, Mary Reed and Opphia 
Cable, settled, raised families, and died in Ohio. These 
Ohio branches of the family have exhibited a high order of 
talent. Many of them have been distinguished in the pro- 
fessions and on the bench, and have filled creditably many 
responsible and important positions in the army and navy. 

In 1780, Daniel was drafted for six months when seven- 
teen years of age, and served his time. Worn out and im- 
poverished by the long struggle, the country's independence 
gained at the expense of their own, the same spirit that had 
animated the family through the war led them to seek 
homes in a new country where their labor would meet a 
more adei(uate reward than their own bleak New England 
hills would permit. 

In 1785, Daniel went out as a pioneer and settled in 
Hartford, N. Y., where six other members of the family 
soon followed. He is believed to be the fifth settler within 
the present boundaries of the town. He located at what 
is now the south village, and erected there the first grist- 
mill and tannery in the town. He was a genial, liberal, 
and public-spirited man, was not ambitious for ofiice, but 
in the military line acquired the rank of major. He was 
born Dec. 17, 1761, was married to Janet Moore, March 

4, 1795, and died at Hartford, June 12, 1826, in the 
sixty-fifth year of his age, leaving nine children, — five .sons 
and four daughters. His wife was born at Coleraine, N. H., 
April 6, 1775, and died at Hartford, May 12, 1869, aged 
ninety-four. She was a noble Christian woman, whose life 
is worthy of imitation ; her virtues are still fresh in the 
minds of many who knew her. 

Lewis, the oldest son, Wiis born at Hartford, N. Y., April 
2, 1798. He was a capable man and a bachelor. He died 
at Milwaukee, Wis., Sept. 1, 1842, iu the forty-fifth year 
of his age. 

Daniel M. was born July 29, 1800. He married Olive 

5. Higby, daughter of Amby and Juliana Higby. He was 
a farmer and practical land surveyor. He represented his 
town in the board of supervisors, and was popular with the 
people. He rose by grade to the command of the One 
Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment of Inflintry, was a 
spirited officer, and an energetic man. He died Aug. 7, 
1858, on the farm long occupied by his father. 

Benjamin F. was born May 2, 1808, and spent his life 
in the ministry ; he was zealous and enthusiastic in his 
calling. He died in northern New York, Dec. 27, 1867, in 
the sixtieth year of his age, leaving four sons and two 
daughters, 'i'hree of his sons are in the ministry. 

William W. was born Aug. 11, 1815. He removed to 
Wisconsin while it was a Territory, and settled in Milwau- 
kee in 1838. He was enterprising, engaged in large busi- 
ness transactions, and was identified with the early liistory 
of the city. He represented that city in the State Legisla- 



'^*> " , 




Harvey Brown. 



y^VJiiW&t^^HJ^^^-^vA^ ^j^j^v ^ «s» 



Ft 



l,^-- 



fss "M UJ8II tinii rnij »SS 




Residence of HARVEY BROWN, south HAmroRo.N.Y 



HISTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



383 



ture, nnd held oflSces of much political importance. He 
had splendid opportunities, but they were sadly neglected. 

Warren H. was born March 27, 1822. He graduated 
at Union College with honor, practiced law in his native 
town, was for many years an acting magistrate, and clerk 
of the board of supervisors. Ho was an honest, capable 
man, and enjoyed the full confidence of the people. He 
married the widow of the late Rev. David Bullion, and 
daughter of Thomas Green. He died, January 20, 1873, 
when all his earthly prospects seemed highly flattering, 
leaving two children who did not long survive him. 

Lucinda M. was born Sept. 17, 1805 ; married David 
Austin ; has two sons and one daughter. She possesses 
strong intellectual powers, with a well-disciplined mind, and 
is forward in every Christian enterprise. Resides at Port 
Byron, N. Y. 

Evelina was born in May, 1802 ; married Ma.son Ilulett, 
and resides in Granville, N. Y. She is an exemplary 
Christian woman. 

Laura Ann was born April 12, 1810 ; died Nov. 26, 
1866. She was unmarried, an exemplary woman, and de- 
voted her life to the care of her aged mother. 

Mary C. was born July 28, 1812; married Harrison 
Root ; resides at Weedsport, N. Y. ; has three sons and two 
daughters ; is amiable, learned, and wise, and an exemplary 
Christian. 

Elizabeth, daughter of John Brown, was born Dec. 16, 
1754 ; married Asahel Hodge, who distinguished himself 
as an olficer by daring and successful feats of valor during 
the war ; died at Hartford, N. Y., Sept. 4, 1799, aged forty- 
five years ; she left no issue. 

Sarah was born Nov. 23, 1750 ; married Gad Chapin, and 
died at Hartford about September, 1799, aged forty-nine 
years, leaving four sons and two daughters. Several of her 
descendants reside in Whitehall, N. Y., and many in western 
New York. 

Azubah married Saddler ; Dorothy married Isaac Wilson ; 
Lydia married Edward Hall ; Mary married Daniel Reed ; 
Rebecca married Isaac Southgate ; Hannah married Fred- 
erick Baylies ; Lucy married Sparrowhawk, for her second 
husband Whipple, and then Sanger ; and Opphia married 
Jonathan Cable. One daughter married John White. 
Their descendants are numerous and widely scattered, but 
so far as known inherit the strong family traits of charac- 
ter and reflect no dishonor upon their ancestors. 

Caleb Brown, his father, was born at Leicester, Miiss., 
Feb. 16, 1760. While his brothers fought the battles of 
his country, to him was assigned the no less urgent and 
filial duty of providing for his aged father, who was so crip- 
pled by exposure in the French war as to unfit him for 
business pursuits ; to pay the burdensome taxes imposed on 
his father, and to supply their quota of clothing and blankets 
for the soldiers in service. He often remarked that the 
necessity of the times imposed greater hardships and denials 
upon those who remained at home than the .soldiers were 
subjected to. All that could be raised on the farm or ac- 
quired by manly toil and self-denial, he said, was wholly 
inadequate to pay for substitution and taxes, and to meet 
the requisitions of the government. The contest of arms 
was over, but the credit of the government was destroyed. 



and the fomily's means greatly impaired, with but little 
hope of retrieving them by a human struggle with an un- 
propitious soil. In 1786, with no capital but a sound body 
and resolute will, he traced the footsteps of his brother 
Daniel to Hartford, N. Y., and commenced an energetic 
contest with the wilds of nature. He located at what is 
now the south village. He was public-spirited in opening 
roads, building bridges, erecting churches, and organiz- 
ing schools. He opened a store in 1795, and a hotel in 
1796 ; he soon after built a saw-mill, and in 1802 erected 
the house which has been kept as a hotel by him and his 
son for seventy-five years. In civil life he held some minor 
county ofiices, and in the military line held the commission 
of colonel. In 1795 he married Abigail, the widow of 
Elisha Maynard, and daughter of Wm. Whitney, of Tem- 
pleton, Mass., a Christian woman of great force of charac- 
ter, who died Aug. 28, 1846, aged eighty-two yeai-s. He 
had two daughters and a son that survived him. He died 
at Hartford, Jan. 30, 1837, aged seventy-seven years. 

Caleb Brown was reared under the home influence of 
Christian parents : honesty and conscientiousness were lead- 
ing traits in his character ; his perceptive faculties were 
large, his judgment of men quickly formed with almost 
unerring accuracy, and was seldom changed. His habits 
were unexceptionable, and his character was above reproach, 
— a family inheritance. 

Rosamond, his oldest daughter, was born March 31, 
1798. She married Charles Webster. She was an amiable 
woman, with a cultivated mind, and was endeared to all who 
knew her. She died April 22, 1866. She had no chil- 
dren. 

Vesta was born Dec. 27, 1799; she married Israel Mc- 
Connell, by whom she had five children, and resides in 
Wisconsin, where she moved in 1852. She is a noble, model 
woman, endowed by nature with rare qualities, and is an 
honor to her sex. Horace, her eldest son, died with cholera 
at Council Bluffs, on his route to California, in 1849. Ed- 
ward was drowned in Lake Okauchee, Wis., about 1858. 
Albert resides in Wisconsin, is married, and has three sons. 
Louisa E. married Wm. 11. Powell ; she resides in Cam- 
den, N. J. ; she has but one child, — a daughter, — who 
married A. D. Hatch, and she has one .son named Wm. H. 
Rosamond B. married Homer II. Hurd, by whom she had 
four children ; she removed to Colorado Springs, Col., 1872 ; 
her oldest son, Albert, died there in March, 1873, and her 
son Mack, in June, 1871. Susie married Joseph B. Doui- 
van, and resides there, as does Rosa, who is unmarried. 

Harvey Brown, sou of Colonel Caleb Brown, was born at 
Hartford, N. Y., July 23, 1804. His education was ac- 
quired at the district school, where he ranked firet in his 
class in the studies there taught. At eighteen yeai-s of age 
he taught a district school, and made teaching his business 
during the winter for several years. At twenty-two he wa.s 
employed for a seasou as civil engineer in constructing the 
eastern division of the Morris Canal across the State of 
New Jersey, and since that time has made land surveying 
a branch of his business. 

He has held various offices of honor and trust. He lias 
been president of the county agricultural society ; was for 
three years vice-president of the county Bible society ; was 



384 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



for four years from 1848 superintendent of repairs on the 
Cham plain Canal at a period when public plunder was not 
the end sought, and when the faithful discharge of a public 
trust was the rule and not the exception. He was for 
fifteen years superintendent of the poor of the county. 
His long continuance in the ofiSce enabled him to discover 
defects in the poor-law, and he had the satisfaction of see- 
ing it amended, embracing several important sections recom- 
mended by him as superintendent in his official annual 
reports. By his persistent efforts the board of supervisors 
adopted the provisions of the Livingston county poor-law, 
which corrected serious and growing abuses, and largely 
reduced the expenses for the support of the temporary 
poor. 

While an incumbent of the office he recommended and 
procured the passage of a law making the office a salaried 
office, and fixing the salary at about one-half the former 
allowance ; believing the tendency would be to keep the 
management of the institution in the hands of officers not in- 
fluenced by pecuniary considerations. 

He is a bachelor, and resides in the house in which he was 
born and has continuously lived (a sketch of which accom- 



panies this work) ; is plain and unostentatious in manners, 
frugal but generous, and free from all degrading habits, as 
well as from the common and offensive ones which are tol- 
erated in good society. Positive in character, he acts with 
decision ; with a well-balanced mind and healthy organiza- 
tion, he plans cautiously but with judgment, and executes 
with energy. From early manhood he has made the traffic 
in cattle, sheep, and wool a leading business, generally with 
satisfactory results ; but too much confidence in parties un- 
worthy of it has led him to give credit to them, which has 
materially lessened the earnings of a long and active busi- 
ness life. Farming has long been his legitimate business, 
and the improvement of his flock of fine woolen sheep an 
important branch of it. 

For many years he has been intimately identified with 
the business interests of leading financial institutions of the 
State. The severe ordeal through which all these institu- 
tions have lately pa.ssed, and the perfect wreck of many, 
forcibly illustrate by what a feeble tenure we hold earthly 
possessions, and admonish us to heed the injunction " to 
lay up treasures where moth and rust do not corrupt, and 
where thieves do not break through and steal." 



HEBRON. 



SITUATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. 

The town is nearly central upon the eastern border of 
the county, and is bounded on the north by Hartford and 
Granville, east by the State of Vermont, south by Salem, 
west by Argyle and Hartford. It contains thirty-two 
thousand .sis hundred and fifty-three acres, or about fifty- 
one square miles. A broad mountain range extends through 
the centre, occupying nearly one-half of its entire surface, 
and a series of high hills extends through the eastern and 
western sections. The summits of the highlands are three 
hundred to five hundred feet above the valleys, and are 
mostly covered with forests. The ranges of hills are sepa- 
rated by the valleys of Black creek and its principal west- 
ern branch. In the hilly regions is considerable rocky 
land, not tillable. The surface of the town is mostly 
drained to the south and southwest. In the northwest 
part of the town, in connection with a portion of Hartford, 
are the highlands that divide the waters of the Pawlot 
valley from those of the Black creek valley, and also the 
valley of the Moses Kill. In this section rise the rivulets 
which form the western branch of the Black creek, and 
others also, that, bearing easterly and then south, form the 
Black creek itself, which drains all the eastern and southern 
portion of the town, and unites with the other branch at 
West Hebron. 

PATENTS. 

The town of Hebron was partly embraced in patents of 
two thousand acres each, granted to commissioned officers, 
and also in lots of two hundred acres each to non-com- 
missioned ofiicers, and fifty acres each to privates who 
were engaged in the French war. These grants were made 
mostly to the Highland Scotch 77th Regiment of foot, 
which had served in America seven years. Their term of 
service having expired, they were discharged in New York 
city. Some returned to Scotland, otliers scattered about 
the country. 

When the king's proclamation, entitling every soldier to 
a tract of land, was published, those that remained in the 
country applied for their rights, and several of them, after 
some years, thus became re-united as neighbors in Hebron, 
and along Indian river, about the year 1774-75. 

What is known as the Campbell patent was first granted 
to Lieutenant Nathaniel McCulloch, and by him sold to 
Duncan Campbell, June 11, 17G5. In 1771 one-half, or 
one thousand acres, was sold by Campbell. The following 
is an extract from the original contract : 

Artirica of agreement made Jidi/ 9, 1771, between Duncan CfimpheU, 
on the fust part, and Jtoht. WlUon and John J/umHton on the second 
part. — Article 1. Duncan Campbell engages anil iloth bind himself, 
bis heirs, etc., to give a good and sufficient deed to Robert AV ilson 
and John Hamilton, their executors, etc., on or before the lOtli d;iy 

49 



of May next, for one thousand acres of land in Albany county nnj 
province of New York, olf the cist side of Hudson river, and of the 
east end of a tract of land granted to Lieutenant Nathaniel McCul- 
loch, and afterward conveyed to Duncan Campbell. 

The consideration was four hundred pounds. The deed 
was made June 9, 1773. 

The other one thousand acres was confiscated by the 
State on account of the treason of Campbell. What is 
known as Kempe's patent was granted to John Tabor 
Kempe May 3, 1764. The tract contained ten thousand 
two hundred acres. Kempe succeeded his father as attor- 
ney-general of the province of New York in 1758. His 
property was confiscated in 1777. He returned to Eng- 
land. Munro's patent, containing two thousand acres, was 
granted Aug. 23, 1764. The other patents covering this 
town, and granted about tlic same time, were the Isaac De 
Forest, Lintott's, Blundell's, Marquis De Conti, Farrant, 
Sheriff, and Williams. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement in the town was made about the 
year 1769-70 by David Whedon, John Hamilton, and 
Robert Creighton. Whedon located on the farm now 
owned by Silas Boynton ; Hamilton, on the farm that Jo- 
seph Crosier now lives on ; and Creighton, on the farm now 
owned by his son, Thomas White. In 1771, Robert Wil- 
son and Captain John Hamilton purchased one-half or one 
thousand acres of the Campbell pat«nt, which now lies be- 
tween the old turnpike and Chamberlain's mills. In 1772, 
John and Joseph Hamilton, Robert, Thomas, James, and 
John Wilson, and David Hopkins, moved from Rhode 
Island and settled on this tract. Amos and Samuel TyiTclI 
moved from Connecticut the same year and settled on and 
hold by possession an unoccupied tract of about fimr hun- 
dred acres of land, lying between the De Conti and Farrant 
patents. This tract they sold out to other settlers, giving 
quitclaim deeds. Amos moved to Oswego county ; Sam- 
uel died on his homestead. Mrs. Winne, of Salem, a 
granddaughter, is the only descendant living in the county. 
When Burgoyne's army was going through the county, 
Samuel Tyrrell started to join the forces of General Schuy- 
ler, and arrived at Joseph Hamilton's house about break- 
fast-time. Here he found that the family had fled in such 
haste that they had left their breakfast untasted. Mr. 
Tyrrell sat down, ate his breakfast (|uietly, and then went 
on. The high hills divided the early settlers into several 
neighborhoods, having but little intercourse with each 
other. The northern and eastern parts were settled by 
families from New England, and the southern and western 
parts by Protestant Scotch and Irish belonging to the As- 
sociate and Associate Keformud Pre.'<bytorian church, who 

385 



386 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



came to this country at that early day in order to worship 
according to their belief without the fear of persecution. 

An application from Charlotte county to be allowed the 
privilege of electing a representative to the colonial Assem- 
bly, presented to the Assembly in January, 1775, was 
signed by the following citizens of Hebron : Robert Creigh- 
ton, James Lytic, Samuel Crossett, Isaac Lytle, James Wil- 
son, Alexander Webster, George McKnight, Robert, Adam, 
David, and John Getty, John Creighton, David Whedon, 
Robert Wilson, John Hamilton, Josiah Parish, James Wil- 
son, David Hopkins, and David Wilson. 

The following, copied from the original, will be found an 
interesting reminiscence of early days: 

Received sundry certificates signed by David Ilopkins, judge for 
Washington county, setting forth that on account of the war tlie fol- 
lowing persons were obliged to quit their farms containing the num- 
ber of acres set ojiposite their respective names, viz. : 

Robert and Thomas Wilson {127i each) 255 

John Hamilton 125 

David Wilson 145 

Thomas Wilson 37 

Jjinies Wilson 145 

Sundry certiticates of same import signed by Alexander 
Webster, judge for same county. 

John Wilson 150 

Asa Wilson 4U 

In patent granted Nathaniel McCulloch, Albany county, 
3d May, 1765. 

Solomon Wailc 150 

David Whedon 150 

John Peck 93 

Jonathan Barber 6U 

453 
In patent granted Peter DeConti for 2000 acres land in 
Albany county, 5th September, 1764. 

And I hereby certify that the above mentioned persons are thereby 
discharged from paying all parts of future quitrents for the quantity 
of acres spccitied opposite their respective names. 

Pktkk CuilTENIUS, State Aii<Uu>r. 

Oct. 3, 1788. 

Thomas, Joshua, and Clark Rogers, " three brothers," 
emigrated from the town of Hancock, Mass., in the year 
1787. They settled on farms adjoining each other, just 
west of what is now called Chamberlain's mills. Thomas, 
the eldest, had a son Samuel, whose children are as follows: 
Benjamin is living on the Andrew Foster farm; James 
L. lives in the town of Salem ; Thomas lives on the turn- 
pike ; Wilson lives in Rupert, Vt. ; Charles is living on the 
homestead of his grandfather, Thomas Rogers. Clark 
Rogers lived in the town but a few years, then moved to 
Canada. Asa E. Rogers now owns the farm where he lived. 
Clark Rogers has no descendants living in this town, and 
the only one of Joshua is Mrs. James L. Rogers, a grand- 
daughter. 

Hon. Alexander Webster came from Scotland about 
1772, and settled about three n)iles north of West Hebron. 
His children were two daughters and three sons. Nelly, 
one of the daughters, married Deacon John Steel, and the 
other, Mary, became Mrs. Garrett (iuackeiibush. The sons 
were George, James, and Alexander, Jr. George suc- 
ceeded to the homestead, which was afterwards occupied by 
his son, Simeon D. Webster. The old house and a portion 
of the farm is now owned by J. Beattie. Judge Alexan- 
der Webster, Sr., was, in his day, the most prominent man 



in the town. His house, built at an early period, and still 
standing, in a beautiful grove, was for those days an ele- 
gant mansion. He was State senator from 1777 to 1785 
inclusive, and from 1790 to 1793. He was member of 
Assembly in 1788-89. He was first judge of the court of 
common pleas in 1786, and was also a sujicrvisor of the 
town, lie died in the year 1810. 

James Wilson and Martha, his wife, both born in West 
Greenwich, R. I., emigrated to Hebron in the year 1772, 
and settled on lot 18, Campbell's patent. The frame house, 
which he erected about 1787, is still standing, and occu- 
pied by his youngest son, James, Jr., who was born in it in 
the year 1797. 

The family of James and Martha WiLson consisted of 
seven sons and two daughters. Eli, George, and John I. 
moved to Port Byron, Cayuga Co., N. Y. Robert moved 
to Salem, and died there. David lived and died on the 
homestead. Isaac moved to Geneseo, 111., and died there. 
Mr. Wilson held the rank of major in the militia, having 
been commissioned April 20, 1787. 

Robert Wilson, with his family, moved from West Green- 
wich, R. I., in the year 1772, having previously purchased, 
in company with Captain John Hamilton, one-half of the 
Campbell patent. He settled on lot IS. His sons were 
Thomas, Robert, and James. James had three sons: Eli, 
now living on the farm once owned by his uncle Thomas; 
Charles lives one mile south of the homestead, and Chester 
is now living on the homestead. The daughters were Nancy, 
Jane, and Margaret. Jane married a Mr. Hall. One of 
their sons, Geo R. Hall, was a captain in the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-third Regiment New York State Volun- 
teer Infantry ; now lives in Iowa. 

Jedodiah Darrow and family moved from Norwich, Conn., 
at an early day, and settled on the northeast corner of what 
was known as Lintott's patent. The children were Jared, 
Denison, Jedediah, Stephen, Sally, and another daughter, 
who married and moved to Lewis county. Jared went to 
Salem, and lived and died there. He weighed about four 
hundred pounds, and had to go through a door sideways. 
Dr. Jedediah moved to Auburn, N. Y. Stephen lived and 
died on a portion of the hoiuestead. Denison lived and 
died on the homestead. His son Jedediah is the present 
owner and occupant of the homestead. 

Hon. David Hopkins and wife, Hannah (Parrish) Hop- 
kins, emigrated from West Greenwich, R. I., in 1772, in 
company with others, and settled on the turnpike, on the 
farm now owned by Silas Boynton. His children were Joel, 
Ira, Robert, Henry, David, Josiah, Levi, and five daughters 
(names unknown). Joel settled on a farm about a mile 
north of his father's place. The judge died in 1813, and 
is buried in the family burying-ground near the Presbyte- 
rian church. After his death his family, except Joel, 
moved to Cayuga county, near Auburn. David Hopkins, 
a son of Joel, is now living in Salem. Judge Ilopkins 
was the first clerk of the district of Black Creek, being 
elected to that position in 1784. He was supervisor of the 
town at different times. He was also judge of the county 
court, senator, member of Assembly. 

Archibald Woodard, from Dutchess county, moved into 
Hebron about the time of the lluvolulion, 1777-80. He 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



387 



settled on the present place of Henry Welch, Monroe's 
njeadows. Of his children, Daniel settled in Hebron. 
(He was the Daniel Woodard of old times, and ftither of 
Daniel Woodard, now of the bank, Granville. Benjamin 
settled in Hebron ; John and Archibald also. Samuel set- 
tled in Granville. Sally became Mrs. Lyman Seaver, of 
Wisconsin, — still living. Anna, Mrs. Zebulon Kinyon. 
Polly, Mrs. Hiram Case, of Three Rivers, Mich. 

The pioneer Archibald came into Hebron, and worked 
first six months for a surveyor. He established credit for 
himself, so that he was able to get started in business by 
borrowing ten dollars of Nathaniel Webster. He did not 
use that, however, but repaid the loan afterwards with the 
same bill. 

John Wilson, a ruling elder in the Associate Reformed 
Presbyterian church, died at the age of nearly one hundred 
years. This venerable man was an active .soldier in the 
War of the Revolution, and was present at Burgoyne's sur- 
render. 

Alexander McClellan, wife, and two .sons, came from 
county Monaghan, Ireland, about the year 1770, landed 
in Philadelphia, lived there some time, then moved to 
Schenectady, then to Stillwater, and finally to Hebron, 
where they made a permanent settlement on lot No. 24. 
Of the children, Betsey became Mrs. Robert Getty ; Jane, 
Mrs. Hugh Randall ; Euphemia, Mrs. Ebenezer Getty ; 
Mary, Mrs. Daniel McDonald. James and William settled 
in Hebron. The only one of the children of James now 
living is James McClellan, Jr., now upon his father's 
homestead, where he was born. This farm once belonged 
to Benjamin Livingston and James Lytle, the latter own- 
ing the principal part. 

Andrew Lytle came into Salem at a very early day, and 
bought for liis two sons, James and William, two hundred 
and fifty acres in Hebron. William built a grist- and saw- 
mill on a branch of the Black creek that ran through his 
farm. 

James, John, and Robert Getty came from Newry, Ire- 
land, soon after the colony under Dr. Clark settled in Salem. 
James settled in Salem, where the name is frequent in the 
early records. John, with his family, moved to Pennsyl- 
vania, and founded Gettysburg. Robert moved into He- 
bron, and settled there permanently. He left four sons, 
Adam, Robert, John, and David ; one daughter, Jane. 

Two of the sons of James Getty, of Salem, came into 
Hebron, — Ebenezer, who settled one mile .south of Monroe's 
meadows, and Robert, a mile northeast of Belcher. The 
latter afterwards moved to Lansingburg. Of the family 
of Ebenezer there are now living Mrs. J. S. McClelland, 
Mrs. J. W. Beatty, and Ebenezer, Jr., who resides upon 
his father's homestead. 

Robert Creighton came from Ireland and settled south 
of West Hebron. He had a family of one son and five 
daughters. Sally married William White, and their son, 
Thomas White, is living on the homestead. 

Isaac Brinkerhoff was an early merchant, having a store 
near his house, about a mile above West Hebron. He 
was clerk of the Presbyterian church. He removed to 
Troy in 1805 or 180G. 

Isaac Boomer built a saw-mill and a fullinir-mill abuut 



1812, on the Beveridge farm. The saw-mill frame is still 
lefl. 

The Livingston family came from Ireland soon after the 
colony of Dr. Clark, and first settled in Salem; then moved 
to Hebron. John, the father, had seven sons and one 
daughter; one of them was John, Jr. A daughter of his 
is now living- in town, Mrs. Robinson ; and a son, James, 
lives in Argyle. Of the other children of John, Sr., 
Francis moved to St. Lawrence county, Joseph died in 
Hebron, Dr. William moved to Essex county, Robert to 
Lisbon, in St. Lawrence county, Samuel to Ohio, and Ben- 
jamin to western New York. 

Patrick Wilson came from Ireland, and settled in Salem. 
His sons. Deacon John, James, and Samuel, .settled in He- 
bron. Of Samuel's children, one daughter was Mrs. Arclii- 
bald Sill, of Hartford. A grandson of John lives on the 
homestead. J. McWilson, merchant of West Hebron, is 
also a grandson. 

David^ Whedon and Ansel Whcdon were early settlers of 
Hebron; the former afterwards moved to Oberlin, Ohio, 
and the latter to Pawlet, Vt. A grandson of one is now a 
teacher in the academy at Pawlet. A son of David is a 
lawyer at Salt Lake City. David Whedon's son, David, Jr., 
was the first child born in town, 1771. There were only 
two other families in town then, Garret Quackenbush and 
John Creighton. 

Peter Buttou is said to have been the first school-teacher 
in Hebron. 

James Bassett built a saw-mill, on the stream below 
Chamberlain's mills, in 1829. A saw-mill was built across 
the creek, in 1811, by a man named Rogers. The same 
machinery then used is now in the present mill. It was 
brought from Greenwich in 1811, and had then been in 
use some twenty years. 

A carding-mill was built on the stream in 1822. Mr. 
Bflssett bought the property, and continued to run it to 
1850, when he took out the machinery and put in one 
run of stone to grind feed. He sold out to Hon. S. E. 
Spoor in 18t)0. The latter now runs a .saw-mill, flax-mill, 
and feed-mill. 

Mr. Spoor is a public-spirited citizen, and we are in- 
debted to him for many items of town history, and for 
much assistance in securing other valuable information. 
He is mentioned in another place. 

William Porter came from Ireland at an early day, and 
settled on the turnpike near the Methodist Episcopal church. 
He bought four hundred acres of land in that vicinity. He 
kept a store, became wealthy, built a fine mansion for those 
days at a cost of ten thousand dollars, and was appointed 
associate judge of the county. Edward, the youngest son, 
died on the homestead ; George moved to Wisconsin ; Robert 
is a physician in Michigan, and William removed to Jordan. 

John McDonald was a member of Assembly in 1832, 
William Townsond in 1831, and P. H. Near in 1800. 

John Munson came from Connecticut and settled on the 
Lintott's patent, buying one thousand acres, or half of the 
patent. His house was located on the road leading to 
Salem, and on the southwest corner of his land. He had 
three sons. Nathaniel lived and died on the old homestead ; 
John, Jr., and one killed, were the other two. 



388 



HISTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



This pioneer family endured much of the dangers and 
exigencies of border warfare. To avoid the scouts of Bur- 
goyne, they had to flee to a hemlock swamp on the farm. 
After Baum's defeat at Bennington, they were somewhat 
relieved fi'om danger. 

Joel, a son of Nathaniel, lives on the place of his father. 

Colonel William Boot, so called from his -command of 
militia, kept the first tavern in Hebron, on the turnpike. 
He built the house, and kept the post-office. His place, 
one of considerable resort, was a well-kuown stopping-place 
half-way between Salem and Granville. 

His father. Major Root, kept a tavern at a very early 
day on the same turnj)ike, near the Salem line. 

The well-known Jim Hopkins, from Pawlet, kept tavern 
north of Nelson's. He died in 1830, at the age of eighty- 
two. 

Sylvester E. Spoor was born in the town of Hebron, in 
the year 1814, on the farm now owned by E. G. Wilson. 
He w;is educated in the common schools, and also took a 
scientific course at the Rensselaer Institute, now the Troy 
Polytechnic. He spent some years in the southern States. 
Returning to Hebron, he followed farming and building. 
He was supervisor in 1858-59, and member of Assembly 
in 18C5. He moved to his present location seventeen 
years ago. In 1873, as contractor, he built for the State 
several dams on the upper waters of the Black creek, near 
Sand Lake. Eunice Tyrrell, a pensioner of 1840, given 
elsewhere, was the wife of Samuel Tyrrell, whose name 
appears upon the old tax-list, and a great-aunt of Mr. Spoor. 
James Wilson, grandfather of Mrs. Spoor, was a soldier of 
the Revolution, at Crown Point and elsewhere. 

Mr. William McClellan was born in the town of Mickle- 
mox, parish of Battle, Scotland, in 1755. In June, 1774, 
his father, Robert McClellan, with six children, set sail for 
America in the ship " Golden Rule." After a passage of 
three months and eleven days they landed in New York. 
They went from there to Albany, thence to Manchester, 
New Hampshire. From there they came across the Green 
mountains to Brumley. They were four days going four- 
teen miles. No wheeled carriage had before crossed the 
mountains at that point. From Brumley they went to 
Springfield and lived there about ten years. Then, in 1781, 
they came to Black Creek, now Hebron, and, after their 
long travels, reached a permanent resting-place. The father, 
mother, and part of the family settled in Salem ; the father 
dying in 1789 and the mother in 1799. Of the children 
of Robert, John settled in Cambridge ; one daughter be- 
came Mrs. Colen Maxwell; another Mrs. John Hall, of 
Argyle ; another Mrs. Rev. John Cree, and after his death 
she married John Moodie; Robert, Jr., died in Hebron. 

William McClellan, of Hebron, spoken of at the begin- 
ning of this notice, had four sons, — Robert, James, John, 
and William ; four daughters, — Mrs. Dr. Alexander Bullions, 
of Cambridge, Mrs. Alexander McGeoch, of Argyle, Mrs. 
Jonathan Morey, of Stillwater, Mrs. Daniel Morey, of Still- 
water. Of the children of John; William J. McClellan is 
living on the old Hebron homestead. 

James Cummings, originally from Scotland, came to 
Hebron from Cambridge about .1800, and settled on lot 15 
of the Kenijie patent. 



Dr. David Long was an early merchant in town. He 
removed to the Holland purcha.se, western New York. 

Andrew Beveridge, born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1752, 
came to America in 1774, landing at Marblehead, Mass. 
He first located at Cambridge, but finally settled in 
Hebron, on the farm now occupied by his youngest son, 
David Beveridge, northwest corner of lot 4, Kempe's pat- 
ent. His children were eight sons and two daughters. 
George, the oldest, settled in Greenwich ; Thomas in He- 
bron ; James in Greenwich; Alexander in Hebron; John 
in Jackson; Andrew in Illinois; Matthew in Hebron; 
David in Hebron. George, who settled in Greenwich, 
afterwards moved to Illinois, and his son, born in 1824, — 
John I., — was the recent governor of that State in 1875— 
76. James H., another son, was treasurer of Illinois at 
one time. Another son, Andrew M., is a Presbyterian 
minister of Lansingburg. The governor is a lawyer, and 
was colonel of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry during the War 
of 1861-65. The homestead of JIatthew Beveridge was 
on lots 25 and 26 of the Kempe patent, bought of Robert 
McClellan, and Wm. Beveridge now resides upon it. 

An early landed proprietor in town was Mr. Quacken- 
bush, who owned one thousand acres on the northwest side 
of Black creek, joining Robert Qua. 

John R. Nelson emigrated from Ireland to America at 
an early day, and settled first in Argyle. Soon after he 
moved to Salem, and in 1791 to Hebron, buying lot 26, 
Kempe's patent. He married Jane MeCarter, of Salem. 
Of his children, John J. died in Hebron on the old home- 
stead ; Samuel was educated at Salem Academy, and be- 
came the distinguished judge of the United States Supreme ^ 
Court ; Hannah married James McClellan ; and Polly be- 
came Rlrs. Luther Catheart, of Pawlet. 

Wait Hatch, from the Granville family of that name, 
moved into Hebron about 1800, and settled two and a half 
miles southeast from North Hebron. 

The following document, showing early names, was pro- 
cured through the eflbrts of Hon. S. E. Spoor ; it is the 
property of Chester H. Wilson. It is the fragment of " a 
tax-list for the district of Black creeJc in the county of 
Charlotte," and though it lacks a date, yet this title proves 
it to have been made out before 1786, probably as early as 
1780, or earlier, judging from the names appearing in it, 
and from the amount figured out not only in money, but 
in wheat. 

The pupils in the public schools of Hebron at the pres- 
ent time may find it a matter of excellent arithmetical 
practice to ascertain from this list the rate of the tax per 
pound, the amount of each individual's tax in money, and 
also in wheat, and to show how the final fraction of a quart 
is expressed in ninths, as the figures are copied from a doc- 
ument some portions of which are nearly erased. 

Eo.l Pprsi.nal Tux Amount in 

E^tiite. Kstate. Assessed. Wheat. 

£ «. £».£». <i. Bli. Pit. Ql. 

James Mills 52 8 17 00 1 1 64 13 ij 

James Aflcsh 47 12 26 00 12 H 2 ij 

Amos Gciu-s 2.'i 16 11 00 5 7i .■) 6 

Wm. Uamilion \?, 12 23 10 6 2i 10 1 

George Fowler 40 (10 00 HO 6 8 10 3| 

Alexander Cainblc 62 00 25 00 14 6 2 1 5| 

Samuel Giimlilc 00 00 4 00 (10 8 ?.% 

Robert Getty 47 4 60 10 17 6 2 .3 5| 

John Getty 47 4 2'1 00 114 13 4| 



HISTOKY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



389 



10 
H 
10 



1 8 6.1 

7 7 

(I U Oil J 

1(1 j|{ 

9 a\ 



18 
00 



4 4 

19 6} 

7 2 

12 8 

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12 00 

1 00 8 



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Rl'hI Personal 

Eatato. Esliite. 

£ «. £ s. 

David Getty 45 4 19 00 

Adam Getty :i2 16 S8 00 

Samuel Cvoscti ftl 12 42 15 

Alexander Webster. ...105 8 48 00 

George MeKnight 00 00 40 10 

John Munson, Sr 110 00 32 00 

John Munfon, Jr .'^2 16 33 00 

Nathaniel Munson 314 27 5 

Josiah Parish, Sr 9o 00 76 5 

Josiah Parish, Jr 20 00 25 00 

Haniel Whcdon 51 4 33 00 

"Joseph IT.imiltou 30 16 35 00 

Wm. Clark 31 4 20 00 

David Cotton 14 00 15 00 

Solomon Wade 42 10 16 00 

DavidWilson 62 00 40 00 

John Wilson 00 00 50 15 

EliasWilco.x 00 00 4 00 

Reuben Smith 10 00 4 00 

Jared Wilcox 13 4 00 00 

Mr. Foster 20 00 30 00 

Jonathan Clufl'. 23 16 14 00 

James Lvtie 46 00 33 00 

John Dick 26 00 6 00 

Jonathan Harvey 31 00 17 00 

Wm. Lytic 00 00 27 00 

"* Samuel 'lloiikins 15 00 00 00 

Wm. Smith 47 12 00 00 

Robert Lvtle 48 00 00 00 

James Ste'wart 26 00 00 00 

John Peck 86 DO 91 15 

Aaron Osgood 28 00 15 00 

-David Whedon 76 00 00 00 

David Hopkins, Sr 45 00 49 00 

John Hamilton 40 00 32 00 

James Wilson 64 00 60 00 

Samuel Tyrrell 24 00 27 00 

Ezra Tyrrell 27 00 33 00 

Wm. Tyrrell 10 00 14 00 

Benj. Whittemore 20 00 38 00 

Robert Wilson 60 00 79 00 

Matthew Dickinson.... 20 00 8 00 

Elisha Morehouse 20 00 18 00 

Hugh Ross 63 12 40 00 

David Gibbs 20 00 32 00 

John Shepherd 52 16 58 00 

Thomas Bellows 20 00 22 00 

John Ray 20 00 4 00 

Asa Kinney 49 12 25 10 

VDavid Hopkins, Jr 44 00 29 00 

Aaron Gibbs 27 00 23 00 

John Shepherd, Jr 25 10 26 00 

Darius Gibbs 24 16 14 10 

Mr. CuHer 24 16 20 10 

Thoma.= Osgood 64 110 05 10 

PeterWilson 24 00 16 10 

John McDonald 19 00 20 00 

John Duncan 28 00 18 00 

Nathan Smith 36 00 34 00 

Nathaniel Robinson.... 22 00 4 00 

Nathan Cummings 40 00 4 00 

Philip Case 28 00 20 15 

Timothy Case 28 00 8 00 

Abraham Case 20 00 00 

Norman MoLcod 25 12 38 10 

David Stewart 47 12 25 00 

John White 63 12 33 5 

Isaac Lytic 116 00 63 10 

Guile Wilson 20 00 4 00 



CIVIL HISTORY. 

This section of country Wiis first known as the district of 
Black Creek, and the records of the annual meetings com- 
mence with the year 1784, while the town dates its exist- 
ence from 1786. It derives its name from Hebron, Conn. 

The following minutes of the first meeting, notes, and 
list of ofiBcers, are taken from the books of the town clerk's 
office : 

1784. — The following are the proceedings of a town- 
meeting, held on the 3d day of May, 1784, for the District 
of Black Creek. First made choice of Capt. Warham 
Gibbs, moderator ; David Hopkins, town clerk ; Warham 
Gibbs, Samuel Crossett, supervisors ; Thomas Bellows, con- 
stable; Capt. Nathan Smith, Capt. John Shepard, Esq., 



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Samuel Crossett, town assessors ; James Lytle, James Mc- 
Collum. Jedediah Darrah, commissioners for laying out high- 
ways ; James Lytic, David Gibbs, Guile Wilson, Nathan 
Robison, Ephraim Dewey, John Nelson, Warham Gibbs, 
John Post, David Wilson, Amos Terrel, David Getty, James 
Wilson, Azariah Cross, pathmasters; Nathan Smith, John 
Shepard, Samuel Crossett, overseers of the poor ; John 
Getty, Aaron Smith, Rob't Wilson, fence-viewers. 

Voted, that swine shall be free commoners, yoked and 
ringed. 

Supervisors. — Warham Gibbs, 1784 ; Samuel Crossett, 
1784; Capt. John Hamilton, 1785; Capt. Nathan Smith, 
1785 ; Alexander Webster, Esq., 1786 ; Capt. John Ham- 
ilton, 178C; Alexander Webster, 1787-90; John Hamilton, 
1790; Alexander Webster, 1791-92; Dr. David Long, 
1793-1800; William Livingston, 1801-3; Henry Mattison, 
1804-7; David Hopkins, 1808; Henry Mattison, 1809-12; 
Daniel McDonald, 1813; Henry Mattison, 1814; William 
Townsend, 1815 ; Geo. Webster, 1816 ; William Townsend, 
1817-21 ; Foster Foot, 1822 ; John McDonald, 1823-25 ; 
William Townsend, 1820-30; Henry Bull, 1831-33; 
Israel McConnell, 1834-36; Simeon D. Webster, 1837- 
40 ; Isaac Wilson, 1841 ; John Armitage, 1842-43 ; John 
Brown, Jr., 1844; Simeon D. Webster, 1845-46; John 
Brown, 1847 ; William J. Bockes, 1848-49 ; Geo. W. 
Wlijte, 1850-51 ; John Armitage, 1852; S. D. Webster, 
1853; William Case, 1854; Almon C. Wood, 1855; 
Stephen M. Ingersoll, 1856; S. D. Webster, 1857; S. E. 
Spoor, 1858-59; David Johnson, 1860; William Arm- 
strong, 1861-62; N. Reynolds, 1863-67; John M. Rea, 
IS68I7O; John Brown, 1871; W. J. McClellan, 1872- 
73; Chester L. Getty, 1874-75; Geo. Rea, 1876-77; 
Richard H. Durham, 1878. 

Town Clerks.— DaY\d Hopkins, 1784-85; William 
Shepard, 1786-87; William McClellan, 1788 to 1809, 
inclusive; William Townsend, 1810-12 ; William McClel- 
lan, 1813; William Townsend, 1814; W. Livingston, 
1815; William McClellan, 1816-17; Robert McClellan 
(2dj, 1818; John H. Northrup, 1819 to 1830, inclusive; 
Simeon D. Webster, 1831-34; David Martin, 1835-36; 
William B. Blivin, 1837; John Armitage, 1838-40; 
Charles Webster, 1841-43; John J. Nelson, 1844; John 
Armitage, 1845 ; James Hewitt, 1846-47 ; Franklin Day, 
1848; J. MeKnight, 1849; Eli Wilson, 1850; James B. 
Wilson, 1851; L. Smith, 1852-53; George Rea, 1854; 
Henry McFadden, 1855; James B. Wilson, 1856; John 
Shaw, 1857-58 ; George Rea, 1859 ; Albert W. Gary, 1860 
-62 ; Franklin II. Smith, 1 863-64 ; James Barkley, 1865 ; 
James R. Munson, 1866-67; F. H. Smith, 1868-69; 
H. Mclntyre, 1870; Leander Cole, 1871-73 ; George D. 
MeKnight, 1874-75; J. R. Munson, 1876-77; James 
McCloy, 1878. 

Justices 0/ the Peace. — Samuel Crossett, 1786; Henry 
Mattison, 1817 ; Phineas Hitchcock, 1817 ; Nathan Smith, 
1817; Alex. Cruikshank, 1817 ; Hugh Cruikshank, 1830; 
John Button, 1831; Samuel Livingston, 1832; Alfred 
Ward, 1833; Wm. Armstrong, 1834; James Getty (2d), 
1835; Samuel Livingston, 1836; John Button, 1836; 
Geo. W. White, 1837; Gilbert Hard, 1837; And. Foster, 
1838; Wm.' Dorr, 1838; James Rcid, 183'J ; Isaac Wil- 



390 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOEK. 



son, 1839; James Reid, 1840; George W. White, 1841 ; 
Andrew Foster, 1842; John Tiplady, 1843; Joseph Cro- 
sier, 1844 ; Ahnon C. Wood, 1844 ; John Shaw, 1846 ; 
Joseph Crosier, 1847; Abraham Woodard, 1849; George 
Ashley, 1850; Joseph Crosier, 1851 ; James McKnight, 
1852; George W. White, 1853; John M. Rea, 1854; 
Thomas Gregory, 1855; Almon C. Wood, 1856; George 
W. White, 1857; John M. Rea, 1858; E. D. Gilbert, 
1859; Jesse Sherman, 1860; James McKnight, 1860; 
Jesse Sherman, 1861 ; John M. Rea, 1862 ; Sylvester E. 
Spoor, 1863; David Seely, 1863-64; Jesse Sherman, 
1865; John M. Rea, 1866; James McKnight, 1866; J. 
S. McFarland, 1867; James McKnight, Whcdon Smith, 
1868; Justin Beebe, 1869; James McW. Getty, 1870- 
74; J. S. McFarland, 1871-75; James McKnight, 1872- 
76; Harvey J. Smith, 1873; William F. Wood, 1877; 
Jauies McW. Getty, 1878. 

Gullectors. — Captain Tlios. Bellows, 1784-85 ; Captain 
James Wilson, 1786; Wni. McClellan, 1787 ; Thos. Bel- 
lows, 1788-89; Clark Rogers, 1790; Thomas Bellows, 
1791; James Webster, 1791 ; Wm. Lytle, 1792; Israel 
Ely, 1793; Wm. Lytle, 1794-1800; James McClellan, 
1801; Wm. Hutchins, 1802; J. McClellan, 1803; Wm. 
Lytle, 1804-7 ; Wm. McClellan (2d), 1808-9 ; Abel Wood, 
1810; Charles Allen, 1811 ; L. Gardner, 1812; Wm. Sea- 
ver, 1813; Chas. Allen, 1814; Abel Wood, 1815.^17; 
Lewis Gardner, 1818; Wm. Bockes, 1819; Abner Duel, 
1820-22; Jas. McClellan, 1823 ; J. Button, 1824; Abner 
Duel, 1825-28; David H. Lytle, 1829; J. W. Beatty, 
1830-30 ; Wm. D. Ely, 1837 ; Samuel Woodard, 1838; W. 
D. Ely, 1839 ; W. W. McClellan, 1840 ; Levi Moone, 1841 ; 
J. Clark, 1842; E. Allen, 1843-44; J. MuC. Wils„n, 
1845; Alex. Beatty, 1846-47; A. Woodard, 1848; W. 
Thomas, 1849 ; J. P. Flack, 1850 ; Silas Root, 1851 ; Jas. 
Moore, 1852 ; E. Smith, Jr., 1853 ; J. McW. Getty, 1854 ; 
W. D. McConnell, 1855 ; John C. Williamson, 1856; J. 
Gilchrist, 1857; J. S. Hall, 1858; B. D. Oatman, 1859; 
Men-it Temple, 1860 ; J. McC. Wilson, 1861 ; D. J. Levin, 
1862 ; Jas. Barkley, 1863 ; W. Howard, 1864 ; L. Amidon, 
1865; Julius Woodard, 1866 ; R. H. Dunham, 1867 ; D. 
Glazier, 1868; R. C. McEachron, 1869; Henry Welch, 
1870 ; D. J. Chamberlain, 1871 ; J. W. Powel, 1872 ; 
Jas. Lundy, 1873; Theo. Copeland, 1874; Samuel A. 
Mahaffy, 1875; Charles 0. Smith, 1876; Jas. A. Getty, 
1877 ; George D. McKnight, 1878. 

The following notes are taken from the town records : 
The first road on record is from Di tvid Wh edon's to the 
Granville line, Dec. 1, 1783. The second road on record 
is laid from Samuel Crossett's to the White Creek line. May 
26, 1784. 

The third road on record is laid from the provincial line 
to Lytle' s mills. 

1786. — The wardens elected at the town-meeting this year 
were Jedediah Darrow, Isaac Lytle, James Lytle, and David 
Getty. Voted, that a committee be chosen to appoint a 
place to hold the annual town-meetings, and election, and to 
establish a line between the two militia companies through 
the district. The committee was Captain John Hamilton, 
James Flack, Captain Warham Gibbs, Captain Nathan 
Smith, Lieutenant Geo. McKnight. 



1789. — Town-meeting held at the house of Lieutenant 
Geo. McKnight. 

1791. — A list of the people's names that have taken out 
license this year, and the several .sums due to the overseers 
of the poor for the town of Hebron : Geo. McKnight, £2; 
Wm. Porter, £2; John Shepard, £2; Edw. Shepard, £2; 
Warham Gibbs, £2 ; Lsaac Brinckerhoff, £2. 

1792. — Voted to choose three men to order matters 
about the smallpox, and to appoint places for " nucleation" 
(inoculation). Thomas Rogers, Robert Crcigliton, John 
AVright, and Warham Gibbs, committee for the above pur- 
pose. Ten pounds forfeit by any who shall disobey the 
above committee's orders in the discharge of their duty. 

1793. — Voted to build three pounds in the town. Li- 
censed inns, two pounds each. John Shepard, Wm. Porteri 
Warham Gibbs, John Shepard, Jr., Thos. Gourley, J. 
BrinkerhofF, Wm. McCracken, Geo. McKnight, Phineas 
Hitchcock. 

1794. — Voted, That no liquor shall be brought to the 
barn where the meeting is held. 

1796. — Town-meeting held at the house of Calvin Smith. 
Commissioners of schools, now first elected : I. Brinker- 
hoif. Dr. David Long, Wm. McClellan, Phineas Hitchcock, 
Thomas Gourley. 

1899. — Town-meeting held at the hou.se of William Mo- 
Clellan. 

1800. — Ten dollars for the head of a wolf who shall be 
killed and taken within the bounds of this town. 

BIRTH OF .V SLAVE CIIII.ll. 

ISOl.— "Eoin on the 22d day of last August, a bl.ack negro male 



Bett ; child's uame is Antony. Said Bett 
Wm. McCuacken. 



child. lUs mother's name 
is a slave to me. 

"Ukbron, Feb. 1, ISni 

" Entered on record May, 180], per me. 

"William McClkllas, Tonni Clerk." 

F.MAXrlPATlOX or A SLAVE. 

ISU.— " This may certify that we, Diiviil Whcdon and Samuel Liv- 
ingston, overseers of the poor for the town of Hebron, having e.xam- 
ined Tamar, a black woman, a slave to Thomas Gourley, and the 
said Thos. Gourley wishing to manumit her, or give her her freedom, 
we the said overseers of the poor are fully of the opinion that 
the said Tamar is not of the age of forty-five years, and is of suffi- 
cient ability to provide for herself, agreeable to the statute of this 
State of New York, passed the 9th day of , 1813. 

" Dated the 5th day of Sept., ISH." 

1817. — Town-meeting held at the house of William 
Livingston. 

1818. — Town-meeting held at the house of Rev. Alex- 
ander Dunham. 

1819. — Town-meeting held at the house of John II. 
Northrup; also in 1830. 

1824. — Town-meeting held at the house of Morris Mead. 

1826. — Town-meeting held at the house of Ebenezer 
Getty ; also in 1835. 

1829. — Town-meeting held at the house of Wm. Mc- 
Clellan. 

1832. — Towu-meetiii 
Nelson. 

1 838. — Town-meotin^ 
Baker. 

1839. — Town-meeting held at the hou.se of John Root. 

1840. — Town-meeting held at the house of Abner Duel 



held at the house of John J. 
held at the house of Blivin and 




-r / 




CHARLES JONES WHITE. 



Charles Jones White was born in Waterford, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Oct. 23, 1803. 
His mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Vandenbergh, was a descendant 
of one of the best of thuse thrifty Duteh families that settled along the line of 
the npper Iliidsun during Colonial times. She was no ordinary woman ; gifted 
with personal bt-juity and superior mental ondowments, she became widely 
known and respecU^d fvrii in her younger days. At the age of nineteen she 
married Ebenezer Jones, Ksq., a nitrcliant of Stillwater, N. Y., who died within 
two or three years fr'm the date of their marriage. The fniit of this union 
was one child, a daughter, Sarah Maria Jones, born a.d. 1800. 

During the following year Mrs. Jones married with Alfreil WTiite. Esq., also 
a merchant, and a man of considerable literary repute withal. He was a man 
of fine presence; he had a princely air; his manners were courtly, and his 
whole hearing commanding. Notwithstanding his excellent abilities, and the 
powerful influence he exerted among his peel's, he was inTariably unfortunate 
in his business relations, often causing thereby great embarrassment and priva- 
tion in his family. He died in Troy, N. Y., in 1851, aged seventy years. 

Of his marriage with tlie "Widow Jones, tlie sole issue was the subject of our 
sketch, Charles Jones White. His mother assumed the management and train- 
ingof her son in his early childhood. She believed that education was the true 
foundation of high character and good citizenship, and it was her desire and her 
firm purpose that he should receive a liberal education. But the pecuniary 
straits to which his father was so often reduced quite prevented the consum- 
mation of her designs. She took sole charge of her son's intellectual training 
until he was past ten years of age, and soon after placed him in charge of a 
clergyman (a cherished friend of the mother) for further instruction. He re- 
mained in care of his clerical friend upwards of three years, receiving from his 
teacher the highest commendation for his diligence and application. He early 
developed a taste for English literature, or, we may say, general literature, and 
this he indulged to the partial exclusion of the sciences and higher studies 
usually pursued at his time of life. This he ascrDied to his mother's influence 
principally. She was very fond of the Scottisli and English bards and poeis, 
and her young pupil, when he went out from her training, could repeat exten- 
sively from Burns, Young, Pollok, Watte, etc. 

About this time he entered his father's store in Stillwater, N. Y., contrary to 
his mother's wishes, of course, but the father's will was law. Failure of the 
business soon after relieved the young man from duty as clerk of a store, and, 
as we remember, he returned to his books, seeking only the aid and counsel of 
his mother. In the year following the failure at Stillwater his father removed 
to Washington Co., N. Y. Here, in the town of Hebron, he again engaged in 
storekeeping, with bis son as clerk. But this connection was of brief duration, 
continuing about one year. Young Charleb Jones at once joined a class of young 
men who were preparing for college or professions under the direction of a 
prominent minister. After a time, a year or so, three of these young gentlemen 
commenced the study of medicine. They formed for themselves the strictest 
rules, to make their preparation thorough. They entered the oflace of the cel- 
ebrated Dr. Waters, in Hebron. Young White soon gained the special favor 
of Ids preceptor, who declared that "he was a young man of extraordinary 
diligence and force, and possessed a mind singularly receptive and retentive." 
Our space forbids relating interesting incidents illustrating his good qual- 
ities as a student, and demonstrating the correctness of his principal's high 
estimate. 

About half his preliminary course was completed when he suffered a crushing 
blow in the death of his mother, in 1822. She had been his trusted friend and 
counselor. He felt "lost and left in the wide world," and was inconsolable. 
He bad thought to devote to her the beat of a pure and honorable manhood. 
To be admired and honored by her, when in the pursuit of his chosen life avoca- 
tion, had been a powerful inspiration to him. But now, alas, all bright dreams, 
fond hopes, and high resolves were forever blighted. His grief was marked 
with all the copiousness of childhood's tears. But the lessons that noble parent 



had inculcated were now called to mind, and he tried to master hia sighiDf; 
and sobbing, for they were unavailing. His loving and loved sister wap 
unwearied in her efforts to reconcile him' to his loss. 

He returned to his reading, after a long suspension of study, and the following 
year entered the Vermont Medical College, located at ( astleton, Vt. Here he 
likewise distinguished himself, and in due course of time graduated from that 
institution with honor, in 1825. 

Waters, the great-hearted man and skillful physician, had, in the mean time, 
died. Our young friend was invited to become his euccessor. This h.- did, but 
with characteristic modesty. His deceased preceptor was no meari man Gifted 
with a powerful mind and a perfect physique (he was said to have been the 
handsomest man of his day), he had become widely known, and hi.s professional 
services were sought far and near. To step into his place seemed presumptuous 
in the extreme. But his friends encouraged and sustained him. and though 
he had to contend with " Envy's frown and Poverty's unconquerable bar," yet 
he persevered, and, after " laboring and waiting," at length built up a widely- 
extended and lucrative practice. 

In 1825 or 1826 he married Miss Ann Wilson, adopted daughter of Judge 
Nathan Wilson, of Salem, N. Y. She died April, 1832, in her twenty-sixth year, 
leaving three children: Charles A., Frances Olivia, and Alfred D. White, of 
whom only the first-named survives. 

In August. 1832, Dr. White was again married to Mrs. Catharine Cleveland, 
widow of Abel Cleveland, of Hebron, N. Y. She died at Hebron, N. Y., June 
23, 1863. The issue of this marriage was four children: Henry Clay, George 
Alexander, Walter Scott, and Frances Maria White, all of whom are dead except 
the last, PYances M., wlio is living at West Rupert, Vt., the estimable and ac- 
complished wife of Mr. Fayette W. Hopkins. 

Dr. Charles Jones ^XTiite was, in many respects, a man si'i generis; aa a 
parent he was stern and exacting, more especially during the first years of his 
domestic life. He entertained peculiar notions of parental discipline, but he 
saw cause to radically modify them in later years. In his family he was rigidly 
methodical and precise in all his personal habits and ways. 

As a citizen he was public-spirited, and an ardent and uncompromising advo- 
cate of the majesty of law. Probably no better illustration of this jihase of his 
character can be found than in his unremitting efforts to support the govern- 
ment in its struggles to conquer the recent Rebellion of the States of the south. 
He held that the Federal Union was not a mero league or confederation, but a 
union of all the States into one grand body, one supreme stale. Hence he 
regarded the views of our southern malcontents as rank political heresy, sub- 
versive at once of all stability and strength of organization. Within his own 
county and township he was foremost among the supporters of the Washington 
government. He was chairman of the county committee (or town) ; at all events 
a prominent member thereof; and, s.ays one who was iutimately associated with 
him on said committees, " He was unwearied in his efforts to raise the quota of 
men, sparing neither labor nor money for that purpose; active in calling meet- 
ing.s, and arousing public sentiment, etc., etc. So well did our town committee 
perform their duties, that every quota was filled promptly, and at the close of 
the war our town bad a surplus of men to her credit, for wliit-h the State paid us 
back S82UO. Ours was the onhj town that did so well, Fort Edward, of our county, 
ranking next, which had refunded to her $6000. Araoneall the workers of our 
town, Dr. White stood in the first class," 

As a physician he stood high. While ho was no specialist, few of his follows 
in the counti-y at large possessed a more thorough and scientific knowledge of 
febrile and pulmonary diseases. For skillful treatment of these umladics he 
was quite celebrated. He never laid aside his books, but k<'i)t himself woll 
informed upon the improvements and innovations of medical scii-nce. 

Dr. Charles Jones White died at Hebron, N. Y., April 24, 1669, in the sixty- 
sixth year of his age. His remains were interred in the cemetery at Salem, 
Washington Co., N. Y. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



391 



VILLAGES. 



EAST HEBRON 



is situated in the southeast part of the town, in the valley 
of the Black creek, and on the old turnpike, the great 
traveled route of eaily times. Some of the first settlers 
of the town were located near here. It was only a .short 
distance south of this place, just within the present town 
of Salem, that Captain Charles Hutchinson was driven from 
his farm, in 1771, by the Vermonters, Allen and Baker. 
In his afiBdavit of complaint he states that eight or nine 
others in his neighborhood had been driven off, among 
them John Reid, — this last a name still prominent in 
Hebron. Jacob Braymer had a tannery two miles above 
East Hebron, on the turnpike. The first orchard was 
planted by Jedediah Darrow. The first post-ofiice under 
the name of Hebron was located at this place about 1800. 
William Porter, the first postmaster; Colonel William 
Root, the second; John Root, the third; and William 
Root, the fourth. This village is seven miles from Salem. 
A store was opened here before 1800, by Dr. David Long. 

WEST HEBRON. 

This is the largest village in the town, and is very pleas- 
antly situated in the southwestern part, near the junction 
of the two branches of Black creek. It was settled at a 
very early day, the water-power giving to the place much 
importance in connection with early settlement. It is sur- 
rounded by fine scenery. The roads are superior, afford- 
ing to the traveler or the citizen many delightful drives. 
Beveridge's saw-mill was built at an early day, — only the 
frame now standing. One mile above was a carding-ma- 
chine, long since given up. A very early grist-mill was 
built by Garret Quackenbush, with one run of rock stone. 
There is now located at West Hebron a starch-factory, 
founded by Rae & McDowell, about 1866, using annually 
six thousand bushels of potatoes, and producing forty-eight 
thousand pounds of starch. There is also a saw-mill, a 
cheese-box factory, owned by W. & J. Reid. Brush- 
makers' blocks are also manufactured. The village has two 
churches, one hotel, three general stores, one drug-store, 
and one clothing-store, harness-shop, blacksmith-sliop, and 
marble-works. A post-office was established here about 
1816, George Getty being the first postmaster. Others 
succeeding him were Charles Stone, William McClellun, 
Heman Rogers, and William J. Bockes. 

This village has sometimes been known by the slang term 
Bedlam. 

The following from the local correspondence of a county 
newspaper condenses so many items of interest in a brief 
space that we insert it entire : 

" West Hebron. — Our lively little village, the happy 
home of a peaceful community and the admiration of vis- 
iting strangers, is located in a protected nook in the conflu- 
ence of the two branches of Black creek and at the conjunc- 
tion of the main roads leading to the village of Salem. On 
all sides, excepting the road valleys, it is guarded by wooded 
mountains. On the southeast Wilson's mountain stands 
perpetual guard ; the fury of the western winds is broken 
by Patterson's range, and the ragged side of the ' Devil's 



Threshing Floor' stands like a faithful sentinel of protection 
on the north and east. In connection with the thrifl and 
industry of this burgh. West Hebron and the adjacent 
neighborhoods are noted for their splendid roads and fine 
scenery. The valley just north of the village is the finest 
in the county. For half a mile the road pa.sscs through a 
narrow defile that in the distance closely resembles an Al- 
pine pa.ss. Here the brick church edifice of the Reformed 
Presbyterians forms the nucleus of a small hamlet, the homes 
of several retired families. At this point the valley widens 
to half a mile in width, and extends uniformly in a northern 
direction for two miles or more. The bed of the valley is 
a large tract of rich bottom meadow-land, watered by the 
winding western fork of Black creek, while the sides are 
gradual slopes of tillable land surmounted with heavy forests. 
For over a mile in length this valley is traversed by two par- 
allel roads, each at the base of the uplands, and connected 
at the northern limits by a connecting cross-road, inclosing 
the flat in its boundaries, forming what is known as the 
' Square.' ' Around the Scjuare' is a very popular drive 
during the summer season, owing to its clo.se contiguity to 
the village, its magnificent roads, and its beautiful scenery, 
lowland and upland, moderate grades and steep declivities, 
comfortable farm-houses, rich meadows and waving fields of 
grain, forests in the distance and transplanted rows of 
maples along the highways, — all the diversified views of a 
lovely panoramic landscape. By a fortunate division of the 
land by the early settlers of the valley, each farmer on both 
roads owns a portion of the flat, and thus each summer 
cuts an abundance of hay of the best quality, while their 
grain and pasture lands lie on the slopes. Since the intro- 
duction of cheese-factories the farmers keep large dairies, 
that are sources of much profit. The soil of the eastern 
side of the valley is a loam, furnishing good pastures, while 
that on the western side is of a slaty and lim&stone nature, 
and well adapted to the growth of cereals. On one farm is 
an unlimited limestone deposit, from which was burned the 
lime used in the construction of the farm-houses on the 
place, also the stone house in Argyle now occupied by 
Charles Getty. This valley was once the hunting-ground 
of the Indian, as is plain to be seen from the fact that many 
antlers of the deer and the stone arrow-heads used by the 
Indians have frequently been found, and tradition says that 
every spring and fall the Indians roamed the banks of 
Black creek, trapping the muskrat, mink, and other aquatic 
game. The church edifice of the Hebron United Presby- 
terian congregation is situated in this valley, it being the 
central point of a large congregation. In a drive of less 
than five miles (from Belcher to West Hebron) the traveler 
passes five churches, in which preaching is statedly held; 
which testifies that our community is a church-going one. 
Our valley roads being on the direct route from Granville, 
Hartford, and Argyle to Salem, one of the county-seats, we 
have a great deal of travel passing to and from these vil- 
lages, making, with the above-mentioned attractions, a 
residence in the valley a desirable one." 

MUNRO'S ME.VDOW.S. 

The Rev. Harry Munro was an Episcopal minister and 
chaplain in one of the Highland Scotch regiments. Ilav- 



392 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ing thus the rank of a subaltern oflScer, he drew, Sept. 23, 
1764, two thousand acres of land, situated in the northern 
part of Hebron. In the year 1774, having been discharged 
from the army, he persuaded six families to move on to his 
tract. These settlers were Scotch Highlanders, some of 
them discharged soldiers, who owned land in this neighbor- 
hood. They each took a lease of one hundred acres, for 
twenty-one years, at a rent of one shilling per acre. The 
best known among them were John McDonald, Norman 
and Donald McLeod, and John Duncan. Munro himself 
moved here with them and erected a cabin. These cabins 
were built of logs and roofed with bark ; they were in size 
about sixteen by twenty feet, having but a single room, 
without any floor. The earth within them became trodden 
down so hard that it could be swept nearly as clean as our 
present floors. Such were the dwellings in which, with 
few exceptions, nearly all the first settlers in the town re- 
sided for several years. Munro's cabin stood on the west 
side of the brook i.ssuing from the marsh on his lands, 
about five rods from the brook and seventy from the marsh. 
This marsh covers about twenty-five acres, and is situated 
near the centre of Munro's tract. He doted upon this 
meadow, supposing it would form most valuable meadow 
land. Hence the neighborhood has received its name, 
Munro's Meadows. Before moving on his tract Parson 
Munro's wife died, leaving a daughter, Betsey, who mar- 
ried Donald Fisher. He bought the two-thousand-acre 
tract which forms the southeast corner of the town of 
Granville. The original owner of this tract was Barnaby 
Bryn. Parson Munro married for his second wife a sister 
of Governor Jay. Whilst the war was in progress he was 
permitted to retire to Canada. He died in Edinburgh about 
1801. His wife and their only child, Peter Jay Munro, 
remained upon the Jay estate. This son accompanied his 
uncle to England when he went there to negotiate the cel- 
ebrated " Jay's Treaty," and while abroad obtained a quit- 
claim deed from his father of the lands in Hebron, which 
he sold out to the occupants and others. 

NORTH IIEBllON. 

This place is simply the Munro's Meadows of olden time, 
the history of which is given above. A post-office, under 
the present name, was established in 1833, William Rey- 
nolds the first postmaster. Others following him were W. 
W. Blivin and Henry Bull. The old Skene road, cut 
through the wilderness more than a hundred years ago, 
passed near this place, and soon after, here and there a set- 
tler selected a home upon it. 

Abram Case, — at the age of eighteen, came from Massa- 
chusetts in the spring of 1770j stopped a few days with 
friends at West Hebron, and then came through the 
woods to this place, — is supposed to be the first white man 
to enter North Hebron as far north as the farm now owned 
by Merritt Temple. The same day he commenced a log 
hut. At night he returned to his friends. On the morn- 
ing he came over on horseback, bringing with him a half- 
bushel of meal, some salt, a knife and fork, a four-quart irou^ 
kettle, some seed-corn, and a gun. The second day he com- 
pleted his shanty. He then cleared a small piece of land, 
and planted the first piece of corn in this section. In Au- 



gust, hLs brother Timothy came and lived with him. In 
the fall they took their corn on horseback to Lansingburg, 
the nearest mill, to have it ground. 

In the spring of 1772, Aaron Smith came from the town 
of White Creek to this place, moving his family on an ox- 
cart, and located on the farm now owned by Walter White. 
He brought with him the first potatoes planted here. In 
the same year Deacon McCall settled on the place now 
owned by Justin Beebe. 

The fir.st school-house in this section was on the farm now 

owned by James Foster. The first teacher, McNaugh- 

ton. 

The first store was kept by Goodrich. The first 

person buried in the North Hebron burying-ground was 
Aaron Briggs. 

There has been some trade and other business at North 
Hebron, but the water-power necessary to develop a large 
village does not exist on the small rivulets that here form 
the sources of Black creek. 

SL.\TEVILLE 

is a small hamlet that grew up in connection with the at- 
tempt to develop slate-works in the northeast part of the 
town. The New York Slate and Tile Company was formed, 
and prosecuted the business for a few years, but either from 
the poor quality of the deposits at this point, or from other 
causes, the operations were discontinued. North of Slate- 
villewas a neighborhood of early settlement by Woodward, 
Case, and others, some allusions to which occur in the 
history of Granville. 

BELCHER. 

This hamlet is said to have received its name from the old 
town in Massachusetts, Bolchertown, dropping the final syl- 
lable, however, and making it Belcher. The convenience of 
ti'ade at the junction of several roads seems to have been the 
cause of this pleasant little village growing up at this point. 
There is no water-power to develop mills or manufactories 
here. Stores, shops, hotel, church, and school-house, with 
a few dwelling-houses, constitute the village. A post-office 
was established here in 1850, W. Cleveland being the first 
postmaster. The name shows the first settlers to have been 
from Belchertown, Mass. 

chamberlain's mills. 

This has long been known as a place of considerable 
business. The valuable water-power was utilized at an early 
day. In later years there has been a store with an excel- 
lent country trade. The mills are a short distance west of 
East Hebron. The original buildings were put up, it is 
said, as early as 1778, by Wilson, Hamilton & Hopkins, 
who owned the water-power. The grist-mill afterwards 
passed into the hands of Palmer Jenkins. We add a copy 
of the original contract, one hundred years old, procured 
by Hon. S. E. Spoor, the property of Chester H. Wilson. 
The latter also has the original survey of Campbell's patent : 



JohnUnmUlon, Dmld 

» W;ls.m, and Ihn-Ul 



" Articles of ngreemait made mid passed hetn 
WHsml, liohcrl Wlhun, John Wilson, J, 
llopkius. 

" Arlirlr A— Tli.-it they agree to Iniikl a saw-mill on the falls on tho 
Great creek, and each tu du his equal part and proportion. 




\^6 




- W- 0T^ 



James Cf?AiG. 



Mrs. James CffAic. 




HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



393 



" Article II. — And whou money is to be paid, each to pay his equal 
sixth part. 

"Article III.^That when the majority of the proprietors shall 
agree upon any point about the said mill, tho rest are to abide by it. 

" Article IV. — That each one is to be at the plaec, ready to go to 
work, each day he works, by the sun an hour and a half high in tho 
morning. 

"To which agreement we bind ourselves. Witness our hands this 
22d day of March, A.D. 177S. 

"Jons Hamiltox, 
" David Wilsos, 

** lloUBRT AViI.SON, 

"Jonx Wilson, 
"Jamk.s Wii.sox, 

" DaVIIJ HoI'KIN'S.'' 

James, a son of the James Wilson above, states tliat the 
same company built a grist-mill, probably two or three 
years later. It was on the sit« of Chamberlain's mills, 
and was originally known as Wilson's. Asa Putnam built 
a cloth-dressing mill at the same place earlier than 1800. 



Like other towns in this vicinity, the records are almost 
entirely wanting with reference to the schools before 1813. 
School commissioners were elected in 17!3(), as shown in 
the notes taken from the town records, but the office docs 
not seem to have been continued. It is well known that 
school-houses were built soon after the first settlement, in 
many instances log buildings, some upon the very sites of 
the present houses, but dates and facts are very difficult to 
obtain. 

At the town-meeting in 1813 the people accepted the 
provisions of the school law of 1812, voted to raise an 
amount of money equal to the sum to be donated by the 
State, and elected the following officers : 

William BlcClellan, Joel Hopkins, William Townsend, 
school commissioners ; James Wilson, George Webster, 
William Livingston, school inspectors. 

In the years succeeding, down to IS-IS, the following 
other persons served one or more years each in the office of 
inspector : Joel Byington, Ebenezer Ingersoll, Peter Bockes, 
Samuel Livingston, Alfred Ward, Rev. Alex. Denham, John 
McDonald, John Wilson, William Townsend, Robert Steele, 
Simeon D. Webster, Washington L. Waite, Henry Bull, 
Jonathan Blorey, Hugh Cruikshank, Isaac Wilson, Andrew 
S. Gilchrist, Gordon Smith, John A. Waldo, Gilbert Hard, 
Henry Warren, William Wilson, George McKnight, John 
Woodard, William McLeod, James Hough, James Reid, 
Charles G. White, William Armstrong, Camillus Hanks, 
John Root, George E. Porter, Maurice Clapp, James M. 
Foster, James Reid, John Tiplady, Ebenezer tjua, Stephen 
M. Ingersoll, Eli Smith, James JIcKnight, and John 
McNaughton. 

During the same period the following citizens also served 
one or more years each in the office of commissioner : 
Phineas Hitchcock, William Livingston, Ebenezer Inger- 
soll, Jedediah Darrow, John McDonald, George Webster, 
Edward Johnson, John J. Wilson, Samuel Livingston, 
Jonathan Morey, Foster Foot, Henry Bull, John Moodie, 
Robert Steel, Hugh Cruikshank, Simeon D. Webster, John 
Button. John Woodard, Stephen Fumsey, Washington L. 
Wait, Gilbert Hard, John F. Merrill, James S. Brown, 
50 



Camillus Hanks, Isaac Wilson, William W. Blivins, James 
Reid, John W. Beatty, David Hopkins, John McClellan, 
Whedon M. Smith, Alexander Beattic, William Getty, 
Darwin Porter, George McKnight, Piatt Burch, Abner 
Qua, and Joseph Crosier. This system was superseded by 
that of town .superintendents in 1843, and commencing with 
1814, the following were elected to that office: 1844—15, 
John McNaughton; 184G-47, James McKnight; 1848- 
49, Wesley Nelson; 1850, Warren Clcaveland ; 1852, War- 
ren Cleaveland; 1 854-50, William W. Hibbard. 

The last man was legislated out of office by the creation 
of district commis.sioncrs, which closed all town supervision. 

The earliest report upon the schools of the town to be 
found on record seems to be the following for 1816 : 

Public monoy 
District. for toiu-li<^ni' 

WllgfS. 

No. 1 ?11.S4 

" 2 21.18 

" 3 22.97 

" 4 11.48 

" 6 24.05 

" 6 13.28 

" 7 17.95 

" 8 24.05 

" 9 21.89 

" in 2R.20 

" 11 19.38 

" 12 27.28 

" 13 12.20 

" 14 7. 89 

" 15 2.87 

" li; 1.07 

" 17 4.B7 

On hand 40.79 

Total $317.04 

At the annual town-meeting in the year 181.3 it was 
voted that school commissioners and inspectors should re- 
ceive seventy-five cents per day while in the actual dis- 
charge of their duties ; also that the town would raise a 
sum of money each year equal to the sum received from 
the county treasurer. 

The last appointment by the school commissioners for 
1877 .shows to some extent the present condition of the 
schools. 

Chililrcn botwopn Whole public 
Distiict. five ami twenty- uionuy appro- 
one, priutod. 

No. 1 123 $275.21 

•• 2 48 111.68 

" :i 49 llfi.IS 

" 4 .W 124.61 

" 5 110 132.60 

" 15 70.75 

" 7 42 98.26 

" s 37 94.72 

" y 45 ■ 106.34 

" 10 33 93.98 

'. u 71 U8.60 

" 12 31 92.15 

" i.i 47 121.15 

" 14 . 61 126.03 

" 15 24 S0.77 

" 16 32 97.43 

" 17 14 66.97 

Total 791 $1958.03 



NORTH IIEimON INSTITUTE. 

This institution is located in the village of North He- 
bron. It W.-I.S built in 1850. The edifice is a substantial 
brick structure, with a capacity adapted to the accommoda- 
tion of one hundred and fifty students. It has a hall in 
the .second story with sittings for two hundred and fifty. 



394 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



On the first floor, a large pleasant school-room and a recita- 
tion-room. 

This institute was projected ;ind completed mainly by 
the efforts of the late Rev. George Smith and Junatluin 
Allen. 

Rev. Reuel Hanks was the first principal. After two 
and a half years of successful labor, he removed to New 
York city, and was succeeded in the institute by Rev. Dr. 
Barrett. 

The present principal is AV. S. Hanks, under whose con- 
trol a fine school is now in progress. Tiiis institution was 
chartered by the regents. 

THE WEST IIEBRON CLASSICAL SCHOOL 

was chartered by the repents of the University of the 
State of New York, March 22, 1855. The first trustees 
under the charter were Rev. Joseph Kimball, Wm. Ran- 
dies, David W. Ackley, James Robinson, Alex. P. Robin- 
son, Daniel Woodard, Wm. Amistrong, John M. Rea, 
Henry McEaehron, James R. McClellan, George Ashley, 
and Rev. Joseph McKee. The school building was erected 
during the summer of 1855. At the opening session of 
the school Mr. G. D. Stewart was the principal; JMiss 
Harriet H. Rowan, preceptress; and Mr. J. K. McLean, 
assistant. This school was <|uite succe.ssful during a period 
of eight or ten years, when it became expedient to con- 
vert it into a union free school in this district, still retain- 
ing its academical department. The trustees made an 
agreement with the board of education of the union free 
school that, upon payment of one thousand dollars, the 
trustees would lease the district and the academy building 
for a term of ten years. The present teachers are David 
Reid, principal; Miss Mary Wilson, intermediate; and 
Miss Maggie Gibson, primary departments. 

CHUKCHES. 

ASSOCIATE REFORMED, NOW UNITED PRESBYTERIAN 
CIUIUCII. 

This congregation of Presbyterians of Hebron was or- 
ganized about the year 1780, and was occasionally supplied 
for several years by Rev. Thomas Clark, M.D., and Rev. 
James Proudfit, ministers at Salem. The Rev. George 
Mairs was installed pastor of this church Nov. 14, 1793. 
His brother. Rev. James Mairs, preached the sermon from 
2d Corinthians, 4th chapter, and 5th verse. Rev. James 
Proudfit gave the charge. The elders signing the call 
were Samuel Crossett, Charles Ilutchins, and Alexander 
McClellan. Rev. Geo. Mairs lived in Argyle, and preached 
a portion of the time there. 

The first minister whose services were wholly given to 
this society was the celebrated Dr. Gray, an eminent author 
of theological works. He was installed about the year 
1795, and moved to Philadelphia in 1804. 

Soon after this Rev. Alex. Dunham was installed, and 
remained pastor about twenty years. He moved to the 
city of New York, where he died in 1848, aged seventy- 
five. 

Rev. James MoAuly was pastor from 1826 to 1835, 
when he was succeeded by the Rev. Jasper Middlemass, 
who was pastor nearly three years. 



In the fall of 1839 the Rev. Alex. Shand was ordained 
and installed pastor by the presbytery of Washington. 
Tliis was the first ordination within the walls of this ven- 
erable edifice. The following have been the ministers in 
succession : Rev. Joseph Kimball, Rev. Gilbert H. Robert- 
son, Rev. Isaac N. White, Rev. John R. Fisher, Rev. 
Thomas Wylie, who resigned October, 1875, since which 
time the church has been without a settled pastor. 

This congregation have been organized nearly or about 
ninety-eight years. Their forefathers were Presbyterians 
from the north of Ireland, some of whom, to avoid the 
troubles of that distracted country, sought and found an 
a.syluni in this place. This congregation has never had 
any deacons. There is, however, a long line of ruling 
ciders, who have discharged the duties of that office since 
the organization of the congregation. 

The following is a list of first members : Hon. Alexander 
Webster, George Webster, Alexander Webster, Jr., James 
Webster, John, Francis, Joseph, William, Robert, Samuel, 
Benjamin, and Mary Livingston, Adam, Robert, John, 
David, and Ebenezer Gett^', Alexander, James, and Wil- 
liam McClellan, Samuel, William, and Isaac Lytic, Ed^ 
ward, William, and Oliver Selfridge, Stephen and James 
Rowan, John Wilson, Daniel and John McDonald, Lsaac 
Gray, Andrew Proudfit, Thomas Gourley, Robert and John 
Qua, Boyd Donaklson, Samuel and William Crossett, James 
Flack, Sr. and Jr. Tlie first trustees elected at the first 
meeting, called Dec. 13, 1791, were Samuel Crossett, Isaac 
Lytic, Isaac Brinckerhoff, Thomas Mulhcnch, George Mo- 
Knight, John McDonald, James Flack, William Lytic, and 
Andrew Proudfit. The location of the church edifice, as 
fixed by a majority of the trustees, was on the north side 
of Isaac Lytle's south farm, being the site of the present 
church. The old church edifice, which was built in 1792, 
stood till 1855, when it was torn down, and the present 
building erected at a cost of three thousand dollars; the size 
is forty by sixty-four feet. The old edifice was in size forty- 
six by fifty-five feet, and cost one hundred and thirty pounds. 
It stood with its side to the road, a door in the centre and 
at each end, with aisles from each ; the pulpit was on the 
east side and opposite the centre door ; the pews were about 
six by seven feet S((uare, with seats on three sides, — they 
had high backs and sides, with a door ; when a person wag 
sitting, they could not see out nor be seen. There was a 
gallery on three sides. The elders at this present time are 
William Gilchrist, Alexander McEaehron, Robert Martin, 
William Shields, J. II. Reynolds, Alexander Gourley, Wil- 
liam Robinson, and William J. Armstrong. The present 
trustees are Philip McEaehron, Alexander Williamson, 
James Williamson, James E. McClellan, and James Shields. 
The membership of this church is two hundred and seventy- 
five. The Sunday-school has one hundred and fifty scholars 
and nine teachers ; William Robinson is superintendent. 
This society owns a parsonage in the village. 

ASSOCIATE (NOW UNITED) rRESBYTBRI.\N CUURCII. 

This church is located at West Hebron. The first re- 
cords to bo found date back to 1799, in which year a meet- 
ing was held at the house of Andrew B;veridgo, living 
about three miles north. Rev. Robert Laiiig, of Argyle, 



.-.- U J.-. ' - - ■>-;■.« - ..-^ V r,.^^ -._ 




METHODIST CHURCH, WEST HEBRON. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



395 



preached in 1807 one-fourth the time. Rev. Peter Bul- 
lions lived at South Ariryle, and prcaehod one-fourth of the 
time in this church, from 1808 to 1823. He was succeeded 
by the Rev. James Irvin, who was ordained and installed 
July 7, 1824, and was pastor till 1831, when he resigned. 
Rev. A. Anderson was settled over this church in 1832, 
and remained until 1847. Rev. Mr. Ballatine was ordained 
and installed in September, 1848. He died Oct. 24, 1849. 
Rev. Joseph McKee was installed March 20, 1851, and 
continued until 1857. Rev. W. R McKee was ordained 
and installed Sept. 4, 1860, and remained until Sept. 3, 
18G7, when he was succeeded by the Rev. G. M. Wiley, 
April 7, 18G8, and he Ls now the present ptistor (1878). 
The first elders were Andrew Beveridge, Hugh Moncrief, 
and William McClellan. The first trustees were William 
McClellan, Hugh Randies, and Hugh Moncrief. The 
present trustees are Hugh Pierce, William Scott, and 
James Foster. The elders at the present time are John 
M. Ilae, William Reid, John A. McKnight, James F. 
Randies, and James Beveridge. The first subscription for 
building a meeting-house is dated Nov. C, 1790 ; there were 
fifty-six subscribers. John Williams, of Salem, gives fifty 
dollars in pulpit and seats. The frame was erected in 1800; 
the house was completed and occupied in 1802. This old 
house stood about a mile east of the village. In 1831 it 
was taken down and rebuilt on its present site in the village, 
at a cost of sixteen hundred and twenty-four dollars. It was 
repaired in 1859, at a cost of three thousand two hundred 
dollars. A parsonage was built about 1860. The present 
membership is one hundred and seventy-five. The Sunday- 
school has one hundred scholars and sixteen teachers. The 
pastor is the superintendent. 

EAST PRESBYTEIIIAN CHURCH. 

The first settlers of the east part of the town, being 
mostly New England people, were impressed with the im- 
portance of providing the means of religious instruction. 
They accordingly, some ten or fifteen years before the 
church organization, formed themselves into a regularly 
incorporated religious society, and erected a meeting-house 
one mile and a half north of the present house of worship, 
in which they had occasional preaching until 1804. On 
February 24 of that year the church, consisting of sixteen 
members, was organized. On the fourth day of June fol- 
lowing the society was re-incorporated, and named the 
" East Presbyterian Society of Hebron." The ruling elders 
were John Wilson, David Hopkins, and James Wilson. 

Rev. Jouits Coe, of Troy, and Rev. Mr. Preston assisted 
at the organization. The first recorded meeting of session 
was presided over by Rev. Walter Fullerton. The male 
members at the time of organizing, besides the elders 
above mentioned, were Daniel Hopkins, Jedediah Darrow, 
Robert WiKson, Cyrus Baldwin, William Martin, and John 
Shepherd. 

The first house of worship must have been erected, as 
above stated, about 1790. Its size was about seventy feet 
by fifty. In 1846 the society built a new house at a cost of 
about fifteen hundred dollars. It was dedicated in the fall 
or winter of 1846, the services being conducted by Rev. 
Mr. Doolittle, of Granville, assisted by Rev. David Wilson 



and J. S. L. Tomb. The first minister was Rev. Walter 
Fullerton, from 1805 to May, 1809. The pulpit seems 
to have been filled by temporary supplies till about 1813, 
when the Rev. Joel Byington became the minister, and 
continued until about 1827, — a long and useful piustor- 
ate. After an interval filled by supplies, the Rev. Alva 
Day became pa.stor in 1829, and continued until July, 
1833. In June, 1834, Rev. Nathaniel Hurd came, and 
preached for one year. Joshua A. Clayton was tlien pastor 
from October, 1835, to December, 1839. May 4, 1841, 
Rev. Phineas Bailey commenced his services, and remained 
until some time in the year 1816. Rev. David Wilson suc- 
ceeded him for a short time. From 1847 to 1849, Rev. J. 
S. L. Tomb was pastor. He was followed one year by Rev. 
Loving Brewster, Rev. Fish Harmon two years, and Rev. 
Archie Loomis two years. From 1854 to 1859 there was 
no regular minister. Rev. J. S. h. Tomb returned, and 
preached for about three years. Rev. C. S. Marvin was pas- 
tor from 1864 to 1866. He was followed two years by 
Rev. A. Bronson. In 1871, Rev. Allen Traver commenced 
his labors, and preached one year. He was the last regular 
minister. Services have been suspended since, except that 
the desk was supplied one year by a Methodist minister. 

The church, by removals and deaths, has become nearly 
extinct. When services were closed, David Wallace and 
E. G. Wilson were elders ; the latter clerk of session. A 
Sunday-school was organized in 1827; Deacon John Wil- 
son superintendent. It was a large school for many years. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAIi CHURCH, WEST HEBRON. 

The first class of the Methodist Episcopal church was 
organized in 1859, with nine members. That year the so- 
ciety purchased the frame of a small chapel, which had 
been used by the Ash Grove society, and was the third 
church edifice built by that society. This frame was taken 
down, taken apart, and brought to West Hebron and erected 
as a church edifice, and was in use until the erection of their 
present new edifice. The old building is now known as 
Ashley's hall. The trustees of the first church were Levi 
and Robert Copeland and Abiaham Johnson. This society 
separated from the Belcher church in 1 869, and proceeded 
to organize an independent society, which was incorporated 
Nov. 29, 1869. The first trustees were J. L. Irwin, P. 
B. Larkin, William T. Morrow, Robert Copeland, and 
Mathew Dongan. Rev. Cyrus Meeker was the first pastor, 
dividing his time between Belcher and this church. 

A new church edifice was erected in 1874, and dedicated 
by the Rev. Dr. Ives October 20 of that year. The text 
from which he preached his sermon was " Let your light so 
shine," etc. It was an eloquent discour.se, worthy of the 
doctor's fame. The church edifice is of wood; size, thirty- 
five by sixty-one feet. At one angle in front rises the 
spire, one hundred and five feet ; the main entrance is 
through a door in the tower. There is also another en- 
trance at the opposite side of the front. These doors open 
into a vestibule, from which several doors open into the 
audience-room. Over the vestibule is a room for holding 
prayer-meetings. At the farther end of the audience- 
room, on a raised platform, is a handsome black walnut 
pulpit and reading-desk. The platform is surrounded by 



396 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



an altar railing of black walnut. A panel to the right of 
the pulpit has the Lord's prayer in gilt letters, and also 
under it the sentence, "A new comuiaBdment I give unto 
you, That ye love one another." On this panel, over the 
Lord's prayer, is an open Bible with a white dove descend- 
i ng upon it. On a panel to the left is a cross and crown ; 
underneath is the apostles' creed, also in gilt letters. Over 
the recess back of the pulpit, in colored letters, is a verse 
from St. John xiv. 1. The windows are of stained ghiss. 
Tlie frescoing, which is very beautiful, was done by Mr. 
Voelneke, a New York city artist. 

The bell, weighing one thousand pounds, was presented 
by Lemuel Carl, of Argyle. The commuTiion-service, five 
pieces of silver plate, was presented by Messrs. John & 
Ensign. The Bible and hymn-book were presetited by Mr. 
Arthur Mooney, of Cambridge. Deacon William Reid, of 
the United Presbyterian church, gave the fence in front. 
The present trustees are Samuel Irwin, Peter B. Larkin, 
William S. Hanna, John Edgerton, and William F. Mcln- 
tyre. 

The cost of the new edifice was seven thousand three 
hundred dollars. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, EAST HEBRON. 

This society was organized Aug. 2, 1847. The first 
trustees were David Hopkins, John McNaughton, Lucius 
Tappan, John J. Woodard, and Archibald Glazier. The 
following arc the ministers who have had the pastoral care 
of this church : Rev. B. 0. Meeker, Rev. E T. Remington, 
Rev. Rufus Pratt, and Rev. Milton H. Steward. 

BAPTIST CHURCH, NORTH HEBRON. 

In the summer of 1816 meetings were held in this vi- 
cinity by Rev. Amasa Brown, of Hartford. These gather- 
ings were held sometimes in a barn, frequently in dwelling- 
houses, and often in a school-house. 

December 31, 1817, at the request of those interested, 
a council convened, composed of delegates from the Bap- 
tist church at Hartford, Bottskiil, Poultuey, and Rupert 
churches. Rev. A. Brown served as moderator, and Bro- 
ther Jonathan Sprague as clerk. The council approving, 
the following day, Jan. 1, 1818, the church was constituted ; 
Rev. L. J. Reynolds, in behalf of the church, receiving the 
hand of fellowship from the council through Rev. A. Brown. 
Elder E. Barber preached from Eph. ii. 20. 

Among the original members, the names are recalled of 
Joseph Tanner, Sr., Joshua Tanner, Holmes Smith, Ben- 
jamin Fuller, Remington Kenyon, Aaron Smith, Christo- 
pher Smith, Caleb Green, and Charles Cooper, who also 
served as the first deacons. 

Colonel Israel Eli, Polly Northrop, and Anna Northrop, 
were the first persons baptized. 

The present church edifice was built in the summer of 
1826. In size it was eighty by fifty feet. It was dedi- 
cated the same year. Rev. E. Barber is supposed to have 
preached the dedication sermon. In 1850 it was repaired 
at an expense of fifteen hundred dollars, and rededicated, 
the sermon being preached by Rev. J. 0. Mason, D.D. 

In 1872-73 it was remodeled, enlarged, and beautified, 
at an expense of nearly three thousand five hundred dollars. 



The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. C. A. Johnson, 
of Whitehall. 

The ministers who have served the church as pastors are 
Werden P. Reynolds (the first pa.stor), Amasa Brown, 
Archibald Wait, Levi Walker, Amos Stearns, David Sweet, 
J. J. Trumbull, Alfred Harvey, Amos R. Wells, E. W. 
Allen, O. H. Capron, H. Barringtou, E. W. Brownell, Ja- 
cob Gray, Calvin Fisher, J. H. Barker, E. D. Wilcox, 
Warren Mason, R. A. Hodge, Leander Hall, A. E. Clark, 
and J. L. A. Fish. 

The following are the present oflicers : Pastor, Rev. J. 
L. A. Fish ; deacons, John Welch and Jacob Braymer ; 
membership, one hundred and thirty ; congregation, one 
hundred and fifty ; Sabbath-school, one hundred and twenty- 
five ; church clerk, L. R. Temple. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, BELCHER. 

About the year 1836 it was thought best to build a, 
house of worship at or near Belcher. A meeting was 
called at the school-house, which was adjourned to the 
carpenter-shop belonging to Jesse Day, where a board of 
trustees was elected and the necessar}' steps taken to pro- 
cure funds to build. At this time there was no Methodist 
Episcopal church in Hartford or Argyle, which places 
united with Belcher, and the church was built, at a cost of 
sixteen hundred dollars, which was a fine edifice in those 
days. This soon grew to be a strong charge, and Hartford 
and Argyle became each separate charges. Again the 
Belcher charge grew sti'ong, and another church was built 
at West Hebron. In the year 1875 it was thought best 
to move the old church edifice from its old site to the vil- 
lage and repair it, which was done at a cost of three thou- 
sand three hundred dollars. 

The following ministers have served as pastors on this 
charge: Revs. Mr. Breyton, P. P. Atwell, Mr. Dodson, 
W. A. Miller, E. Stover, J. L. Cook, S. Smith, A. Hall, 
A. Osborn, J. Fassett, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Sayrcs, J. G-. 
Perkins, J. M. Webster, J. C. Walker, C H. Edgerton, A. 
Ford, J. M. Webster, J. B. Searles, C. Meeker, A. Lyon, 
Reynolds, G. G. Sutton, M. M. Curry, R. Campbell. 

THE SECOND ASSOCIATE CHURCH OP WEST HEBRON. 

This body was establi-shed in 1841, Rev. Samuel McQuack 
the first minister. Elders were Abraham Johnson, Samuel 
Leyster, and Samuel Guthrie. Its services are now dis- 
continued, and its house of worship is occupied by the 
Reformed Presbyterian congregation. 

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OP 
WEST HEBRON. 

This is the continuation of a society foimed under the 
same name in the town of Hartford in the early part of 
this century, though no records are now in existence dating 
farther back than 1825. The congregation was reorganized 
Aug. 29, 1866, at West Hebron. Eight persons yet re- 
main of the fifteen forming the new society. The present 
membership is thirty-eight. The church edifice is a sub- 
stantial brick structure, erected and formerly occupied by 
the Associate Presbyterian congregation. 

Rev. J. A. Speer was installed pastor July 28, 1875. A 





i.BY N.U. WELLS, C*M 



^RS. Nathan R.^ills. 



'I^^^^Ln. £ P/M, 




Residence or NATHAN R HILLS Hebron WAjH/voroN Co NY 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



397 



Sabbath-school was organized in October of that year, with 
Henry A. Mahaffy superintendent, which office he has 
held to the present time. Tiie present officers are Ecv. J. 
A. Speer, pastor and moderator of session ; J. T. Maliafly, 
clerk of session ; elders, George Keys, John Keys, and 
John McQueen ; deacons or trustees, Alexander Mahaffy, 
J. C. Iveid, and Hugh G. Dcniiisou. The members in this 
charge, tliough not in more than comfortable circumstances, 
and many hardly that, are liberal in supporting the gospel, 
both at home and in the mission-field. Last year they 
contributed an average of twenty-three dollars each for re- 
ligious purposes. Some are but boys and girls, while 
others depend upon day or montlily wages for their money. 
The congregation is in vigorous working order. 

SECOND ADVENT CHURCH. 

In September, 1849, the Rev. R. V. Lyon came to 
Hebron, and held a series of tent-meetings, advocating the 
doctrine of the second advent, as taught by the Rev. Wm. 
Miller, and secured a large number of converts. The 
meetings were continued under the preaching of Rev. 
David Bosworth, of Hampton (a nephew of Rev. Wra. 
Miller), and others, until the next fall, when the Rev. 
David Ross was employed to preach. On the 1st day of 
January, 1851, the church was duly organized under the 
following covenant : 

"We, tbe undersigned, agree to organize ourselves as tlie Church of 
Christ, and talte the following rule of faith as our guide: 

" Beaolvedf That we, the undersigned, as believers in the near and 
personal appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, do agree to 
take the Bible as our rule of faith and practice, and to be governed 
thereby. Making Christian character a test of fellowship. 
" David Shaw, 
"N. W. Amede-v, 
" Wm. B. Mavnahd, 

"ASAHEL S. ShELDOX, 

" Sylvesteii Clauk." 

In the spring of 1852 it was resolved to erect a house 
of worship. Asahel Sheldon, N. W. Ameden, and S. M. 
Ingersoll were appointed building committee. The church 
edifice was erected that summer, and dedicated in October. 
The sermon was preached by the Rev. Mathew Batchelder. 
Asahel S. Sheldon w:is appointed the first deacon, and David 
Shaw the second. The house erected was thirty by thirty- 
six feet, and will seat two hundred. It cost nine hundred 
dollars. A Sunday-school was organized in the spring of 
1853, and has been continued since. The first trustees 
were Joseph Crosier, Asahel Sheldon, S. M. Inger.soll. 
The ministers have been David Ross, Mathew Batchelder, 
Elder Champlin, Cornelius Pike, Wm. J. Blanchard, and 
George A. Streeter, the present minister. The present 
officers of the church are Elihu Cox, deacon ; Warren 
Howard, Wm. 0. Munson, Wm. P. Lincoln, trustees ; Silas 
Root, clerk. The church now has fifty-nine members. 

BURYING-GROUNDS. 
The first grave-yard set apart in Hebron was the one a 
little west of the present residence of S. M. Inger.sotl, on 
the old road (now discontinued) leading from Salem to 
Whitehall. In accordance with the New England ideas of 
the first settlers, this place was selected on a high piece of 



ground as the site for a church edifice, which was finally 
built about one mile and a half north. The first person 
who died in Hebron, of which there is any mention or 
record, was Jennette, wife of Thomas Wilson, who died 
December 13, 1773, and was buried in this yard. This 
yard has been in use from that time to the present, and 
many of the first settlers are buried in it. It has been 
well cared for, and is now inclosed with a sub.stantial wall 
four feet high. The burial-ground at North Hebron wna 
set apart at an early day, and many of the pioneers of this 
part of the town are resting in it. It is well cared for, and 
kept in good condition. There are four public, and more 
than thirty private, grave-yards in the town. Tiie old 
grave-yard connected with the cemetery is located on lot 
No. 13 of Campbell's patent. A portion of this yard was 
first set apart for burial purposes as a family ground by 
Joshua Rogers, upon whose farm it was situated. From 
the best information to be obtained, a man named George 
McClurc was the first person buried in this yard, and the 
coffin was made by Peter Stevens, Esq. The first head- 
stone erected was for a son of Thomas Rogers, who died in 
1798. The next were those of James Crossett, 1802, and 
Jennette Getty, 180.3. In the year 1799, Robert McClellan, 
Thomas Rogers, George McKuight, and others, seeing the 
necessity of a public burying-ground, purchased half an 
acre of land of Joshua Rogers, including the piece he had 
set apart for a family ground. This ground was used in 
commou by the public, but was principally used or occu- 
pied by the members of the Associate and Associate Re- 
formed Presbyterian societies, whose church edifices were 
situated in the south and west parts of the town. In 1822 
it became necessary to purchase more ground, and an addi- 
tional half-acre was purchased from Mr. Rogers. 

In 1860, the old grave-yard became so filled that it 
was necessary to look about for new land. As the trustees 
could not purchase the land across the road on any terms, 
the owner refusing to sell, the matter was dropped for a, 
time. In 186G this land came into market, and was offered 
for sale. It was ascertained that seven acres could be bought 
for one thousand dollars. Two thousand two hundred dollars 
was raised by subscription, and the land purchased Dec. 22, 
18G6. The cemetery association was formed according to 
law, and called the Hebron Cemetery Association. The 
following trustees were elected : Jas. J. Nelson, James A. 
McCounell, Asa E. Munson, Wm. Beveridge, Wm. J. Mc- 
Clellan, John M. Rea, Sylvester E. Spoor, Jo.shua J. Rog- 
ers, and George Rea. 

The cemetery was opened for burials Nov. 30, 18G7, and 
the first person interred was IMyron E. Bioughton, a soldier 
of the Thirtieth Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, 
who was buried Jan. 3, 1868.* 

The following is a list of the burial-places of old times 
or later years scattered over the town, — some of them pub- 
lic, some simply family plots : 

Parrish's, Darrow's, Downing and Hamilton's, Ingcr- 

«Wc arc indebted to Hon. Sylvester E. Spoor for the above infor- 
mation, and also for the list of old burial-places added, and the dates 
of the deaths of the distinguished citizens of early years, and of 
Charles Hutchinson, who became noted as a suflerer from the " War 
of the llanipsbirc grants." 



398 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



soil's, Fitzpatrick's, Mattison's, Merril's, Wright's, Shaw's, 
Porter's, Munson's, Hopkins', H. Smith's, Button's, Bray- 
mer's. Grimes', E. Smith's, Fuller's, Duel's, Burch's, Carey's, 
Clapp's, Cole's, Santo's, and a public ground near Geo. B. 
Holmes'. 

There is a large public cemetery in connection with the 
Methodist church at Belcher. 

Hon. Alex. Webster died Sept. 21, 1810, aged .seventy- 
seven. He is buried in the Hebron cemetery. 

Hon. David Hopkins died Jan. 2G, 1813, aged sixty- 
four. He is buried in the Hopkins family ground, on his 
old homestead, near the Presbyterian church in East Hebron. 

Captain Charles Hutchin.son, who was driven from his 
home and his buildings burned by Colonel Ethan Allen and 
his company of Green Mountain boys, died March 11, ISll, 
aged seventy-five. He i.s buried in the Hebron cemetery. 

TOWN SOCIETIES. 

A Masonic lodge was chartered May 21, 1813, under the 
name of Hebmn Lodye, No. 216, F. and A. M. It held 
its meetings at Clapp's tavern, on the turnpike, north of 
East Hebron, and was continued probably for ten or twelve 
years. 

Haphins Lodge, No. 25G, /. 0. 0. F., was chartered 
about the year 1848. Its meetings were held in a room 
over Allen's store. Becoming nearly extinct, it was re- 
moved to We-st Hebron, somewhat revived, met over Capt. 
Hays' store ; Listed for a few years longer, and then dis- 
solved. 

Hope Lodge, No. 295, /. 0. G. T., was organized at 
West Hebron, Sept. 14, 1869. Charter members : Henry 
Mattison, Alexander Gourley, Edward Crawford, Edward 
McEacliron, Levi D. Copeland, Frank Rogers, Daniel 
Rogers, Daniel Woodard, George Hughes, Robt. McDow- 
611, James E. McClellan, A. W. Rea, P. McEachron, R. 
Harsha, H. Mclntyre, W. J. Williamson, W. H. Whitman. 
Officers: Henry Mclntyre, W. C. T. ; E. Alzina Crawford, 
W. V. T. ; Edward Crawford, W. R. S. ; Jennie McEach- 
ron, W. T. This society ceased to work in 1871. 

Uebion Mutual Fire Insurance Co. — This was organized 
Sept. 10, 1877. 

Directors: Wm. J. JMcClellan, E. L. Coy, Sylvester E. 
Spoor, Charles H. Sheldon, John M. Rca, Alexander Pow- 
ell, C. L. Getty. 

Wm. J. McClellan, president; Sylvester E. Spoor, secre- 
tary. The company has issued seventy-four policies, with 
an aggregate insurance of one hundred and forty thousand 
dollars. 

PLACES OP HISTORIC INTEREST. 

The old road, cut through by Major Skene, about 1770, 
entered the town north of the present village of North 
Hebron, passed south a little west of Chamberlain's mills, 
— taking almost a direct south line to this point. It crossed 
Black creek near the present residence of Hon. Sylvester 
E. Spoor, and is said to have passed exactly over the site of 
his house. Rockbottom, on the creek at that point, made 
a fivorable place for crossing. From this place it passed 
in a southwesterly course through the Munson neighbor- 
hood, and entered the town of Salem. 



AGRIOCLTURAL AND INDCSTKIAL PURSUITS. 

The soil of the chief part of Hebron is what is termed 
by the farmers "slaty gravel." This slaty loam is of a 
light, porous nature, easy of cultivation, and well calculated 
to withstand extremely wet or dry weather. For some 
crops it appears to excel all other soils. It seems to be a well- 
founded opinion that potatoes are generally more sound, and 
also more productive, when grown upon this than upon any 
other soil, and these are the chief article of production for 
export. Flax is raised to some extent. The chief grains 
raised are corn, oats, buckwheat, and rye, — mostly for home 
consumption. 

Some attention has been given, in past years, to sheep 
husbandry. Like many other towns in this vicinity, dairy- 
ing is steadily growing in importance. 

Several cheese-factories have been established, of which 
a brief statement is given. 

Hebron did not .share as extensively as other towns in 
the sheep husbandry of thirty years ago. John Armitage 
in those times had a flock of four hundred. William and 
Gordon McClelland four hundred to five hundred. The 
three Braymers, brothers, and Daniel Parish, also had large 
flocks. There were in Hebron 8894 sheep in 1825 ; 
13,627 in 1835; 19,161 in 1845.* 

Nortli IfehroH Cheese-Factory. — At the annual meeting, 
held Jan. 1, 1878, the following officers were elected for 
the ensuing year: President, James L. Nelson; secretary 
and treasurer, L. A. Cole; directors, Franklin Burch, John 
Brown, Chester L. Getty ; salesman, Henry Welch ; cheese- 
maker, Dewitt C. Hurlbut. The amount of business done 
the past season is as follows : 

Amount of milk received, 1,501,857 pounds. Pounds of 
cheese made, 150,665. Amount received from sale of 
cheese, $16,288.45. Amount received after deducting ex- 
penses for making and boxing, ^ 13,925.26. Number 
pounds of milk for pound of cheese, 9ii5.. Average price per 
pound as sold, lOy^^. Average net price to patrons, 9-jl(nr. 
Net to patrons, per 100 pounds milk, 90i cents; cost for 
marketing, estimated | cent; cost for manufacturing, per 
100 pounds, 11.72. It was voted to pay SI. 40 per 100 
pounds for the ensuing year. 

West Uehron Cheese- Factory ConqHiiiy. — The following 
officers were elected : President, James McClaughrey ; vice- 
presidents, James Patterson, J. R. Willett ; secretary and 
treasurer, George Rea; directors, J. McClaughrey, J. H. 
Hays, J. I. Randies, Wm. Robinson, A. L. Beveridge, 
James Patterson ; auditors, A. L. Beveridge, J. H. Hays; 
salesman, J. H. Hays. The whole amount of milk received 
at the factory the past year was 425,008 pounds. Number 
pounds of cheese made, 42,797 pounds. Amount of money 
from sales, §4493.86. 

Fast Ilehron Cheese- Factory. — Built in 1869 ; capital 
stock, $2800. President, Holden F. Nelson ; secretary, Eli 
G. Wilson ; treasurer, Chester Wilson. Directors, Jere- 
miah Hatch, Martin S. IngersoU ; salesman, John Q. 
Hatch. This factory had the milk from about three hun- 
dred cows. 

There are two other cheese-factories, one known as the 

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOEK. 



399 



Valley factory, centrally located in the southern part of 
the town. Another, in the northeast part of the town, 
near West Pawlet. 

SEED CULTURE, ETC. 

One other business, carried on by a single individual, is 
worthy of special notice. Mr. E. L. Coy moved from 
Bernardstown, Ma.^^s., to Cambridge in 1849, and two years 
later into Hebron, where he bought and settled on his 
present farm of one hundred and forty acres, situated half- 
way between West and North Hebron. He began raising 
seed, which he still continues. He has contracts with the 
leading seed-houses in New York, Boston, and other cities. 
His specialties in seeds are beets in varieties, cucumbers, 
squash, musk-melons, parsnip seed, and seed-corn in varie- 
ties. His sales amount to about twenty thousand pounds 
of seeds and from two to three thou.sand busliels of potatoes 
per year. Mr. Coy originated on his farm Thorburn's late 
rose and White's late rose potatoes. He also introduced the 
Paragon and Beauty of Hebron potatoes. In addition to 
the seed business, Mr. Coy is extensively engaged in stock- 
raising. His specialties in this line are Ayrshire cattle, 
Berkshire hogs, and also brown Leghorn fowls. Mr. S. B. 
Bradley, on stock bought of Mr. Coy, took fii-st prizes on 
two- and three-year old Ayrshire bulls, at the New York 
State fair at Elmira in 187G, and also took prizes at the 
Eastern New York State fair at Albany. Mr. Wm. R. 
Sanford, president of the Vermont State Agricultural So- 
ciety, won the first prize at the State fair held at Rutland 
on the bull Duke of Hebron against five competitors ; also 
the sweepstakes prize on Lady Jane 3d, as the best Ayr- 
shire cow, against twelve conapetitors. They were both 
bred by Mr. Coy and sold to Mr. Sanford. The results 
of these agricultural exhibitions have placed the herd of 
Mr. Coy in the front rank. 

SOLDIERS OF HEBRON. 

No records of the soldiers of Hebron in the Revolution 
have been preserved, and consequently few names can be 
given. The following are known to have been among the 
number: Col. Alexander Webster, Guile Wilson, John 
Wilson, Capt. John Getty, Isaac Slorehouse, Robert Getty, 
John Munson, Nathaniel Munson, Samuel Tyrrell, and 
James Wilson. 

The following pensioners were living in the town of 
Hebron in 1840. according to the oflficial register: Eunice 
Tyrrell, aged seventy-eight; John Wilson, eighty-five; 
James Rogers, seven ty-seven ; and Ebenezer Chapman, 
seventy-seven. 

In the Revolutionary papers from the Williams collection 
found in the history of Salera, are many names that really 
belong to the town of Hebron. This is shown by their 
being also upon the tax list of Hebron, and by their known 
residence. 

James Rogers was one of the party that captured 
Skenesborough, under Capt. Hcrrick, in 1775. This was 
the time when, as related in history, the soldiers found the 
body of Mrs. Skene, that had been kept " above ground" 
for many years. Local tradition adds that the coffin was 
lead, and that the soldiers buried the body in another and 
used the old one fur bullets. 



A son of 3Ir. Rogers is still living in Hebron, at an 
advanced age. 

With reference to the War of 1812, it may be noted that 
Col. Root, of Hebron, was in command of a regiment of 
militia at that time. The regiment was called out at the 
time of the battle of Platt.sburg, taking nearly all the men 
of Hebron capable of bearing arms. 

In the War of 1812 a draft was made from the Hebron 
and Salem companies. The names of those drawn are not 
now easily obtainable. Among them were Samuel Living- 
ston, captain, and James Willet, lieutenant. There were 
some from Hebron, in the regular service. Elihu Clark 
served under General Wade Hampton, who commanded 
the northern army in 1813. When the army started on a 
three days' march through the Chateaugay woods, they were 
on short allowance, and each soldier had to carry whatever 
he could get for his rations. Clark made his breakfast the 
morning they started on a roasted horse-head, and that 
which was left from breakfast was all that he had for three 
days. He was an uncle of Hon. Sylvester E. Spoor. 

Samuel Nelson, of Hebron, was in the battle of Platts- 
burg, 1814. On the approach of Sir George Prevost to 
Plattsburg, General Macomb retired across the Saranac 
river, where he made a stand, and on the assault of his 
works he ordered the bridge to be taken up. In this work 
Nelson assisted, and carried off the last plank. Before he 
could lay it down nine bullets struck it. Adam Day, of 
Hebron, was also in the battle of Plattsburg with Nelson. 

In the War of 1812 the Ilebron-Salem Regiment was 
mustered into service by Major William Root, of Hebron. 
Colonel McClary, of Salem, was in command. 

The following muster-rolls are furnished by Hon. S. E. 
Spoor, — and also the above general notes. 

Regiment Band belonging in Hebron, 1814. — John 
McDonald, leader, now living in Salem ; John I. Wilson, 
Josiah Hopkins, James R. Wilson, David Hopkins, Isaac 
Wilson, Orrin Long, Henry Hopkins, Robert Christie, 
David Whitman, Simeon Webster, Nicholas Northup, 
James McClellan, Reuben Ely, Luther Cathcart, John J. 
Nelson, Warren Seaver, Hugh Flack, Stephen Darrow, 
James Getty, and Simeon Jenkins. 

East Hebron Company, 1814. — Hugh McCall, captain; 
James Guthrie, lieutenant ; John Nelson, sergeant ; John 
Willson, Jr., N. T. Munson, Joel Munson, Elisha Munson, 
William Munson, Stephen Smith, Lamed Parrish, John 
Conant, John Shephard, Arch. Glazier, Jonathan Sliaw, 
Joseph Shaw, John Shaw, James Herron, Roland Shop- 
hard, Andrew Braymer, William Tyrell, Ezra Tyrell, AVyr- 
ham Root, David Button, Robert Vanee, Abner Chandler, 
William Houghton, James Porter, Joseph Wright, William 
Button, Joseph Butterfield, Daniel Butterfield, Tlmnias 
Munson, John Getty, Joshua Rogers, Alex. Cruikshank, 
David Cruikshank, Asahel Stearns, Lewis Gardner, Daniel 
McClary, Job Cleveland, Timothy Andrews, Ziba Andrews, 
and David Shaw. 

North Hebron Company, 1814. — Amos Scott, captain ; 
Daniel Hopkins, lieutenant; Abijali Woodard, sergeant; 
Abner Duel, Samuel Ely, Joel Smith, Caleb Smith, Amos 
Austin, Ablather Woodard, Amos Burch, Benjamin Bnrch, 
Andrew Randies. Alex. Randies, William Randies, Edward 



430 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Johnston, James Johnston, Daniel Woodard, Robert Will- 
son, Arch. Morehouse, Horace Morehouse, Ebenezer Smith, 
Jr., Peleg Smith, Geort;e Smith, John Craig, Robei-t Craig, 
Joseph Craig, Jonas Foster, Jo.seph Foster, Parley Foster, 
George Liddle, and Peter Morehouse. 

West Hchron and Belcher Company, 1814. — William 
McClcllan, captain ; George Getty, lieutenant ; Nathaniel 
Covel, Robert Wakely, Ruben Shearer, Alex. Beveridge, 
George Beveridge, James Beveridge, John Carey, Piatt Wil- 
son, David Thomas, John Willson, Matthew McWhorten, 
Charles Allen, Robert Qua, Andrew Qua, Alex. McWhor- 
ten, John W. White, Andn'w Egglcston, Samuel Wilson, 
Joseph Ward, George Harsha, Andrew Nelson, Samuel 
McGibeny, John McGibcny, George McGibeny, Samuel 
Barnes, Isaac Fraser, Andrew Foster, William Carlyle, and 
William Nelson. 

The only action of the people at town-meeting with 
reference to the War of 1861-65 on record is the following : 

At a special town-meeting held April 2, 1864, it was 

licsnhed, That the supervisor is hereby authorized to fill the quota 
of the town at a bounty of three hundred and fifty dollars each, the 
same to be chargeable to the town. 

Under this single brief resolution the supervisor, Na- 
thaniel Reynolds, attended to the interests of the town, 
filled the quotas, and accounted for the moneys used. How 
well the people trusted him in that critical period is shown 
by the fact of his re-election in 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867. 
He was ably sustained by the strong committee appointed 
in 1861, con.sisting of Dr. Chas. J. White, John S. McFar- 
land, Hon. S. E. Spoor, John M. Rea. 

The following roll of men who went into the service 
from this town is prepared from the list written by the 
town clerk in 1865 for the bureau of military statistics, 
Albany. It has been submitted for examination and cor- 
rection to James McCloy and to Hon. Sylvester E. Spoor, 
citizens well acquainted with the people of the town. 

WAR OF 1861-65. 

Leonard S. Aniidon, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123il Kegt., Co. H; wounded nt Dallas, 

SIay-29, 1804; disrli. May 19, 1805. 
Albert M. Adiims, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 12;)il Regt., Co. E ; discharged. 
Myron E. Brougliton, enl. Sept. 25, ISOI, :U)th Kcgt., Co. I ; Uiseli. for disability, 

June 28, 180:l. 
Elliot Biirch, enl. Aug. 0, 1SC2, IJlid Kfgt., 0.>. E ; wounded; jTsdi. .Inne 2:>,, 

1805. 
Win. J. Benttie, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 12 Id U.'gl., Co. E; pro. sergt.; disch. June 

2.'!, 1805. 
Alexander Beveridge, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. E; died at Alexandria, 

Dec. 18,1802. 
Wni. J. Burke, eid. Aug. 8, 1S02, 123d Begt., Co. E ; discb. June 23, 1805. 
Allia M. Barker, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 12W Ri'gt,, Co. E; disili. June 23, 1805. 
Barney Burns, enl. Dec. 26, 1803, 16tb Art., Co. I. 
Asa Burke, soldier of the Mexican war; also in the War of 1801-05. 
Danford H. Bennett, enl. Dec. 21, 1803, lOtli Art., Co. I. 
David Blowers, enl. July 21, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. II. 
John Brown, enl. Dec. 24, 1863, loih Art., Co. I. 
Wm. Biady, enl. 123d Regt. 
Richard Burke, enl. 123d; served through ; then enl. in regnlar service; five 

years frontier warfare. 
Seth C. Gary, 2d lieut.; enl. July 20, 1802, 123d Rcgt., Co. E; pro. Ist lieut.; 

adj.; wounded; disch. Juno 23, 1805. 
James A. Crosier, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E; disch. Feb. 10, 1803. 
Chauncey P. Coy, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Rcgt., Co. E ; disch. June 23, 1865. 
liorenzo B. Coy, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B; disch. June 23, 1866. 
Wm. H. Chamberlain, enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disch. June 10, 1805. 
James Clement, enl. Aug. 10, 1801, 44th Regt., Co. E ; wounded ; died of wounds 

at Savage Station. 
Joseph Carler, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disch. Juno 23, 1805. 
Clarence Cool, enl. Dec. 10, 1803, lOtb Art., Vn. I. 
John Conner, enl. Aug. '.1, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. I. 



Wm. V. Crosier, enl. Ang. 5, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E; disch. March 3, 1863. 
George Donley, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E ; killed in battle, July 20, 

180*. 
Edward W. Darling, enl. Aug. 6, 1862,123d Regt., Co. E; wounded; disch. June 

23, 1805. 
James Frazier, enl. at Troy. 
Wm. J. Gilchrist, enl. Aug. 8, 1.102, 12)d Regt., Co. E; diej of pnennionia at 

Harpei-'s Ferry, Jan. 0, 1803. 
Wm. Graham, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; wounded; tmns. to Vet. 

Res. Corps; disch. June 23, 1805. 
William J. Graham, enl. Jan. 1, 1804, 10th Art., Co. 11; died of measles at 

Elmira. 
Thorn 13 Gallagher, enl. Doc. 24, 1803, 16th Art., Co. I. 

Daniel Harrington, enl. April 28, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. D; disch. June 19, 1863. 
South Hewitt, enl. Aug. 12,^802, 123d Regt., Co. E; died at HariJer's Ferry, 

Dec. 18, 1802. 
George B.Hall, lit lieut.; enl. July 20, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E; pro. capt. ; 

disch. June 23, 1805. 
Duane M. Hall, eid. Ang. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E: discb. June 23, 1805. 
Stephen Harrington, enl. Dec. 26, 1863, lOtli Art., Co. I. 
Jeremiah Hollirook, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, I23d Regt , Co. II ; absent without 

leave, but relumed May 20,1864. 
Daniel Harrington, enl. 1801, 22d Begt.; wounded; served out his time; dis- 

Janies Johnson, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E; disch. Jane 23, 1865. 
Samuel Johnson, enl. Aug. 8,1862,123d Begt., Ci>. E; wounded, and died of 

disease at Chattanooga. 
Joseph L. King, enl. Sept. 1, 1801, 44th Regt., Co. E; re-enl. Dec. 27, 1863, 

44th Regt., Co. G; wounded; disch. July 15, 1805. 
Aaron Lovelanil, enl. Ang. 7, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. E ; diseb. June 23, 1865. 
Joseph li. Latimer, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disi h. Juno 23, 1805. 
Wm. Lackey, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E; disch. June 23, 1805. 
Walter Lackey, eld. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; diseh. June 23, 1805. 
Marvin W. Liddle, enl. Ang. 0, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. E ; disch. June 23, 1805. 
James Luudy, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, I23d Kegt., Co. I ; disch Jnne 23, 1805. 
James McCluy, enl. April 22, 1801, 22.1 Rcgt., Co. D; pro. Corp.; disch. ; re-enl- 

Dec. 3(1, 180 1, loth Art., Co. K ; disch. Ang. 28, 1805. 
John II. More, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 12 Id Regt., Co. E; pro. corp.; disch. June 23, 

1SG5. 
George V. Morris, eid. Aug. 0, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. E; disch. Jnne 23, 1865. 
Thomas MabalTy, enl. Ann. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disch. Jnne 23, 1865. 
Henry Mclntyre, enl. Aug. «, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disch. Jnne 23, 1805. 
Martin Mnrpby, enl. Ang. 8, 1802,123d Regt., Co. K; disch. June 23, 1805. 
Robert C McEchron, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. E; pro. to Ist Corp.; 
wounded ; discb. June 23, 1805. 

Ira MuMson, erd. Ang. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E; died of measles at Harper's 
Ferry, Feb. 10, 1803. 

James McEchron, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 12.3d Regt., Co. E; liie.l at Ilarpor's Ferry, 
Dec. 5, 1802. 

John McKchron, enl. Dec. 30, 1803, loth Art., Co. H ; wounded May 10, 1804 ; 
discb. Sept. 15, 1805. 

I).^vid Mulligan, enl. Jan. 4, 1804, lOlb Art., Co. I. 

Walter Mattice, enl. Jan. 4, 1801, 10th Art., Co. I. 

Michael McGowan, enl. 22d Begt., 1801 ; re-enl. Dec. 30, 1863, loth Art , Co. K ; 
discb. Aug. 28, 1805. 

John S. Mcluide, eid. lOth Vt. ; died in the service. 

Alonzo M.uebouse, onl. Ang. 22, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. I ; died of disease at Har- 
per's Ferry. 

William B. Miller, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I. 

I'atiick Marley, enl. Aug. 18, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I. 

Edward Nelson, enl. Sept. 11, 1861, 7th Regt., Co. A ; pro. corp. ; disch. March 
31, 1802; re-enl.; disch. April 20, 1865. 

James I'ollock, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., a.. E ; disch. June 23, 1805. 

John Patrick, enl. Dec. 25, 1804, l-2.3d Regt., Co. E ; died of measles at Savan- 
nah, Jan. 21,1805. 

Edwin Palmer, enl. Aug. 15, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disch. for disability. 

John Powers, enl. Dec. 23,1803, 10th Art., Co. I. 

Ambrose Paase, eul. Doc. 23, 1803, lOtb Art., Co. I. 

llcrvey Reynolds, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 123d Rcgt., Co. E; disch. June 23, 1865. 

James M. Beynol.ls, enl. Aug. 1.5, 1802, 12.3d Regt., Co. E; disch. June 23, 1865. 

Amos C. Rhodes, enl. Aug. '2.5, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disch. June 23, 1865. 

Andrew Reynolds, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E; disch. June '23, 1803. 

Lyman Itaymond, enl. Dec. 28, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I; discb. Ang. 28, 1805. 

Nathan Raymond, enl. Sept. 1, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E ; died at Alexandria, 
Feb. 16, 1803. 

Wm. S. Richardson, enl. Dec. 28, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 

Thomas R»id, onl. 18id, lOtb Vermont ; taken prisoner at Monocacy ; disch. 

Albert R..gcis, mustered ill May 6, 1861, 22d Regt , Co. D ; discb. June 28, 1803. 

George Edwd. Rogers, corp. ; mustered in May C,1801,22d Regt.,Co.D; dis- 
charged, and enl. in artdlery, U. S. service; wounded at Gettysburg; 
discharged. 

Abrani Kowan, mustered in May 6, 1801, 22d Begt., Co. D; disch. June 28, 1803. 

Joseph Reid. 

M. H. Streeter, asst. surgeon; enl. Oct. 18, 1802, 101st Regt. ; disch. Jan. 18631 
re-cul. May 22, 1803, 64th Regt. ; discb. Aug. 1803. 

Pbilo Smith, enl. Ang. 7, 1862, l'23d Regt., Co. E; died of measles, April 24> 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



401 



Erastus Scoville, uiil. .<ug. 6, 1862, 123d Regl., C... K: l..st a leg; disch. Jan. 

25, 1805. 
Edwin I. Stnrbuck, enl. Jan. 1, 18M, ICtli .\i t., ('«. I. 
George Scoville, enl. Dec. 2:), 1S6:!, 16tli .\rt., C... I. 
Samuel Stanliover, enl. Jan. 4, 1804, loth Art., Cu. 1. 

Charles Thompson, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. K ; liisch. June 23, 180.-i. 
George Tasej' 

Edwin S. Vance, enl. .\ng. n, 1802, 123d Kegt., fk>. E ; disch. June 2:i, 180.i. 
MortimerH. Wood, i-nl. Aug. 12,1802, 123d Regt.Co. E;dl-ich. March 25,1863. 
Albii I). Wood, enl. Au),'. 14. 1862, 123d Rcf:t., Co. E; disch. March 19, 1803. 
Myron Wood, enl. Ang. s, 1802, 123il liegt., Co. K ; disch. June 23, 1865. 
Philip Washhurn, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. E; disch. Jnne 23, 1805. 
Wm. 1. Whitlock, enl. Ang. 8, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. K; disch. Jnne 23, 180.5. 



. E ; wo 



?d ; trans, to Vet. 



Arthur WhHlock, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Begt., 
• Bcserve Corps ; disch. June 23, 1805. 

Franklin Woodard, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Begt., I'o. K ; wounded ; disch. June 
23, 1863. 

Samuel Warren, enl. Jan. 4, 1864, 10th Art., Co. I. 

Edgar J. Webb, enl. Dec. 20, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 

James E. Wilson, enl. June 10, 1861, loth Mass., Co. H ; was in eighteen liattles ; 
disch. at end of three years, July 1, 1804; never sick enonph to go to a 
hospital, and never rode in an ambulance or government wagon ; was 
with the regiment every day, from its organization until it went into 
winter-quarters at Brandy Station, Dec. 1803, when be went home on a 
ten-days' furlough ; ho was taken prisoner. May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania 
Court-House, and remain d in (he rebel lines about two hours, when he 
escaped and reached the Union lines in safety ; he never was wounded, 
but had a button shot off hi.« cap and a bullet tbrongb his coat-sleeve 
and haversack. 

Charles E. Wood, enl. Aug. 31, 1802, 123d liegt,, C... It ; wounded at Cbancel- 
lorsville. May 3, 1862. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ABRAHAM JOHNSTON 

was bm-ii in Ireland, in the year 179fi, and emigrated to 
America, settling in Washington county in the year 1S17. 




AliR.\H.\.M .lOH.NSTON. 

His father, John Johnston, was a native of Scotland : .spent 
his life as a teacher most of the time in Ireland, where he 
went because ho could obtain more wages in his chosen pro- 
fession. He is said to have been very proficient as an in- 
structor, giving his attention to the instruction of young 
men and women. He died in Ireland in the year 1837. 
His wife was Mary, daughter of John Graham, and a lady 
51 



who had been a school-girl under his tutorship. She died 
in the year 1800, after being married only five years. 

-Mr. Johnston spent his boyhood days at school, and after 
he became of proper age assisted his father as a teacher. 
After coming to this country, he engaged as a farmer in 
the town of Hebron, where he has since lived, taking rank 
among the industrious, enterprising, and judicious agricul- 
turists of his town. 

In the year 1820 he was married to Miss Helen, daughter 
of Thomas Pool. She died in the year 1856. For his 
second wife, in the year 1858 he married Miss Sarah, 
daughter of Samuel Guthrie, of Hebron. 

Although brought up under strict rules of Catholicism, 
he has been, since he came to this country, a consistent 
member of the Presbyterian church, and held in such 
esteem as a worthy member of that body that he has held 
the office of elder in the church for many years. He is a 
liberal supporter of both church and school interests, and 
has always been interested in all enterprises tending to build 
up good society. His only brother, Daniel, came to this 
country about 1837, lived here several years, and went to 
Iowa, where he spent his life as a Presbyterian clergyman. 
He died in 1877. Mr. Johnston is now (1878) in his 
eighty-third year, retaining to a remarkable degree his vigor 
of mind, although feeble in body. 



EDWARD L. COY. 

The family of which the subject of this sketch is a rep- 
resentative came from England at the time of the earliest 
settlement in Ma.ssaehusetts. 

Stephen Coy, the great-grandfather of E. L. Coy, served 
as a soldier in the Revolutionary war for a term of three 
years, enlisting at Windham, Conn., to which place he re- 
turned at the close of the war, and where he subsequently 
passed the remainder of his life engaged in farming. 

Lemuel Coy, the grandfather of E. L. Coy, was born at 
Windham, Mass. From thence he removed to Northfield, 
Mass., where he followed the occupation of a farmer and 
.subsequently died. He had a number of children, of whom 
Asaph Coy, the father of E. L. Coy, was one. 

Asaph Coy was born at Northfield, Mass., on July 19, 
1797, and is still living, residing on the farm occupied by 
E. L. Coy, at West Hebron, N. Y. He married Eunice 
Kenney, by whom he had six children, — four boys and two 
gills, — namely : E. L. Coy, Lorenzo R., livingat Lincoln, Ne- 
braska ; C. Wesley, living at Lake, Washington Co. ; Erne- 
line, now decetised ; Julia A., living at North Hebron ; and 
Chauncey P., living at Greenwich. Lorenzo and Chauncey 
each served three years in the One Hundred and Twenty- 
third New York Regiment during the late war. Of these 
E. L. Coy is the oldest child. 

It is fitting to remark here that Reuben Kenney, the 
great-grandfather of E. L. Coy, on the maternal side, also 
served as a Revolutionary soldier for the term of five years. 
He enlisted in Hartford, Conn., where he was born, and 
while absent from home, engaged in the service of his 
country, had the misfortune to have his entire family of 
four children taken away. Tiiree more were afterwards 



402 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



born. After the close of the war lie resided at Greenfield, 
Mass., where he finally died. His brother lived to the re- 
markable age of one hundred and seven years, and on his 
one hundred and seventh birthday reaped a half-acre of 
rye in the forenoon. 

E. L. Coy was born at Bfrnardstown, Franklin Co., Mass.. 
on the fourth day of April, 1831, where Asaph Coy then 
resided, following farming pursuits. He passed his early 
years on his father's farm, meantime acquiring such educa- 
tion as the common schools of the day aiforded. and subse- 
quently filling the position of teacher in those schools. 

In the spring of 1849, Mr. Coy removed to the town of 
Jackson, Washington Co., N. Y., where he pursued the 
occupation of a farmer. In 1851 he changed his residence 
to the town of Hebron, where he also engaged in farming. 
He soon after purchased the farm at West Hebron, which 
he now occupies. 

Mr. Coy has not, however, confined his farming opera- 
tions to within the ordinary limits of agricultural experi- 
ence. Conceiving that there are new methods and plans 
which can be successfully carried out by the farmers of the 
country, aside from the yearly routine of raising wheat, rye, 
corn, oats, buckwheat, and potatoes, he has struck out for 
himself, and demonstrated to a certainty that such concep- 
tions were not the result of the imagination alone, but were 
practical and utilitarian in the highest degree. 

The special departments to which Mr. Coy has turned 
his attention are those of raising garden seeds, of which he 
supplies large quantities to the principal seed-dealers of the 
country, and in breeding and raising the finest Ayrshire cat- 
tle, his stock in point of excellence being second to none in 
the State. 

In the department of seed-raising, Mr. Coy has achieved 
remarkable success, raising a large variety of seed. He has 
met with unexampled success in potato-growing, having 
originated no less than two varieties, namely, " Thorburn's 
Late Rose" and " Thorburn's White Rose," and having 
also introduced two other varieties, " Thorburn's Early 
Paragon," and the " Beauty of Hebron." The annual 
shipment of these important varieties by Mr. Coy is very 
large, and the revenue received in return correspondingly 
satisfactory. 

In the selection and raising of the celebrated Ayrshire 
stock of cattle, Mr. Coy has also met with marked success. 
His stock has been pronounced by competent judges to be 
of the very best in the entire country, and this has been 
demonstrated by the fact that the stock which has been 
exhibited by him at the various fairs of the county and 
State, including that which he had disposed of to others, 
have uniformly received the prize for general excellence, 
against large numbers of competitors. 

As a consequence of Mr. Coy's original and successful 
method of running a farm, and the intelligence and enter- 
prise that he has displayed in agricultural affairs, he has 
assumed a prominent position among the agriculturists, 
not only of his own locality, but of the entire country. 
He has been a regular and valued contributor to the lead- 
ing agricultural journals of the country, and was at one 
time president of the Washington Co. Agricultural Society, 
achieving great success in that position. Upon his retire- 



ment from office he delivered an addr&ss upon agricultural 
topics and interests that excited, by its originality and 
breadth of thought, the favorable comments of the entire 
country, resulting in his receiving repeated invitations to 
•' take the stump," as it were, in agricultural matters. 

In his social and family relations, Mr. Coy has exhibited 
the same earnest spirit that he has in his business enter- 
prises. He is a strong temperance man, and president of 
the temperance society of his town. In religious sentiment 
he is a strong adherent of the Methodist church, in which 
he has held a leading position for years, and whose interests 
he has largely advanced by his liberal contributions. He 
is a member of the West Hebron Methodist church, a view 
of which appears in this work, and led the list of contri- 
butions to its building-fund, with a munificent sum, at the 
time of its erection. 

On Sept. 21, 1858, Mr. Coy married Clara B., daughter 
of John and Catharine Cary, of the town of Hebron. 
They have had four children, namely : C. Herbert, born 
July 2G, 1859 ; S. Willard, born May 28, 1863; Ida Bell, 
born Sept. 13, 1865; and Mabel, born August 28, 1873. 
Of these C. Herbert and S. Willard are pursuing a course 
of study at the East Greenwich Academy and Musical Col- 
lege, in the State of Rhode Island. Willard has already 
displayed special musical talent, having commenced playing 
the organ in the West Hebron Methodist Episcopal church 
and Sunda3'-school at the age of nine years, since which 
time he has continued to fill that position. He is now en- 
joying the advantages of careful musical tuition under an 
eminent instructor. 

Mr. Coy is still in the prime of life, and actively en- 
gaged in his calling. He is untiring in his search after the 
best things in his line, and successful in demonstrating the 
true nobility of those who labor in the humbler fields of 
husbandry He has proved himself an inventor in his 
chosen occupation, but does not reserve to himself any pat- 
ent for having discovered that there are yet untried methods 
of farming that prove of infinite pecuniary advantage to 
the farmer, while at the same time they satisfy the demands 
of an ever-increasing market. He is a self-made man in 
the truest sense of the word. He started forth in the world 
without a dollar, and has, with his strong hands, ingenious 
brain, and untiring energy, achieved a handsome compe- 
tency and taken a prominent position in society. 

A view of his attractive and tasteful residence, showing 
in the foreground some of his superior stock, may be seen 
elsewhere in this work. 



DANIEL BRAYMER. 

The Braymer family came originally from Germany. 
David Braymer, grandfather of Daniel Braymer, came to 
this country during the French and Indian war, being then 
about twenty years of age. He served as a soldier in that 
war. After the close of the war he established his resi- 
dence in New York city, where he remained until the 
Revolutionary war, when he went to Nova Scotia, and 
engaged in the business of tanning, currying, and .shoe- 
making. He was also a German physician, and practiced 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. NEW YOKK. 



403 



that profession, more or less, at different periods of his life. 
He remained in Nova Scotia until the close of the war, 
when he returned to this country, settling at Kast Hebron, 
N. Y., and en<raged in farming:, tanning, currying, and the 
practice of medicine to some extent, until his death, which 
occurred on Feb. 23, 1814, when over eighty years of age. 
Of his fir.st wife and her descendants but little is known. 
She bore him two children, — a son George, and a daughter 
Polly, who married a Mr. Ariel, a resident of New York- 
city, and a political refugee from France. George engaged 





DANIEL BRAYMER. 

in the wholesale shoe business in New York city. He 
had a son George, who engaged in printing in New York. 
Hyacinthe Ariel, son of Polly Ariel, kept a military acad- 
emy on the highlands of the Hudson, where he taught the 
languages in addition to the ordinary branches of learning. 

David Braymer's second wife was a resident of New 
York city. By her he had six children, namely, Jacob, 
William, Andrew, David, Phoebe, and a daughter who 
married a Mr. Parrish and went west, first settling at 
Syracuse and afterwards in Illinois. 

Jacob, father of Daniel, was born in New York city on 
Feb. 8, 1779. During his early years he attended school 
at New York. At the age of seventeen years he went to 
the town of Hebron, where he engaged in tanning, shoe- 
making, and farming. Soon after the War of 1812 he 
abandoned tanning, and followed farming and .shoemaking 
at Hebron for the remainder of his life. He married 
Anna Blakesley, daughter of David and Sarah Blakcsley, 
of Granville, on Jan. 7, 1802, by whom he had four chil- 
dren, — Sarah, born Dec. 25, 1802 ; Daniel, born Oct. 2(5, 
1806; Henry, born Jan. 11, 1809 ; and Frederick A., born 
April 11, 1814. Of these children Sarah married Stephen 
McFadden, and resides at Pawlet, Vermont. Henry farmed 
at Hebron, on the farm adjoining that of Daniel, and died 
Aug. 9, 1874, aged sixty -five. He married Flliza Mont- 
gomery, of Watervliet, N. Y., and left two children, James 



and Anne. Frederick A. resides in Chicago, and has three 
children living, namely, Cordelia. Frederick A., Jr., and 
Albert. 

Daniel Braymer was born at Hebron, on the date above 
mentioned. He passed his early life on his father's farm, 
the one now occupied by himself, and during the same 
time received such education as the district schools of the 
day afforded. He has continued to follow the occupation 
of a farmer at the same place up to this date. On Jan. 2, 
1834, he married Lucinda Woodard, daughter of Daniel 
and Anne Woodard, of Hebron, and has had six children, 
namely, Jeanette, born Sept. 17, 1834; Jacob, born Feb. 
6, 1835 ; Alfred, born Feb. 25, 1836 ; Daniel, born March 
17, 1843; Rosalinda, born June 3, 1845; and George, 
born March 13, 1860. Of these all are living save Jean- 
ette, who died Dec. 19. 1857, at the age of twenty-three 
years. 

Jacob married Charlotte Dibble, daughter of Solomon 
and Mary Dibble, of Granville, and has had three children, 
— Jeanette, Mary L., and Eli. He is engaged in farming, 
at Hebi'on, near his father's farm, and is a man of probity 
and enterprise. 

Alfred married Antoinette Nelson, daughter of B. H. 
and Fanny Nelson, of Hebron. He has five children, — 
Nora, Albert, Charlie, Harley, and Daniel, and is als<) 
engaged in farming, near his father's farm. 

Daniel, Jr., married Nancy, daughter of John and Ann 
Woodard, of Salem, and has had three children, — Georgl^ 
Stella, and Frank. He is engaged in farming, in Caldwell 
Co., Mo. 

Rosalinda married Richard Durham, of Hebron, on 
March 12, 1868, who is at present managing the farm of 
her father, and residing at his home with her. 

George is a bright, active young man, and resides with 
his father, assisting in the general work of the farm. 



WHEDON SMITH. 

This gentleman was born at North Hebron, nearly oppo- 
site his late residence, on January 13, 1809. He was a 
grandson of Aaron Smith, who engaged in farming at 
Hebron, and died about 1833, at an advanced age. Nathan, 
his son, married Polly, daughter of David Whedon, of 
Hebron, by whom our subject was begotten. Polly Smith 
died in 1856, and Nathan in 1866, over seventy years of 
age. He was a farmer all of his life. 

On Dec. 29, 1829, Whedon Smith married Dolly A. 
Dibble, daughter of Eli and Cloe Dibble, of South Gran- 
ville. Five children were born to them, namely, Russell, 
born June 9, 1836; Milo, born Nov. 22, 1837; Julius, 
born April 18, 1841 ; Philo W., born Nov. 7, 1843 ; Arthur 
L., born Feb. 22, 1854. Of these children, Russell Smith 
married Lovina Nelson, daughter of Silas Nelson, of Hebron, 
on Dec. 1, 1855, and is farming near Salem; Milo married 
Eliza, daughter of John Porter, of Hebron, and is a farmer 
at Gainsville, Wyoming Territory ; Arthur L. Smith mar- 
ried Ella C. Cronin, daughter of J. A. Cronin, of Hebron, 
on Feb. 22, 1876, and is at present farming on the old 
homestead at Hebron ; Julius B., died on March 1, 1842 ; 



404 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



and Philo W., on April 24, 1865, shortly after returning 
from the war, where he served gallantly, contracting the 
sickness of which he died. 

Whedon Smith passed his life quietly as a farmer, re- 
spected by his neighbore, and earnestly performing his al- 
lotted task in life. He died on Oct. 18, 1874, at the age 
of sixty-five years. His widow is still living. 



NATHAN R. HILLS. 

Nathan Hills, the grandfather of our subject, came from 
Hartford, Conn., about 1793, and settled in the town of 
Hartford, this county. He there fjUowed the occupation 
of a farmer. He had about nine children, of whom George 
Hills, the father of Nathan R. Hills, was one. 

George Hills was born in 1789, at Hartford, (_'onu., and 
removed to Washington county, with his father, at an early 
age. He passed his early life in larming, with his father. 
About the age of twenty-five he removed to Granville, this 
county, and after remaining there for a short time he finally 
located in the town of Hebron. He married Polly, daughter 
of Stephen Reynolds, of Granville, by whom he had ten 
children, Nathan R. being the fifth. He died in 1874. 

Nathan R. Hills was born at Hebron, in 1819. He has 
been a farmer all of his life, part of the time engaged with 
his father. He married Amanda M., daugher of John 
Scott, of Hebron. She died in 1875. 

He has had four children, namely, Emily, Lury Ann, 
Willie J., and an infant, which died young. The two girls 
are still living in Hebron, Emily having married Joseph 
Durham, and Lury Ann, John J. Allen, both of whom are 
farmers. 

The farm and residence occupied by Mr. Hills present an 
attractive and thrifty appearance, and bear evidence to the 
earnest and laborious life of the owner. They may be seen 
elsewhere in this work. 



JAMES CRAIG. 

The Craig family came originally from Ireland. Robert 
Craig was born at Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., about 
the year 1781. He was a son of James Craig, who 



engaged in farming at that place. Robert worked on his 
father's farm until the age of fourteen yeare, when he was 
afflicted by the death of his father. He then removed to 
Hebron and took up his residence with his brother Joseph 
at that town until he attained the age of twenty-eight 
years. He then commenced farming operations on his own 
account on the place now occupied by James, his son. He 
married Elizabeth Eagleston, daughter of Andrew Eagles- 
ton, of West Hebron, and had three children, — two daugh- 
ters and one son, — of whoui James is the sole survivor. The 
two daughters were, respectively, Margaret Maria, born 
May 12, 1820, died Aug. 28, 1853, and Elizabeth, born 
about 1825, died Dec. 30, 1839. Maria married John 
White, of Hebron, and left three children. Elizabeth 
Craig died on March 22, lS(i9, and Robert Craig on Dec. 
11, 1857. 

James Craig was born at Hebron, on the farm where lie 
now resides, on the 20th day of April, 1823. He was 
raised as a farmer, and has passed his entire life engaged 
in that pursuit on the farm upon which he was born. In 
the year 1850 he married Elizabeth White, daughter of 
William and Sarah White, of We.st Hebron. Two chil- 
dren were the fruits of this union, — Robert Henry, born 
Aug, 28, 1851, and James A,, born March 19, 1855, His 
first wife died about April 5, 1855. 

Mr. Craig married for his second wife Mary Jane, 
daughter of John and Mary Parish, of the town of Jack- 
son. The event occurred on Sept. 9, 1856. By this wift 
he had also two children, namely, John P., born Sept. 9, 
1861, and Frank, born Sept. 27, 1865, died Feb. 5, 1874. 
The three surviving sons of Mr. Craig reside with their 
father, and are unmarried. 

Mr. Craig has lived a quiet life, free from display, yet 
earnest and successful withal. He has never taken any 
active part in politics. In religious matters he is sincere 
and active, and is a regular attendant of the United Pres- 
byterian church of Hebron, of which he is a member. He 
owns and successfully tills an excellent farm at North 
Hebron, and his surroundings are tasteful and attractive. 
A view of his residence may be seen on another page of 
this work. 




Res OF J H CLEVELAND .Jack-son Wa h wg on i.o N V 



JACKSON. 



SITUATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. 

The peculiar shape of this town renders it difficult of 
description. Attached for many years to Cambridge, it 
was taken off more for the sake of divi.sion than because 
there was any centre of importance growing up in the pres- 
ent town of Jackson, or any symmetrical tract that could 
be assigned to the new town. Cambridge was to be divided, 
evidently, no matter how ; and divided it wa.s, Jackson 
being one of the curious results of the process. Its inhab- 
itants almost all travel beyond its boundaries, both for busi- 
ness purposes and to attend church. 

The town is situated in the southern portion of the 
county, distant but a few miles from the village of Salem, 
where is located one of the court-houses of the county. Its 
boundaries may be approximately stated as north by Green- 
wich and Salem, east by ^^ermont, south and west by White 
Creek, Cambridge, and Easton. It contains twenty-two 
thousand eight hundred and .sixty-one acres, or nearly 
thirty-six square miles. 

The Batten Kill, with its tortuous channel, forms half 
or more of all the boundary-line. This stream, having the 
beautiful Indian name Ondawa, might well have been per- 
mitted to bestow that designation upon this segment of old 
Cambridge. The bluff, decisive hero whose name the town 
bears always went straight to his object, and would have 
been intensely disgusted with any such crooked lines as 
bounded the most of JaoLson. 

Mrs. Sigourney, in one of her sweetest poems, said of the 
Indians, — 

'* Their names are on your waters, 
Ye may not wash them out." 

But the prosaic Batten Kill has done it in this instance. 
It is reserved for a hotel at Salem to make one desperate 
effort to break the line of destiny and preserve the name by 
placing upon its fi'ont " The Ondawa House." Held in 
the grasp of the stream, Jackson should have been Ondawa. 

The surface of the town is very largely drained by the 
Batten Kill, eight rivulets emptying into that stream. The. 
largest of these is the outlet of Big pond, situated very 
nearly in the centre of the tract embraced within the great 
northern bend of the kill. Just south of Big pond there 
are three other ponds in a chain, — Dead pond, McLean 
pond, and Long pond. All these are upon the slight water- 
shed of the town, as the last three are drained southward 
by the largest creek in the town. This, flowing into the 
present town of White Creek, is called the Owl Kill, and 
joins the Hoosick on the southern boundary of the county. 

The north branch of the Taghanic range occupies the 
east portion of the town, and several parallel ranges extend 
through the central and west portions, rendering the entire 
surface very hilly. The summits of the hills are three 



hundred to eight hundred feet above the valleys, and are 
generally crowned with forests. The declivities are otlen 
steep and rooky. 



The largest portion of the town is upon the Cambridge 
patent. This consisted in all of thirty-one thousand five 
hundred acres, granted July 21, 1761, to Colden Banyar 
Smith and others. This is bounded on the east by a right 
line, leaving a long, narrow tract between the Cambridge 
patent and that section of the Batten Kill that flows nearly 
north. This tract, together with lauds farther south, con- 
stitutes the Scherinerhorn patent, granted May 11, 1762, 
and containing ten thousand acres. The patentees were 
Ryer Schermerhorn and others. 

This is better known as the Anaquassacook, although in 
the table of patents prepared for Hough's Gazetteer, there 
are two patents given under the.se names, — Schermerhorn 
and Anaquassacook, — and both assigned to Washington 
county, both for ten thousand acres, and both dated May 
11, 1762. They are undoubtedly the same. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

This town was settled about the same time as the other 
portions of old Cambridge, — from 1761 to 1765, — and 
the names of the pioneers will appear very largely among 
the earlier records of that town, from which copious ex- 
tracts are given in this volume. 

As in other sections of this county, there was an inter- 
mingling of families from New England with emigrants 
from Scotland and the north of Ireland. The energy with 
which they subdued the forests and established schools and 
churches, even in the early times of revolution and civil 
chaos, proves that they were men of enterprise, intelligence, 
and Christian principle. The town, at the present time, is 
largely indebted to the courage, the integrity, and the faith 
of the fathers for its modern prosperity and the moral and 
religious character of its people. We add notices of a few 
of the pioneer families. 

Robert Law, a brother of John Law, of Salem, came to 
America somewhat later, and settled in Jackson on the 
place known in later years as the G. R. Law farm. 

He had two sons, — John R., who settled on the farm 
now occupied by David Simpson, and soon afler on the 
Richardson fiirm next north, and Robert R., who settled 
in the same neighborhood. He had five daughters, — 3Iary, 
Margaret, Elizabeth, Ruth, and Isabella. 

John R. was a prominent citizen in all the public ati'airs 
of the town. He was a successful farmer, making large 
quantities of butter, so widely celebrated that he became 
known as " Btitter John. ' 

405 



406 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



One of his sons was the distinguished citizen George 
Law, of New York, a skillful engineer, builder of the high 
bridge, proprietor of steamboat lines, owner of railroads, 
and at one time prominently mentioned as a candidate for 
the presidency of the United States. A daughter of John 
E., Mrs. Marshall, now resides upon her father's home- 
stead. Joseph, a lawyer of brilliant talents, died in early 
life. 

Andrew Thompson, with his wife and three children, 
came from Coleraine, Mass., about the year 1774, and set- 
tled about four miles above Cambridge, on the Arlington 
road, purchasing three hundred and fifty acres on lot No. 
17 of the Anaquassacook patent. The children were Hugh, 
Samuel, Sarah, Andrew, Thomas, Nancy. The first three 
were born in Massachusetts ; the last three in Jackson. 
Samuel married Mary Howe ; Sarah married William G. 
Woodworth, and removed to Montgomery county ; Andrew 
married Hannah Stevens; Thomas removed to Chautauqua 
county; Nancy married Tyrus Prouty, of Salem ; Hugh, 
Samuel, and Andrew settled on the home.stead. Samuel 
had a son, Horatio T., who went to Virginia, now a Pre.s- 
byterian minister at Timber Ridge, Rock Bridge county. 
James Thompson, a son of Andrew, is the present cashier 
of the Cambridge Valley National Bank, and has lived in 
Cambridge since 1855. 

Ebenezer Billings came from New England to Jackson, 
about the time of the Revolution, and settled on lot 19 of 
the Anaquassacook patent. He left three children, Moses, . 
Ebenezer, and Elihu, who lived and died on the homestead. 
William Henry, a great-grandson of the pioneer, resides on 
the old homestead. 

Obadiah Culver came from Hebron, Conn., about 1780, 
and settled in. the west part of Jackson. A son, Obadiah, 
settled on the turnpike, about a mile above Cambridge. 
Solomon, a son of the second Obadiah, is still living in 
Cambridge, at an advanced age. 

Isaac Waters, in the same neighborhood, was also from 
Hebron, Conn. A daughter became the wife of Obadiah 
Culver (2d). 

The Crocker brothers, Seth, Eleazer, Nathaniel, and 
John, came from Windham, Conn., just before the Revolu- 
tionary war. Together with Esquire Holmes and James 
Richardson, who came from the same place, they bought 
lot 16 of the Anaquassacook patent, consisting of about five 
hundred acres. Eleazer purchased the tract in New York, 
at twenty shillings an acre, refusing on the spot an ofier of 
five hundred dollars for his bargain. Seth lived and died 
in the present Marshall house, and his children settled in 
Leroy, western N. Y. Eleazer built a log house on the 
east side of the road, opposite the Marshall house ; after- 
wards moved into what is now White Creek. Nathaniel 
removed to Salem ; lived and died in the Camden valley. 
Of the children of Eleazer, Judith became Mrs. McNitt; 
Eleazer, Jr., moved to Michigan ; Benjamin, another son, 
was the father of B. Porter Crocker, the present postmaster 
of Cambridge, also of Colonel Crocker, of the Ninety-third 
Regiment of New York State Volunteers, War of 1861-65. 

James and John Telford, at an early day, came from 
Scotland, and settled in the north part of the town, about a 
mile from East Greenwich. 



Robert Telford, a son of James, lived and died on his 
father's homestead, and Mrs. Arnott, a daughter of Robert, 
now resides there. One daughter of James became Mrs. 
James Lowrie. Another is unmarried, and both are now 
living in Coila. A son of John now lives on his father's 
homestead. 

Mr. Coulter came from Ireland. His wife was a sister 
of Thomas Green. The children were George Coulter, 
James, William, and Robert. All settled in town. J. A. 
Coulter and John, descendants, are still living in town. 

Mrs. Eeatheringame, then a widow with two children by 
her first husband ( Andrew and Ann Beveridge ), and one 
daughter, Jennette Eeatheringame, emigrated to America in 
1774. They were eleven weeks on the passage. The open- 
ing of the war prevented their landing at Boston as they 
intended. Disembarking at Marblehead, they made the 
journey to Cambridge on foot. 

Their object in coming to this place was to be near the 
preaching of Dr. Thomas Clark, of Salem, with whom they 
were acquainted in Ireland. The son, Andrew, bought a 
farm near the present village of Coila, known as the Small 
farm. Tlie daughter, Ann, married James Small. Of their 
children, two sons, Edward and George, settled in Jackson, 
and two daugliters became, respectively, Mrs. Wm. JIcGeoch 
and Mrs. Robert Law. 

Jennette Eeatheringame married Rev. Thomas Beveridge, 
of an entirely different family. He came from Paisley, 
Scotland, in 1784, as the third A.ssociate Presbyterian 
clergyman in the United States. He was sent as a mis- 
sionary, and became the founder of the society which is now 
the United Presbyterian church of Coila. Of his children, 
John died young; Jennette married Geo. Lourie; George 
died young ; Thomas became a minister, died in Xenia, 
Ohio ; Ann Maria married Isaac Ashton. 

Mrs. Beveridge receiving a legacy in 1795 from Scot- 
land, they bought the north half of the farm now owned by 
T. B. Lourie. It has remained in the family ever since. 
The mother of T. B. Lourie, now residing with him, and 
eighty-seven years of age, is one of the oldest persons in 
town, linking by a single life the present generation back to 
the mother and children who came over the ocean and 
through the forests just as the storm of war was bursting 
upon the colonies. 

Alexander Lourie i father of George, mentioned above) 
came to Esopus, from Scotland, in very early times, married 
there, and removed to Jackson, settling on the south half 
of the present farm of his grandson, T. B. Lourie. 

Of his children, Alexander died young. James settled 
in Coila. Jennette became Mrs. George Small, settling 
near the red bridge, Jackson. Margaret, Mrs. Robt. Arm- 
strong, and removed to Ogdensburg. Mary, Mrs. John 
Shiland, of Cambridge. 

John ^Maxwell and his brother Walter came from Scot- 
land at an early day. John settled in the neighborhood 
northwest of the Ponds. Walter settled farther northwest, 
on the farm now owned by his son Alexander. Another 
son of Walter, George, lives a mile south. 

John, a grandson of the pioneer John, resides on the old 
homestead. 

Thomas Green and his brother James came from Ireland 




Residence or SAMUtL B. HEDGES. Jackson Washinoton Co .NY 



.,f<«»*****^-> 





Thomas JWeii^. 



James f^.W£l^^ 




RESiotNct OF JAMES H.WEIR. Jackson WASHIN6T0N Co N. Y 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



407 



about the year 1772, and located in Jackson, two miles 
north of Coila, their farms lyinsr partly in Cambridge. 
The sons of Thomas were William, Peter, Thomas, John, 
Samuel, and James. The latter is still living, at the age 
of ninety-two years, on his father's homestead. 

Joseph Archer, with his fiimily, sailed from Belfast, 
Ireland, 1790, being from county Down. They lauded in 
Wilmington, Del., and after two years came to Jackson, 
and settled about a mile northeast of Coila, on the farm 
now owned by a grandson, John Archer. Children of 
Joseph were Joseph, Jr., Thomas, Elizabeth, Margaret, 
John, and two by his second wife, Eben and William. 

John Ferguson and his wife came from Scotland at an 
early day, and settled in the Maxwell neighborhood, on the 
farm now owned by a grandson, James Ferguson. 

The children were Peter, George, and Duncan. James 
Ferguson is a son of the latter. 

From the address of A. D. Gillette, D.D., delivered at 
the centennial celebration in Cambridge, Aug. 29, 1873, 
we extract the following interesting passages, applicable to 
the early history of Jackson : 

" In 1793, Jonathan Dunham and his wife Eunice, town 
of Piscataqua, N. J., with their son-in-law, B., and his wife, 
Tabitha Dunham, and their children. Philander D. and 
Cornelius C, turned their backs upon old Piscataqua, N. J., 
and came to New York with their own wagon, putting most 
of their goods on board of a sloop, the old gentleman driving 
the horse and wagon up the Hudson, the rest of the family 
being on the sloop, and thus they came to Troy ; embarking 
northward, crossed Oak Hill, arrived at Cambridge, and 
went on north of this village. When in front of Mr. 
Joseph Volentine's house something happened to the 
wagon, and they paused. My mother, with her two babes, 
she herself then under seventeen years of age, went into 
the house, and Mrs. Volentine proffered all the hospitality 
of the place, and said, ' Why, my child, where is the 
mother of these babes ?' My mother blushiugly replied, 
'Here.' ' Y''ou the mother of these babes?' 'Yes, 
madam.' 'Who is your husband?' 'Dr. Gillette.' 
'Who are your father and mother?' 'Jonathan and 
Eunice Dunham ; but here is the wagon.' ' Well,' said 
Mrs. v., ' they ought to be ashamed of themselves, and 
go back to New Jersey, for allowing so young a girl as you 
to got married and become a mother. But we will do what 
we can for you. Tarry here for the night with your babes. ' 
She did tarry ; and then the family went on to the noith- 
ward, to the old pond, where the old gentleman had pur- 
chased four hundred acres of land. They turned to the 
left, and climbed the hill to the log house. A family by 
the name of Adkins, and another by the name of Gillman, 
were in the company. They all huddled near the old log 
house, wiiere I have caught scores of woodchucks, killed 
them, and eaten them. A part of the farm is in the Dun- 
ham family, occupied by Henry on the hill. My father 
settled between Mrs. McLean's and my grandfather's, right 
north of the ponds. 

" As my brother, the president, said, I have roamed far 
and wide, — so I have ; not a vagabond, thank God, — but I 
have never seen a more beautiflil spot than this. I am 
talking about things that are associated with my boyhcmd. 



Time went on, and the most important event that I will 
mention after that which I have mentioned occurred on 
the 8th day of September, in the year 1807, when, by the 
will of God and the pains of my mother, I came into the 
world, and have lived from then until now. My mind 
runs north to the Batten Kill, to the ' red bridge,' as it was 
called. The teamsters of those times were going north and 
south as early as I can remember, and I, playing by the 
roadside or going to and from the school-house, which was 
the next building between us and Judge John McLean's, 
was asked by almost every teamster, if he were going north, 
' How far is it to the red bridge?' ' Four miles, sir.' And 
every boy and girl made their obeisance. We boys pulled 
off the old slouch-hat with the torn rim, and bowed ; the 
girls caught their skirts and made a graceful courtesy ; and 
if any of us failed to do that, parental reproof or school- 
master or mistress discipline made us smart for it. The 
traveler south would ask, ' How far is it to the Chequered 
House,' and we would reply. On the north lived the Clapps, 
I think on the other side of Cleveland's, and consequently 
in Salem. One of the great sights that my boyhood eyes 
used to see was the large loads of barrels which they sent 
to Troy, for they were coopers. Next along came Mr. Van- 
derlip, a farmer and a tailor, and beyond us. Every Sab- 
bath, with his old horse and wagon, — not a modern buggy, 
that could only accommodate two, but a long wagon full, — 
he came down here to Cambridge to worship God, with his 
family gathered about him. Near there a Mr. Small with 
an old farm-wagon, and in it six or eight old kitchen-chairs, 
one or two across for the ' old people,' and never less than 
six or eight persons in the wagon ; and thus they came to 
the old yellow meeting-house. Should he find a foot-worn 
pilgrim on the way to Sinai, he would take him in if he 
had to hang half his body over the wagon-side to and from 
church. Next along came the Shoudlers' turn, and then 
the school-house, and then Mr. Dobbin's, and at the head of 
that pond Jonathan Conger, a cousin of my grandfather, 
and hence a relative, whose daughter married ' Uncle' 
Thomas McLean, as I call him, because his wife was my 
mother's cousin (and I am related to all the McLeans by 
reason of that). Then we came down to Mr. Collins, who 
kept the tavern a while ; and while I have called my father 
a ' doctor,' and such he was, and practiced medicine, he was 
a sort of 'jack of all trades,' and among other things drew 
with his pen and pencil. Among my earliest recollections 
was his painting a sign for Mr. Collins, on which was an 
eagle with darts and arms and something in its bill, — that 
bird of liberty which soars over us in all the emblems of 
freedom, thank God ! Then there was ' Uncle' Jimmy 
McLean, as I told you (for I told you they were all uncles), 
on the pond near by, and then ' Uncle' Solomon Ackley ; 
and a little lower down, but with more dignity, because of 
his commanding presence and ofiScial position. Judge John 
McLean, Sr. 

" His son John became judge; and when he was a stu- 
dent, and could come home and go fishing, he was well re- 
spected and wore his gloves, and did not love to tan his 
hands ; and he would get mc to dig the worms, bait the 
hooks, and take off the fish. He alluded to it when we 
met. T went into the court-room at Salcni one dav wher^' 



408 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



he was presiding. He begged me to come up and take a 
vacant chair by his side. I did so. He says, ' Is this 
Hai'm?' I says, ' Yes.' ' Well,' he says, ' you are the boy 
who used to bait the hooks for me.' 

" Then came the school-house, — mightier for the good of 
mankind than all the seventy-four-gun ships that ever 
floated, — the district school-house. 

" As I said, my father was a sort of 'jack of all trades,' 
sometimes taught the school there, or taught writing lessons 
in various sections. The doctors were not so busy then as 
now ; people were not so sickly. Then two older brothers 
of mine taught the school. Back of us, up on the hill 
where Mr. Ackley now resides, was ' Uncle' Daniel Hol- 
brook. The McLeans were Jerseymen, — five brothers ; not 
the two who came in the ' Mayflower,' but five who started 
from Scotland and got to New Jersey ; and whether that 
State was too small, or whether it was 'out of the Union' 
then or not, I don't know, but anyway they came up here. 
One settled in the east, one at Batten Kill, one at the head 
of the ponds, and on the turnpike next to u.s. Deacon 
Ford on the hill. I want to say a word to deacons. I love 
deacons. We used to meet for worship in the school-hou.se 
Sunday afternoons, and Deacon Ford, who belonged to the 
Baptist church in Shushan, seemed to be by common con- 
sent superintendent of affairs there, and the regulator of 
the boys. We would get around on the little seats. There 
Dr. Bullions, Mr. Prime, Elder M used to hold meet- 
ings. I loved to go. But Deacon Ford was the presiding 
genius. He was nearly seven feet high, and I presume he 
looked much taller to me then than now. A good man, 
but with such a long, grave face. So watchful of us boys 
that at one time when Dr. Prime was preaching there and 
speaking of heaven, my little mind labored to conceive 
what heaven was, and I thought it was something like the 
gathering there, — two or three rows of people around the 
house singing the praises of God, and that was all very 
pleasant, but I asked, ' Will Deacon Ford be up there ?' I 
had no doubt he would be, but I hoped his ofiice would not 
be to regulate us boys. 

" On the hill my Uncle Nahuni lived. Up farther the 
Beebes. Down the hill road lived good men and women. 
Down the turnpike was Uncle Daniel Volentine's, old 
Uncle Elias and sons and daughters, and Aunt Esther, and 
below was Mr. Heath, and so on down ; and I must not 
forget Deacon Thompson, of blessed memory, but you know 
all the rest. I used to pass their houses and come down 
here to Cambridge to my grandfather's with a basket of 
eggs, and get something to carry back, but I always pre- 
ferred to trade with Mr. McGeoch in getting my fish- 
hooks. So much for this. Now for some of the clergy- 
men of those times. 

" The clergy first with me, — no disrespect to others. Old 
Dr. Bullions used to come and catechise us in the school. 
He wore high swell boots with tassels. I played with the 
tassels one day, and was punished for it. Mr. Prime used 
to come and talk with us. Wo were always glad to see 
him. Of tall, noble form, perfect symmetry, I could paint 
him to-day were I an artist ; bland countenance, a little 
dignified, if not a little stern. His son here will speak for 
himself by and by. I ought to say we always knew Mr. 



Prime's carriage and the white horse. We were always 
glad to see him, though my grandfather on reading his 
book on baptism used to say ' nonsense.' But those were 
the days when men spoke for themselves as well as wrote. 
Mr. Prime seldom passed my grandfather's or father's 
house without a kind, ministerial, friendly Christian call. 
Dr. Dunlop, with his .saddle-bags, jogging along on his 
horse, would always stop at my father's, relight his pipe, and 
take a sij) of old New England rum, something to eat if he 
would accept of it, and then he would go on his way. A 
good old man, — we children loved him. Mr. Tombs, of 
Salem, used to do the same. The ministers in Shushan 
the same. I frequently came with the family down here, 
and heard Mr. Prime, the first Presbyterian minister that 
I remember ; also I went to Dr. Bullions', as my eldest 
sister married into that church. In that old yellow meet- 
ing-house I have sat and was interested in hearing the 
people sing. They all had their Bibles in their churches, 
and I wish all who attend church now would have theirs. 
Generally the p.salms were in the back part of the Bibles, 
and so generally was it their custom to sing that it was 
avowed that John Donahue, a deaf mute, also sang. He 
certainly looked on the psalm sung, and his lips moved, — 
that I know. 

" I must be brief, but there are two or three other things 
I must mention. In the War of 1812 my brother was the 
school-teacher of that district, and was seventeen years of 
age. At night he dismissed the school and did not come 
home. When heard of he was among the troops on their 
way north. Whether he was one of the recreant ones 
Judge Jermain spoke of I don't know. Colonel Rice took 
him as a sort of secretary, and had him with him. Then 
there was Major Simpson and old General De Ruyter from 
on the Hudson. I know queer things were said of him, 
whether true or not. Some said thsit he mistook the prow 
for the stern of the vessel, and went the wrong way on Lake 
Champlain. Well, he was not a soldier ; he was a farmer. 
The battle of Plattsburg was fought ; we soon heard of it. 
I remember the morning when the news came seeing my 
father stand before the old fire-place and tell the story as he 
learned it somewhere in his rides. All was excitement. The 
troops finally returned. They passed our door, with pris- 
oners, on their way to Greenbush ; they were drawing a 
large cannon. My brother arrived ; they paused to fire him 
a farewell at the door. I went out and stood by a large 
cannon, and a soldier caught me up and ran my head into 
the muzzle. An oflBcer drew his sword and was about to 
strike him. Some one interfered, and I believe, though 
terribly frightened, I laughed, and that was the end of it. 
They went on to Orcutt's Hotel, turned in, and encamped 
there. My father took us down to see them. I was pre- 
sented to Commodore McDonough and sat upon his knee, 
and he said he hoped I would be a soldier or a sailor, and a 
good one, and indeed I then had no doubt but that I should 
be ; but I never have, and I am glad of it. The next event 
was the removal of the remains of General Montgomery 
from Quebec. I remember the parade that passed our door, 
and that the bones which were said to be in the coflin were 
taken to New York city, and deposited, as most of you know, 
along the front of Broadway, in Trinity church-yard. 




"ttiiii.J ''' "A. 



>pB| ii^ 



^\A 




JAMES E. ROBERTSON. 



JOHN ROBERTSON. 



JAMES E. IIOBERTSON. 



James Edward Kobertson was born in Jackson, Wash- 
ington county, on the place where he now resides, March 
23, 1827. He is of Scotch descent. His first ancestor in 
this country, William Robertson, was born in Scotland, 
Jan. 24, 1752. He came to this country a young man, 
and married, in Gi'eenwich, Mary Lebingston, Sept. 24, 
1775. He died in February, 1825. John Robertson, the 
father of James Edward, was born in South Argyle, Wash- 
ington county, May 2, 1786, and married Ann Small, of 
Cambridge, July 8, 1824, she having been born Dec. 24, 
1803. They had seven children, two sons and five daugh- 
ters, of whom James Edward is the second child and the 
oldest son. 

He was brought up at the homestead whore he was born, 
educated at the Cambridge Washitigton Academy, and suc- 
ceeded to his father's business, who was a tanner and currier 
by occupation, and carried on the business at tliis place 
from 1816 to 1852, under the firm-name of William & 
John Robertson, the tannery having been established by 
other parties as early as 1806. In 1856, James E. Roberta 
son purchased the stock of the tannery, and has since eon- 
ducted the business, together with the farm formerly owned 
by his father, which he came into possession of in 1861. 



His mother died Sept. 15, 1850 ; his father on the 2d of 
September, 1873. 

Mr. Robertson was married Dec. 29, 1864, to Mary 
Jane, daughter of William Reid, a merchant of North 
Greenwich. She was born Nov. 20, 1832. The fruit of 
this union has been four children, one son and three daugh- 
ters, viz., Annie, born Nov. 19, 1865 ; Mary, born July 4, 
1867 ; Fannie, born Feb. 14, 1869 ; and William D., born 
Nov. 20, 1872. 

In politics Mr. Robertson has always been a Democrat. 
In 1850 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace; 
he was re-elected and served two terms, and was also elected 
justice of sessions one term. He is an honorable, straight- 
forward, consistent gentleman and citizen, and like most of 
the Scotch- American residents of this county was brought 
up strictly in the Presbyterian faith. Pew men have the 
confidence of their fellow-citizens in a larger degree than 
Mr. Robertson. In business he has been more than ordi- 
narily successful, having accumulated a comfortable com- 
petence. 

His fine residence, shown in this work, was erected by 
him in 1869. It is one of the most beautiful in this section 
of the country. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



409 



•■ These events were imprinted upon a boy's mind. But 
then there came other changes. One event, however, I 
will speak of in connection with physicians. I had school- 
mates from over towards Shushan by the name of Kemmis. 
They had a grandfiither. People now say, ' You are an 
aristocrat if you had a grandfather.' I have told you I had 
one. These Kemmis boys had one. They did not till the 
farm very well, aTid did not dress very finely. It was to 
them an advantage ; in running upon the ice, they could 
throw oft' their old .shoes, and outrun any one of us. The 
old gentleman hurt his ankle, while snaking a log out of 
the woods, and crushed it very seriously, and my father 
tried all he could to save it. He called in Dr. Dorr and 
Dr. Dean as counsel. It was decided that it must be am- 
putated. An old physician in Salem, whom I will not 
name, because I may not tell the truth exactly, heard of 
the matter, and having a feud with Dr. Dorr, and I believe 
not liking my father very well, took two or three students 
and offered the patient fifty dollars for his leg, which offer 
being accepted, the Salem physician amputated the limb 
and returned home. My father and Dr. Dorr came the 
nest day, I think, to perform the important operation, but 
found the good old gentleman in his bed, comfortable, the 
foot gone and safe in Salem. 

" The end of it came when ' by-gones were by-gones.' 
Sickness came. Fire visited the old house in which I lived 
one day. I was out of it, by the wood-pile, and heard a 
roar. My older brother and my younger sister looked up, 
and sparks and black smoke were pouring out of the chim- 
ney. ' The house is on fire !' said my brother. We rushed 
in (my brother always sent me ahead, whether we were 
after pond-lilies, or frogs, or snakesl. As we came in we 
beheld the flames creeping up and rapidly destroying the 
bed-curtains, whose voluminous folds had worked within 
their borders the pictures of Shakspeare's Seven Ages. 
The fire scorched me some, burned the hair off of my head, 
knocked me down, and my brother violently drew me out. 
Never a prouder boy than I when, in two or three days 
after that, I received an entire suit of clothing, made of 
blue cloth, almost covered with bell-buttons, together with 
a hat, — the whole a present from the Wendell flimily. 
We received many kind favors. Another house was built, 
which has since been removed. 

" Disease came. My eldest sister died at twenty-two, 
and was buried the day she was to have been married to 
Leonard Church, Esq., of Salem. My youngest brother 
was born at a time when we were houseless. My father, 
broken-hearted, never recovered his spirits, and in 1819 he 
pa.ssed away, dying of apoplexy or heart-disease, by the 
roadside, after a fatiguing travel. His last visit was to old 
Daniel Holbrook, where Mr. Maxwell now lives." 

Joseph Volentine and wife, with two sons, Elias and 
Daniel, moved from Now Jersey about 1791 or 1792. 
They came with ox-teams through the wilderness. Some 
of the way there was only an Indian path, through which 
they could just drive their oxen and wagons. Upon their 
arrival they stuck their ox-goads in the ground, — whips 
that they had cut from a Balm of Gilead tree in New Jer- 
sey. These lived, grew to a great age, and when cut down 
were four feet through. The family .settled near the dutlct 
52 



at the south end of Long pond, on the farm now occupied 
by Mrs. Harvey Volentine. 

Of the children, Daniel and Harvey settled in Jack.son, 
the latter on the pioneer homestead ; Elias, in Shushan ; 
Pha}be(Mrs. Elijah Clough), in Hebron; Betsey (Mrs. 
Wm. Orcutt), in western New York ; Abbey (Mre. Abner 
Warren), in western New York ; John also settled in west>- 
ern New York ; Joel, in Bennington, Vt.; Prudence (Mrs. 
Truman Hendryx), in Bennington ; Lydia Ann (Mrs. 
Clark Estee), in Shushan ; Moses moved to Tecumseh, 
Mich. 

Daniel McFarland, born in Thornhill. Scotland, came to 
America in 1785, and settled in Salem, on what is now the 
Samuel Beattie farm. He afterwards moved to Argyle, 
settled near Argyle Corners, and died, his remains being 
buried in the cemetery at that place. By his first wife he 
had one son, John McFarland, already twenty-one years old 
when the family came to America. He settled first in 
Cambridge, on a farm about two miles west of Cambridge 
village, and afterwards in what is now Jackson, the old 
homestead being near East Greenwich. By his second 
wife the pioneer Daniel had four sons : David, who settled 
in St. Louis when it was only a village, passed his life 
there, and died at an advanced age in 1873 ; Alexander, 
■settled and died many years ago in Salem ; Daniel. Jr., 
settled in Greenwich, and afterwards in Fishkill ; James, 
moved to Ohio and settled near Columbus, — a man of note, 
holding many public oflBces, and a member of the Legisla- 
ture for one or more terms. In the original family there 
were no daughters. 

The children of John, the oldest son, who settled in 
Jackson, were eleven, five of whom died young. The six 
remaining were Daniel, John, William, Alexander, Mrs. 
Wm. Robertson, and Mrs. Robert Richardson. A son of 
Daniel is Prof. John A. McFarland, who is now, and has 
been for nineteen years, principal of Washington Academy, 
Salem. 

Robert Simpson moved from New Hampshire soon after 
the Revolution, with his wife and family, and settled in 
Cambridge. His son, Anderson, on becoming of age, spent 
some time in a store at Shushan, then settled on a farm 
now occupied by his son, John Simpson. The wife of 
Anderson Simpson was the daughter of Benjamin Scott, 
the only Revolutionary pensioner in town in 1840. An- 
derson Simpson was a prominent public man, filling many 
important oSices in town, and was also a member of Assem- 
bly in 1840. 

A very early store, built of logs, stood a little west of 
the present residence of James Hill. It was built by James 
McGill, in 1781, and is still in existence, having been taken 
down, rebuilt at a short distance, and is now occupied as a 
dwelling-house. 

William McAulcy bought the store and property Oct. 7, 
1795, and continued the trade. 

Moses Cowan, whose name appears in early records, was 
a clerk in this store, and James Irvin, first supervisor of 
Jackson, was a partner with McAulcy. 

Among other early residents the Ileth family lived south 
of Jackson centre, on the turnpike. 

Edward McDowel lived not far from McAuley's store. 



410 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Oliver Selfridge lived north of Coila. 

John MoKellip in the north part of the town. 

Isaac Ferine also. 

Simon Stevens and his son, Ira C, lived in the western 
part of the town, near Centre falls. 

The first inn was kept by Isaac Murray, on the place 
now owned by II. C. Maynard, two miles north of Cam- 
bridge, on the turnpike. 

The Pond A^ alley House was built about sixty years ago, 
by Mr. Orcutt. The house still in use is kept at the 
present time by George Simpson. 

Besides the early settlers already named, mention may 
be made of the McGeoch family, the McMillans, and the 
McClellans. The names of many others will appear in the 
town records and the church histories of Cambridge and 
White Creek. 

The first mereiiant at Coila was William Stevenson, from 
Scotland, and the place was known as Stevenson's Corners, 
and then by the name of Scotland. When the post-oifice 
was established John M. Stevenson, an enthusiastic admirer 
of Burns, named the place Coila, from a passage in one of 
his favorite poems. 

Succeeding William Stevenson were the firm of McNaugh- 
ton & McNeil. 

An early school-house built of logs, about 1780, stood 
a little west of the present residence of James Hill. 

Early teachers remembered by Mrs. Lourie were Mr. 
Alexander and Mr. Neson. 

ANAQUASSACOOK PATENT. 

The original map and partition deed of this patent, en- 
grossed on parchment, is in possession of William Law, of 
Shushan. It is dated Oct. 2G, 1763, and was drawn by 
John R. Bleecker, surveyor, who enters the variation of the 
needle for that year as six degrees thirty minutes west. 
The lots commence with No. 1, at the north end of the 
narrow strip between the Cambridge patent and the Batten 
Kill, and the 25th closes opposite the old " Red Grocery." 
in Salem. To show early proprietors we give the names 
and lots from this deed. 

Nos. 1, 8, 11, 18, and 23, Thomas Smith ; Nos. 2, 10, 
14, 19, and 25, William Smith; Nos. 3, 7, 15, 1(5, 22, 
Johannes Quackenboss ; Nos. 4, 6, 12, 17, 21, Ryer 
Schermerhorn ; Nos. 5, 9, 13, 20, 24, Jacob and Baruardus 
Vrooman Schermerhorn. 

ORGANIZATION, CIVIL HISTORY. 

The town was organized by act of the Legislature in 
the year 1815. It i-eceived the name of Jackson, no doubt 
in honor of the general whose signal victory on the 8th of 
January, at N(>w Orleans, was the closing struggle of the 
last war with England. 

The fir.st town-meeting was held on the first Tuesday in 
April, 1816; and the following oflicei's were duly elected: 
Reuben Stone, moderator ; James Irvin, supervisor; Kirtland 
Warner, town clerk ; William Adams, James Richardson, 
Edward Cook, assessors; William McGeoch, Alexander 
Livingston, overseers of the poor; Reuben Stone, Clark 
Rice, Simon Stevens, commissioners of common schools ; 



James Irvin, Elisha Billings, Kirtland Warner, inspectors 
of schools; William Adams, Amos Woodard, Jr., and 
Elihu Billings, commissioners of highways ; Robert Simp- 
son and John McDonal, collectors ; — these two, with Ben- 
jamin Scott, constables ; Amos Woodard, Jr., George 
Small, Abel Cleveland, Seth Rising, John McMillan, Jr., 
John McLean, George McFarland, Simon Stevens, Ede 
Bowen, Timothy Murch, Thomas McKillip, Philip War- 
ner, Russell Norton, James Robertson, William C. McLean, 
John Ferguson, James Woods, Eliab Beebe, Levi Rice, 
Eldad Baker, Jr., Benjamin Scott, Jr., Samuel McDonal, 
Anderson Simpson, William Blake, John McClary, George 
Maxwell, Thomas Griunolds, Thomas Clark, Asher B. 
Rood, Elijah Horton, Jr., Solomon Stewart, John McClel- 
lan, George Coulter, overseers of highways ; Robert Simp- 
son, Clark Rice, Ezekiel Sampson, James Woods, William 
McLean, Andrew Slioudler, fence-viewers and appraisers. 

Voted, that one hundred dollars tax be raised for the 
support of the poor. 

Voted, that Andrew Heath's barn-yard be a pound, and 
he was appointed poundmaster. 

Recorded May 6, 1818, the birth of a black female child, 
by the name of Diana, on the 10th of July, 1816, in the 
house of William McAuley, which he claims as his slave 
according to law. 

Recorded Jan. 6, 1819, James, a black male child, born 
the 8th day of August, 1818, in the house of William 
McAuley, which said McAuley claims as his slave, accord- 
ing to law. 

1821. — The vote was taken: all that are in favor of 
joining with the county in building a poor-house, signify it 
by holding up their right hands, — not a hand raised ; con- 
trary, by the same sign, — all hands were up. 

1824. — Voted, that inspectors of schools have one dollar 
a day for their services. 

The certificate of the annual election, May 23, 1816, 
shows the following result: Rufus King for governor, 113 
votes ; George Tibbetts for lieutenant-governor, 113 votes ; 
Daniel D. Tompkins for governor, 83 votes; John Taylor 
for lieutenant-governor. 83 votes. Signed by the inspectors 
of election, James Irvin, William Adams, James Richard- 
son, Edward Cook, and Kirtland Warner. 

Oct. 3, 1823. — By the consent of the overseers of the 
poor, Clark Rice manumitted his " negro woman-slave, 
named Betsey W^illiams, aged about thirty-six years, pur- 
chased by him of Samuel Storms." 

Town officers elected at the annual meeting, March G, 
1877: 

William H. Holden, supervisor ; George L. Marshall, 
town clerk; Henry Marshall (2d), justice of the peace; 
John R. McArthur, assessor ; Henry T. Hedges, commis- 
sioner of highways ; William McFarland, Joseph W. Edie, 
overseers of the poor; James W. Thomp.son, James A. 
Coulter, inspectors of election ; A. C. Blanchard, collector; 
A. C. Blanchard, Walter T. Graham, Henry Hover, con- 
stables ; John A. McClellan, Michael Kerr, town auditors; 
John Roberts, game constable ; Warren Kenyon, William 
McMillan, excise commissioners. 

We add the following lists of lour town officers from 
1815 to 1878: 





R[ Lii f I J/^MEh COULTF f^ 



j^iAjwjm^isi ' Jfeii i ^y^ ii ^vj^^ 




J/*MEs Coulter, y' 



M.- 








UTH. BY L.H. Evert = 



IIISTORV OF WA8IIIN(iT()N COUNTY, NKW YOI!K. 



411 



:si9. 

ISlill. 
1821. 
1S2L'. 
1823. 
1824. 



siipei-visora. 
.lames Iivin. 

DaviJ Cam])ln-ll, 

Simon Stevens. 

EJwanl L'c.k. 



David Camijljull. 
Edward Couli. 



Town Clerks. 
Kirtland Warner 

Soli.uioii Dean. 

Kobert Simpson. 

.Ardeu Heath. 

Win. McOeoch. 

Arden Heath. 
]<irtland Warne 
Arden Heath. 



1825. Simon Stevens. 



Elisha Billings. 

Jas. McNaughton. 

Thos. K. McLean. 

Elisha Billings. 
Peter Hill. 

Anderson Simpson. 

Elisha Billings. 

Thos. K. McLean. 

Wm. S. Warner. 
James Thompson. 
AVm. S. Warner. 

Samuel McDonal. 

R. Alexander, Jr. 
James Thompson. 



1826. 
1827. 
1828. 
1829. 
1830. 
1831. 
1832. 
1833. 
1834. 
18.15. 
1836. 
1837. 
1838. 
1839. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1S65. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 

1875. '■ 

1876. '■ 

1877. Wm. H. Holde 

1878. " 



Francis H. Arnott. 
Alex. Robertson. 

Wm. Thompson. 



Thomas B. Lourie 
George Arnott. 
James Hill. 
T. D. Oviatt. 
.1. C. Simpson. 



John McMiUan. 



Francis McLean. 



.Samuel Oviatt. 



Richard Barton. 



Samuel Oviatt. 

Joel H. Corbit. 

Wm. McMillan. 

Charles N. Button. 

John .\ckley. 
.T. C. Simpson. 



.■\lauson McLe 



Thos. D. Oviatt. 



H. T. Hedges. 
D. A. Simpson. 

U. N. Dunham. 
A. C. Blanohard. 
George L. Marshall, 
Allen Stewart. 



Robert Simpson. 
John McDonnl. 
Stephen Clapp. Jr. 
Benjamin Carter. 
John McDonal. 
John Moor. 
Robert Simpson. 
John Moor. 
Stephen Olapp. Jr. 
Joseph Poolman. 

Elias Vanderlip. 

Lewis Wo..dard. 

Elias Vandcrli]). 

Lewis Woodanl. 

James Johnson. 
Elias Vanderlip. 
Henry K. Higgins. 
Abraham Weir. 

John Collins. 
Abraham Weir. 
Xenophen Woodurd. 
John Cowan. 
Abraham Weir, 
.lames Rice. 
Aliraham Weir. 
Wm. I. Graham. 

.Abraham Weir. 
James Woodard. 
Reuben F. Stone. 
Wm. S. Graham. 

James Woodar<i. 
Zerah Rider. 
Wm. J. Graham. 



John K. Crosier. 
Hugh Orcutt. 
Wm. Watkins. 
James H. Weir. 
Robert Haskins. 
Benj. C. Bishop. 
P. D. Moore. 
John Edie. 
Alvin B. Barber. 
.Tames Hayes. 
Robert Haskins. 
James Collins. 
George Hedges. 
N. E. Rice. 
Wm. Miller. 
J. H. McFarland. 
Andrew Telford. 
S. K. Warner. 
T. D. Oviatt. 
J. J. McArthur. 
J. Salisbury. 
M. McFarland. 
A. C. Weir. 
A. Blanchard. 
H. T. Hedges. 
J. W. Robertson. 
E. G. Shiland. 
D. Lambert. 
A. C. Blanchard. 
George L. Marshall. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACK KLKCTEU BV THE I'Kdl'I.K. 



1830. 
1831. 
18.'!2. 
18.33. 

1834. 
1835. 
1 836. 
18.37. 
1S38. 
1S39. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 



1852. 
1853. 



Anderson .Simpson. 
George W. Robertson. 
Ira C. Stevens. 
Francis McLean. 
Anderson Simpson. 
.Tames Thompson. 
James Thompson. 
Ira C. Stevens. 
Wm. S. Warner. 
Anderson Simpson. 
James Thomp.-ion. 
Charles Clark. 
Wm. S. Warner. 
Paul Doig. 
Elisha Billings. 
Chas. Clark. 
Wm. S. Warner. 
Alex. Small. 
Elisha Billings. 
Moses S. Hartwell. 
Candidate ineligible. 
Paul Doig. 
James E. Robertson. 
Robert McArthur. 
E. W. Clapp. 
Robert McArthur. 
Robert Mc.irthur. 
.T.ames E. Robertson. 



1S54. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1S5S. 
1859. 
1860. 

1861. 
1802. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 

1867. 

1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1S72. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
187S, 



Paul Doig. 
Harvey Rice. 
Robert McArthur. 
Wm. Stevenson. 
Paul Doig. 
P. P. Billings. 
Robert Mc.-Vrthur. 
Frederick Newton. 
Asaph E. Warner. 
Julius Collins. 
John C. Simpson. 
Calvin B. Carter. 
A. E. Warner. 
Julius Collins. 
Lewis T. McLean. 
John C. Simpson. 
Lewis T. McLean. 
.John AVeir. 
Lewis T. McLean. 
W. J. Doig. 
J. C. Simpson. 
John Weir. 
Ebenezer McLean. 
W. J. Doig. 
.T. C. .Simpson. 
.Tohn Weir. 
Henry Marshall (2d). 
W. J. Doig. 



The town-meetings were held in the various years as fol- 
lows : 1817, Nathan Collins' dwelling-house; 1818, same; 
1820, same; 1819, David Moor's dwelling-house; John 
Phelp's dwelling-house, 1821-23; Thomas S. Harve}\ 
innkeeper, 1824-26, 1828-29 ; Nathan Collins, innkeeper, 
1827; Christopher Holden, innkeeper, 1830-31; Liherty 
Olds, innkeeper, 1832-37; Corbett, innkeeper, 1838-42, 
1845-48 ; Welders, innkeeper, 1843 ; J. M. & W. T. Getty, 
innkeepers, 1844; Joel H. Corbett, innkeeper, 1849-50; 
Charles Button's house, 1851 to 1856 inclusive, 1859 to 
1866 inclusive; Joseph W. Edie's house, 1857-58; Ly- 
sauder Wheelock's house, 1867 to 1871 inclusive, 1873- 
74 ; Pond Valley House, 1872, 76-77 ; George Simpson, 
1875. 

This town is peculiar in this respect as in that of churches, 
a circle of villages just upon or beyond the boundary line 
being the resort of the citizens of Jackson rather than any 
places within their own territory. Shushan, Salem, East 
Greenwich, Battenville, Cambridge, are all more or less 
places of business for the town of Jackson, — Cambridge in 
a greater degree than others. 

Coila, the northern extension of Cambridge, is indeed ex- 
actly at the southern angle of Jackson, and has a post-office, 
shoe-shop, wagon-shop, and store. 

At Jackson Centre, so called, there is located the Pond 
Valley Hotel, now kept by George Simpson, the grandson 
of an old settler. At Anaquassacook there is a settle- 
ment with a few dwellings, a tannery, and shop.s. The 
tannery was established at a very early day, before 1800, by 
Knight. He was succeeded by Elisha Billings. William 
Holden followed him, having learned the trade of Mr. Bil- 
lings. The present owners are William Holden & Son. 
The works are run by steam, with modern improvements. 

On the Batten Kill, opposite Ea.st Greenwich, is also a 
place of some business. There was a woolen-factory, now 



412 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTS, NEW YORK. 



discontinued. A sash- and blind-factory is now in opera- 
tion at that point. 

The place opposite Battciiville was formerly of some im- 
portance as a neigliborliood, tlie (jld Reformed church being- 
located there. 

SCFIOOLS. 

The town havini; been organized in 1815, the first com- 
missioners of common schools were Reuben Stone, Clark 
Rice, and Simon Stevens. The first inspectors chosen were 
James Ij-vin, Jr., Elisha Billings, and Kirtlaud Warner. The 
school districts were adjusted and their boundaries deter- 
mined in the year 1S23. 

After the fir.st commissioners tiie following persons held 
the office one or more years each, down to 1843: John 
McMillan, Jr., Thomas K. McLean, Thomas Thompson, 
George Lourie, Obadiah Brown, Mo.ses Billings, David 
Campbell, Daniel Hatch. John Brown, William C. McLean, 
John McMillan, John Robertson, Kirtland Warner, Sol- 
omon Cobb, William McGeoch, Elisha Billings, Constant 
Clapp, George Arnott, George Small, 1825, George I. 
Maxwell, Nathan Culver, Samuel McFarland, Paul Doig, 
William S. Warner, James Cleveland, Samuel McDonal, 
William Holden, Julius Collins, Robert McArthur, Silas 
H. Rice, William D. W. McLean, Lewis McLean, Ephraim 
Burroughs, James Coulter, Jr., William 3IcClellan, Lewis 
Carter, Francis H. Arnot, Moses B. Ferine. 

The following citizens also held the office of inspector, 
one or more years each, down to 1843 : 1816, James Irvin, 
Jr., Elisha Billings, Kirtland Warner; 1817, Constant 
Clapp, David Campbell, John Robertson, Kirtland Warner; 

1818, James Lourie, William A. Wells, Samuel C. Culver; 

1819, Solomon Dean, Francis McLean, Rufus Church ; 
1821, Isaac Frindle, Russel Carter; 1822, Daniel Hatch, 
William V. McLean; 1823, Robert McClellan ; 1826, 
George W. Robertson; 1829, Horace Billings; 1832, 
Ales. Smith; 1833, Selah Billings, John McLean; 1835, 
Thomas Thompson ; 1837, Thomas Stevens, Jr. 

In 1843 the system of supervision by town superintend- 
ents commenced, and the officers elected were: 1844-47, 
Cyrus Bowen; 1848-49, Robert Graham; 1850, Alonzo 
Du Bois; 1851-52, George H.Wright; 1 854-5(5, Alvin 
B. Barber. 

The following figures show the number of districts, chil- 
dren of school age, with the apportionment of the public 
money for the year 1877. 

Districts. I'hililien. Pul.Iic Money. 

No. 1 

•' 2 4:i .^HO.liS 

" 3 82 lfl:i.47 

" 4 42 109.08 

" 5 t:! lO.'i.Il 

" 6 ,07 124.10 

" 1 65 122.15 

" S 75 154.5.S 

•■ 9 68 J40.71 

•• 10 2S 92.40 

CHURCHES. 

From the peculiar location of this town, and the arrange- 
ments for worship already made by the people before this 
territory became a town by itself, there are really no present 
churches to be included in this sketch. 

We are, however, through the courtesy of L. T. McLean, 



enabled to give a brief notice of the Reformed Dutch church 
that for a time existed within the limits of the town. It 
was located in the western part of the town, opposite the 
village of Battenville. 

The building was erected in 1833, and is a substantial 
brick structure about forty-five by sixty feet. Judge John 
McLean was the most prominent, wealthy, and influential 
man coiniected with the enterpri.se. The first congrega- 
tional meeting held in the building seems to have been in 
December, 1833, William Wells, chairman, and John Mc- 
Lean, Jr., clerk. The following resolutions were passed at 
that meeting : 

. 1st. That this congregation attach itself tn the Iiefurnn^d 
Dutch church. 

2d. A committee was ajjpoinled to secure sU2)|ilies, viz., 
Mttses H. Hartwell, John R. Weir, John McLean, Henry 
Culver, and William Wells. 

3d. Committee appointed to circulate a subscripticju, con- 
sisting of Francis McLean, Russel Carter, and Henry R. 
McLean. 

At the next meeting, Dec. 24, 1833, the church was or- 
ganized by electing John McLean and George H. Ford, 
elders; Moses H. Hartwell and John Welsh, deacons; and 
Moses H. Hartwell, clerk. The elders and deacons were 
ordained Dec. 31, 1833, by the Rev. Jacob Funda. Feb- 
ruary 19, 1834, Rev. James W. Stewart was installed as 
pastor. The installation sermon by the Rev. J. Parry, and 
the charge to the people by Rev. J. D. Funda. Rev. Mr. 
Stewart remained pastor about two and a half years. His 
successors were William Pitcher, two years, then John G. 
Quick for several years, until about 1843. The last pastor 
was Rev. John H. Pitcher; he remained until 1851, The 
consistory at that time was composed of Thomas K. Mc- 
Lean, Lyman Woodard, and Lewis T. McLean, elders; 
the latter being clerk. The church is now disbanded and 
extinct. The older people died, others removed, their farms 
bought by people of dift'erent views. There are some left 
who cherish its ancient forms of worship, but in these times 
of hearty Christian union they wor.ship acceptably with 
other denominations. The church lasted a little over twenty 
years, and many were there trained in the Christian faith 
of the fathers. 

BURIAL-PLACES. 

These are mostly outside of the town, like the churches 
and the villages ; the old ground at Cambridge and the 
new cemetery having very largely been used by the people 
of Jackson for a hundred years. 

Within the town may be mentioned the one near the old 
Reformed church, and the private ground in the Maxwell 
neighborhood, west of the McLean pond. There is still 
another near Anaquassacook. 

SOCIETIES. 

For these, the citizens of Jackson go beyond their own 
boundaries, as they do for trade, and worship, and burial, — 
with a single exception. 

Tlie Jackson Fire Insurance Company is an institution 
of considerable value to the people, securing for themselves 
insurance against fire at a much cheaper rate than through 
foreign companies. It was organized Nov. 27, 1858, under 




PAUL DOIG. 



Paul Doig was born in East Greenwich, Washington Co., 
N. Y., April 22, 1801. His father, Andrew Doig, was a 
native of Glasgow, Scotland, where he was born Feb. 29, 
1776, and came to this country when a young man. He 
married, for his first wife, in 1798, Annis Wheeler, the 
mother of the subject of this sketch ; she died in the year 
1805. Andrew Doig, the eldest son, was born July 24, 
1799. He settled at Lowville, Lewis county, and was a 
member of Congress eight years from that congressional 
district. 

His father married, for his second wife, Polly Thompson, 
July 7, 1807, by which marriage he had children as follows : 
James Doig, born May 30, 1808, married Oct. 13, 1840, 
deceased ; Almond Doig, born March 14, 1810, died March 
19, 1810 ; Betsey Doig, born Oct. 10, 1811, married Feb. 
8, 1833, resides in Lewis county; Polly A. Doig, born 
Jan. 2G, 1814, died Sept. 11, 1815; Janet Doig, born 
April 10, 1816, married Oct. 7, 1843, lives in Turin, Lewis 
county; John Doig, born May 15, 1820, married May 2, 

1848, deceased ; Estro Doig, born October, , died the 

following August. 

Paul Doig was brought up in the town of Greenwich, 
and during his entire life followed the occupation of a 
farmer. He was married to Abby 51. Tnll, Feb. 22, 1827, 
and had two children, viz., Jane A., born Nov. 24, 1827, 



and W. James Doig, born Sept. 11, 1835. After his 
marriage he removed from East Greenwich to the town of 
Jackson, Washington county, and settled on the farm now 
owned and occupied by his son, W. J. Doig, where he spent 
the remainder of his life. He was a prominent man in his 
town, and held the office of justice of the peace for twenty- 
four years. By steady application, industry, and economy 
he acquired a competence, and was universally esteemed 
for his honorable and upright character. He was also 
liberal in the use of his means for the support and further- 
ance of institutions designed to promote the public welfare; 
a kind and indulgent father, an affectionate husband, a true 
and generous friend, and an honest and exemplary citizen. 
He died on the 6th of September, 1870, aged sixty-nine 
years. 

W. J. Doig, his .son and successor in the occujjancy 
of the homestead, married Mary E. Robertson, daughter 
of Abner C. Robertson, of Salem, N. Y., Oct. 6, 18C3, 
and has had four children, three of whom are living. He 
was elected justice of the peace in 1870, and by successive 
elections has held the office ever since. His wife, Mrs. M. 
E. Doig, took a prominent part in the preparation for the 
Centennial celebration at Cambridge in 187C, composing 
an appropriate and beautiful ode for the occa.sion, which 
was read by her uncle. Judge Gibson, of Salem. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



413 



au act of the Legislature passed April 17, 1857. The first 
board of directors consisted of Elisha Billiiiiis. Michael 
Kerr, Peter Hill, Lewis Carter, Paul Doig, Julius Collius, 
and John M. Stevenson; Peter Hill was chosen jiresideiit, 
and Michael Kerr, secretary. 

The board for 1878 consists of VVui. J. Doig, president; 
James H.Cleveland, secretary and treasurer; James W. 
McMorris, Henry T. Hedges, John Cowan, Alex. IMaxwoi!, 
and Wm. Orcutt. 

TLACES OF ULSTORIC INTEREST. 

The road now forming the southwest boundary of the 
town is the route over which Baum's detachment of the 
British army moved in their advance upon Bennington. 
Baum's troops opened the way with the axe. It is said 
the present road is almast exactly upon the old war-path, 
little or no variation having occurred in modern times. 

There is another incident given in a note appended to 
Judge Gibson s address at the Cambridge centennial, which 
from his well-known accuracy deserves a place in this notice 
of Jackson. 

pn the 20th day of August, 174(5, a party of nine hun- 
dred French and Indians, under the command of Major 
Rigaud de Vaudreuil, captured Fort Massachusetts, in the 
town of Hoosic, together with all its defenders and the 
women and children which it sheltered, killing and scalping 
some, and carrying the rest into Canada as captives. 

The larger part of this raiding-party started for home on 
the morning following the capture, and on the night of 
August 23, encamped on the high ground between 
the two ponds in the present town of Jackson. As one 
wanders beside these beautiful lakes, in this now peaceful 
town, it is difficult to realize the horrors of that encamp- 
ment, — the bloodysealps carried by the chiefs, — the wretched 
captives, tortured with the agony of the recent slaughter 
and the terrors of the future marcli. 

There is a tradition, too, very well authenticated, that a 
sanguinary battle, between hostile Indian tribes, occurred 
in the town of Jackson many years before the advent of the 
white town. The scene was near the ponds, and is sup- 
posed to have been a struggle for the control of the pass, 

AGRICULTURE. INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 

The soil of this town may be described as a slaty loam, 
and very productive. All the crops usual to this section of 
country are raised here. Potatoes, particularly, are exported 
in large quantities, and form the main article of produce 
sold from the town. Considerable flax is also raised. 

In the town of Jackson, opposite Shushan, there is a 
business place of some importance, having a saw-mill, cut- 
ting a large amount of lumber ; a flax-mill ; a sash- and 
blind-factory ; a carriage-factory ; and a foundry is being 
established the present year. 

MILITARY HISTORY. 

The citizens of this town shared, no doubt, in the great 
events occurring around them and in their mid.st during 
the War of the Revolution. Doubtless several from this 
town were in service, but no records arc found in the town 



upon this point, and the memory of the older people does 
not recall them. 

The list of pensioners (or 1.S40, pulilislied by the gov- 
ernment, gives as living in Jackson at that time, Benjamin 
Scott at the age of eighty-three. 

At a special meeting of the town of Jackson, called on 
the 26th day of March, 1864, Daniel McFarland chair- 
man, and Wm. H. Holden .secretary, the following resolu- 
tions were adopted : 

'' Renoivedf That the proceedings of the supervisors in procurinrj 
volunteers for said town be approved. 

•' Rr.siilved, That the supervisor of Jaekson draw on the treasurer of 
thi- county, in bonds of the county, to the amount of three thousand 
eight hundred and fifty dollars, if necessary, for the purpose of pay- 
ing bounties to volunteers to fill the iiuota for said town, under the 
call of the President for two hundred thousand men. 

" liemi/ved, That said bfinds be made pay.ahle on the 1st day of 
llaroh, 186S. 

" Remh-cd, That Wm. Thouip.son and Ale.tamler Robertson be ap- 
pointed a committee for the purpose of seeing to the enlistments 
from said town that have not been heretofore credited.'* 

At another special meeting, Sept. 9, 1864, called by 
the committees of the town, to take into consideration the 
best method of filling the quota of the town under the 
last call, Paul Doig was elected chairman. The report of 
the committee being called for, Wm. Tiiompson stated that 
the set price, five hundred dollars, is not sufiicient to the num- 
ber, whereupon Mr. Collins moved that the committee be and 
are hereby authorized to raise the required number of men 
at once, endeavoring to obtain the men as low as possible. 
Taking into consideration the uncertainty of having our 
town bonds taken at the rate of six and a half, he therefore 
moved that the resolution of last meeting be rescinded. 
Carried. 

Moved that the committee be authorized to draw county 
bonds sufiicient to pay our full amount for the required 
quota. Carried. 

Moved that Mr. Wilder receive from the town one thou- 
sand dollars as bounty for enlisting one year. 

Adjourned. 

Dec. 26, 1864. — At a special meeting called by the 
town clerk for the purpose of considering the matter of 
raising men to fill the quota under the call for three hun- 
dred thousand men, the committee was authorized to get 
the men to fill the quota for the lowest price possible. 

•' RceolveJ, That the committee be instructed to get all the substi- 
tutes they can. Pktkb McArtbvk, Cliitirmnu. 
" C. B. Coulter, Scoretimj." 

Jan. 9, 1865, at a special meeting, the following resolu- 
tions were adopted : 

" llexidif.rl. That the supervisors be authorized to take the fifteen 
men already bargained for, and if any more are needed to get them 
at his discretion. 

" Resolved, That the supervisor be authorized to call on the county 
treasurer to issue bonds to a sufficient amount for the fifteen men, 
and for more if necessary, and that the bonds be made payable March 
1, 1866." 

WAR ov 1X61-65. 

Robert Alexander, ciil. Aug. 18112, lilil Kegt., Co. (i ; discli. June 8, I86r,. 
Edward Brxjwn, enl. April 22, 1801, 22d Regt., Co. D; wounded; on battle-Seld 

eight days ; then taken to buspital ; ilischargod. 
Hiram W. Brown, enl. Aug. 4, 1SC2, 123d Regt., Co. « ; wounded ; discli. June 

8, 1865. 



414 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COdNTY, NEW VOKK. 



Andrew Beebe, eul. Sept. ISOl, 7tli Cav., Co. A ; pro. lo Corp. ; discli. Marcli .'il, 

1R02. 
Chmmcey Becbe, enl. Sept. lHi:\, 7th Ciiv., Co. X ; iliscli. Marcli 31, 18U2. 
Gideon Biigga, musician ; enl. Dec. in, isr.:), IGth Art., Co. K ; disch. Aug.l86f). 
Albert Corbett, enl. Sept. 18B-.', 12:id Kegt., Co. D ; discharged. 
Peter Coivnn, enl. Aug. 0, 18G2, 123d Kcgt., Co. G; wounded; discli. June 8, 

181)5. 
Henry Coulter, enl Aug. 1862, 12.ia Kegt., Co. G ; wonnded ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Clarence Coulter, enl. Aug. 1S62, 123d Regt., Co. G ; died ol ivounds, at Alexan- 
dria, Oct. 2, IStB. 
John F. Curtis, ejil. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt. ; disch. June 8, ISft'i. 
(iooige Cobb, enl. April, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. D ; discharged ; re-cnl. Dec. 186:1, 

16tli Art., Co. K ; killed before Richmond, Sept. 10, 1864. 
Charles W. Decker, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Begt , C.i. (i ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Ira Hawthorne, enl. Jim. 5, 1864, 16th Art., Co. K ; .lied of .lisease, at Wil- 
mington, Feb. 15, 1865. 
Aaron M. H.vatt. c.rp. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 29, 

1865. 
Jonathan G. Hatch, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 12.3d Regt., Co. A ; disch. Jnne 8, ISO.'). 
Forrest R. Uatcli, eul. Dec. 31, 1863, 16th Art., Co. K; disch. Aug. 21, 1865. 
James Hill, 1st lieut.; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. G; pro. to capt.; 

disch. June 8, 1865. 
Woodard Hill, onl. Seiit. 18, 1861, 7th Cav., Co. A ; re-enl. Dec! 18G3, 16th Art., 

Co. K ; disch. for disability. 
Thomas Highland, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. G ; disch. June 8, 1SG5. 
Nelson B. H(dden, enl. Sept. 1861, 7th Cav., Co. A ; disch. March 31, 1862. 
John Hasleni, enl. Oct. I'J, 1861, 7th Cav., Co. A ; disch. March 31, 1862; re-enl. 

Dec. 28, 1S63, 16th Art., Co. K ; pro. to Corp.; disch. June 18, 1865. 
\Vm. R, Haskin, enl. Sept. 11, 1861, 7th Cav., Co. A; disch. March 31, 1862; 

re-enl. Dec. 28, 1863, 16th Art., (k). K ; disch. Ang. 21, 1865. 
Peter Henry, enl. Aug. 1S62, 123d Regt., Co. G ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
John Luddy, enl. Aug. 'J, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. G; prisoner at Andersonvillo ; 

exchanged; discharged. 
David C. Lambert, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. G ; prisoner at Anderson- 

ville, Savannah, etc. ; exchanged ; disch. .July 6, 1865, at Little York, Pa. 
Alexander McGeoch, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Uegt., Co. G ; died at Harrison's 

Landing, July 6,1862. 
James McGeoch, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 7th Cav., Co. A ; disch. March 31, 1862. 
Jamci R. McClellan, enl. April, 1861, 22d Begt., Co. D ; discharged. 
Chester L. McGlellan, eul. April, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. D; wounded; discharged. 
Robert Maxwell, enl. Aug. 8. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. G; disch. June 8,1865. 
James H. Moore, enl. July 9, 1862; 123d Regt., Co. G ; prisoner; exchanged; 

disch. June 8, 1865. 
Martin L. Moore, enl. Oct. 13, 1861, 7th Cav., Co. A ; disch. March 31, 1862 ; re- 
enl. Sept. 1863, 2d Cav., Co. A ; killed at Morganza. 
Matthew Monigan, enl. Aug. 22 , 1862, 123d Regt., Co. G ; prisoner at Anderson- 

ville, Doc. 1864 ; returned to regt. April, 1865. 
Robert Miller, enl. Aug. 19, 1864, 123d Regt., Co. G ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
John L. Marshall, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. G ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Michael McGowan, enl. April, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. D; discharged. 
Jerome B. Rice, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. G : pro. to sergt. and 2d lieut. ; 

prisoner; exchanged; ti'ans. to signal corps ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
John Shields, enl. Dec. 25, 1863, 16th Art., Co. K ; died of disease, Oct. 7, 1864, 

at Petersburg. 
Andrew Shaler, musician ; eul. Ang. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. O; disch. June 8, 

186.5. 
Thomas B. Small, enl. Aug. .s, 1862, 12:1d Regt., Co. G; disch. June S, 1866. 
John A.Stevenson, Corp.; enl. Aug. 1862, I23d Regt., Co. G; pro. to sergt.; 

disch. June 8, 1805. 
Sylvester R. Warner, sergt.; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. G; prisoner at 

liibby ; exchanged; disch. June 8, 1865. 
John S. Wilder, enl. Aug. 29, 1804, 123d Regt., i:o. K ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Hiram B. Wilder, enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G ; disch. for disability, Dec. 

23, 1862. 
Henry W. Welch, enl. Sept. 3, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. G; killed at Atlanta. 
Charles Welch, enl. Aug. 1862, 12.)d Begt., Co. G; wonnded; disch. June 7, 

1865. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JAMES CLEVP]LAND 

was born in the town of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., 
June 27, 1797. He was youngest son in a family of three 
sons and four daughters, — Palmer, David, James, Almira, 
Lois, Ruth, and Polly, all of whom are decea,sed. 

The father, Abel Cleveland, was one of the first settlers 



of Salem, and is supposed to have been a native of Rhode 
Island. He died at the advanced age of seventy years, and 
on the homestead, in the town of Jackson, now occupied 
by the grandson, James H. Cleveland, a view of which, 
with his portrait and his Other's, will be found on another 
page of this work. 

He was educated at the common school, and spent his 
time at home during his minority. 

In the year 1818 he married Fanny Shepherd, of Hebron, 
Washington Co., by whom he had five children, — Turner 
S., William Clark, Frances Elizabeth, wife of John Ackley, 
of Jackson, Henry, and James Harvey. Mrs. Cleveland 
was born in the town of Hebron, Aug. 14, 1794. Her 
parents were of New England birth, and early settled in that 
town. She was a member of the Presbyterian church at 
Salem, warmly attached to the interest of her family, a 
model wife and mother. She died Dec. 31, 1872. 

After Mr. Cleveland's marriage he began farming in the 
town of Jackson, where the son, James H., now resides, 
and carried on, to a large extent, droving, buying his stock 
in Washington and adjoining counties, and finding a market 
at Troy and Lansingburg. He was for several years en- 
gaged as a merchant at Shushan, and for some time in 
Salem, and w;is a wholesale commercial traveler, selling 
mittens and gloves, for some twenty-one years previous to 
his being a merchant. His life was one of great activity, 
and characteristic of him were his indefatigable perseverance 
in business, his resolution to carry forward to a successful 
issue whatever he conceived in his mind. 

He was one of the first to move in the establishment of 
the bank at Salem, and was a director of tiie same during 
the balance of his life. 

With a will to do, he was ready to engage in any enter- 
prise tending to reform. Was a member of the Presby- 
terian church at Salem for over a half-century. 

Mr. Cleveland was an ardent supporter of the Demo- 
cratic party, and one of the standard-bearers of the princi- 
ples established by the fathers. He died April 12, 187G, 
aged seventy-nine years. 

James H., youngest son, resides on the old homestead ; is 
prominently identified with the agricultural interests of his 
town and county ; is the present secretary and treasurer of 
the town insurance company, formed in 1858, with the 
present capital of three hundred and eighty thousand dol- 
lars. He is a farmer by occupation. 

In the year 1H58, September 10, he married Miss Su- 
sannah, daughter of Abram Rowan and Susannah Cruik- 
sliank, of Hebron. Her father was of Irish descent, and 
lived the most of his life in the town of Salem, and died 
at the age of sixty-nii.e years, in the year 1857. Her 
mother was born in Salem ; was of Scotch descent on the 
paternal side, and Irish descent on the maternal side. Of 
this family there were six sons and six daughters, three 
sons and three daughters of whom are living. To Mr. aud 
Mrs. James H. Cleveland have been born two children, — 
William J. and Fred. R. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



415 





f^ipl ?5^ 




/^^ct A^t^^^j^^ 



^fi,-7^yuy\^ 



JONATHAN WARNER. 

Andrew Warner came to America from Wales about the 
year 1630. He resided in Cambridge, Mass., a few years, 
and became one of the first settlers of Hartford in 1635. 
He removed to Hadley, Mass., about the year 1660, and 
died there in 1686, at an advanced age. He had six sons, 
viz., Andrew, Robert, John, Daniel, Jacob, and Isaac, and 
fifty-six grandchildren. Andrew, the son of Daniel, settled 
in Saybrook in 1696, being the second person to locate in 
that part of the town. He had two sons, Andrew and 
Ichabod, the former of whom had five sons, viz., James, 
Eleazar, Jonathan, Seth, and Andrew. 

Jonathan Warner was born in the town of Jackson, 
Washington Co., N. ¥., Aug. 4, 1802. He was eldest son 
of Solomon Warner and Elizabeth Woodworth, the former 
a native of Saybrook, Conn., and came to Washington 
county, settling in the town of Jackson with his father, 
James Warner, when he was only three years of age, and 
in the year 1780. Hence this family Ls numbered among 
the pioneers of this part of the county. At the time of 
the emigration of the grandfather there came also, and set- 
tled in the town of Jackson, his two brothers. His grand- 
father died at an advanced age. 

An incident worthy of note here i.s, that the ancestors 
moved their effects into their wilderness home with an ox- 
team, finding their way by marked trees. The rude cabin, 
the incidents of pioneer life, the obstacles consequent upon 
the growth of a new country, were shared by this family in 
common with other settlers. 

Solomon WarTier, the father, spent his life as a tanner 
and currier and shoemaker, and also engaged quite exten- 
sively in farming ; raised a family of nine children to ma- 
turity, of whom only four survive at the time of writing 



MRS. JONATHAN WAKNEK. 



this sketch (1878). He was a soldier in the War of 1812. 
He was accidentally killed by the cars, on the railroad near 
his home, at the age of seventy-five years and eleven months, 
and in the year 1844. His wife died October, 1842. Jon- 
athan spent his minority on the farm, receiving his educa- 
tion from books in the district school ; but his subsequent 
life has attested during his youth well-grounded and correct 
moral habits and impressions received from parental training, 
that peculiarly fitted him for a successful business career. 
At the age of twenty-three he married Miss Maria, daugh- 
ter of David Simpson and Rachel Reid. The former, a native 
of Ireland, came to this country with his parents, settling 
first in New Hampshire, and subsequently in Jackson, en- 
gaged in the manufacture of potash, in the mercantile busi- 
ness, and farming. The family of Simpson became very 
numerous in Washington county. The latter was also a 
native of Coleraine, Ireland. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Warner have been born four children, 
all dying young except one daughter, Anna Elizabeth, wife 
of Rev. William M. Johnson, who is, in 1878, pastor of 
the First Presbyterian church of Cohoes. Mr. Warner is 
ranked among the self-made men of his town and county, 
aud one of its leading agriculturists, and has spent his life 
as a farmer, and, by industry and a far-seeing sagacity in 
business matters, secured a competence to place him beyond 
the apprehension of want. 

In politics he has led a quiet life, yet guarding carefully 
the right of suffrage, first in the old Whig party, and sub- 
sccjueutly in the Republican party. He is one of the direc- 
tors of the Cambridge Valley National Bank, and promi- 
nent in the councils of its board of managers. 

Mr. Warner and his wife are both identified with the 
Presbyterian church at Cambridge, and liberal supporters 
of all interests looking to the building up and educating the 



416 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. NEAV YORK. 



rising generation. A view of his residence and sunound- 
injrs, eontrastinj; strongly the present improvements with 
the wilderne.ss home, and showini; the result of a life of 
labor, will bo seen on another page of this work. 



THP] HEDGES FAMILY. 

This family are very numerous, and widely dispersed 
over this and other States. They all trace their descent 
back to their first American ancestor, William Hedges, — 
the fir.st of the name in East Hampton, Long Island, and 
wlio died in 1674. From him to the present have been 
the following generations : 

.Second, Stephen Hedges, died July 7, 17o4, aged one 
hundred years. 

Third, William Hedges, died in 1771. 

Fourth, Stephen Hedges, died in 1801, aged seventy- 
seven years. 

Fifth, David Hedges, died in 184G, aged eighty-four 
years. 

Sixth, Stephen Hedges. 

Seventh, Stephen L. Hedges. 

Eighth, David E. Hedges. 

The three last named were living in 1850 in the same 
house, at the north end of Main street. East Hampton, 
upon the inheritance which had descended from William 
of the third generation, who lived and died there. There 
are now thirty-three families of the name living in Ea.st 
and South Hampton, L. I., but many more living away 
from Long Island. 

Three brothers, John W., William, and Henry T. 
Hedges, sons of Samuel B, and Mary (Baker) Hedges, 
reside on the old homestead in Jackson, where they were 
born, and are the present representatives of a well-known 
family. 

Samuel B. Hedges was born in East Hampton, L. I., 
Feb. 12, 1786 ; was a nail-maker by trade, and removed 
when a young man to Lansingburg, where he was married 
(Jan. 2, 1812), and whence he came here and purchased 
the present Hedges, place in 1822. He followed farming 
from that time until June, 1854, when he went upon a 
trip to the copper-mines on the shores of Lake Superior. 
Nothing was heard from him by his family for so long a 
time that they became alarmed about him, and on examin- 
ing a western paper read a notice of a man having been 
found drowned in the Sault St. Marie, whose body had 
been rescued and buried. No one knew whether he had 
been the victim of foul play or had been accidentally 
drowned, but it proved to be the body of Mr. Hedges, who 
had met his sad fate far away from home and kindred. 
His body was brought home as soon as practicable by the 
family and interred in the grave-yard near the brick 
church, in Jackson, N. Y. He was a man highly respected ; 
had served as an ensign under Captain Ballard in the War 
of 1812, and afterwards was promoted to the rank of cap- 
tain in 1816. He was a pensioner of the War of 1812. 
In civil life he had held several offices of trust in his town, 
such as overseer of the poor, assessor, etc. His wife, Mary 
Baker, was the dausihter of James Baker and Esther 



(Collins) Baker, of Dutchess Co., N. Y. They settled at 
an eai'ly time in Lansingburg, where Mary was born. May 
6, 1796. They were married Jan. 2, 1812, and had a 
family of fifteen children, namely: John W., Mary Ann 
(died in 1814), Mary Ann (died in 1847), Sophia, George 
W. (died in 1867), Matthew J. (died in 1859), Stephen 
D. (died in 1821), Esther (died in 1823), Esther P., 
Timothy ( died in 1828), Samuel, William, Stephen McCrea, 
Timothy, and Henry T. Of this family eight are living, 
six sons and two daughters : MeCrea Hedges resides in 
Cambridge ; Daniel is a resident of Iowa ; Timothy, of 
Aurora, 111, ; Sophia, wife of James Bradshaw, resides at 
Lansingburg, N. Y., and Esther, an unmarried sister, is 
living at home on the farm. The three brothers at home 
are farmers, having purchased the estate of the other heirs. 
Henry in addition to farming also carries on building, being 
a practical carpenter and joiner. 

Henry T. Hedges was married to Miss A.senath Burtt, 
of Shu.shan. in March, 1863, by whom he has four children. 
For about five years he has held the office of road com- 
missioner. John W. and Timothy served in the late war, 
the latter being wounded by a rifle-shot while serving as 
captain of commissary on the staflF of General Kilpatrick. 
He was a member of the Harris Light Cavalry. 



JAMES H. WEIR. 



John Weir, the grandfather of James H. Weir, came 
from the north of Ireland before the Revolution, and was 
a soldier during that war. He was the first settler on the 
farm known as the Arnott place, about three miles from 
the village of Cambridge, where he spent his days, and 
where Thomas I. Weir, the father of James H., was 
born Sept. 19, 1779. He married for his first wife Matilda 
Howland, December, 1803. She was born in Massachu- 
setts, April 2, 1784. By this marriage he had children 
as follows: Abraham, born May 5, 1805; Deborah, born 
Nov. 8, 1806; Catharine, born Aug. 16, 1808; Rozilla, 
born July 27, 1810 ; John, born May 7, 1812 ; Maranda, 
born April 4, 1814; James H., born March 5, 1816. 
Mrs. Weir died Dec. 17, 1817, and Mr. Weir married for 
his second wife Anna Hay, of Cambridge, N. Y., Jan. 30, 
1821. She was born in Cambridge, May 2, 1791, and is 
still living, at the age of seventy-seven years, at the old 
Weir homestead in Jackson. The children of Thomas I. 
Weir, by the second marriage, were Elizabeth, born Dec. 
25, 1821 ; Henry, born Nov. 10, 1823 ; Lewis, born Aug. 
5, 1826. Mr. Wier died Oct. 12, 1865, aged eighty-six 
years and twenty-three days. 

Of the children by the first marriage, Maranda, Catha- 
rine, Deborah, and Rozilla are deceased, and of those by 
the second marriage, Lewis and Elizabeth. 

James Harvey Weir was the youngest child of Thomas 
I. Weir by his first wife. He was brought up on the old 
homestead, adjoining his present place in the town of Jack- 
son, till twenty-five years of age, and received his education 
at the common schools. December 31, 1839, he was united 
in marriage to Sarah Jane Stone, daughter of Reuben 
Stone, of Jackson, /rheir children are Angel ine, born 



HLSTORY OF WASHLNGTOM COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



417 



May 20, 1843 ; Dallas P., born March 29, 1845 ; Mary 
Eudora, born Nov. 27, 1846 ; Emma Jane, born April 20, 
1854. Angeline died Feb. 18, 1852; Mary E. (Mrs. 
William Hall) died Feb. 11, 1874. 

In 1841, Mr. Weir settled on the Rood farm, now occu- 
pied by his son-in-law, William Hall, whore he resided 
twenty years. He then removed to his present place, 
which he had previously purchased, jiaying; therefor fifty 
dollars per acre, the highest price then paid for land in the 
town. The location is a very beautiful and desirable one, 
and the farm one of the best in this portion of the county. 
Mr. Weir is a very successful farmer, and highly esteemed 
in the eommuiiitv where he resides. 



THOMAS B. LOURIE. 

Thomas B. Lourie was born in the town of Jackson, at 
the homestead where he now resides, on the 20th of April, 
1828. Alexander Lourie, his grandfather, came from 



latter marriage he had five children, two of whom died 
young. Those who reached maturity were Anna Maria, 
Thomas B., the subject of this sketch, and Jennett, now 
Mrs. I)r. John Ashton, of Cambridge. 

His maternal grandfather, Rev. Thomas Beveridge, came 
from Scotland in 1784, and was sent by the presbytery of 
Philadelphia to preach in this section of northern New 
York. • He established the second Associated Presbyterian 
church in this vicinity, viz., the present United Presbyte- 
rian church of Coila, of which Rev. Henry Gordon is 
pastor. He preached extensively, and organized most of 
what were then called the Associated Presbyterian churches 
of this county, but afterwards united with the Reformed 
churches, constituting the United Presbyterian church. 

Rev. Mr. Beveridge married Jennett Featheringame, 
whose mother's maiden name was Jennett Lourie. She 
married a Beveridge for her first husband, and for her 
second a Featheringame, and emigrated from Scotland with 
her son and daughter by the first marriage, Andrew and 
Anna Beveridge, and her daughter by the second marriage. 




P. /3, 



Scotland in 1770, and settled first iu Orange county, 
whence he removed to that part of the old town of Cam- 
bridge now included in Jackson in 17U2. He married in 
Scotland a Miss McDonal, and had two sons who arrived at 
maturity, one of whom was George Lourie, the father of 
the subject of this notice. George Lourie was born Jan. 
11, 1786, and married for his first wife Mary W. Irvine, 
Dec. 28, 1809, by whom he had five children. He after- 
wards married Jennett Beveridge, daughter of Rev. Thomas 
Beveridge, who was the founder and first pastor of what is 
now the United Presbyterian church of (Vila. By this 
53 



Jennett Featheringame, in 1774. She became the wife of 
Rev. Thomas Beveridge and the grandmother of Mr. 
Lourie, as above stated. 

The Louries and the Beveridgcs are well-known families 
iu this county. Thomas B. Lourie is a brother of Judge 
James I. Lourie, of Greenwich, formerly judge of the 
circuit court. Of the latter family, ex-Governor Bev- 
eridge, of Illinois, is a reprasentative, and was born in the 
town of Hebron in this county. 

Thomas B. Lourie wa.s married in 1855 to Sarah Jane 
Stevenson, daughter of ILin. John Stevenson, of Cambridge. 



418 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



He has devoted himself to the occupation of a flirmer and 
mixed little in politics, iilthoiigh a man of decided opinions 
and an ardent Republican since the organization of that 
party. He has served his town twice in the board of 
supervisors, and been county superintendent of the poor 
for tiie jtast ten years. 



WILLIAM HOLDEN, 
son of John Ilolden and Abigail Chipman, was born in 
Arlington, Vt., March 29, 1807. Like other Vermont 
boys, his earlier years were spent about his father's prem- 
ises, attending to such duties as a boy could do and availing 
himself of such means of education as the place afforded. 
At the age of fifteen he was placed under the care of Col- 
onel E. Billings, of Jackson, Washington Co., N. Y., to 
learn the trade of a tanner and currier. Here he spent 
four years, during which a mutual friendship sprang up 
between the employer and the young apprentice, which 
continued unbroken until the death of Colonel Billings a 
few years ago. Afler spending some years in journey-work, 
he returned to Colonel Billings and entered into partner- 
ship with him. Having now a permanent business, he 
made up his mind to establish a home, and in 1833 he 
married Evelyn M. Kelly, of Wardsboro', Vt. In this 
choice he was very fortunate, for in all the years of their 
wedded life she has been to him a true helpmeet and cheer- 
ful companion in life's journey. 

At the age of eighteen, Mr. Holden connected himself 
with the Presbyterian church in Cambridge, known as the 
White church, where ever since he has not only been an 
influential and consistent member, but has there exercised 
the office of ruling elder over thirty years. He is a Pres- 
byterian by choice and conviction, a stanch advocate of 
the distinctive doctrines of that venerable denomination. 

Mr. Holden has six children, five of whom are living. 
His oldest son, during the nation's peril, went forth to de- 
fend its integrity, but never returned. Two of his sons are 
in business in Chicago, and two of his daughters reside in 
New Jersey. Tliough partially retired, he has not en- 
tirely relin([uished his business, but is carrying it on still, 
in copartnership with his son Henry, who lives with him. 
He is thus relieved from the worry of business, having 
largely conveyed his interest into the hands of his son, who 
inherits many of his father's sterling fjualities. He is 
spending the autumn of his life very pleasantly. The wife 
of his youth is still by his side. 

In the place where he has always resided and is best 
known he is most I'espected, — an excellent evidence of a 
man's real worth and the soundness of liis character. As 
a man of business he is noted for his old-fashioned upright- 
ness in his dealings, preferring the maintenance of his word 
and honor to anything that might be gained by the modern 
tricks of trade. As a citizen he has always taken the right 
side of every enterprise, and though by no means desirous 
of notoriety, might always be relied on to aid whatever was 
considered to be for the good of the community at large. 
As a member of the church lie has always been consistent, 
and as an officer calm, judicial, and charitable. When duty 
re((uired it, lie has always been tlie uiifliiichiiig advoc;ite of 
what he believed to be right and Scriptural. Taking him 



all in all, he is a well-rounded type of the American char- 
acter, leaving an example that will be a good one for his 
children to imitate, and a name they will cherish when his 
head lies low and mingles with its kindred dust. 



JAMES COULTER. 

Among the sturdy, enterprising, and successful farmers of 
Washington county, none are more deserving of mention 
than James Coulter. He is of Irish descent, with a re- 
markable genius for economy and thrift, few men in the 
county having attained greater success in the exclusive pur- 
suit of agriculture. 

James Coulter wa.s born in that portion of the old town 
of Cambridge now included in the town of Jackson, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., June 24, 1799, and is the son of George, 
and grandson of James Coulter. His grandfather came 
from the north of Ireland, and was the first settler on the 
farm (then a wilderness) adjoining the present Coulter 
homestead on the north, where George Coulter was born and 
reared his family, and where James was also born and re- 
sided until the age of twenty-six years. He had been in 
no haste to get married until he could first secure a situa- 
tion enabling him to assume the responsibilities of a farm 
for himself; and having attained that object, he married his 
cousin, Nancy Coulter, a discreet and comely farmer's 
daughter, who has fulfilled Solomon's ideal of a wife, in 
" managing well the affairs of her household, and eating not 
the bread of idleness." Her mother's name was Nancy 
Ferguson, born in Scotland, and came to this country with 
her parents and two brothers, among the early settlers of 
Washington county. She married a brother of Mr. Coul- 
ter's father, and her daughter Nancy married James Coultei-, 
the subject of this biography, on the 18th of January, 
1826. For a partial payment on the new farm, upon which 
Mr. Coulter was about to commence his married life, his 
father gave him one thousand dollars, and other personals, 
in the way of an outfit. He purchased one hundred acres 
for twenty dollars an acre, on which he settled and lived 
until 1836. At the end of this decade he bad paid for his 
place and saved a surplus of sixteen hundred dollars to pay 
down on his next farm, — the place where he now resides,— 
which he purchased and moved upon in the year 1836. It 
is only summing up and epitomizing a long life of remark- 
able energy, diligence, and success, in a pursuit exclusively 
agricultural, to say that he has grown " rich in children and 
lands," as did the patriarch Jacob. 

Mr. and Mrs. Coulter have had eleven children, — six sons 
and five daughters. One son died in infancy, and they lost 
three little girls with scarlet fever, who died within two 
weeks of each other. Towards his children, Mr. Coulter 
has been munificent in his liberality, aiding all his sons, 
except the youngest, who still resides at home (and will 
probably continue to do, as he is married and will be a 
necessary stay of his parents in their old age), in getting 
established upon their respective farms m the sum of ten 
thousand dollars each. 

Besides these munificent gifts to his children, Mr. Coulter 
gave liberally to build the Rutland and Washington rail- 
road through this county, and al.so the Johnsimville and 



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Bv L H Evwrsaco^Hu* ''A 



Residencc or Wm Holden, Jackson. WASHjNoroN (;o,N v 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



419 



Greenwich railroad. He lias always been a Republican, 
and while he has been too busy a man to accept or desire 
office, he has never been par.simouious in matter.? pertaining 
to home or the public welfare. The books and adornments 
of art which the visitor notices in his home show him to 
be a man of refined and elevated sentiments, and far supe- 
rior to the mere sordid desire to accumulate property. He, 
and his wife and family also, evidently desire wealth not 
for its own sake, but for the higher ends of intellectual, es- 
thetic, and social life to which it is made to minister, and 
the comforts and enjoyments which it secures. 

They have one married daughter residing at Union vil- 
lage, — Cornelia, wife of James Thomp.son. Mr. and Mrs. 
Coulter are members of the United Presbyterian church at 
Coila, in the town of Jackson, where Rev. Dr. Bullions 
officiated as pastor for over fifty years, of which church 
Mr. Coulter has held for many years the office of trustee. 
In paying the tribute justly due to his fiiithful companion, 
Mr. Coulter wishes to accord to her economy and good 
management the credit for a large share of his success in 
life. As they have traveled the up-hill of life together, 
they are now descending its declining slope in company, 
and may they at last, as pilgrims, reach the " shining gate." 



ANDREW McLEAN. 

Andrew McLean was born in Jackson, Wa.shington Co., 
N Y., April 9, 1824. He is a son of Lewis McLean, and 
grandson of Hon. John McLean, who came from New 
Jersey and settled on the place now occupied by Alansou 
McLean, brother of the subject of this notice. John 
McLean, the grandfather, was born in New Jerse}', May 9, 
1760. His wife's maiden name was Mary Vankirk, born 
June 28, 1762, and married to Mr. McLean June 4, 1783. 
Of their large family, Lewis, the father of Andrew and 
Alanson McLean, and their eight sisters, was the fourth 
child, and was born on the homestead in Jackson. He 
married Esther Collins, of Greenwich, by whom he had ten 
children, all daughters, except the two sons, Andrew and 
Alanson McLean, both of whom now occupy the lands 
upon which their grandfather, Hon. John McLean, settled 
ever ninety years ago, when Washington county was a 
wilderness. John McLean was among the prominent men 
of the county, which he represented in the General Assem- 
bly ; while a member of that body he secui'ed the passage 
of the law dividing the old town of Cambridge, and form- 
ing within its original territory the two new towns of Jack- 
son and White Creek. He died on the 6th of July, 1834, 
and his wife on the 14lh of September, 1835. 

The estate then passed into the hands of Lewis McLean, 
who reared upon it his family of ten children, pursuing 
the occupation of a farmer during his life. At his death 
the estate was divided between the two sous, who discharged 
the obligations to the remaining children, and have since 
resided upon the premises as successful and prosperous 
farmers. 

Andrew JIcLean was educated at the common schools, 
and in the pursuit of agriculture, which he has followed all 
his life, having resided on the present place since 1828. 
He was married, in January, 1852, to Martha E. Valentine, 



daughter of Harvey and Eliza Valentine, whose parents 
were among the first settlers in this section of the town of 
Jackson, and whose estate in the neighborhood of the 
Ponds is still owned by the family descendants. The 
fruit of this marriage has been three children, as follows: 
Lewis Vankirk, born Jan. 6, 1853 ; Arthur H., born Sept. 
16, 1857 ; and Esther Addie, born Feb. 28, 1859. 

Mr. McLean was reared a Whig, but became a Democrat 
upon the formation of the Republican party, in 1856. He 
has taken little active interest in politics, and never sought 
office. He and Mrs. McLean are members of the First 
Presbyterian church of Cambridge, of which organization 
he has served many years as trustee. 



WARREN KENYON. 

Warren Kenyon was born in the town of Hebron, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Sept. 30, 1834, and was brought up there 
on a farm till he attained his majority. On the 9th of 
September, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss 
Phoebe Esther V. Clough, of Hebron, and soon after pur- 
chased a farm near the old homestead, upon which he 
settled and resided about seven years. He then removed 
to a farm which he purchased in the town of Easton. He 
occupied this place about two years, when he removed to 
the beautiful spot on which his residence now stands. It 
is situated in the town of Jackson, at the head of Lake 
Lauderdale, on the turnpike leading from Cambridge to 
Salem. He has here one hundred and thirty-five acres of 
fine land, in the midst of one of the most beautiful land- 
scapes in this section of the country. The lake, embosomed 
in the rich, green valley, spreads its silver sheet of water 
almost from his very door, and is not only a gem in the 
emerald of the surrounding fields and hills, but is a place 
much resorted to by fishing and pleasure parties. Mr. 
Kenyon has constructed a convenient dock near his house, 
at the head of the lake, and keeps a supply of skiffs and 
small boats for the accommodation of those who desire to 
use them for fishing and other purposes. 

His father, Zebulon Kenyon, was born in Argyle, and 
was an early settler in the town of Hebron. His ancestors 
came from Rhode Island, and settled in Argyle at an early 
time. 

Mrs. Kenyon's father. Dr. Levi H. Clough, was born in 
Hebron, his parents having emigrated from Massachusetts 
at a time when Washington county was a wilderness. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon have had four children, two of 
whom' died in infancy. Those surviving are Lois Anna, 
now Mrs. Albert Ackley, of Jackson, and Levi Kenyon, a 
lad of some seven years of age. 

Mr. Kenyon has always been a Republican in politics, 
and while he has never sought office, he ha.s discharged the 
duties of tho.se which his townsmen have imposed upon him 
with fidelity. He is a man of energy and integrity of 
character, and has achieved his success in life by his own 
unaided exertions. Both himself and Mrs. Kenyon have 
been members of the Metiiodist Episcopal church for about 
twenty years, and are among the most estimable citizens of 
the town in which they reside. 



KINGSBURY. 



Tins lies in the western vansje of towns, and is about 
equidistant between the northern and southern extremities 
of tlie county. Its form is that of a square, of which tlie 
boundaries are, Fort Ann on the north, Hartford on the 
east, and Argyle and Fort Edward on the south. On 
the west it bordere on the county of Warren, except for 
about one mile, at the southwest corner, where the Hudson 
river divides it from Saratoga county. Tlie surface is for 
the most part level or moderately rolling, but in the east it 
is broken by bills, some of which rise to a height of nearly 
two hundred feet above the valleys. Besides the Hudson, 
the only streams of size are Wood creek, which enters from 
Argyle and flows across the town in a northeasterly direc- 
tion, and Half- Way creek, a tributary of Wood creek, en- 
tering from Warren county and crossing the northwest 
corner into Fort Ann. A small stream, called Bond's creek, 
flows south from Kingsbury into Fort Edward, where it 
becomes Fort Edward creek. The Champlain canal and 
the Saratoga and Whitehall railroad traverse the town in a 
northeasterly course, and nearly pai'allel to each other, along 
the valley of Wood creek, and the Glen's Falls navigable 
feeder crosses the southwest corner. 

The present domain of Kingsbuiy, like that of adjoining 
towns, was once traversed by the great Indian trails leading 
from the lakes to the Hudson, over which, for a period 
whose duration none will ever know, the warriors of the 
northern and southern tribes piissed and repassed in the ad- 
vances and retreats of their ceaseless warfare against each 
otlier, and along whose route, in every mile, from river to 
lake, the dark pine forest echoed to the whoop and the 
scalp-yell, long before Abercronibie, or Dieskau, or Mont- 
calm were born. 

There is no doubt that the first white man who ever 
set foot here was Father Isaac Jogues, a French Jesuit, 
who, in 1642, while on his way from Quebec to a Huron 
mission in Upper Canada, accompanied by his friends, 
Goupil and Couture and two other Frenchmen, and escorted 
by thirty-five Hurons, was captured by a Mohawk war-party 
and brought by way of Lake George,''' and tlience over the 
great path, to the Hudson river. A year later he made his 
escape, but returning afterwards, with the purpose of estab- 
lishing a mission among the Mohmvks, was most barbarously 
murdered by them in x\ugust, 1646. Twenty years later 
came the French expeditions, led by De Courcelles and De 
Tracey against the Mohawks, in 1665 and 1666, the former 
numbering five hundred, and the latter eleven hundred men. 
These and the subsequent raidiugs which culminated in the 
bloody descent on Schenectady, in 1690, all passed over this 

* This was the first time this beautiful lake had been seen by Eu- 
ropeans, and Father Jogues then gave to it the name of Lat dii Si. 

.Snaruineill. 

420 



ground, as did also the retaliatory expeditions which marched 
northward against the Canadian French and Indians, in 
1689-91, and that of Nicholson, in 1709. The French 
leader, Marin, came this way in his descent on Fort Lydius 
and Saratoga, in 1745, and ten years later commenced the 
marchings and countermarchings of armies which, under 
Lyman, and Johnson, and Abercronibie, and Amherst, were 
almost constantly moving through these forests until the 
close of the last French war, and which are described at 
length in their appropriate chronological position in the 
general history of the county. 

One of the most exciting of the minor events of that 
era was the desperate fight which occurred on the 8th of 
August, 1758. between Majors Putnam and Rogers, with 
their rangers, on the one hand, and a body of French and 
Indians, under the celebrated partisan leader, Marin or 
Molang, on the other. This is believed by some to have 
occurred in the northeastern part of the town now under 
consideration, and it is sometimes called the battle of Kings- 
bury, but the weight of evidence is that it was in the pres- 
ent town of Fort Ann. It is fully described in the general 
history.f 

In the times of which we write, and for many years after, 
the territory which is now Kingsbury was for the most part 
covered with a dense growth of the heaviest timber. In 
the east and northeast portion was a region which, upon a 
military map made a century and a quarter ago, was desig- 
nated as open pitch-pine plains ; but in the western part, 
and particularly along the road between Forts Edward and 
William Henry, was an unbroken forest of mighty white- 
pine trees, into whose gloomy shadow the sun's rays seldom 
penetrated, and in whose dim recesses innumerable deeds of 
horror and m;issacre were done. In Graydon's " Memoirs" 
this section is thus described : " Immediately beyond Fort 
Edward the country assumed a dreary, cheerless aspect. 
Between this and Lake George, a distance of about twelve 
miles, it was almost an entire wood, acquiring a deeper 
gloom, as well from the general prevalence of pines, as from 
its dark, extended covert being presented to the imagination 
as an appropriate scene for the treasons, stratagems, and 
spoils of savage ho.stility. It was in this tract of country 
that several actions had been fought ; that Baron Dieskau 
had been defeated, and that American blood had flowed as 
well as English and French ; in commemoration of which, 
the terror we attach to the adventitious circumstances 
which seem to accelerate man's doom had given to a piece 
of stagnant water near the road the name of ' Bloody 
Pond.'" 

But these woods saw darker hours than those of battle. 

t See page,« 29 and .'10. 




Residence s? T. M.QROESBECK, KfNqsBURY, /tf. Y. 



UTH sr L.f.cvKins dCo.rHicioapKM. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YOKK. 



421 



Through them lay the route over which must pass the 
trains bringing supplies to the northern armies, and these 
were constantly attacked and pillaged, the teamsters and 
escort tortured and massacred, and the very boast.s often 
maimed and mutilated with inhuman barbarity. Dr. Fitch, 
in his " Survey of the County of Washington," says, " Al- 
most every step between the present village of Sandy Hill 
and the lake thus became tracked with blood, and ' Half- 
way brook," and ' Blind rock,' and ' Five-mile run' became 
noted as places of ambuscade, and were always approached 
by the trembling teamsters with fear and circumspection." 

Among the numerous tales recounted of murders and mi- 
raculous escapes in this di.smal place, none awakens a deeper 
interest than that of the adventure of young John Quacken- 
boss, of Albany, who had been impressed as a teamster by 
officers of the quartermaster's department, and ordered to 
haul a load of supplies to the post at Lake George. He 
had passed Fort Edward and entered the dark and dreaded 
forest which lay beyond, when he was ambushed and taken 
by a large party of savages, who also captured the guard of 
fifteen soldiers and their officer. Lieutenant McGinnis, who 
had been detailed to escort the train. The band halted at 
a spot which is now the public park at Sandy Hill, then 
merely a partial opening in the surrounding woods, and 
here the .seventeen unfortunates were seated on the trunk 
of a fallen tree, and being securely bound, were left in 
charge of a guard of two or three Indians, while the 
remainder of the band absented themselves for awhile, per- 
haps in the hope of securing more victims. After a little 
time they returned, and at once commenced the slaughter of 
their prisoners, beginning at one end of the line and sink- 
ing their tomahawks into the skull of each in quick succes- 
sion until they reached Lieutenant McGinnis, then the sole 
survivor except Quackenboss, who, fortunately for himself, 
occupied the last place at the end of the line. The love of 
life was strong in the young soldier, and dodging the de- 
scending tomahawk, he threw himself backward on the 
ground in a supreme eflFort to break his bonds, but it was 
all in vain ; a dozen tomahawks whirled in the air, and the 
soldier's agony was ended. Quackenboss closed his eyes to 
await the death-blow, when suddenly a squaw, exercising 
a prerogative which Indian warriors seldom disregard, de- 
manded that as he was not a fighting man, his life should 
be spared to become her slave, her dug ! This was at once 
acceded to, and the teamster, staggering under the enor- 
mous load of plunder which they piled upon him, but happy 
in having escaped the tomahawk, started on the weary jour- 
ney to the Indian villages in Canada, where, upon his arri- 
val, he was compelled to run the gauntlet, from which 
ordeal he barely escaped with his life, but was soon restored 
to health and soundness by the nursing of his red mistress. 

His captivity became known to the governor of Canada, 
who then purchased him from the Indians, and brought 
him to Montreal, where he was employed at his trade, 
which was that of weaver. His situation had now become 
endurable, but he was anxious to communicate with his 
friends at home, his family, and Jane Vicle, his engaged 
wife, to assure them of his existence. With the consent of 
the governor he wrote a letter, which was given in charge 
of a reliable Indian runner, who, coming as near to Fort 



Edward as he could in safety to himself, fastened it securely 
to the trunk of a conspicuous tree, and returned to Mon- 
treal. The letter was discovered and sent to its destination, 
carrying gladness to those who had mourned a son and a 
lovei- as dead. After three years of captivity he was sent 
home by way of Quebec and New York, married Miss 
Vielo, and settled in the town of Cambridge, where ho 
passed the remainder of his long life ; but never to the day 
of his death could be refer without deepest emotion to the 
horrors which he witnessed on the pine-covered plateau 
above Fort Edward. 

PROPRIETORS AND SETTLERS OF KINGSBURY. 

The "Kingsbury patent," embracing a territory about six 
and a half miles square, the same which is now compre- 
hended in the town of Kingsbury, was granted on the 11th 
of May, 17G2, to James Bradshaw, of New Milford, Conn., 
and twenty-two associates, mostly from the same State : 
these being Daniel Taylor, Nathaniel Taylor, Samuel Brown- 
son, Comfort Star, John Warner, Kent Wright, Abe! 
Wright, Benjamin Seelye, Preserved Porter, Ebeneuer 
Seelye, Gideon Noble, Thomas Noble, Partridge Thatcher, 
Daniel Bostwick, Samuel Canfield, Isaac Hitchcock, John 
Prindle, Benjamin Wildman, Jonathan Hitchcock, John 
Hitchcock, Amos Northup, and Israel Camp. Ail these 
lands, comprising more than twenty-six thousand acres, 
were divided into lots, numbered — commencing on the 
south line — from 1 to 93, and the.se were allotted among 
the several owners, excepting No. 93, — covering the limits 
of the present corporation of Sandy Hill, — which included 
the entire river frontage, and on this account was held in 
common by the patentees. 

Into this wilderness tract, which was for years known 
generally as " Bradshaw's township," the first to enter was 
Bradshaw himself, who came in 1763, and made prepara- 
tions for settlement, but did not remove his family hither 
until 1765. The next one who came is supposed to have 
been Oliver Colvin, Sr., who settled in the north part of 
the town. The third settler in Kingsbury and the first at 
Sandy Hill was Albert Baker, who, in the year 1768, came 
here from New York city, bringing his young wife and 
their two sons, Albert and Charles, aged respectively three 
years and three months, locating his humble dwelling upon 
the site now occupied by the residence of Hiram Allen, 
near those noble falls of the Hudson which have since 
borne his name, and upon which he then constructed a 
short wing-dam (all that was necessary on such a fall) and 
built a saw-mill, this being the first wheel turned by water- 
power in the town of Kingsbury.* His son, Caleb, born 



* Mr. Bulkeley, in his "Leading Industrial Pursuits," etc. (1877), 
says, Bradsliaw erected the first mill at the falls in 1765 ; that it 
"was of ancient style, and is describe<i by one of the oldest residents 
of the village as ' an old Dutch mill, and too slow to do business 
with.' It was partially demolished by Mr. Baker, and two mills of 
modern construction erected in its place." There was no person 
living in the village or town in 1877 who could " describe" that mill, 
if it had ever existed, for there was not one here who saw the light 
until nearly twenty years after the time when it is represented to 
have been remodeled tiy Baker. It is e.\tremely improbable too that 
Mr. Baker, upon his first arrival in the wilderness, and at that early 
day, was so ovcr-anibitious as to build " (ico mills of modern con- 



422 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



a year or two later, was the first white child born in the 
town. 

About the .sarn(! time came Michael Hufnogel,* also from 
New York, and for a time occupied the house with Mr. 
Baker, whose business partner he was for several years. He 
afterwards built a house near where Mr. Wait now lives, 
but this was burnt before the Revolution. Other settlers 
who followed very soon after were Samuel Brownson (orig- 
inal patentee), Jo.seph Smith, Thomas Grant, Benjamin 
(Jnderhill, Solomon King, Heury Franklin, William Smith, 
Sylvanus Dillingham, Ennis Graham, George Wray, Moses 
Smith, John Moss, Timothy Harris, Moses Harris, Gilbert 
Harris, Nehemiah Seelye, John Griffith, John Munroe, 
Leonard Deklyn, Amos McKcney, Asa Richardson, Sam- 
uel Sherwood, Andrew Sherwood, Samuel Sherwood, Jr., 
John Phillips, Adam Wint, Samuel Harris, Adiel Sher- 
wood, and the Jones family, which consisted of a widow 
and her six .sons, — John, Jonathan, Dunham, Daniel, David, 
and Solomon. 

This family, of which John Jones appears to have been 
the head, settled in the northwest part of the township, 
near the present village of Patten's Mills, and afterwards 
became widely known, not only on account of their pro- 
nounced toryism, but still more from the fact that the fifth 
son, David, was the affianced lover of Jane McCrea, with 
whom he probably became acquainted in Leamington, N. J., 
fi-om which place both their families had emigrated. He, 
with another brother, afterwards held commissions in Jes- 
sup's Loyalist Battalion, under Burgoyne, and both he and 
Daniel| became proprietors of lands on Bond's creek, about 



struction." Again, Mr. Bulkeley states that Mr. Baker "erected the 
first dwelling in the township," from which we should be obliged to 
believe either that Bradshaw had never settled in Kingsbury at all 
or that he had been living in the open air from 1765 to 1768, while 
building and running his " old Dutch mill." It appears to us plain 
that Baker built the first mill at the falls, and we give it confidently 
as the correct statement. 

'-■■" This orthography is presumably correct, as it is copied from his 
own signature upon a deed to Timothy Harris, dated Feb. 10, 1772. 
It has frequently been spelled Uofl'nagle and Iluffnagle. 

t Daniel Jones, who appears to have been the most enterprising of 
the family, did not long remain a resident of this town, but removed 
to Qucensbury, and was among the earliest to develop the water- 
power at Glen's Falls, with Abraham Wing, whose d.aughter, Deborah, 
became his wife. During the Revolution he became an obnoxious 
Tory, and on the declaration of peace was obliged to take refuge in 
Canada. In due course he was indicted and convicted of acts of 
treason, and his lands in Kingsbury and Queensbury were sold by 
the commissioners of forfeiture. Some years afterwards he came 
from Canada to attempt to regain his possessions here, but was met 
with such hostility that he abandoned the undertaking. About 18.30, 
his son Daniel came to renew the attempt, and called on Major 
Thomas Bradshaw, who occupied a portion of the old Jones' farm 
(where Daniel Breen now resides). His reception was highly inaus- 
picious, and it was intimated to him that the people of the viciuity 
were only awaiting a signal from the major to apply to him a coat of 
tar and feathers, whereupon, fearing for his personal safety, he re- 
turned empty-handed to Canada. After the death of Major Brad- 
shaw, however, he came again, and engaged the services of Luther 
Andrews and Joshua Harris to aid in procuring evidence that his 
lands had been unlawfully confiscated. These gentlemen made a 
very thorough search at Albany, but failed to find the book contain- 
ing the record which they sought. After one or two more unsuccess- 
ful searches, Jones laid his case before Attorney-General Chatfield, 
who, after investigating the matter, reported to the Legislature that 
Jones' claim was valid, and recommended that the State should settle 



one mile southeast of Moss street. John Moss settled at 
Moss street, and gave the name to the locality. Samuel 
Harris married a daughter of Hufnogel, and settled at 
Moss street. Timothy Harris purchased lot No. 28 of the 
survey, and small lot No. 9, adjoining No. 93, and he also 
leased from the proprietors a tract of twenty-seven acres, 
being a part of No. 93, and bounding upon the river; but 
we are uncertain upon which he first settled. John Grif- 
fith located and made improvements on lot No. 62 (Wood 
creek, below and near Smith's basin), and this land and 
improvements he sold to John Munroe on the 13th of June, 
1772, for one hundred and fifty pounds. 

In the •' Survey of Washington County" by Asa Fitch, 
JNI.D., the doctor remarks that he was able to gather but 
few definite particulars concerning the first settlement of 
the town of Kingsbury ; and such has also been our expe- 
rience, — a fact which is chiefly due to the destruction of 
records and the disorganization and depopulation of the 
town which resulted from Burgoyne's invasion, and the still 
more desolating one led by Carleton in 1780. 

KINGSBURY IN THE REVOLUTION. 
Upon the breaking out of the Revolution, it became evi- 
dent that although Kingsbury contained many true and 
noble patriots, yet that the prevailing sentiment of its in- 



it on the best attainable terms. No favorable action being taken by 
the Legislature, Jones, in 1855, commenced suits against several of 
the occupants in Kingsbury and Glen's Falls, to eject them from their 
lands. The interested parties in Kingsbury, to the number of about 
forty, met at Vaughn's Corners, and selected Mr. S. 0. Cross, one of 
their number, to proceed to Albany and ascertain whether the Legis- 
lature could, upon petition, be induced to comi)romise with Jones 
and save litigation. The committee to whom the matter was referred 
reported adversely, and nothing remained but to let the case take 
its course, and look to the State for relief in ease of an unfavorable 
decision. Mr. Cross now turned his attention to the obtaining of 
evidence for the defense, and the examination of the earl3' laws bear- 
ing on the case, and finding that it was the duty of the governor to 
appoint counsel and other necessary aid in the defense of such suits, 
procured from the governor the appointment of Hughes A Northup 
as counsel, and of himself as assistant in the case. He also renewed 
the search for the book of records which Jones had sought for, and 
by a fortunate mistake, inquired at the wrong department, hut/oiind 
there the bonk, which had been mislaid, and which an old clerk 
assured him had been Ij'ing there for thirty years. This book gave 
the name of Captain John Pettit as the purchaser of the lands in 
dispute, but the date of the purchase was not entered. 

Jones claimed, and Attorney-General Chatfield had admitted, that 
the sales were made after the ratification of Jay's treaty, which pro- 
vided that no sales of confiscated lands should thereafter be made. 
The whole question then turned on the date of sale : if before 
the treaty, Jones' title was void; if after, it was good. The record 
was made considerably later than the treaty, and the presumption, 
in the absence of the deed itself, was in favor of Jones. Mr. Cross 
recollected that an early school-mate of his was the grandson of 
Captain Pettit, and knowing that this grandson was then in Newark, 
N. J., wrote him in relation to his grandfather's papers, soon re- 
ceiving the reply that they had been barreled to be sent to the paper- 
mill, but would be retained for his examination ; and the result was, 
in brief, that at the bottom of the last examined of the five barrels 
the deed was found, hearing date a few weeks prior to that of Jai/'s 
trcati/. This ended the litigation, and judgment was taken against 
Jones for costs. 

As a protection against future claims of the Jones' heirs, under the 
favorable report of the attorney-general, Mr. Cross filed the deed in 
the county clerk's office for record, May 19, 1871, and it is entered 
in Book 3, Miscellaneous, p. 266. The deed itself, covering the farms 
of Mr. Gross and others, remains in his possession. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



423 



habitants was intense toryism. When the news of the 
capture of Ticoudeioga was received, a celebration of the 
event was attempted by the Whij^s at Kingsbury street, 
but they were attacked by outnumbering Tories, who not 
only extinguished the bonfires and scattered the assem- 
blage, but inaugurated a reign of terror which forced the 
Whigs of that vicinity to abandon their homes and to con- 
tinue in exile until the surrender at Schuylersville turned 
the tables on their persecutors. In fact, the town was 
known as the headquarters of a nest of Tories of the most 
desperate and malignant type, many of whom enlisted in 
the royal cause, but were more murderers and robbers than 
soldiers, and more barbarous in their deeds than Hessians 
or savages ; hesitating at no crime, and wholly disregarding 
the ties of neighborship or even of consanguinity. Among 
these were Caleb Closson, Griffin, Bell, Andrew Rakely, 
Adam Wint, and many others less notorious ; but probably 
the one who was most feared and execrated was Gilbert, or 
" Old Gil" Harris, who owned a square mile of fertile 
land in the north paff of Tlie town, embracing what has 
since been known as the Colvin farm, or the " thousand 
apple-tree form," where Thomas Owens now resides. J^fter 
the close of the war he could no longer HyeJn^Kingsbury, 
but removed, as is said, to Bolton, where he died. Michael 
Hufnogel also opposed the cause of the patriots, and was 
obliged afterwards to emigrate in consequence, but no such 
infamy as attached to other names in the vicinity has been 
connected with his. 

Until the third year of the war, Kingsbury saw nothing 
of the horrors of hostile military occupation ; but on the 
22d of July, 1777, the advance-guard of Burgoyne's in- 
vading host, having made a long stay at both Skenesbor- 
ough and Fort Ann, moved across the town line into 
Kingsbury. It was the light infantry and rifle corps of 
Fraser, composing the right wing of the British army, 
which advanced to Kingsbury street, where the general 
made his headquarters, at Gordon's house. On the 26th 
this corps again moved southward, and reaching Moss street 
encountered the American pickets, who, after a sharp skir- 
mish, fell back to Fort Edward. Burgoyne, on his first 
entrance into Kingsbury, established his headquarters at 
Jones' farm-hou.se, which was afterwards used as a military 
hospital. From Jones' his headquarters were transferred 
to the vicinity of Sandy Hill, and are said to have been 
established in a house standing in what is now the north- 
east angle of Pine straet and Burgoyne avenue. On the 
29th the right wing under Fraser was advanced, and en- 
camped upon the table-land a short distance north of the 
hill at Fort Edward ; the Americans retiring down the river 
to Moses Kill. Riedesel's Hessian mercenaries made their 
camp farther north upon the plateau, between the head- 
quarters and the river, and within the present corporation 
limits of Sandy Hill ; while the grenadiers took up their 
position at Moss street. 

In the mean time, bands of Indians, and of Tories equally 
blood-thirsty, had spread themselves in every direction in 
the front and on the flanks of the advancing army, and in 
defiance alike of the checks of military discipline and the 
dictates of humanity had carried on a warfare of pillage, 
incendiarism, and murder in Kingsbury and the adjoining 



towns. On the 26th of July one of these bands entered 
Argyle, and massacred two entire families named Barnes 
and Allen. Moving thence in the direction of Fort Ed- 
ward, they met and butchered a man named John White, 
and on the following morning the dripping scalp of Jane 
McCrea was flourished in savage triumph in the house of 
the Tory Grifiin, within the lines of the Hessian camp at 
Sandy Hill.* 

Most of the Whig inhabitants and many of the loyalists 
had fled from their homes upon the first advance of the 
royal army ; and the terror of the Indian and Tory maraud- 
ings drove out nearly all the remainder, so that when Bur- 
goyne finally moved southward the farms and homes of 
Kingsbury were wellnigh tenantless. 

In the invasion of 1780 the town suffered still more se- 
verely than during Burgoyne's occupation. On Oct. 10 in 
that year there suddenl}' appeared before Fort Ann a force 
of about eight hundred men, under Major Carleton, of the 
British army, who compelled a surrender of the feeble gar- 
rison commanded by Capt;iin Adiel Sherwood, of Kings- 
bury. 

Immediately after the surrender the Indians and Tories 
of the party proceeded south into this town, everywhere 
marking their track with fire and pillage. Among the 
number of those who from their acquaintance with the lo- 
cality acted as guides and promoters of the work of devas- 
tation was Adam Wint, who had been a resident at Sandy 
Hill, but had fled to Canada after Burgoyne's surrender. 
Some others in the baud were al.so recognized through the 
paint and other Indian gear by which they believed them- 
selves efiectually disguised. 

The utmost terror prevailed, and the inhabitants fled 
from their homes in precipitation. Albert Baker was ab- 
sent in another part of the county, and his sons, of whom 
the eldest was but fifteen years of age, were the only males 
left to protect the family. Thomas Lyon, a neighbor, came 
rushing past and called out to Albert and Charles, " Boys, 
get away in a hurry ! What are you thinking of? Don't 
you see Kingsbury's all afire?" And the rolling volumes 
of smoke away to the northward emphasized his admoni- 
tion. The boys yoked their two pairs of oxen, and hastily 
tumbling the fiimily and such articles as were most conve- 
nient into the carts, they made the best possible speed to- 
wards Fort Edward Even then their path was ambushed 
by Gil. Harrisf and some kindred spirits, who, as Harris 
himself afterwards said, would have captured the family 
and taken them to Canada but for fear of the soldiere at 
the fort. As it was, the brave boys took them through in 
safety; and before night the home they had left was a 
smoking ruin. 

The marauding Tories and Indians crossed to the west 
side of the river and devastated the country as far down as 
Stillwater. There were but seventeen families living in 



* A full account of this tragic event is to be found in the general 
hist„ry. 

t A vouth named Graham, coming up Ihc road towards .Sandy 
llill, passed near this party, one of whom tired on and wounded him. 
Another called out, " Why, that's little Oliver Graham; don't kill 
him." "Yes, damn 'cm, kill 'em all!" growled Harris. Graham, 
however, leaped into the undergrowth and escaped with hit life. 



42-t 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Kingsbury before this incursion ; after it there were none, 
except Harris and a few of his confederates. The state- 
ment has been made that only two houses were left standing 
in the town,* these being one which had been occupied by 
Wint, the Tory (still standing as part of the barn of Henry 
Howe at Sandy Hill), and another near the feeder, now or 
recently owned and occupied by Joseph Fish. 

The malignity of the Tories had now expended itself, 
and this proved to be the last serious disaster which Kings- 
bury was to suffer at their hands. The successes of the 
Americans in the south soon made it apparent that the 
country would ere long see peace and independence, and 
before the close of 1781 nearly all the fugitives of the pre- 
ceding year had returned ; and these, with the very consid- 
erable accessions of new settlers, soon made the town much 
more populous than before. 

TOWN ORGANIZATION. 

By the royal patent granted to James Bradshaw and his 
associates, May 11, 1762, Kingsbury was erected a town- 
ship, with its present limits. The organization effected 
under the king was suspended during the Revolution, as 
we have seen ; but it was resumed under the people before 
the close of the war, and the town received the recognition 
of the State government March 23, 1786. The list of 
supervisors of the town of Kingsbury, and the dates of 
their election, from the year 1782 until the present time, is 
as follows, viz. : Seth Sherwood, 1782, 1786, 1788 ; Albert 
Baker, 1783-84; Joseph Caldwell, 1787; Seth Alden, 
1789 to 1793 inclusive, 1796-97, 1799, 1811; Oliver 
Colvin, 1794-95, 1802; Asahel Hitchcock, 1798,1800; 
Micajah Pettit, 1801 ; Thomas Bradshaw, 1803; Nathan- 
iel Pitcher, 1804 to 1810 inclusive ; Felix Alden, 1812-14, 
1821-23, 1826-27; John Moss, 1815-17, 1830; Hiram 
Cole, 1818-20, 1824-25; Simeon Berry, 1828; Throop 
Barney, 1829; Josiah Hand, 1831 to 1840 inclu.sive, 1844 
to 1847 inclusive; Luther Andrews, 1841-42; Joseph 
Tefft, 1843 ; John Newton, 1848-49 ; Peter H. Cooper, 
1850, 1853; Peter Holbrook, 1851-52, 1865; Orrin E. 
Harris, 1854; James McFarland, 1855 to 1857 inclusive; 
Charles Cole, 1858-59, 1861, 1867-68; Hiram Kenyon, 
1860 ; Orson Richards, 1862, 1864 ; Guy W. Clark, 1863 ; 
Eber Richards, 1866 ; S. H. Kenyon, 1869-70 ; Silas B. 
Ambler, 1871; William H. Miller, 1872-73; Lyman H. 
Northup, 1873 (to fill vacancy caused by death of W. H. 
Miller) and 1874; George L. Terry, 1875 to 1877 in- 
clusive; Chas. R. Paris, 1878. 

Town Clerks. — Samuel Harris, 1782, and 1784 to 1795 
inclusive; Fenner Palmer, 1783; Asahel Hitchcock, 1796- 
97; Joseph Caldwell, 1798 to 1801 inclusive; Collins 
Hitchcock, 1802 to 1810 inclusive, and 1812; James 
Nichols, 1811 ; Nathaniel Pitcher, 1813-14; N. Barnum 
Hitchcock, 1815 to 1830 inclusive; Adolphus F. Hitch- 
cock, 1834; Asahel Hitchcock, 1839 to 1842 inclusive; 



* Mr. A. F. Hitchcock, however, is firm in the belief that this is a 
mistake, and that the houses were not all burned in other parts of the 
town, but that the statement was intended to apply onlj to the vicin- 
ity of Sandy Hill. At all events, it is a remarkable fact if the only 
two houses spared from the flames ninety-eight years ago are both 
still standing and occupied. 



Allen Dewey, 1843; Danvers Doubleday, 1844 ; Thomas 
Toole, 1845 to 1847 inclusive; William Cronkhite, 1848- 
50 ; Charles D. Culver, 1851 ; Wm. R. Locke, 1852-54 ; 
Orville C. Howard, 1855-56 ; John A. De Forest, 1857 ; 
Frederick C. Burdick, 1858-59 ; Alfred A. Miller, 1860- 
61, 1863 ; Darius Mathewson, 1862 ; Daniel Monty, 1864 ; 
William Hooker, 1865; Charles H. Cronkhite, 1866 to 
1872 inclusive; Charles H. Beach, 1873; John J. Cun- 
ningham, 1874; Marvin S. Cronkhite, 1875-78. 

Among the justices appointed in Kingsbury prior to 
1830 we find the names of Seth Sherwood, Albert Baker, 
Nathaniel Pitcher, John Moss, Collins Hitchcock, Hiram 
Cole, H. C. Martindale, Luther Wait, and Hiram Colvin. 
The list of those elected from 1830 to the^resent timeTS' 
as follows: Hiram Colvin, 1830; Luther Andrews, 1830, 
1854, 1858 ; Salmacius Bardwell, 1831 ; Henry B. 
Northup, 1832, 1836, 1840; Caleb Baker, 1833; Samuel 
Andrews, 1834, 1838, 1842, 1846, 1850; Adolphus F. 
Hitchcock, 1835, 1839, 1849, 1862; Peter Holbrook, 
1837, 1841, 1859-60, 1864, 1873, 1875; L. B. Arm- 
strong, 1843; H. C. Martindale, 1844; Charles Hughes, 
1845, 1849; Israel Smith, 1847; Urias G. Paris, 1848, 
1852, 1850; George B. Underbill, 1848; George R. Can- 
field, 1851 ; Lyman H. Northup, 1853 ; Luther Wait, 
1855; William Brayton, 1857; John C. Green, 1858; 
William H. Young, 1859; Orlin Andrews, 1861 ; Romeo 
B. Perry, 1863; Stephen H. Mead, 1863; Almon M. 
Andrews, 1864; Daniel E. Parks, 1865 ; Loyal L. Avery, 
1865; George W. L. Smith, 1866, 1870, 1874; Charles 
S. Cromwell, 1867 ; Thomas J. Strong, 1868 ; John D. 
Teller, 1869; John Andrews, 1871 ; J. W. Brown, 1875; 
Robert S. Coleman, 1872, 1876; Granville M. lugalsbe, 
1877; Andrew Minton, 1878. 

ihllectora. — Darius Sherrill, 1814; John Bull. 1815 to 
1821 inclusive; HiraiS_Co]xij)T- J-822; William Elliott, 
1823 to 1830 inclusive, 1837, 1839; Franklin Freeman, 
1831-32; Horace Doubleday, 1833; Russell Vaugh, 1834, 
1836, 1838, 1S40 ; James F. Acker, 1835; John Thomas, 
1841; Benjamin Bentley, 1842, 1846; John Bowtell, 
1843; H. B. Vaughn, 1844, 1874; Cummings Wiltsie, 
1845; Charles B. Vaughn, 1847, 1859; James Burnham. 
1848; Lemuel C. Holmes, 1849; Guy W. Clark, 185(1; 
A. Mass, 1851 ; Wm. W. Blivin, 1852 ; Hertsell C olvin, 
1853; Robert C. Carey, 1854; Arvid W. Vaughn, 1853'; 
Jerome H. Smalley, 1857, 1864; Aaron K. Cross, 1858; 
Harvey Gilbert, 1860 ; F. C. Burdick, 1861 ; R. C. Hall, 
1862-63; Wm. H. Kincaid, 1865; Daniel Monty, 1866; 
Darwin C. Vaughn, 1867; Peter H. Cooper, 1868; 
Phincas F. Langworthy, 1870; James F. Acker, 1871; 
Charles B. Guy, 1872; Bradford C. Harvey, 1873; John 
H. Beach, 1875 ; Hiram Hyde, 1876 ; Montgomery C. 
Moss, 1877 ; John Toole, 1878. 

Other officers for 1878 are: 

Auditors.—^. M. Catlin, Otis A. Tefft. and Eber Rich- 
ards. 

Assessors. — Silas Doolittle, J. W. Goss, and Charles T. 
Wright. 

Commissioners of Iligliways. — L. W. Burton, J. (). 
Buck, and T. Willis. 

Overseers of Poor. — Morvalden Bailey and D. T. Na.sh. 




f^ES/DENGE OF MRS BENJAMIN FERR/S Sanu(Hiu W/^shin&tu 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTV, NEW YORK. 



425 



Jitxpectors of Election. — District 1 : J. F. Acker, L. ]<]. 
Burnliaiii, and Alfred Slioriiian. District 2: A. A. Mil- 
ler, L. L. Ingalsbe, and W. W. Croiikhitc. District 3 : 
David Hall, J. H. Derby, and Wm. Bn.mley. 

Excise O'lnmissioiicrs. — Jas. M. RaiLsum (vacaiiey), 
Noah Washburn, and Wni. II. Young. 

S.\NDV niLL. 

The earliest recordjJ event in tin history of the village 
— the tragcniy which was couiinittcd in its park, when the 
life of John (Juackenboss was saved when he had closed 
liis eyes to die — has already been narrated. We have seen, 
too, how the township proprietors had been awake to the ad- 
vantages and capabilities of the great river, and had reserved 
all its frontage in the evident belief that some day a busy 
village, or perhaps even a city, would grow up upon its 
banks. We have noted also the coming of Bradshaw, and 
then of Baker and Hufnogel, the clearing of the pines 
around the falls, the construction of the dam and the mill, 
and the few years of peace and progress that followed, and 
then the blight and terror that came with Burgoyne, and 
finally the ruin and depojmlation of 1780. 

Among the first to return after that memorable flight 
was Albert Baker. Ho found the charred ruins of liis 
mill, and the ashes of his dwelling. He at once commenced 
the rebuilding of the mill, and erected a house a little nortli 
of the jn'csent residence of N. W. Wait. In 1784, John 
Moiss built the dam above the village, and erected a saw- 
mill upon it. Dr. Zina Hitchcock came in the same year 
and located upon the highway, which is now the main 
street, his lands embracing the sites of the court-house and 
the Bapti-st church, and were all in the best portion of the 
village.* Another, who came not far from the same time, 
was Jonathan Harris, whose property was also on the main 
street, more to the northward. Nearly all were men of en- 
terprise and of some means, and now the settlement began 
to grow apace. In 1793 the village received a passing visit 
from no less a personage that General Washington, who, with 
a portion of his military household, was on a tour of in- 
spection to the posts at Lake George, Ticonderoga, and 
Crown Point. We have found no account of his reception 
here, but there is no doubt that Sandy Hill did her best 
upon the occasion. 

At the commencement of the present century, Sandy 
Hill had an established post^ofiice (with Judge Weston as 
postmaster), two taverns, and several merchants and trades- 
men, and began to be regarded as a place of considerable 
pronii.se. At that time, Dr. Zina Ilitcheock was owner of 
all the property on the east side of JMain street, from and 
including the cofl'ee-house (then his residence), southward 
to Canal street. Adjoining him on the north was Doty's 
tavern-statid,! and next came the property of Jonathan 



» His (Iwclling, built in 1784 or 17S5, was tlic same building which 
is now Clark's Coffec-House. It was first opened us a tavern by Da- 
rius Sborrill, in May, )S24, and bore the sign, " D. Slicrrill, Coffec- 
llouse." It was kept as such by the .Slierrill family until about 
185a. 

t The " Doty Tavern" was owned and kept by Alpheus Doty from 
about the year ISUO until his death, after which his widow remained 
as its landlady til! abont lS:i-l, when the property eainc inlo posses- 
sion of llalsey Kogcrs, and was by him rented to Thonu:s Tuole, who 

54 



Harris, extending northward from Doty's up to and in- 
cluding a part of the present premises of Dr. E. G. Clark. 

The location of the court-house at Sandy Hill (of which 
a more extended account will be found in the general his- 
tory of the county) was a material enhancement of the 
dignity and importance of the place. A fine site on the 
main street (the same occupied by tlie present court-house) 
was donated for the purpo.sc by Dr. Z. Hitchcock, and the 
building was completed in ISOG, being tlien considered a 
very imposing structure. It is now standing on the side 
street opposite its original site, from which it was removed 
to give place to the new edifice. It is used as a feed-store 
and for other similar purposes, and presents a very ordinary 
appearance in contnist with its elegant succes.sor. 

About this time Mr. Mos.s built his grist-mill at the dam, 
where the Richards lumber-mills now stand. Albert Raker 
had erected a grist-mill at the falls in 1795, and now (1807) 
he built a new and imj)rovcd one, changing tlie first into a 
carding- and fulling-mill. A carding-mill and clolhicry 
was also put in operation at the dam in 1807, by Ahijaii 
Jones. So the village was well supplied with saw-, grist-, 
and carding-mills at least. 

By the provisions of chapter forty of the laws of 1810, 
passed March 9, in that year, it was enacted that " all that 
part of the town of King.sbury, in the county of Washing- 
ton, known by the name of lot No. 93, lying on the Hud.son 
river, and all thrt part of the plat of .said town lying south 
of lots Nos. 33 and 34, and west of the great or middle 
road of said town plat, as laid down on the map ol' the 
division of the said town, shall be known and dLsliiiguishcd 
by the name of the village of Sandy Hill." 

In the highway records of 1811, we find the miimles of 
the "Survey of the publick square of Sandy Hill and part 
of the roads intersecting the same," by Commissioners Rus- 
sell Cole, William High, and Thomas Brad.shaw, dated Aug. 
4, 1811. This was identical with the present paik, but in 
those days it was u.sually termed " the green." 

At the time of the laying out of this stiuare, there stood 
upon its three sides, and on the main street above and be- 
low it, the dwellings, shops, and other buildings which 
composed the village of Sandy Hill, and of wliich the fol- 
lowing is very nearly a complete and correct list: Beginning 
on the north end of the S((uare, now Park place, the " Cor- 
ner Tavern,"! kept by Ashley, stood on the Sliddlc- 

kept it for some ten or eleven years as the " Bull's Head ;" his sign 
(painted by .John Sherwood) being the head of a bull, with the words 
" Travelers' Home" extending across the horns. The house was 
afterwards sold lo N. 13. Milliman, who, about 1S:>0, remodeled it, 
raised it one story, and changed its name to " Park Hotel," and as 
such it was successively ke]it by T. U. Toole, Peter Dmni.s <icorgo 
M. Ives, J. Milliman, Harvey Doublcday, Samuel Thomas, P. 1''. 
Langworthy, Kdgiir VVclmorc, Thomas Dewey, D. A. Barker, and 
George W. Orcutt. It was burnt in 1873, and in its place was 
erected the Uc.\ford House, which was destroyed in the fire of IS7C. 
I The predecessor of Ashley at the Corner Tavern was Daniel Cook, 
who kept it probably as early as ISOO. It was burned in December, 
1S55, but was not then a public-house. The Knglo was first kept by 

Dean, from New York ; aflcrwarils by Daniel W. Ving, John 

Baird, and Oliver Cleveland. It was the stopping-place of the White- 
hall stages, Cleveland & Taylor's line, and others for years, and en- 
joyed a good degree of prosperity. It was destroyed with the olh-.r 
tavern iu the fire of Dc::. 'M, U'iJ. 



42G 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



worth liouse corner ; tlicn came the " Eagle Tavern," on 
the site of G. AV. Clark's store ; and west of this was the 
store of John Lanih and his residence, where A. B. Davis 
now lives. On the west side of the main street, goinj; 
north from the sfjuare, were the one-story house occupied 
by Henry C. Martindale, now Mr. Bartlott's ; the dwelling 
and the saddlery-shop of Captain John Thomas; the house 
of Captain Solcmwn Day, now Dr. Bostwick's (his burn 
was on the opposite side of the street) ; the small Iiouse of 
Mr. Rood, with a pottery near by, where he manufactured 
jugs and earthen milk-pans; and next, the tavern of Cap- 
tain William High (now residence of George Weston), 
which was the northern limit of the village. Returning 
south on the opposite side of the street, one would pass the 
house of Darius Sherrill, afterwards the residence of H. C. 
Martindale ; a house on the lot now of Dr. Clark, and a 
smaller house nest the Episcopal church lot; a blacksmith- 
shop occupied by an Englishman named Andrews ; a large 
building occupied as a wagon-shop by Amos Call ; the house 
of Dr. Russell Clark, now Mr. Baldwin's; the largo house 
and office of Judge Roswell Weston, on present site of L. 
AV. Cronkhite's residence ; then the dwelling and hatter- 
shop of Jonathan Harris,* and another small building- 
owned by him, which afterwards was the law-office of Henry 
C. Martindale for many years. Next came the Doty tavern 
and Dr. Hitchcock's residence below mentioned; and below 
these on the east side there came in succession the store of 
Samuel M. Hitchcock ; the court-house ; a small store, pro- 
prietor unknown; -the store of Carmi Dibble (now prem- 
ises of Charles Hughes) ; the residence and currier-shop 
of Israel Hand ; the house of Silas Fellows (present site 
of Advent church) ; and lastly the residence of Judge John 
Baker, which was the southern outpost of the settlement. 

Commencing at the northwest corner of the green, and 
proceeding south, came first the yellow house of Micajah 
Pettit, and then there were in succession the double house 
standing where the engine-house now is, and occupied by 
Brannock and Clark Carlton ; the law-ofiSce of Judge 



* Mr. Harris resiJed in Srtndy Hill until about 1S15, when he re- 
moved to Lake George, disposing of the hat-shop and store, and the 
lot adjoining, to AVilliaui Finn, of Fort Edward, who in turn sold the 
store to Dr. Reuben C. Gibson. He occupied it as a merchant for 
many 3-ears, and was succeeded in the business by his clerk, Charles 
Dcwcy, who removed the old frame building and erected in its place 
the "stone store," which he occupied until his death in 18^7. The 
succeeding proprietors were George Bradley, Walter S. Alden, and L. 
AV. Cronkhite, who purchased it in ISti'J, and remained its owner 
until its destruction by fire in 1S76. 

The Harris residence, afterwards known for many years as the 
Sherrill house, was, after Mr. Harris' removal from Sandy Hill, occu- 
pied by John H, Sturtcvant, who, with Edmund Richmond, had 
opened a dry-goods store on the lot above that owned by Mr. Finn. 
About 1820 the house and adjoining property was purchased from 

Mr. Harris by Hempstead, who was perhaps succeeded by other 

proprietors prior to ISJO, when Allen Dcwcy became the purchaser, 
and in 1851 sold the property to James 11. Sherrill, who resided in 
the house until it was consumed in the great tire of 1S76. Among 
those who kept the store at various times after Richmond & Sturtc- 
vant, were John Hempstead, Thomas Cotton, John M. Tubbs, Allen 
DcKcy, William Cronkhite, Harvey Doubleday, Samuel Cary, and 
others. During Tubb-' occupancy, he kept a lottery agency there, 
and on one occasion sold to a eitiicn of the village (A. F. Raird) a 
ticket which drew a prize of five thousand dollars, a result which 
greatly promct-.-d t'.ie sale of lottery tick.-ts at Sandy UU! and viciuity. 



Roger Skinner (now on Mrs. Wakeman's property) ; the 

small yellow house of Curtis ; a small gioccry ; the 

liouse, tannery, and currier-shop of Luther Johnson ; the 
residence of Christian Sackrider, Esq. (now roadway of 
Depot street) ; the house and hatter-shop of Bogardus 

Peaison ; the houses of Bird and Squire CoUamer ; 

a small house occupied by colored people, formerly slaves 
of Mi-. Peebles, of Waterford ; next the residence of Major 
Thomas Bradshaw ; and finally the Albert Baker place at 
the corner of the Falls road, then occupied bj' Albert and 
Caleb Baker, sons of the first settler. Such was Sandy 
Hill in the year following its incorporation as a village. 

In 1813 a toll-bridge was constructed across the Hudson 
at Sandy Hill, one of the principal proprietors being Solo- 
mon Parks, a resident on the Saratoga side. It was a par- 
tially-covered structure, and remained in use until 1835, 
when it was carried away by flood and was not rebuilt. ■]- 
The .stones from its piers furnished the foundation of the 
Baptist (now Fi-cnch Catholic) church. A road which 
was laid out to this bridge in 1814 was discontinued after 
its destruction. 

It would seem that the AVar of 1812-15 must have 
brought adversity to the people of the village and town, 
for we find that in 1814 the appropriation for the poor had 
been rai.sed from the old amount of one hundred dollars to 
three hundred dollars, which was continued in 1815, raised 
to five hundred dollars in 1816, and to eight hundred dol- 
lars in 1817. In 1813 it fell back to three hundred dol- 
lars; in 1819 to two hundred dollars, and in 1820 to the 
ante-bellum figure of one hundred dollars. 

In 1819 the village made a long stiide ahead in the es- 
tablishment of its first newspaper and its first bank ; the 
journal being the Sandy Hill Times, by Adonijah Emmons, 
and the financial institution being the AVashington and 
AVarren bank, of which the noted Jacob Barker, of New 
York and New Orleans, was president and chief proprietor, 
and Benjamin F. Butler,J of this State, the cashier. The 
office of cashier was afterwards held by George R. Barker, 
a nephew of the president, and temporarily, for a short 
period, by Fitz Greene Halleck, the poet. The bank, 
which is well (and perhaps sorrowfully) remembered by 
many of the older citizens, was located in a house which is 
now the Wakeman mansion, on the west side of the park. 
It continued but a few years and went down in disaster. 
After the closing of the bank Geo. R. Barker engaged with 
AV. AV. Cionkhite in the business of di.stilling at Sandy 
Hill, and for a tiiue the firm carried on a large business, in 
which their successor was Joseph AVicks. 

The Glen's Falls navigable feeder, which passes through 
the northern and eastern part of the village, and has added 
most materially to its prosperity, was surveyed in 1823, 



■f A wire ferry above the dam, owned by the mill pro])riclnrs, is 
now the only means of crossing the river to and from Sandy Hill. 

t Mr. Butler, in a letter written during his residence here, re- 
marked that Sandy Hill was an e.\cccdingly pleasant place of abode, 
" except lliat il ciijut/eil no nliilcil prcachiiuj 0/ ihc ij(i'jkI." This hav- 
ing by some means been made public, gave the village so widespread 
a notoriety that it is said letters from distant pl.aces hearing no direc- 
tion but " Ihc village which enjoys no slated preaching of the gos- 
pel," came regularly and without diiliiy to the post-otficc at Sandy 
Hi:i. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



427 



and excavated through in 1824-25, but was not then made 
practicable for boats. The cnhirgemcnt was coMimericod in 
1828 and was completed in 18o2, rendering; it iiavi<rable 
from its head above the falls to the Clianiplain canal, which 
it enters just south of the Fort Edward lino. 

The six solid stone piers which are seen in the river be- 
low the dam were constructed in 183(3 for a railroad brid|j;o, 
by the Saratoga and Washington railroad company, wlujse 
projected route was then located through Sandy Ilili. The 
crisis of 1837 suspended their operations for several years, 
and when work was recommenced the route was changed 
to pa.ss through Fort Edward, abandoning all that had 
been done here. The change was an unfoitunate one for 
this village, and there arc many who believe (not without 
reason) that if the original route had been adhered to, the 
three villages of Glen's Falls, Fort Edward, and Sandy 
Hill would have been consolid:it;'d into o]io, uimii the site 
of the last named. 

EXTENSION OF I,IMIT.S — INroRPOR.VTIO.V UNDEIl GEN- 
Ell.\L LAW. 

The boundaries of Sandy Hill, as established by the 
incorporating act of 1810, were materially extended, and 
additional powers and privileges were conferred on the 
village by act of Legislature, paissed March 21, 185(i, 
chapter 48. 

And at the annual meetrug, held Feb. 23, 1875, it was 
" Resolved, That this village become a corporation under the 
provisions of chapter 291 of the laws of 1870, and possess 
the powers given thereby," — ayes, one hundred and forty- 
six ; noes, thirty-eight. The recording of this return in 
the county clerk's office perfected the incorporation of the 
village as at present. 

It is a matter of regret that the earliest village records, 
covering a period of forty-six years fiom the first incorpo- 
ration, have been lost or destroyed, the existing records 
dating back only to the year 1S5G. The list of presidents 
of the village from that time to the present is as follows : 
Orson Richards, 185C-57 ; J. W. Finch, 1858; Nelson 
W. Wait, 1859 ; Joseph McFarland, 1 8(30, 18G5, 1867-68, 
1870; Marvin F. Cronkhite, 1861; Darius Mathowson, 
1862-63; Hiram Kenyon, 1864, 1872; E. H. Crocker, 
1866, 1873; J. William Wait, 1869; Amariah Holbrook, 
1871; Guy W. Clark, 1874; Loren Allen, 1875; E. D. 
Baker, 1876; Lyman H. Northup, 1877. 

JIILLIS AND OTIIEll INDUSTRIES. 

The locality known as Baker's Fulls, a half-mile below 
the centre of Sandy Hill, is the principal seat of water- 
power in the village, the clear fall of the Hudson at this 
point being fully seventy feet ; and although there are here 
three extensive paper-manufactories, besides several minor 
establishments, not one-tenth of this vast power is utilized. 

The paper-mill of Allen Brothers, which gives cniplo}'- 
ment to sixty hands in the manufacture of wall-papers, in 
which its capacity of production is six tons per day, stands 
on the site of the ancient mills built by Albert Baker. In 
1844 this property (on which then stood the old .saw-mill, 
the grist-mill of 1807, and the carding-mill, remodeled from 
the grist-mill of 1795, but all in disuse and in a state of 



decay), together with land embracing the present sites of 
the other two paper-mills, was purchased from Harvey & 
Parry by Stephen Ilowland, who rebuilt the wing-dam, de- 
molished the old mills, and during the same year erected in 
their place a mill which was operated by Stephen Howland 
& Sons in the manufacture of manilla paper. That mill — 
the first in the United States which manufactured manilla 
paper — -was run until worn out, and then gave place to the 
present mill, erected by Allen Bros., who had previously 
purchased the property of Howland & Sons. 

The paper-mill, now of N. W. Wait & Son, was built 
about 1846 by Benjamin Ferris, who operated it on manilla 
paper until 1850, when it was purchased by Nelson W. 
Wait and Elilm Allen, who changed to wall-paper, as at 
present. In 1860 Allen withdrew, and in 1864 the firm 
became N. W. Wait & Sou by the admission of J. William 
Wait. The mill has been once rebuilt. It now contains 
four engines and a fortyeight-inch cylinder-machine, pro- 
ducing fifteen tons of wallpaper per week, and giving 
constant employment to fifty hands, male and female. 

Howland & Co.'s paper-mill was built in 1866 by How- 
land, Clark & Co., and put in operation on manilla paper, in 
which production it is still engaged, manufacturing from 
raw material jute-butts and grass-rope. It also contains 
three machines for manufacturing satchel-bottomed manilla 
flour-sacks, by a patented and most ingenious process, these 
being turned out finished, by a single operation, direct from 
the cylinders. The daily production of the mill is about 
fifteen thousand sacks and two tons of manilla papur. The 
number of hands em[iloyed is twenty, including the girls 
at the sack-machines. 

Immediately above and adjoining the paper-mills, upon 
land now of the estate of Dr. Wni. II. Miller, a grist-mill 
was built in 1845 by Matthew Burdick. In 1860 it was 
converted by U. C. Allen into a shodd^'-mill, and was run 
as such for a few years both by Allen and by Dr. Miller. 
About 1804 it was converted into a paper-mill, and run in the 
manufacture of straw printing-paper successively by Stone 
& Co., Meech & Co., and H. Tefl't & Co., and was destroj^ed 
by fire under each of these firms, being twice rebuilt, but 
abandoned after the third burning. 

The Baker's Falls Iron Machine Works, by Wells & 
Van Wormer, employ ten to twelve hands in the manu- 
facture of machinery and turbine water-wheels, of which 
last named they turn out about one hundred and fifty an- 
nuall}'. The machine-shop of I. Cornell & Co., one of the 
industries at the Falls, employs two to three hands. 

"The Halm Art Pottery Company," George R. Halm, 
president, W. II. Kincaid, secretary and treasurer, estab- 
lished their works near the railroad track at Baker's Falls 
in November, 1877. They have a main building forty by 
eighty feet, with two extensions forty by twenty-five feet. 
Their plan contemplates the manufacture of purely artistic 
ware, of a quality and style superior to anything yet pro- 
duced in America, in which industry they expect to employ 
about fifty hands. At present, in the fourth month of 
their operation, they are producing about one thousand 
pieces per week. 

At "The Dam" on the river, a short distance above the 
centre of the village, the water-jiower, although far less 



428 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COLLNTV, NEW YORK. 



than at the Falls, is still iuimciisc. The first improvement 
liere was made in 1784 by John Moss, who, peihaps with 
some associates, constructed an imperfect dam and built a 
saw-mill. Soon after the year 1800 he built the first 
grist-mill at the dam. This afterwards passed into the 
liands of Samuel R. Cook, wlio ran it until 1824 and then 

sold to Slai^ht, who not long after sold to Cronkhite 

& Barker, who employed it in grinding grain for thoir dis- 
tillery in the yillagc. In 18ol it passed to Nathaniel 
Wicks, and from liim to Joseph Wicks,* who, about 1850, 
sold to Orson Richards. It was then continued for a few 
years as a grist-mill, and is now used as a lath-mill in con- 
nection with the Richards' lumber-mills. 

Richards' lower saw-mill occupies the site on which 
Benjamin Ferris built a carding- and fulling-mill in 1810. 
This was sold about 1840 to Asahel Beach, who made it a 
woolen-factory, and used it as such for about ten years, 
when the business was suspended, tlie building removed, 
and afterwards converted into a dwelling-house, and upon 
the site which it had occupied the present saw-mill was 
built by Orson Richards. 

Richards' upper saw-mill is the successor of one which 
was built on the spot about the year 1810 by Joseph Wicks, 
who owned it until it was carried away by the same flood 
which destroyed his grist-mill in May, 1832. In 1837 
it was rebuilt by Charles Harris, who also erected a second 
mill adjacent to this. These, too, were carried away in the 
freshet of May 2, 1843, and the present Richards' mill was 
erected on the site by Mr. Harris. About 1849 it came 
into the possession of Orson Richards, by whom the bu.si- 
ness of the upper and lower mills has been conducted until 
recently, when it has passed under the management of Mr. 
Eber Richards. Both mills contain eight gangs and two 
English gates. A railroad track, constructed in 1872 at 
an expense of thirty thousand dollars, connects the mills 
with the feeder, and extends for a considerable distance 
along the canal to facilitate unloading and piling. The 
logs are brought from immense tracts of timber-land owned 
by the concern on the upper river and tributaries. In 
times of full business the lumbering operations of Messrs. 
Richards give employment to about two hundred men. 

The present grist-mill at the dam was built by Mr. 
Mather about 18G7. It has since been owned by 0. Rich- 
ards and others, and is now carried on by Mr. Whitman. 

The machine-shop of N. W. Ilolbrook, on River street, 
is the same building which was erected in about 1807 by 
Aliijah Jones as a carding-mill and clothiery. Jones died 
in 1812, and tlie mill was then used by Mr. Wheelock 
for cloth-making. Afterwards it became the tannery of 
Jesse Rhodes, and then a machine-shop by Enoch 1). 
jMcCord, who is said to have been the first manufacturer of 
the steel-jawed cast-iron vise. About 1834 the establish- 
ment passed into the liands of Mr. Ilolbrook, the present 
owner. 

Holbrook's foundry on River street, adjacent to the 
machine-shop, was built and put in operation, in 1831, by 
the present proprietor, Mr. Lyman Ilolbrook. The power 



« It was carried awiiy in tlie IVcslict of Mu.v, 18;{2. .Tiid was rebuilt 
by Wicks. 



used both by the foundry and tlie machine-shop is fur- 
nished by a creek, which enters the Hudson below the 
great dam. 

Proceeding south from the foundry on River street to 
the brow of the' hill, we passed what would seem to be 
(judging from the venerable appearance of its surround- 
ings) the most ancient of the industries of the place, the 
blacksmithing establishment of Mr. Seneca Hall. This old 
building, of brick and stone, looks gray and ancient enough 
to have been a farriery for the liorses of Burgoyne, or even 
of Sir William Johnson ; but upon inquiry we find that 
Mr. Lyman Ilolbrook, still an active citizen of the village, 
hauled these same bricks for the proprietin-, Robert J. 
Walker, who erected the building in 1828, barely a half- 
century ago. 

Kenyon & Baldwin's saw-mill, located on the feeder at 
the foot of Canal street, was put in operation in 1852 by 
Hiram Kenyon, Alexander Robertson, and C. H. Faxon, 
the firm being Kenyon, Robertson & Co., which has been 
once or twice changed, the present style dating from 1871. 
The full capacity of the mill is ten million feet of lumber 
annually. It is in operation for seven months in the year, 
and when running night and day (as is the case in pros- 
perous times) employs sixty men. The power is derived 
from the water of the feeder. 

The planing-mill of R. T. Coleman, on Canal and Maple 
streets, manufactures flooring, etc., as is common in similar 
mills, and employs about twelve hands in the running 
season, which covers about seven months of the year. It 
was built about 1848, by John J. Harris and James Finch, 
and has passed through several proprietorships to the pres- 
ent. It was originally operated by steam, but is now driven 
by water-power from the canal. 

Wilber & Witpen's carriage-factory, located on Locust 
street, employs thirty hands during the summer season and 
about twenly-two in winter, turning out work to the amount 
of thirty-five thousand dollars as an annual average for the 
past ten years ; their market being in the States of New 
York, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, and in 
Canada. These works were first put in operation by A. A. 
Skinner about the year 1845, and in 1857 were purchased 
by L. D. Ogdcn, who in February, 18G0, sold them to J. 
S. Wilber, the senior of the present firm ; the trade at that 
time amounting to about six thousand dollars {)er annum. 
The establishment, which in the mean time had been ma- 
terially enlarged since the purchase, was consumed by fire 
in September, 1875 ; immediately after which the present 
spacious works, fronting seventy-five feet on Locust street, 
were erected by Mr. Wilber. On the 1st of January, 1877, 
Mr. Charles Witpen, of Naw York, was admitted a p.irtner, 
forming the present firm. 

Barney & Morrison's carriage- factory, on Main street, in 
the north part of the village, turns out work chiefly for the 
local trade. The business was started on its present site by 
George Barney, in 1805, and the works were destroyed by 
fire in the fall of 1874. The present factory was completed 
and occupied in the fall of 1870. Four hands are employed 
in the business. 

H. B. Nash's furniture-shop on Locust street employs 
three hands, and does a yearly business of about twelve 




W(LB£R & W/TPEN./HAKUFACTU/fEfT-s OF CA/^/^/Aqcs, Wagons AND Slli<\hs , 

Sandy Hill, WASHiNeroN County. flEWYofiK 



John S.Wilbz^. 



Est/iblishedJ86o. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOP.K. 



429 



tliou.saiid dulhu's. Mr. Nash coiiiineiiceil tliis business in 
Siiiid)' Hill in 1838, his location for many \oais being on 
Main street, opposite the park, from whence he removed to 
his place, in January, 1875. Before the present stagnation 
he did a much larger business, and employed double bis 
present number of hands. 

Yarter & Luther's carriage-factory, on Main street, in the 
north part of the village, employs about three to five hands, 
and turns out about twelve thousand dollars worth of work 
annually. The business was started about 1S45, by An- 
thony Yarter, and has passed through several Jiands to those 
of the present proprietors, A. A. Yarter and Lewis Luther. 

Thomas Brice's sash-, door-, and blind-l'actory, on Forest 
alley, employs six to ten men, and produces work amount- 
ing to about ten thousand dollars annually. The works 
were built many years ago by — — Dd Forest, for cabinet 
work, and afterwards put to their present use by John A. 
Do Forest, from whom Mr. Briee purchased in 18(33. 

The works of the Washington Mowing-Macliinc Company, 
situated on Main street, at the feeder-bridge, are engaged 
in the manufacture of water-wheels, pulp machinery for 
paper-mills, and the usual equipments of saw- and grist-mills. 
The first works upon this site were erected in 184tJ, by 
George Bradley, as a manufactory of cast-iron vises. In 
1851 he sold to J. K. Sanborn, who attempted the manu- 
facture of saw-mills, which be found unprofitable and aban- 
doned, and the works were closed for a number of years. 
In 18tj3 the Wa.shington Blowing-Machine Coiupany, formed 
in Greenwich, and consisting of Le Hoy Mowry, John T. 
Masters, Warren Briggs, and one other, rented these works 
and commenced the manufacture which their name implies; 
J. K. Sanborn being their agent. At the end of a year and 
a half they abandoned their first business and engaged in 
the manufacture of mill machinery, which was continued 
until Sept. 27, 1870, when the works were totally destroyed 
by fire; the property at that time being owned by the 
Washington County Bank, at (Jreenwich, from whom it was 
purchased by the company, who then erected the present 
works. At the time of the fire in 1870 they were employ- 
ing tliirty-five ; tlie number employed at present is twenty- 
five to thirty. The business is under the general manage- 
ment of Jlajor James McCarty. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT — WATER-SUPPLY. 

The first apparatus procured for the extinguishment of 
fires in Handy Hill was a .small rotary engine, purchased 
about 1833 ; the " Sandy Hill Fire Company" being in- 
corporated in that year and organized to work the machine; 
which, however, like most others of its class and construc- 
tion, proved to be of little practical use. About 1850 the 
village purchased a small brake-engine at Saratoga Springs, 
and placed it in charge of a company of which Charles 
Hughes was the first foreman. Succeeding 3Ir. Hughes 
was Lynian 11. Northup, wlio served as foreman of the 
company for several years. This machine was never of 
much value as an extinguisher, and after a time it wa.s 
thrown aside as worthless. 

On Sept. 11, 1858, the village authorized the purchase 
of a new engine and hose, and the sum of twelve hundred 
dollars was raised for this purpose. 31essrs. N. W. Wait 



and J. W. Finch were made a committee to carry this into 
effect, and on November 27 they reported to the trustees 
that they had purchased a new engine and two hundred 
feet of hose from Button it Blake, of Waterford, for twelve 
hundred dollars. This machine was named the " llescue," 
and is still in use. The " Rescue Fire Company" was 
organized with fifty-four members, Dec. 10, 1858. On the 
8th of March, 1859, the president was authorized to sell 
the old engine and hose for two hundred dollars. At the 
annual meeting in 1860, six hundred dollars was voted to 
erect upon the site of the old engino-hou.se a new brick 
building, to be used as an engine-house and public hall ; 
and at a special meeting Aug. 11, ISUO, the sum was in- 
creased to eight hundred dollars, and two hundred and sev- 
enty-five dollars additional was voted for hose, and one 
hundred and twenty-five dollars for the construction of cis- 
terns. The engine-house was comjileted in 18G0, being the 
same still occupied, standing on the west side of the public 
park. 

The Independent, a second-hand engine, was jiurchased 
in July, 1872, for three hundred and fifty dollars, raised by 
subscription. It is still owned in part by the original sub- 
scribers. 

The present fire department is composed as follows: 

Chief engineer, Russell C. Hall. 

Rescue Fire Companj/, No. 1. — Guy W. Clark, foreman ; 
Alden Ripley, assistant foreman ; Robert Carter, engineer, 
and sixty members. 

Eber Richards Independent Fire Oinipniii/, No. 2. — 
John H. Derby, foreman ; William H. Bennett, engineer ; 
number of members, sixty. 

Rescue Iluse Cuinpiiny. — Fifteen members ; foreman, A. 
A. Yarter. 

Wakcnyui Hose Qjmpant/. — Fifteen members; foreman, 
William Thomas. 

Sandy Hill had been fortunate in escaping the havoe of 
an extensive conflagration UDtil the morning of the 11th 
of October, 1876, when a fire, which .started in the Rex- 
ford House, gained such headway that, before it could be 
brought under control, it had destroyed every building on 
the east side of JIain street from Clark's Coffee-House 
northward to the residence of L. W. Cronkhite, Esq., thus 
desolating the principal business portion of the village. The 
sufferers by the fire were A. B. Davis, store, opera-house, 
goods, and stable ; N. W. Clark, barns and contents ; Skin- 
ner & McFarland, stock in trade ; John Dwyer, Ucridd 
office, type, presses, and machinery ; A. C. Vaughn, house, 
store, and contents; Blary L. Rexford, hotel, barns, sheds, 
and contents ; P. Reilly, building and stock ; George L. 
Terry, stock ; R. C. Hall, stock ; L. W. Cronkhite, stone 
store; 0. Gritfin & Co., store and stock; J. II. Sherrill, 
store-house and contents ; E. Scully, stock ; J. C. Rogers, 
office and contents ; Sandy Hill Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Sandy 
Hill Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., lodge-room and contents. The 
total loss was about one hundred and fifty tbou.><and dollars, 
on which was an insurance averaging about fifty per cent. 
of value. The final check of the fire was very largely due 
to the timely assistance rendered by Fort Edward steamer 
and hose companies, without which the destruction, great 
as it was, must have been far more extended. The district 



430 



HISTORY OF WASniNGTOX COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ravaged by this fire has now been solidly covered with new 
and substantial brick buildinirs, which are so much an im- 
provetuBiit and orrianieiit to the village, that to-day it is a 
matter of doubt whether Sandy Mill suffered any real injury 
from the great fire. 

The purchase of a steam fire-engine is now strongly 
urged upon the people of the village, but this is met by 
the objection that, excepting along the river and in the 
vicinity of the canal during the open season, the supply of 
water is wholly inefficient for the use of a steamer ; in 
view of which objection, it is proposed instead to construct 
water-works on the Holly system, to be operated by water- 
wheels at Baker's Falls. One of these projects will doubt- 
less be carried into effect in the near future. 

THE SANDY HII.L GAS-LHillT COMP.A.NY 

was incorporated in 187(5, with a capital of twenty-two 
thousand five hundred dollars, and was organized by the 
election of the following board of trustees, viz. : Charles 
Hughes, Loren Allen, John S. Wilber, and Guy W. Clark, 
of Sandy Hill, and S. V. R. Ford and Charles T. Wiley, 
of Saratoga. The works were erected in the fall of 187G, 
at the corner of Jlain and Sumter street.s. The gas is 
manufactured from gasoline, by a patent machine and pro- 
cess. The company has laid about three miles of pipe. 
Tiie present board of trustees is composed as follows : Loren 
Allen, president; John S. Wilber, vice-president; S. V. R. 
Ford, Ciiarles T. Wiley, S. P. Briggs, George P. Ide ; Guy 
^V. Clark, secretary and treasurer. 

THE POST-OFFICE 

was establLshed at Sandy Hill in 1798, with Roswell Wes- 
ton as postmaster. Since his term the office has been held 
successively by the following gentleman, viz. : Alpheus 
Hoty, Carmi Dibble, Bonjamin Clark, James Wright, 
Thomas Toole, James Wright (2d term), E. D. Baker, W. 
Cronkhite, E. D. Baker (2d term), James M. Moss, C. H. 
Cronkhite, and J. E. Locke, the present incumbent. 

RAILROAD— COURT-HOUSE — BANK. 

The Glen's Falls railroad passes through the western 
part of the village, near the river. It was opened for traffic 
on the 5th of July, 1869. The bonds of the village, to the 
amount of twenty-five thousand dollars, were issued in aid 
of its construction. 

The new court-house was b\ult in 1873, on the site of 
the old one of 1806. The bonds of the town of Kingsbury 
were issued to the amount of twenty -five thousand dollars 
for its construction. This beautiful building is a great 
ornament to the village. 

The First National Bank of SanJjj Hill was established 
Jan. 1, 18G4, with N. W. Waite, president ; J. K. Pis- 
ley, cashier ; capital, seventy-five thousand dollars. The 
banking-house, a fine substantial building, is located on 
Park place. ]\Ir. Waite is still the president of the insti- 
tuiion. The present ca.shicr is C. T. Beach. This is the 
only bank ever located at Sandy Hill, except the Old Wash- 
iiigtiin and Warren, beHire mentioned. 



SOCIETIES. 

Livingston Lodge, No. 28, F. and A. M., was the earliest 
society organization in Kingsbury, but wc have been unable 
to find the date of its commencement; the earliest record 
being of date January 28, 1817, when the lodge was " re- 
vived and reorganized," with John Moss as W. JL ; Charles 
White, S. AV.'"; Luther Waite, J. W. ; Darius Sherriil, 
Treas., and Matthew D. Danvers, Sec. Besides these 
officers, there were present at the meeting of reorgani- 
zation Micajah Pettet, Felix Alden, Warren F. Hitch- 
cock, and Sanford Case. In June, 1820, it was removed 
to Kingsbury street, and afterwards to the Colvin farm, in 
the northwestern part of the town. The last meeting re- 
corded was in 1830, and this was probably the last held. 
While at Sandy Hill, its meetings were held at the corner 
tavern and at Doty's. 

Washington Lodge, No. 11, F. and A. 31., which was 
organized at Fort Edward in 1787, su.spended its organiza- 
tion there about 1820, and was revived and reorganized at 
Sandy Hill. It went out of existence in the anti-Masonic 
excitement of 1827-30. 

Sandy Hill Lodge, No. 372, F. and A. M., was organ- 
ized by dispensation in 185-i, and chartered 1855, with 
Orville Clark, W. M. ; Henry G. Breese, S. W. ; U. G. 
Paris, J. W. Their lodge-room was destroyed in the great 
fire of October 11, 1876. They now meet in a hall in 
Davis' building, adjoining the coffee-house. The officers 
for 1878 are J^ W. Waite, W. M. ; Robt. C. Carey, S. W. ; 
Montgomery C. Moss, J. W. ; JM. Cornell, Treas. ; S. B. 
Ambler, Sec. 

Sandy Hill Chapter, R. A. M., No. 189, was organized 
in December, 1864, with J. W. Wait, H. P.; Sylvanus 
H. Kenyon,,K. ; Madison Cornell, Scribe. The present 
officers are John S. Shippey, H. P. ; S. B. Ambler, K. ; 
J. F. Loomis, Scribe. Meets in Masonic hall, Davis 
building. 

Arctarns Lodge, No. 55, /. 0. 0. F, was instituted at 
Sandy Hill, Feb. 6, 1846, with Matthew S. Pitcher, N. G.; 
Amariah Ilolbrook, V. G. ; Hiram G. Wilson, R. S.; Henry 
E. Dibble, P. S. ; H. B. Vaughn, Treas. As first chartered 
by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, its number 
was two hundred and two ; but after the division of the 
Grand Lodge into the grand lodges of northern and south- 
ern New York, and their subsequent re-consolidation, the 
Areturus received its present number, — 55. The present 
officers are A. F. Hawks, N. G. ; Cornelius A'^an Low, 
V. G. ; Charles A. White, R. S. ; William Bromley, P. S. ; 
Gilson Mason, Treas. It meets in Odd-Fellows' hall. Main 
street. Their previous hall and furniture were destroyed 
in the fire of Oct. 11, 187G. 

Sandy Hill Lodge, No. 902, /. 0. of Good Templarif, 
was organized M<y 11, 1869, with Mai-tiu P. Tanner, 
W. C. T. ; Marion Tanner, AY. V. T. ; Lawrence AV. Foot, 
AV. Chap.; James C. Beach, AV. S. ; John H. Snyder, 
AV. A. S. ; Charles K. AVilliams, W. F. S. ; S. J. Cornell, 
AV. Treas. The following are officers for 1878 : AVilliam 
Thomas, AV. C. T. ; John Smith, AV. Chap. ; John Pock- 
lington, AV. Treas. ; Frank Hawkes, AV. Sec. 

The Sandy Jlill lie/arm Club, having for its principal 
object the ]iromoti()ii of the print-iplo of ttjtal abstinence 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTOX COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



431 



fruiu tlia use of intoxicating liquors, was organized in Jan- 
uary, 1878. Tiie following gentlemen arc present officers 
of the club: James M. Wliitmoii, president; James M. 
Hansom, first vice-president ; E. I). Baker, chaplain; \Vm. 
L. Sliorrill, secretary. The spacious and inviting rooms of 
the club, located on Main street, opposite the park, were 
dedicated in February, 1878. Within the past fuw montlis 
two thousand per.?ons have signed the total abstinence 
pledge in Sandy Hill, of which number less than ten are 
known to have broken it. 

EMINKNT PUBLIC MKN. 

In the number and character of the distinguished or 
prominent men who, in the j'ears that are past, have either 
sprung from Sandy Hill, or at some time been counted as 
her citizens, she claims pre-eminence among villages of her 
size, and the following incomplete list goes far to substan- 
tiate her claim : 

Hon. Henry C. Martindale, district attorney, common 
pleas judge, and member of Congress for several terms, was 
fur nearly half a century a resident and prominent lawyer 
of the village. 

Governor Silas Wrigiit, of national reputation, was a 
student at Sandy Hill, in Judge Martindalc's office. 

Nathaniel Pitcher, acting governor of New York upon 
the death of De Witt Clinton, was a lawyer of this village. 

James C. Hopkins, of Sandy Hill, a student with James 
McCall, was State Senator in 1853 ; afterwards removed to 
Wisconsin, where he was appointed commissioner for re- 
vising the statutes of the State, and United States district 
judge. 

Orville Clark, State Senator and major-general of militia, 
was a leading lawyer of Sandy Hill. He died at Dos 
Moines, Iowa, March 19, 1862. 

Henry B. Northup, another leading lawyer here, was 
member of Assembly and district attorney. 

William L. Lee, of Sandy Hill, became chief-justice and 
lord high chancellor of the Sandwich Islands, aiid died in 
the office. 

David Wilson, afterwards clerk of Assembly, studied in 
the office of General Clark. 

John H. Martindale (son of Henry C.) was a brigadier- 
general during the Rebellion, and afterwards attorney-general 
of New York. 

Hon. Roswell Weston, judge of the common pleas, and a 
strong and eminent lawyer, was a Sandy Hiller. 

Charles Rogers, a citizen here, was elected to Assembly 
in 1833, and to Congress in 1842. 

Seth E. Sill, a student of General Clark, became justice 
of the Supreme Coui't at BuiTalo. 

Hon. H. Emmons, United States judge in Michigan, 
was from vSandy Hill. 

Hon. George H. Lothrop, the leading lawyer in Detroit, 
Mich., was also from this village. 

Hon. Town.send Harris, an eminent merchant in the 
China trade, treaty commissioner to the empire of Siam^ 
and United States consul-general in Japan, was the son of 
Jonathan Harris, the first hatter of Sandy Hill, and was 
born here in 1803, in the Harris house, opposite the village 
green. 



OTHER VILLAGES AND NEIGHBORHOODS. 

Kingsbury, or " Kingsbury Street," as it is often called, 
situated about one mile north of the territorial centre of 
the town, and about five miles northeast from Sandy Hill, 
is a small village containing two churches, two stores, a 
public-house, two or three mechanics' shops, and about one 
hundred and fifty inhabitants. Some of the earliest settlers 
in the town located here and in the vicinity. Among those 
who came here immediately after the close of the Revolution 
were Micajah and Daniel Elliott, Colonel JIatthcw Scott, 
William Smith, Asahel Hitchcock, who built his hou.se a 
half-mile south, in 1784, and Nehemiah Scelye,* who lo- 
caated and built a grist-mill on a small stream a little north 
of the street. 

Tae first business of the place (other than agriculture) 
was probably a store and tavern, opened about this time, on 
the east side of the street, the present premises of Wm. R. 
Buokland. A store was continued there by Warren F. 
Hitchcock as late as 1813. A tavern was kept on the 
present site of the Baptist parsonage, by Arad Spraguc, 
before 1810. The best-known tavern of the place was 
opened on the Matthew Scott place by Salmasius Bordwell, 
who kept it for many years ; this being the same as the 
present Kingsbury Hotel. 

The Kingsbury post-office was established about 1810. 
The first postmaster was Jonathan Bellamy, who continued 
many years, and was succeeded by Gabriel T. Leggett, whose 
sucoes.sors in the office have been Wm. A. Vaughn, James 
F. Acker, Thomas A. Sherwood, Charles B. Vaughn, Wil- 
liam R. Buckland. James F. Acker is the present post- 
master, by a second appointment. 

patten's mills 

is a very small village, situated six and a half miles north 
of Sandy Hill, in the extreme northwest corner of the 
town, on Halfway brook. It is said that the first im- 
provement here was a saw-mill, erected b^' John Jones, who 
was himself a millwright ; and that the locality was, in those 
early times, known as " Jones' mill-place," — perhaps to dis- 
tinguish it from the Jones farm-place, which was a mile or 
two farther southeast. Traces of the submerged timbers 
of this mill may still be found in the stream, near the bridge. 
The next saw-mill was built by Edward Patten, who settled 
hero nearly or (|uite a century ago, and from whom the 
place derived its name. He also built a grist-mill here, in 
1801. This was afterwards carried on successively by James 
Patten, Henry Harvey, James Harvey, John Andrews, 
Royal Bullion, and Robert B. Adams, and has been several 
times repaired and remodeled. The road, which now crosses 
the stream above this mill, formerly passed to the east of it. 
A store was opened here by James Patten about 1822. This 
was torn down about 1850, and a new one erected, this being 
the same now kept by Samuel Dickinson. The store of 
Benjamin F. Kent was opened by him about 18C0. A 
tannery was projected here by Warren Nims, and a building 
erected for the purpose between 1845 and 1850, but wa.s 
never u.sed for the purpose intended, and is now a paint- 
shop. There has never been a public-house at the Mills. 



»Mr. Scelye had been here bcroio llic war, l.ut left (he town in 17 



432 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY', NEW YORK. 



The post-office was established here probably about 1825, 
with James Patten as postmaster. The office has since been 
held by James W. Harvey, Wm. M. I>[arsliali, Melvin Col- 
vin, Ahnon M. Andrews, Benjamin 1<\ Kent, Dr. Philip 
Cromwell, John Farr, John Hill, and Benjamin F. Kent 
(.second appointment), the present incumbent. Tiie village 
now contains two stores, a blacksmith-shop, a wagon-factory, 
and about tvvcuty-five families. 

SMITHS KASIN, 

a station on the Rensselaer and Saratoga railroad, and a 
post-village, lies on the Champlain canal, about tive miles 
northeast from Sandy Hill. The history of this place 
dates from the opening of the canal, in 1822, when a large 
store-house was erected by Ezekiel Smith, for whom the 
village was named, he being then, as since, the principal 
business man of the place, and proprietor of the first store 
and public-house. His brother, Israel Smith, was also at 
one time a merchant there. The post-office was established 
here in 18-19, with L. C. Holmes as postmaster, since whose 
term until the present time the office has been held by Hon. 
George W. L. Smith. The village now contains the rail- 
load buildings, one hotel, two stores, blacksmith-shop, 
wagon-shop, and about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. 
A short distance etist of the village are the extensive lime- 
kilns owned by John Kenyon, of Glen's Falls, which 
produce large quantities of lime of the finest quality. 

duxuam's basi.v, 

also a station on the railroad and canal, is a cluster of 
buildings, liardly sufficient to be called a village, containing 
a hotel and store and accommodations for the building of 
canal-boats. It is .situated about two miles east of Sandy 
Hill, and received its name from Daniel Dunham, an early 
resident of the place. 

auamsville, 

a hamlet lying about six miles east of Sandy Hill, on the 
Hartford line, was formerly a place of considerable trade 
and importance, containijig a store, a hotel, and several 
mechanic-shops, but its business is now nearly extinct. 
The post-office was established here as early as 1827, or 
earlier, during the administration of John Quincy Adams, 
and this circumstance gave it its name. The first post- 
master was Calvin H. Swain. Afterwards Mr. A. Hardin 
lield the oificeTbl' lUdiTy^'earS, and until his death. 

MOSS STREET 

is a rural settlement, situated about half a mile north of 
the corporation limit of Sandy Hill, on the line of Main 
street. In former times a public-house was kept for many 
years in the present residence of D. M. Hyde, and another 
was kept for a time by Reid Phillij)S. The place has now 
no business. Its name was given for Deacon John Moss and 
Captain Isaac Moss, original settlers, whose ashes now rest 
in its cemetery. 

Vaughn's corneijs 

is an agricultural hamlet in the north part of the town, five' 
miles from Sandy Hill. It was so called for William M. 



Vaughn* (afterwards of Kingsbury Street), who purchased 
here in an early day, and opened a tavern and store, which 
lie continued for several years. There was once a post- 
office here, with Marcus Vaughn as postmaster ; but it has 
been discontinued for more than forty years. The place 
now has no business. 

langdon's corners 
is the name given to a prosperous farming neighborhood in 
the west part of the town, four miles north of Sandj' Hill. 

CEMETERIES. 

The oldest place of burial in Kingsbury was the ground 
now occupied by the Presbyterian church, on the west side 
of the public park, several soldiers having been buried there 
in the year 1775. In the following year James Bradshaw 
and otliers of the proprietors of lot 9o cleared off this spot, 
with the avowed intention to set it apart as a burial-ground 
for the inhabitants of the town, and for this purpo.se it was 
held and used. It was permanently fenced in 1793, and 
continued to be the principal place of sepulture in this part 
of the town until it became filled, and the Baker ground 
was set apart as a cemetery. 

In 1813 or 1814 the trustees of the village assumed the 
power to lay out a road across the north end of this ground, 
to give access to the (then) new bridge across the Hudson. 
From the track of this road some of the remains were taken 
up and reinterred in the Baker cemetery, while others were 
allowed to remain. After the destruction of the bridge by 
freshet this road was discontinued, and afterwards became 
the subject of long litigation. Many of the graves were 
covered by the church, and these have never since been 
disturbed. One or two head-stones still remain in the rear 
of the church, and these are all the present indications of 
the former character of the spot. 

The Kingsbury cemetery is the second ground in point 
of antiquity, the first burials there being those of .several 
soldiers of Burgoyne's army, in 1777. To these several 
interments of citizens were added, establishing it by custom 
as a grave-yard ; and on the 4th of April, 1792, Colonel 
Joseph Caldwell and Israel Mead purchased the ground 
(about two acres), for thirty pounds, from John Hitchcock. 
The residents of the vicinity were invited to subscribe this 
amount, and consecrate the spot as a permanent burial- 
place. A meeting was held on the 4th of July in that 
year, and forty-nine citizens subscribed their names, agree- 
ing to reimburse Caldwell and Mead " in good merchantable 
wheat" for their outlay. Joseph Caldwell, Collins Hitch- 
cock, and Micajah Elliott were chosen tru.stecs. On the 
9tli of April, 1850, a reorganization was had under the 
general cemetery law of 1847, and John Newton, Bloomer 
Underbill, H. 11. Bordwcll, Benjamin Bentley, M. L. Cald- 
well, and A. F. Hitchcock were chosen trustees. That 
organization still exists. The present trustees arc George 

» AVilliain M. Vaughn w.as one of the five sons (the others being 
Samuel, Asalicl, Whitni.an, and Thomas) of Thom.as Vaughn, Sr., one 
of the pioneers, who settled about one mile north of Kingsbury Street, 
where William A. and Caleb Vaughn now live, and was probably the 
first of the very numerous and substantial family of tha» name who 
arc now living in the toivn. There were seventeen Vaughns named 
among (lie l,i.r„l,lc inhabilants of Kingsbury in tl.c year \iZu. 





EzEKiEL Smith. 



fJlHS. EZEKi EL Smith. 



PHCrrOS BY WM. VJMS. FOKT EDWAffO 



.>, v- '^ ii^>-^' .i- 

'> 4-'' -Sy" '*.?*tsf <'iS^ j- 




[VtWTh &Co r^iLA /"A 



Hotel, Store*. Residence or ezeiciel SMiTH,SMiTHsff>i5iN,W/(jH/N6To«coN) 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOIIK. 



433 



U. L'aiifiekl, president ; Wallace Elliott, Saniuol J. Cald- 
well, N. M. Catlin, 0. Brayton ; A. F. Ilitclicock, secretary 
and treasurer. The ground is in the village of Kingsbury 
Street. 

The Moss Street burial-ground is nearly as old ; the first 
burial there having been that of an Indian, probably soon 
after the Revolution. The head-stone may still be seen a 
few inches above ground, and bearing the letters K. L. 
The stone of Benjamin Pitcher may also be seen, bearing 
date of his death, June 15, 1796. 

The first plat of this ground (one acre and fifty-eight rods) 
was deeded by Simeon Moss, June 5, 1804, for a considera- 
tion of sixteen dollars, to Ebenczer Willoughby, Soth Alden, 
Samuel Phillips, David Cole, Russell Cole, Giles Brownell, 
Freegift Cole, Abraham Wright, John Moss, Parker Cole, 
David Conkling, Elias Southworth, John Moss, Jr., Burden 
Phillips, John Ferris, and Nathaniel Pitcher as trustees, 
" for the purpose of burying the dead, and for no other use 
whatsoever but a buryiug-place." About two acres have 
been since added to the south end, and about an equal area 
to the west side ; the latter purchased within the last five 
years from Mrs. Mary Cook. The ground is no longer in 
charge of trustees. All those who were named in the deed 
have passed away, and most of them lie within this inclos- 
ure. The sexton, Mr. Van Schaick, is confident that the 
total number of interments will ftilly reach one thousand, 
and among them are many names well known as those of 
early settlers of Kingsbury. 

The old " Baker burial-ground," in the south part of 
Sandy Hill village, was first used as a private interment 
place for members of the Baker family, probably as early as 
1800. It was the property of John, son of Albert Baker, 
and was by him offered to the public as a cemetery on the 
condition that it should be well inclosed with a substantial 
stone wall. It began to be generally used by the public 
about 1812, when the Bradshaw ground, opposite the green, 
had become inconveniently full. This in its turn became 
crowded, and burials within it have been discontinued for 
many years. 

The Sandy Hill and Fort Edward Union Cemetery, com- 
menced in 1847, is, as its name implies, a ground owned 
by people of both villages, but is located in Fort Edward ; 
in the history of which town it will be found more fully 
described. 

The Harris Cemetery, in the northwest part oi' the town, 
near Patten's Mills, is an old and well-filled ground, origin- 
ally taken from the farm of Joshua Harris, one of the 
early settlers. 

The King burial-ground, near Langdon's Corners, was 
laid out by Solomon King upon a portion of his farm. 
Some lots were sold, and the ground became a cemetery, 
though not reserved as such in the will of Jlr. King. It 
is now very little used. 

ZION CHURCH (episcopal). 

An Episcopal church was organized in Kingsbury as 
early as about 1790, the Hitchcock family being promi- 
nent among its members. They met for occasional services 
in private houses and in the school-house, and after a few 
years commenced the erection of a church on the farm of 
55 



Joseph Adams, a few rods nurtli of the present school- 
hou.se of district No. 5. It was never completed, probably 
for lack of funds, but the worshipers often met here in 
favorable weather during several years.* 

The church w:is reorganized A.D. 1813, under the title of 
Zion church. It was a missionary field, and for a number 
of years there wa.s no settled pastor ; but services, more or 
less frequent, were held by different missionaries in the 
court-house. At length, in March, 1840, the Rev. John 
Alden Spooner was called to the rectorship, and continued 
in it till September, 1848. In April, 1846, the Rev. Sanuiel 
B. Bostwick was called as an assistant minister, and suc- 
ceeded Mr. Spooner in the rector,ship. In April, 1849, 
preparations began to be made for building a church. An 
accumulating fund was commenced by means of quarterly 
offerings in the congregation, and deposits in a savings- 
bank in Troy. In July, 1851, Mr. James P. Cronkhite, 
formerly a resident of Sandy Hill, and then a merchant 
in New York, offered two thousand five hundred dollars 
towards the project, provided the church should be built 'of 
stone, furnished with hard wood, and have its seats forever 
free. The vestry thankfully accepted the generous offer, 
and additional means were obtained by subscription, and 
from various sources abroad. 

The corner-stone was laid May 10, 1853, and the edifice 
was so far completed during that and the following year 
that the first service was held in it Sept. 14, 1854. Addi- 
tions and improvements have since been made, and the 
church is now a beautiful specimen of rural Gothic church 
architecture. It is but justice to say that at the completion 
of the church a debt remained upon it, due to Mr. Cronk- 
hite. This debt amounted to two thousand two hundred 
dollars in 1863, when it was generou.sly canceled by Mrs. 
Cronkhite (then Mrs. James T. Swift), and the church was 
consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, D.D., June 
14, 1864. 

The church has prospered spiritually as well as tempo- 
rally. From a small missionary station it has become a 
self-supporting parish, and has sent missionaries to China, 
the Sandwich Islands, and the Indian Territories. The 
rectorship continued to be held by Rev. Dr. Bostwick until 
April, 1877, when he was compelled to resign by reason of 
long-continued ill health. In September of that year the 
Rev. Charles T. Whittemore was called to the rectorship, 
and the parish is now prospering under his pastoral labors. 

THE KINGSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH. 

It is probable that Baptist worship was held in the cen- 
tral part of the town of Kingsbury very soon after the 
people returned to their desolate homes at the close of the 
Revolution, and that a church organization was effected 
about 1790, as we find that as early as 1792 such an organ- 
ization was in prosperous existence, numbering ninety-three 
members on its roll, with Rev. Ebenezer Willoughby as 
pastor. Their earliest worship was in dwellings, and in ,the 
warm season in barns ; afterwards the school-house was 

* After a time this buililiug was completed in a rough manner by 
the town of Kingsbury, and was used for the holding of town-meot- 
ings from 1814 or earlier to as late as tho year 1824, being then desig- 
nated as the " Town-House." 



434 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



made to do duty as a place of meeting, and about a.d. 1800 
a church edifice was built, open to all Christian denomina- 
tions, upon the place afterwards known as the Throop Bar- 
ney farm, but then the land of Joseph Adams, who leased 
the site for the annual rental of one peppercorn, if de- 
manded. 

Upon the completion of this church building the wor- 
ship of the Baptist congregation was held in it, in common 
with that of other sects, and so continued for many years ; 
but finally, from their preponderance of members or other 
cause, it came to be known and regarded not as the union, 
but as the Baptist meeting-house, and as such was, in 
1843, removed to Kingsbury Street, remodeled and re- 
paired, and has been the house of worship of this church 
until the present time. Soon after the removal of their 
edifice the church was formally reorganized under the gen- 
eral law as at present. The membership is now eighty, and 
the church is under the pastoral charge of Rev. C. Coon. 

ADAMSVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH. 

A tradition, which extends back nearly or quite a cen- 
tury, informs us that the first man who commenced a clear- 
ing for the settlement of his family at the place now known 
as Adamsville, on raising his axe to fell the first tree, felt 
moved upon by the Holy Spirit to kneel at its foot and ask 
God that that place might, in his providence, become one 
for spreading the gospel net ; a place where God would 
raise him up a people to serve him ; and that he would 
there get to himself a great name in the salvation of pre- 
cious souls. This tradition so far, no doubt, is entirely re- 
liable ; but who the devoted man of God was who offered 
this prayer, which has been so abundantly answered, as 
this history shows, we are not able to decide. Tradition 
gives the names of two, — Butterfield and Barnes It is 
most probable it was the latter, who was the father of the 
first pastor of what is now known as the Adamsville Bap- 
tist church. The place where this memorable prayer was 
offered is claimed to be, and probably is, the identical spot 
where the house of worship occupied by the church now 
stands. 

The records of the church, for the first ten years of its 
existence, are not now extant, but from sources believed to 
be reliable we gather the following items of history. The 
church was con.stituted in the year 1795, taking the name 
of Second Hartford Baptist church, numbering thirty-two • 
members. Who the constituent members or any of them 
were, we have no means of determining. The first two 
years of its existence the church was without a pastor. 

In 1797, Elder Gamaliel Barnes was called to the pas- 
torate, and served the church in that capacity three years, 
or until the year 1800. During the next six years they 
were without a pastor, the effects of which were visible in 
the decrease of its numbers, which diminished to twenty- 
one at the end of the first three years. But in the year 
1804 they were permitted to enjoy a revival, which re- 
sulted in the addition of sixty-seven by baptism. 

In the year 1806, Calvin, H. Swain, son-in-law of Elder 
Barnes, was called to the pastorate of the church while a 
licentiate, and in due time was set apart by ordination to 
the work of the gospel ministry. The pastoral relation of 



Elder Swain with the church extended over a period of 
twenty-six years, from 1806 to 1832. During his ministry 
a number of revivals are recorded, the most marked of 
which occurred in the years 1816, 1817, and 1831. 

In 1813 the church changed its name from " Second 
Hartford" to "Hartford and Kingsbury," which, in 1827, 
was again changed to " Adamsville," from the post-office 
then recently established tliere. A branch of this church, 
called the south branch, was established at Durkeetown, in 
Fort Edward, in 1816, and, sixteen years later, having 
then increased its membership to about ninety, it was in- 
dependently organized as the Fort Edward Baptist church. 
About this time a dissension arose upon the question of 
Freemasonry. Thirty-two of the members, refusing to 
walk with the church, and being excluded from its fellow- 
ship, formed a separate organization, under the name of the 
Hartford and Kingsbury Baptist church, in the fall of 
1832. In 1833, Elder Nathaniel Culver served them for 
a time, and was followed the same year by Archibald Ken- 
yon, a licentiate, who in April, 1835, was ordained to the 
ministry. After Mr. Kenyou the church was served by 
William Carmack, a licentiate, in 1837 ; by Elder William 
Gonne in 1838 ; Elder D. A. Cobb as pastor for three ' 
years from 1839 ; and by Orrin Shipman, a licentiate, in 
1843. 

About the time of the division in 1832, Elder Swain re- 
signed the pastorate of the Adamsville church, removing to 
the west, and was succeeded by Rev. Norman Fox, who 
gave half his time to them. He was followed by Elder 
Archibald Wait, after whom came Elder Levi Scofield, in 
1836. On the 20th of February, 1837, the church, in 
special meeting, " resolved not to sustain preaching longer 
at Adamsville," and most of the remaining members com- 
menced attending the South Baptist church, of Hartford, 
and so continued until 1843, when, during a powerful re- 
vival, which had commenced the previous autumn, the two 
churches laid aside and forgot all their old JIasonic differ- 
ences, and having disbanded both the Adamsville and 
the Haitford and Kingsbury organizations, became re- 
united under the name of the Hartford, Kingsbury, and 
Adamsville Baptist church, and called to its pastorate 
Elder R. O. Dwyer, who remained with them for three 
years from April, 1843. In the following year, however, 
the name of the church was again changed to that which 
it still retains. Since the close of Elder Dwyer's labors 
with them the church has been served by Elder E. W. 
Allen, 1846 to 1848; Elder J. H. Barker for nine years, 
fi'om 1848 ; William Remington and 0. C. Kirkham, 
both licentiates, who together supplied the desk for two 
years; Elder Asahal Brownson, April, 1859, to January, 
1861 ; Elder M. P. Forbes for four years, from April, 
1861 ; Deacon John Newton, a licentiate from the Kings- 
bury church, who closed a three years' term of labor here 
on Nov. 8, 1866 ; and Elder J. H. Barker, who com- 
menced his second pastorate here April 1, 1868. 

Although the church is now without a pastor, and regu- 
lar services are suspended, its organization still exists, and 
its few members, now not exceeding twenty (less than one- 
eighth the number it enjoyed in the days of its greatest 
prosperity), still hold occasional meetings in the old edifice, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



435 



which has been their house of worship for the past sixty- 
six years. 

A feature worthy of mention is the unusual number of 
her sons this church lias given to the work of the gospel 
ministry. In all, ten, nearly all of whom were young men 
of promise, who in after-life faithfully devoted themselves 
to the great work of leading their fellow-men to Christ. 
The following are among the number: Leonard Fletcher, 
Joshua Fletcher, Ira Love, Horace T. Love, John Twiss, 
Philip Slocum, Aurora M. Swain, E. K. Bailey, Anson 
Brown, and R. C. Green. 

The church has had sixteen pastors, including both 
bodies, during their separation. The two longest pastorates 
together extend over a period of more than forty years, 
while the average is a fraction less than five years. It has 
had four revivals, in which the additions by baptism have 
amounted to more than four hundred and fifty. The first 
reported in 1804, when sixty-seven were received. The 
second in 1816 and 1817, during which more than two 
hundred were added. The third in 1831, when one hun- 
dred and fifteen received baptism. The fourth in 1843, 
when some seventy were received. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH AT SANDY HILL 

was constituted in April, 1840, with forty members, — ten 
male and thirty female ; the services upon the occasion 
being conducted by Elder William Arthur, of Union vil- 
lage, who preached the sermon in the Presbyterian church. 
The first church-meeting was held in the court-house, on 
the 2d of May, with Elder J. B. Murphy, the first pastor, 
as moderator, and Barnet Bond as clerk. Since Mr. Mur- 
phy, the church has been served by the following pastors : 
Seth Ewers, 1841 ; Solomon Gale, 1842-14 ; B. A. Web- 
ster, 1845 ; Asa Bronson, 1846 ; W. A. Moore, 1847-49 ; 
James J. Peck, 1850 ; William Hutchinson, 1851-52 ; J. 
A. Bullard, 1853-54 (no pastor in 1855) ; B. F. Parshall, 
1856-58; John E. Cheshire, 1859-60; D. C. Hughes, 
1861-65 ; George Webster, 1866-69 ; and E. R. Sawyer 
from 1870 to the present time. The succession of deacons 
has been as follows: John Winchip, James Cheesman, 
Samuel P. Harris, Ozro M. Bond, Jacob Churchill, Gard- 
ner M. Baker, Jesse King, R. J. Winship, Charles Harris, 
Jr., L. W. Croukhite, Loren Allen. The clerks have been 
as follows: Barnet Bond, 1841-42 ; Otis Churchill, 1843; 
Henry Tefit, 1844 to 1872 inclusive ; and G. M. Baker, 
1873 to the present (March, 1878). 

Their first house of worship was erected in 1844, at a 
cost of four thousand dollars, and was dedicated Jan. 7, 
1845 ; the services being conducted by Rev. Isaac Wescott. 
It was afterwards sold to the Catholics, who still occupy it. 

Their present beautiful edifice was erected in 1872, and 
was dedicated Dec. 5 in that year; the Rev. Dr. Bridg- 
man, of Albany, leading the ceremonies. The church 
is a cruciform structure of brick and limestone, built in 
the Gothic style of the thirteenth century. The founda- 
tions, including tower and transept, are sixty-one by one 
hundred and sixteen feet in dimension ; and the lot, which 
adjoins the court-house lot, southward, is two hundred and 
seven feet front by ninety deep. The co.st of the building, 
including bell, organ, and furniture, was fifty-seven thousand 



dollars, and it is one of the finest houses of worship in the 

county. 

The present membership of the church is two hundred 
and eighty-three. 

The Sabbath-school connected with it was organized in 
April, 1842. It now ein-olls two hundred and ninety-nine 
teachers and scholars, under the .superintendency of Hiram 
Allen. Its library contains five hundred and eighty-eight 
volumes. 

The moneys contributed by the church for benevolent 
purposes have been large in amount, and are rather remark- 
able in the rate of their increase. In 184] the sum raised 
was $8; in 1872, it was $1761.90; in 1875, $2126.03; 
in 187C, $1748.82 ; and in 1877, $846.43. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT SANDY HILL. 

This church was formed by Rev. Lebbeus Armstrong, 
in September, 1 803 ; the meeting for the purpo.se of organ- 
ization being held some four miles north of the village, at 
the house of Captain William Smith, who, with his wife, 
Thankful, were two of the original members. Two others 
were Deacon John Moss and Captain Isaac Moss ; and it 
is supposed that Deacon Thomas Magee, Colonel Joseph 
Caldwell, and Colonel Matthew Scott were also included in 
and completed the roll of this feeble church, which was 
more Congregational than Presbyterian, and was then 
known by the former designation. 

For several years they were unable to secure regular 
preaching, but during that time were served occasionally 
by Rev. Mr. Willoughby, Rev. Lebbeus Armstrong, Rev. 
Jonas Coe, of Troy, and others. Their worship being 
frequently held at the commodious dwelling of Deacon 
Moss (now occupied by Daniel Hyde), until 1806, when, 
upon the completion of the court-house, it became their 
place of meeting in common with other denominations, and 
so continued to be for more than twenty years. 

In 1810 this was united with the Queonsbury church, 
in connection with which it was supplied by Rev. William 
Boardman, who had first resided at Glen's Falls, but soon 
after this union removed to Sandy Hill, where a parsonage 
had been built for him, and remained until September, 
1811. During the nine years succeeding his departure 
the united churches were occasionally supplied by Rev. L. 
Armstrong, Dr. Coe, Dr. Blatchford, of Lansingburg, 

Rev. Samuel Tomb, of Salem, Mr. Griswold, Smith, 

Rev. Mr. Sears, and others. 

In 1820, the Rev. Ravaud K. Rodgors commenced labor 
here, and he was ordained pastor of the united churches 
March 14, 1821. Four elders were ordained in this church 
Jan. 30, 1820, viz. : Luther Johnson, John Thoma.s, Ed- 
ward Moss, and Dan. Beaumont. 

Mr. Rodgei-s remained here until March, 1830, when he 
was dismissed at his own request, and the pulpit was then 
supplied a short time by Rev. Edwin Hall, after whom 
came Rev. Washington Roosevelt, who remained until 1834. 
From this time until 1839 the church depended on occa- 
sional supplies, when Rev. Joseph Parry was installed pius- 
tor June 26, and continued a little more than two years. 

Then followed Revs. Smith, Stephen Mattoon, James 

T. Hamlin, and George Van Cleve, the last mentioned re- 



486 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ruaining only a few months. The church now langiiLshed, 
and during the spring of 1846 services were discontinued. 
Later in that year Rev. Joseph B. Eastman commenced 
labor here, and remained as stated .supply till 1849. In 
April, 1848, the church was reorganized, and a new board 
of trustees chosen, as follows : Orville Clark, Harvey B. 
Nash, James M. Moss, Lyman Holbrook, Loraness Clark, 
Henry E. Dibble, Benjamin Ferris, Coolidgc B. Murphy, 
and A. A. Skinner. Rev. George I. Taylor was installed 
pastor Nov. 14, 1849, and dismissed Oct. 28, 18.51. Rev. 
Edward E. Seelye* served as stated supply from Nov. 1, 
1851, to Nov. 1, 1858, and was succeeded by Rev. Henry 
F. Hickok, who was installed pastor of this and the Fort 
Edward church June 15, 1859, and so remained until 
April 1, 1869. Rev. James E. Platter was installed pastor 
Sept. 26, 1870, and served until Sept. 17, 1872. Rev. 
Thomas B. McLeod became pastor March 18, 1873, but 
left in October, 1874, on account of ill health. The pres- 
ent pastor, Rev. Edward P. Johnson, commenced labor 
here in January, 1875, and was installed June 23 in that 
year. 

As. has been mentioned, the court-house was their first 
place of worship in Sandy Hill, and this continued till the 
erection of their first and present church edifice, on the 
west side of the public square in the village. The lot 
was the old burial-ground, laid out in 1785, which had 
been ofifered as a premium to the denomination which 
should first erect a hou.se of worship. Acting on this, the 
pastor. Rev. R. K. Rodgers, started a subscription, and in 
two days had secured one thousand dollars, with which the 
work was commenced. The whole cost was over four 
thousand dollars, which was realized, with an excess of one 
hundred and forty dollars, from the sale of pews and slips; 
and so the church was dedicated free of debt Feb. 15, 1827. 
It was repaired and the interior remodeled in 1860 at an 
expense of seven hundred and seventy-five dollars. On the 
12th of April, 1869, the pews of the church were declared 
free. The present membership is about one hundred and 
eighty. Connected with the church is a flourishing Sab- 
bath-school, under the superintendeney of James M. Ransom. 

SANFORD's RIDQE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Methodist preaching in a primitive way was commenced 
in this neighborhood soon after Rev. Lemuel Smith's ap- 
pointment to Cambridge circuit in 1788. A few years 
later we find these people enjoying the ministrations of 
Revs. Billy Hibbard and Henry Ryan, circuit preachens, 
and about the year 1800 the church was organized, — Daniel 
Brayton being then preacher in charge, and Rev. John Love- 
joy presiding elder. Among the multitude of preachers 
who served here during the succeeding thirty years were 
Revs. Samuel Howe, Roselle Kelly, Seymour Coleman, Ju- 
lius Fields, and John B. Stratton, who conducted .services 
in private houses and barns, and often in the store at Pat- 
ten's Mills. In 1832 the present church on the Ridge was 
built, the work being done by Levi Andrews, assisted by Mr. 
Madison. Its location is just within the town of Kings- 
bury, on the Queensbury border ; many of the congrega- 



« Died at Sandy Hill, Aug. 10, 1S64. 



tion being residents of the last-named town. The present 
membeiship numbers two hundred and seventeen. Rev. 
A. Campbell is the preacher in charge. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP SANDY HILL. 

This church was organized in 1825, with thirteen orig- 
inal members, viz. : Benjamin Clark and wife, Nathaniel 
Wickes and wife, Jacob Latimer and wife, Seth Smith and 
wife, George Harvey and wife, Mary M. Lee, Katy Carrier, 
and Carmi Dibble. It was then included in Poultney dis- 
trict, and the first preachers who labored here were Revs. 
Carpenter and Houghtaling, who were succeeded by Revs. 
Little and Chip; this reaching to the year 1830, since 
which time the church has been served by successive 
preachers too numerous to mention. For the first sixteen 
years of their organized existence their worship was held in 
the court-house, and in the brick school-house of district 
No. 16 ; but in 1840 they commenced the erection of their 
present church edifice, on a lot purchased from John 
Thomas, and located on the main street of the village. 
The cost of the building (including lot) was about four 
thousand dollars, and it was completed and occupied in 
1841. In the same year the society was legally organized 
as the Methodist Episcopal church of Sandy Hill and vi- 
cinity ; the preachers at that time and immediately following 
being Reverends Amer, Scoville, and William A. Miller. 
Their parsonage (previously the residence of Allen Buck) 
was purchased in 1855 at the price of twelve hundred 
dollars. The present membership of the church is two 
hundred and .seventy -eight, under charge of Rev. John 
W. Quinlan, pastor. The Sabbath-.school, now under the 
superintendeney of Eber Richards, Esq., enrolls one hundred 
and thirty-nine teachers and pupils. 

THE METHODIST EPI.SCOPAL CHURCH AT KINGSBURY 
STREET 

was organized in 1853, with about ti'ii members, under 
Revs. Miner and Benjamin F. Pomoroy. Their meeting's 
were held for a time in the Baptist church ; but about two 
years later they purchased a church building of the Pres- 
byterians in Fort Ann, and removed it in sections upon 
sleds to a lot in Kingsbury village, donated to them by 
Misses Lindamira and Fanny Mason, two ladies who al- 
ways, during their lives, were stanch friends and sup- 
porters of this church. Miss Fanny Mason, the last of 
the sisters, who died in the present month (March, 1878), 
bequeaths an eligible lot for a parsonage. The church is 
not strong in numbers, its membership being now but 
thirty-six, and is at present without a pastor. 

THE ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH 

was organized with about twenty members, in 1859, by 
the Rev. Joseph Parry, who was its first pastor, with Elder 
Gordon Matthewson as associate. The succeeding pastors 
have been Elders O. R. Fassett, C. H. Leverton, and A. 
W. Sibley ; these extending to December, 1875, at which 
time the present pastor. Rev. Arthur A. Waite, commenced 
his labors here. Their church edifice, located on Main 
street, in the south part of the village, was built in 1860, 
largely by the assistance of Mr. Nelson W. Wait, a prom- 








M(?s. Joseph ]\ /Harris. 



Joseph H, Harris. 




ffESPOENCE OT JOSEPH H . HARRIS .Smith;? SaSiN .WJSHlNGrON Co.N.Y 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



437 



inent member. The cost of the building, with the adjoin- 
ing parsonage, was four thousand dollars. A prayer-room, 
having a capacity of about one hundred and fifty, was added 
in 1866, and this was enlarged in 1877 at an additional 
cost of about four hundred dollars. The membership is 
now about two hundred. 

ST. MARY's ROMAN C.\THOLIC CHURCH, SANDY HILL. 

The church edifice of the English-speaking Catholics at 
Sandy Hill is situated on Wall street, overlooking the Hud- 
son. It is substantially and solidly built of cut stone from 
the Kingsbury quarries, and is in Gothic style. Size of 
church is forty by sixty feet, with a seating capacity of four 
hundred. The church lot occupies about one acre, upon 
which is a parsonage, purchased in 1873. The number of 
families in charge of the pastor of this church is about two 
hundred, with a membership of about one thousand souls. 
The church stands prominently forth as the mother church 
of Catholicity in Washington, Warren, and Essex counties, 
having been erected in 18.38. In 1839, Bishop Dubois, of 
the New York diocese (in which Sandy Hill then was), 
consecrated the edifice. A few years previous to this date, 
a number of emigrants from different parts of Ireland settled 
in the neighborhood of Sandy Hill. They were exclu- 
sively a hard-working, industrious cla.ss, and were much re- 
spected for their honesty and fi-ugality. In 1830 their 
number was so augmented by constant arrivals from the 
mother country that a congregation was formed, and it was 
designated as " Christ's Church." The name, however, 
was retained but a few years, when it was changed to " St. 
Mary's Church." Several Canadian French resided here, 
and many of their number attended the services of this con- 
gregation. Since that time their number has so increased 
they have provided a church edifice of their own (St. Paul's), 
sermons and instructions being given in the French tongue. 
After the formation of the congregation, clergymen from 
Troy made periodical visits here, among the number being 
Rev. Fathers Shanahan and Quinn, who held services in 
the court-house. This temple of justice has been utilized 
by every denomination in Sandy Hill, before they were 
numerous enough to build churches of their own. 

In 1834, the first resident pastor, Rev. John Kelly, S. J., 
was appointed to Sandy Hill and adjoining missions, com- 
prising Washington, Warren, and Essex counties. In these 
missions services were .sometimes held in halls of villages, 
but principally in the houses of the few families scattered 
through the farming communities. When the present stone 
structure was built (which at this writing (1878) is the 
only one of that material in the diocese of Albany), it was 
fully adequate to accommodate all the Catholics in the sur- 
rounding country ; but now, within a cii'cuit of five miles, 
churches are provided, with a convent and schools. 

From the year 1840, Rev. Francis Coyle, since deceased, 
labored zealously for four years. He was followed by Rev. 
Joseph Guerdet, now pastor of St. John's church, Syracuse, 
N. Y., who remained but a short time in charge. In 1845, 
Rev. Andrew Doyle (who is now dead) labored here one 
year. 

In 184(1, Kev. Michael Olivetti assumed charge, but a 
short time afterwards was waylaid and foully murdered, and 



his body thrown into Lake Champlain, at Port Henry. He 

was engaged at the time in his missionary duties. Robbery 
no doubt was the motive of the murder. The perpetrators 
were unknown, and they were never brought to justice. 
The organ at present in use in the church was procured by 
this zealous priest. 

Rev. John Murphy was next appointed (in 1848). He 
removed his residence to Glen's Falls, it being more cen- 
trally located, and having a more numerous congregation. 
He attended both villages for nearly eighteen years, until 
1865, when he resigned. The present pastor of St. Mary's 
church, Glen's Falls, Rev. James McDermott, was his suc- 
cessor, and his appointment dated 1865. During the ad- 
ministration of Father McDermott a stone tower was built, 
a spire erected, a new slate roof added, and the interior both 
tastefully and religiously embellished. 

The present incumbent, Rev. Jcseph F. Leonard, was ap- 
pointed in 1873, with residence in Sandy Hill. The num- 
ber of Catholics here so increased that they required a 
separate pastor, the former pastor (Father McDermott) 
giving his whole attention to Glen's Falls and vicinity. 
Rev. J. F. Leonard is a native of Albany, where he was 
born in 1847. 

He was educated at St. Bonaventurc's College, Allegany, 
N. Y., and ordained on June 3, 1871, at the Provincial 
Seminary, Troy, N. Y. 

Previous to 1844, Archbishop John Hughes, of New 
York, held confirmation in the church of those prepared by 
the missionary priests. After this date, Bishop John Mc- 
Closkey, of the Albany diocese, performed the ceremony. 
In 1873, Bishop Francis McNierny, also of Albany, held 
confirmation here. This section of the State was in the 
diocese of New York until 1847, when the diocese of 
Albany was formed, and Sandy Hill included in the same. 

ST. Paul's church — french catholic. 

This church was established at Sandy Hill in 1873. 
Their church building at Park place and River street was 
the first Baptist house of worship, and was purchased from 
that denomination for three thousand dollars, to which fif- 
teen hundred dollars was added in repairs and improve- 
ments. Their first priest was Rev. G. Huberdault, who 
was succeeded in 1873 by Father L. N. St. Ange, the 
present pastor, who resides at Glen's Falls, iis does also their 
curate, Rev. Father Breserd. The congregation numbers 
about one hundred and forty families. 

educational. 

The earliest school-house in the town of which we have 
any reliable account was a wooden building of one room, 
which, in the early years of the present century, stood on 
the present site of the French Catholic church at Sandy 
Hill. Josiah Beobe taught in this house before 1810, and 
it is certain that Stephen Ashley taught there in 1812, as 
Mrs. General Clark distinctly recollects hearing him an- 
nounce from his desk the terrifying fact of the declaration 
of war with Great Britain. Another teacher, who came 
soon aft<^r, was Luther Wait, father of Judge Wait, of Fort 
Edward. 

In 1813 or 1814 a two-.story wooden school-house was 



438 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



erected at the head of Academy lane, where the old brick 
ice-house now stands. This superseded the old house on 
the brow of the hill, and was by courtesy called " the acad- 
emy." Among its early teachers were Mr. Adams, Mr. 
Edgerton, Samuel T. Tanner, and others, who gave good 
repute to the school. Miss Almira Hart taught the girls' 
school in the upper room for two years from 1815. She 
was a sister of Mrs. Willard, afterwards principal of the 
Troy Seminary. Soon after her installation as teacher a 
Mrs. Wilcox, who had previously received the offer of the 
place, but failed to signify her acceptance, appeared and 
demanded the school, which being refused, she, being .sup- 
ported in her claims by a portion of the parents, opened a 
school in the court-house. Quite a warm feeling was thus 
engendered between the two parties, and this was the first 
cause of the division of the village into the " upper" and 
" lower" school districts. After Miss Hart left, in 1817, 
Miss Sally Martindale became teacher in the upper room. 
The old " academy" was destroyed by fire about 1820, the 
accident arising from the use of combustibles in a scientific 
lecture delivered in the house by Dr. Zina Pitcher, brother 
of the governor. Upon the destruction of the wooden 
"academy" a brick school-hou,se was erected on its site, 
this being the same building before mentioned as still in 
use as an ice-house at the head of Academy lane. The 
earliest board of town school commissioners whose names 
appear upon existing records was composed of H. C. Mar- 
tindale, Jonathan Bellamy, and Ebenezer Harrington, who, 
on the 10th of November, 1813, divided the town into 
twelve school districts,* of which number one included " all 
the Town plat, Mill lot, and L lot in said town," this being 
the village of Sandy Hill, which was soon afterwards 
divided as above noticed. The remuneration of the com- 
missioners and inspectors of schools was, in 1822, fixed at 
one dollar per day for time actually employed. 

The town now embraces sixteen school districts, containing 
an aggregateof 1513 children of school age; the average daily 
attendance during the school year ending Sept. 30, 1877, 
being G74,8£5, and the amount of public-school money re- 
ceived by the town was $3354.67. The wages paid to 
teachers in districts outside the village of Sandy Hill ranges 
from $3.50 to $7 per week. The time taught during the 
year is usually twenty-eight weeks. 

THE UNION FREE SCHOOL — PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 

In October, 1867, certain (jualified voters, resident in 
each of the adjoining school districts Nos. 1, 13, and 16, 
which then embraced all the village of Sandy Hill, and 
some contiguous territory, united in a call for a meeting of 
the inhabitants, " for the purpo.se of determining, by a vote 
of such districts, whether an union free school shall be es- 
tablished therein, in conformity to the provisions of chapter 
433 of the laws of 1853." 

In pursuance of this call, a meeting was held at the court- 
house in Sandy Hill, Nov. 15, 1867, at which it was de- 
termined, by a two-thirds vote, to consolidate the three dis- 
tricts into one, and to establish a union free .school. The 



iiiiil inik-rmitc l:uiii^' nil' of ilistricts pi 



board of education then elected for the consolidated district 
was composed as follows: Loren Allen, D. Mathewsou, 
Charles Stone, Jr., Eber Richards, G. A. Prescott, Joseph 
McFarland (2d), William H. Miller, Lyman H. Northup, 
and Joseph McFarland. On the 13th of December, 1867, 
the village voted to rai.se twenty-one thousand dollars, in 
three equal instalments, for the purchase of a site and the 
building of a union school-house thereon, and an act of 
Legislature was soon after procured, authorizing the board 
to issue the bonds of the village for this purpose. Only 
seven thousand one hundred dollars of bonds were issued, 
and these have been paid and canceled, excepting sixteen hun- 
dred dollars. A donation of one thousand dollars was also 
received from Mrs. Abram Wakeman, of New York city. 
A lot located at the head of Oak street, containing about 
three and a half acres, was purchased of Charles Stone, for 
three thousand dollars, and the present stately brick school- 
house was erected upon it, at an additional cost of about 
twenty-three thousand dollars, including furniture and fix- 
tures. It was completed in 1869, and first occupied by 
the school in September of that year. William McLaren 
was employed as the first principal, at a salary of twelve 
hundred dollars per annum, Miss Teffts as preceptress, at five 
hundred dollars, and seven subordinate teachers, at eight 
dollars per week. The academical department was estab- 
lished in 1871, and the salary of the principal was raised 
to thirteen hundred dollars. That of the preceptress was 
raised to seven hundred dollars, and afterwards to one 
thousand dollars. 

Prof James H. Durkec, the successor of Prof. McLaren, 
and the present principal, was ajipointed to the position in 
September, 1876, at a .salary of twelve hundred dollars, 
which has now been advanced to thirteen hundred dollars. 
The preceptress. Miss Mary Trumbull, receives five hundred 
dollars, and an assistant four hundred and eighty dollars ; 
the remaining teachers, nine in number, receiving from nine 
to seven dollars per week. All these are employed in the 
main building, except one, who t«aches a primary school in 
the school-house formerly used by old district No. 16. The 
present board of education is composed as follows: Guy 
W. Clark, president; E. H. Crocker, L. W. Cronkhite, 
John H. Derby, John Dwyer, Lyman H. Northup, Eber 
Richards, Thomas J. Strong, W. B. Baldwin. 

Private schools have been taught at various periods in 
the village of Sandy Hill, and some have achieved a marked 
success ; but none in a greater degree than the classical 
school taught by Rev. Dr. Bostwick for many years follow- 
ing his acceptance of the rectorship of Zion church. And 
recently, since his resignation of the pastorate, the school 
has been re-opened by him on the same plan. 

AGRICULTURAL POPULATION. 

Of the area of the town of Kingsbury, more than five- 
sixths is now improved land ; this proportion being much 
greater than is found in most of the towns in this or the 
adjoining counties. " The Kingsbury Swamp," which has 
been mentioned for more than a century, and which was 
formerly considered a waste and worthless tract, has been 
reclaimed by judicious drainage, and now embraces valuable 
tilled lands. The soil in the southwest part of the town. 



ii-'^TOllY OF WAS"- ^rON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



430 



between Bond's creek and the Hudson, is sandy; in otlier 
portions it is a stiff and rather intractable clay, not especially 
:i(lai)ted to the production of fruits or of strains, exceptiii"' 
oats, but inferior to none for grazing and dairying purposes, 
to which industries the attention of the farmers is very 
generally given. 

The " Kingsbury Centre Cheese- Factory" is an establi.sh- 
ment located near the centre of the town, owned by a 
stock company, and operated under charge of Ey.vn Fuller, 
general manager. Its patronage is 1 25 cows. This is the 
only factory in Kingsbury ; the greater part of the dairy 
product being shipped hence in the form of milk, of which, 
during the year 1877, there wa.s sent forward by railroad, 
from Smith's Basin, 284:,040 quarts, and from Durham's 
Basin station 112,400 quarts; total from stations in Kings- 
bury, i596,440 quarts. And the reputation of milk sent 
from here, as from other parts of this county, is .second to 
none sold in the city markets. 

The population of Kingsbury in 1840 was 2773; in 
1845, 27!)6; in 1850, 3032; in 1855, 3364; in 1860, 
3471 ; in 1865, 3751 ; in 1870, 4277; in 1875, 4545; 
showing a steady and constant increase which is very grati- 
fying, as it is in marked contrast with the showing of many 
other towns in this and the adjoining counties. The popu- 
lation of Sandy Hill in 1855 was 1360 ; in 1865, 1939 ; in 
1870, 2350; and in 1875, 2501. 



MILITAKY. 

Wm. D. Akiiis, onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 12:id Uegt., Co. B. 

Horny S. Akins, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 169th Kegt., Co.D. 

Charles Allen, enl. Aug. 24, 186], 43d Rcgt., Co. F. 

Andrew Allen, con>.; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 4:id Kegt., Co. F. 

Ilcnry H. Bnrnes, musician ; onl. Oct. 12, 1861, 2d Civ. 

Samuel C. Burton, 2d lieut.; enl. July, 1862, 12:id Rcgt., Co. B. 

John II. Beach, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. B. 

Lemuel Buck, onl. Aug. 4, 1863, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

N. L. Bailey, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Oiville Branch, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

I'hineas Barber, onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Uoswcll Bryant, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. li. 

Jaraos Bonnett, enl. July 29, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

A. J. Blake, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Dennis Bennett, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Lyman Bennett, onl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Martin Burton, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Alexander Burnett, enl. July 30, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Arnold Bullard, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kugt., Co. B. 

Charles F. Blakeman, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Wm. Barber, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 123d Kegt,, Co. B. 

Francis Biggart, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 169th Kegt., Co. D. 

Jay Brown, corp. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 16Uth Kegt., Co. D. 

Aloxaniler Bell, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 169th Kegt., Co. D. 

Thomas Brady, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 10911i Kegt., Co. D. 

Owen Bannon, Corp.; enl. Aug. 7,1862, 123d Kegt., Co. I). 

Oenrge H. Baker, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Kegt., Co. F. 

William Bailey, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d l{egt., Co. V. 

John Barker, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Kogt., Co. F. 

.John Braiuard, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Kegt., Co. F. 

Cjirnie Buck, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Begt., Co. F. 

Bernard Carroll, enl. July 23, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Leon Carpenter, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Edward Capron, enl. July 22, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Francis Clark, enl. July 19, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Warren B. Coleman, capt. ; enl. Sept. 20, 1802, lG9th Kegt., Co. D. 

Robert 0. Connor, lat lieut. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1SG2, 169th Rogt., Co. I). 

Denniss Corbett, corp. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 169th Kegt., Co. D. 

James Crouan, onl. Aug. 10, 1862, lOStli Kegt., Co. D. 

Dennis (Jlancey, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 169th Rcgt., Co. D. 

Patrick Callon, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 16gth Rogt., Co. D. 

James Caten, onl. Aug. 12, 1862, 169th Rogt., Co. D. 

Patrick Connelly, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, la9tli Regt., Co. I). 

John Connor, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 169tli Rogt., Co. D. 

Thomas Cunningham, onl. Aug. 13, 1862, 169th Kegt., Co. D. 

Benjamin Criss, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 109th Uegt., Co. D. 



Cornolius CreigLton, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 169th Rcgt., Co. D. 

George B. Culver. Ist lieut. ; enl. Aug. 24, 1801, 4.3d Rogl., Co. F. 

.lames Crawford, onl. Aug. 26, 1861, 43d Kegt., Co. F. 

John Crockwell, onl. Aug. 26, 1801, 43d Kegl., Co. V. 

Francis Carpenter, onl. Dec. 26, 1863, 16tli Art., Co. I. 

Harloy Cusbman, eul. Dec. 23, 1863, IGtIl Art., Co. I. 

Ini Durkoc, enl. July 22, 1862, 123d Rogt., Co. B. 

William Donegan, corp. ; cul. Aug. 22, 1862, 169tli Rogt., Co. D. 

John Daley, onl. Aug. 7, 1862, lG9lli Begt., Co. D. 

Charles Domain, onl. Aug. 20, 1862, 169tli Regt., Co. D. 

Taylor Durkoc, onl. Aug. 24, 1861, 4:)d Regt., (Jo. F. 

Peleg Dailey, onl. Doc. 19, 1863, I6th Art., Co. I. 

Nathan Evans, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 169tll Rogt., Co. D. 

William M. Fuller, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 12:td Kegt., Co. B. 

Frederick F. French, sergt.; enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 109th Kegl., Co. D. 

Daniel Flood, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 159lh Kogt., Co. D. 

Patrick Farrell, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. D. 

Charles T. Freeman, eul. Aug. 22, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. D. 

Peter Fish, sergt.; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Kegt., Co. F. 

David T. Gleason, corp. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862,123d Rcgt., Co. B. 

E. T. Gihnan, musician ; enl. July 24, 1862, 123d Rcgt., Co. B. 

Jeremiah Gioen, chl. July 20, 1862, 123d Kogt., Co. B. 

Audrcw Giles, enl. July 22, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

Jabez Green, onl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123d Rogt., Co. B. 

Rouben Gleason, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

Jerome Green, enl. Aug. 30, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

C. H. Gowin, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 169th Rogl., Co. D. 

Peter Golaber, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 169lh Rcgt., Co. D. 

William Gleason, enl. Aug. 15, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. D. 

Henry Gamble, onl. Aug. 24, 1801, 43d Rogt., Co. F. 

Charles Gardiner, enl. Aug. 24, 1801, 43d Kegt., Co. F. 

Horace A. Gould, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 

Francis Granger, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, -ISd Rcgt., Co. F. 

William Hale, eul. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

John K. Hamilton, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

John II. Hughes, 2d liout. ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 169th Kogt., Co. D. 

Thomas Hardin, sergt.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 109tli Rcgt., Co. D. 

S. P. Harris, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, lonth Kegt., Co. D. 

Patrick Holly, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 169th Rogt., Co. D. 

William Iloag, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. D. 

Joseph Hillis, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 169th Kogt., Co. D. 

Ebenezer Hall, onl. Aug. 22, 1862, 169th Kegt., Co. D. 

Francis M. Hummell, sergt. ; onl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Rogt., Co. F. 

Samuel Hart, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 

Harrison B. Hays, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 

John G. Henry, onl. Dec. 19, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 

Henry C. Hitcheth, enl. Dec. 4, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 

Levi Heath, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. B. 

Nowton R. Hays, Corp.; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Rogt., Co. B. 

Willard P. Harris, corp. ; onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

Alonzo Harrington, corp. ; enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Orrin E. Harris, Corp.; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, 123d Kogt., Co. B. 

James Haines, enl. July 30, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

Honice Harris, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Hogt., Co. B. 

Wm. F. Harrington, onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. B. 

Harlan Harrington, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

George W. Harrington, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 12;!d Rcgt., Co. B. 

Henry Hill, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

Abram W. Haight, onl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

Austin Hazloton, onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

J. G. Harrington, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

Wm. Hurtley, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, IGth Art., Co. I. 

George W. Irish, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Elias Ives, enl. Dec. 19, 1803, 16th Art., Co. I. 

Ezra Ives, onl. Dec. 19, 1863, 10th Art., Co. I. 

James Johnson, enl. July 24, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

Edward J,ackson, onl. Aug. 24, 1801, 43d Regt., Co. F. 

John H. Knapp, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Richard Kearney, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. D. 

James Keating, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, lO'JIh Regt., Co. D. 

William Kavanagh, enl. Aug. 6, 1802, 169th Regt., Co. D. 

H. S. Kenyon, musiciKu ; onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 169th Rcgt., Co. D. 

Hugh B. Knickerbocker, sergt. ; eul. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 

James Lord, old. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

Joseph Lenatli, eul. Aug. 19, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. D. 

Dennis Leary, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. D. 

Samuel Liddio, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. D. 

David Luce, musician; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 

Henry E. Lyon, enl. Aug. 24, 1801, 4:id Kegl., Co. F. 

George Lamb, enl. Dec. 19, 1863, loth An., Co. I. 

Joseph H. Middleton, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 

Thomas A. Morris, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

Gernmnd Moshier, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. B. 

Charles Moshier, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

John H. Middleton, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, Piid Kegt., Co. B. 

Charics Moore, eid. Ang. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 

Wm. Martindalo, onl. Aug. 12, 1802, 12:id Regt., Co. B. 



440 



inSTORY OF WASIIINGTOIS COUNTY NEW YOPK^- 



Elias Mead, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 123d llcgt., Co. IJ. 
Thomas McCloiuI, enl. Aug. 18, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. B. 
John Morris, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 7, 18G2, 169tli Regt., Co. D. 
Barnard MeGuire, corp. ; eul. Aug. 11, 18C2, 109th Uegt., Co. D. 
Bissell Moore, enl. Aug. 11, 18C2, lC9th Ili'gt., Co. I). 
Patrick Murphy, onl. Aug. 13, 18(i2, lUBtli Regt., Co. T). 
Sylvest<M' Madden, enl. Aug. 22, 18C2, 169th Regt, Co. D. 
John Meohan, .-iil. Aug. 9, 1862, lC9th Regt,, Co. D. 
John Mcfiinnis, eul. Aug. 12, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. I). 
Thoma.^ Mcl.achlin, eul. Aug. 13, 1862, 169th Eegt., Co. I). 
Lewis Murray, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 169th Regt., Co. D. 
Joseph Mouteuor, sergt.; enl. Aug. 24, 1801, 43d Kegt., Co. V. 
Lester T. Murray, eul. Aug. 24, 1861, 43a Regt., Co. F. 
Michael Manny, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 
John McQueen, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 
Edward Mott, eul. Dec. 19, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. 
Kdwin B. Norton, onl. July 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
Silas A. Orinsby, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
J. U. Ormshy, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
Ernest L. Ormshy, enl. Aug. 20, 1862, 123d Kogt., Co. B. 
Edward Phair, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
George M. Perry, onl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
William H. Pixley, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
Edwin Piereon, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
Ezekiel Parks, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
Leaude Pelot, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
Robert IL Perkins, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 
Duncan A. Peterson, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 
Peter Parron, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 
Charles L. Itansom, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
Robert Ramsey, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
Patrick Redman, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 169th Rogt., Co. D. 
John Riley, Jr., enl. .4ug. 6, 1802, 169th Regt., Co. D. 
John Royal, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. D. 
James C. Rogers, capt. ; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt. 
William Robinson, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 

George W. Smith, sergt.; eul. July 3(1, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B; served pre- 
viously in 43d Kegt. 
B. F. Smith, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 
George H. Simpson, Corp. ; enl. July 23, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
Dwight Stone, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 
Walter Stone, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
George Stover, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
John Seally, Corp.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. D. 
Moses Severance, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. D. 
Robert Stafford, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. D. 
William Seally, enl. Aug. 18, 1863, 169th Regt., Co. D. 
George Sibley, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 
Eher W. Simmons, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 4:id Regt., Co. F. 
William Stover, eul. Aug. 24, 1801, 43d Regt., Co. F. 
Alexander Smith, enl. Aug. 24, 1801, 43d Kegt., Co. F. 
William SafTord, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 
Lewis Tucker, enl. July 26, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
James Taylor, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
H. W. Toole, eul. Aug. 14, 1862, 109th Kegt., Co. l>. 
James Thomas, enl. Aug. 15, 1802, 109th Kegt, Co. I). 
Henry Van Yea, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
Henry Van Vranken, eul. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Kegt, Co. B. 
Charles H. Vaughn, sergt; enl. .A.ug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. B. 
E. A. Vaughn, Corp.; Aug. 11, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. U. 
George W. Warren, capt.; enl. Jnly, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. B. 
James C. Warien, 1st lieut ; enl. Jnly, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. 
Joseph Warren, corp, ; eul. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 
Munson Wheeler, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. 
Joseph White, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Rogt, Co. B. 
P. C. Wetmore, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. B. 
George Whitcomb, corp. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. D, 
Robert Whilcomb, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 169th Regt, Co. D. 
John White, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. B. 
Edgar Whiting, eul. Aug. 14, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. D. 
John Wall, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. D. 
John W. Wilkinson, 2d lieut, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt, Co. F. 
Joseph Woretley, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. 
Rhoims Walker, enl. Aug. 24, 1801, 4;)d Regt, Co. F. . 
Alfred Welch, enl. Aug. 24, 1801, 43d Kegt., Co. F. 
Jacob Yarker, July 25, 1862, 123d Kogt., Co. B. 

COMPANY H, 22D REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.* 
PromoHotis. 
Thomas J. Strong, must, as capt., June 6, 1861 ; pro. to maj., March 2;i, 1803, 
Matthew S. Teller, must, as 2d lieut, June 6, 1801 ; pro. to 1st lieut., Feb. 21, 

1863; to capt, May 8, 1863 ; mustered out as capt, June 19, 1863. 
A. Halleck Ilolbrook, must, as priv., June 6, 1801 ; pro. to sergt., March 1, 1862 ; 
to 2d lieut.. Fob. 27, 1803 ; to Ist lieut.. May 14, 1863. 



Wm. A. Pi 

1S02 



nnst. as 1st lieut., June 6, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Oct 31, 
, uinat as 1st ser-t, June 6, ISOl ; pro. to 2d lii 

orp., Juno 6, 1.S61 ; pro. to Isl sergt. Ma 



. May 14, 



gt, .Sept. 1, ISOl. 



Marshall A. Duere, uinat as 
1803. 

Thomas A. Murphy, must 
1863. 

Kufus Gardiner, must, as 2d sergt, June 0,1861. 

George B. Bradley, must, as Ist Corp., June 0, 1861 ; pro. ti 

Darwin I). Gardiner, must as corp. ; pro. to sergt, Jan. 1, 1863. 

Albert E. Higley, must, as priv., June 0, 1861 ; pro. to sergt., Jan. 1, 1863. 

Charles H. Rhodes, must as priv., June 6, 1801 ; pro. to Corp., March 1, 1862. 

Theo. Moss, must. July 3, 1801 ; pro. to Corp., Jan. 1, 1803. 

All the above mustered out June 19, 1863, except Maj. Thomas J. Stnuig, who 
was promotetl to colonel in another regiment, and afterwards brevettod 
brigadier-general. 

List of Privities mustered out June 19, 1803. 

Danford Bennett, Wm. H. Bennett, Peter Bolio, Stephens Chapman, .fames W. 
Chase, Joseph Claffy, Louis Cota, Ira J. Foster, David Frisbie, Ransom 
Gates, liu/us Galen, Darwin Harris, Wm. Huntley, Patrick Kenney, 
Ueman Lake, Oberon Lapham, Louis Luther, Patrick Lyons, Michael 
BIcCall, Edward Montour, Orville H. Moore, Clark Mott, Aug. A. Nelson, 
As;i Park, Henry Salter, Elisha P. Shill, Clark Simpson, George W 
Sprague, Wm Stiles, Stephen Sutlierlanil, Eugene Telliet, Hiram Van 
Tassel, George H. Wager, John Wright, Jacob Yarter. 
.Ml were mustered June 6, 1861, except Kufus Gates, who wa.-* mustered 

July 3, ISCl. All mustered out June 19, 1S03. 
Died. 

Edward Blanchard, Nov. 14, 1861, fever; Lyman Chamberlain, April 9, 1802, 
fever, at Bristow Station ; Charles H. Bowen, June 20, 1862, pneu- 
monia, Washington; James Wythe, killed in battle. Bull Run, Aug. 29, 
1862 ; Kollin Wyman, killed in battle. Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1802 ; Stephen 
Podoin, died at Washington, Sept. 3, 1802, of wounds received at Bull 
Run, Aug. 30, 1862; Seldeu L.Whitney, killed in battle, South Mountain, 
Sept. 14, 1862 ; George W. Miner, killed iu battle, Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862. 
Trans/erred. 

John F. Town, must as 1st sergt, June 6, 1861; pro. to sergt.-maj., June 1, 
1864, and trans, to non-commissioned staff. 

David W. Thompson, must, as priv., June 6, 1861 ; pro. to q.-m. sergt, Jnly 1, 
1802, and trans, to non-commissioned staff. 

George S. Blake, must, as priv., Feb. 23, 1802; trans, to 76th Regt, N. Y. Vols., 
May 28, 1863, by order of Maj.-Gen. Reynolds. 

List of Officers atid Privates of tfie Saudy Hilt Compauy (i/), as rtwstered June 6, 
1801. 

Captjiin, Thomas J. Strong ; first lieutenant, Wm. A. Piersou; second lieuten- 
ant, Slatthew S. Teller ; first sergeant, Slai'shall \. Duers ; second ser- 
geant, Riifus Gardiner; third sergeant, Charles S. Doubleday; fourth 
sergeant, James Witlierall; first corporal, George B. Bradley; second cor- 
pi>ral, OrviUe H. Moore; third corporal, Thos. A. Murphy ; fourth corporal, 
Darwin D. Gardiner; musicians, Louis Elms, Oberou Lapham. Privates, 
James C. Allen, Danford Bennett, Wm. H. Bennett, Edward Blauchard, 
Peter Bolio, Charles H. Bowen, Henry Chalk, Lyman Chamberlin, Lo- 
renzo Chandler, Stephen Chapman, James W. Chase, Joseph Claffy, Tim- 
othy Connor, Louis Cota, Jerome Crippin, Alex. Dougherty, Dennis 
Dennehe, Augustus Ferguson, Ira J. Foster, David Frisby, Ransom 
Gates, Rufus Gates, George R. Goodwin, Darwin Harris, Robert Hermann, 
Albert E. Higley, A. Halleck Holbrook, Wm. Huntley, Patrick Kenney, 
Hemau Lake, Merrill Lansing, Patrick Lyons, Louis Luther, Edward 
Montour, Michael McCall, James McCue, George E. Minor, Clark Mott, 
-Vngustus A. Nelson, Lorenzo Palmer, .\sa Parks, Stephen Podviu, Chas. 
H. Rhodes, Randolph Rogers, Henry Salter, George Stevens, Elisha P. 
Shill, Clark Simpson, George W. Sprague, Wm. Stiles, Stephen Suther- 
land, David W. Thompson, Alex. Threehonse, Wm. J. Taylor, Eugene 
Tellier, James Toole, Hiram Van Tassel, Edwin A. Vaughn, Albert A. 
Weatherwax, Seidell "Whitney, John J. Wright, Roland Wyman, James 
Wythe, George H. Wagar, Jacob Y^artor. 






ndy Hill. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

HON. KOSWELL WESTON.f 
Mr. Weston was born on the 24th of February, 1774, 
the son of Zachariah Weston, who was a soldier of the 
Revohition, and who died at Sandy Hill on the 19th No- 
vember, 1828, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. His 
wife and the mother of Roswell was a daughter of the Rev. 
John Lathrop, D.D., of Norwich, Conn. 



f Prepared by Hon. Jnmos Gibson. 



•^«T011Y OF AVAS^^" 




Residence or GEO. WESTON, Sanoy hili,Washinoion co.n Y. 



tin av L H ivlftTs S<Co Pm u r*- 



'OUNTY, NEW YOT' 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NE\V YORK. 



441 



He pursued his law studies in the office of Hon. John 
Woodwoith, in the city of Troy, and had for follow-students 
the hite Hon. Thoma.s H. Hubbard, Mr. MouUun, and ]Mr. 
Tilghman, and was admitted to practice as an attorney-at- 
law at tlie May term uf the Supreme Court in 179(5, and 
at the May term in 1799 was admitted as a coun.selor-at- 
law. While a student, about 1795, he had been invited 
by one of the commi.s.sioners to negotiate treaties with the 
Indian tribes to attend a great gathering of the red men 
at the site of Fort William Henry, near the head of Lake 
George. He traveled there via Fort Edward and Sandy 
Hill, and noticed, in regard to the former, that it was lo- 
cated at the head of what was then called " navigation," on 
the Hudson river, it being the highest point from which 
rafts of timber and lumber were floated to New York city, 
and from that fact judged it would be an important place 
in the future. And when the question subse(|uently arose 
in his mind where to settle, he fixed upon Fort Edward, 
and there commenced to practice law. Soon finding, how- 
ever, that Sandy Hill would be, probably, the seat of the 
court-house, he removed there and made it his home the 
rest of his life. 

In 1801 he married Miss Lydia Willoughby, who v/as 
born at Lisbon, Conn., Aug. 10, 1783, — a daughter of Eli- 
jah Willoughby and Mary (Galu.sha), his wife, sister of 
Governor Jonas Galusha, of Vermont. 

The first ajipearance of Mr. Weston in the published 
reports of the Supreme Court was for the plaintiff in error 
on a certiorari, arguing for the reversal of a judgment 
rendered by a justice where he had himself been sworn as 
a witness before himself by another justice. The court re- 
versed the judgment on this ground. Perry vs. Weyman, 
1 Johns. R., 520. In High ns. Wilson, sheriff (2 /(/., 4G), 
he was again before the court, arguing to reverse a judg- 
ment because the defendant, a sheriff, produced as his 
justification for a levy only the execution and not the 
judgment, and insisted that the latter must be produced. 
The court decided the point well taken, but allowed the 
sheriff to produce the record of the judgment on the argu- 
ment, and thus, by evidence received after the trial, defeated 
the claim of error. One of the most interesting cases noticed 
of his arguing is that of Rogers' executors vs. Berry (10 
Johns., 132), where a son of Africa, who had been a slave 
and manumitted by his owner while an infant, had been 
sworn as a witue.ss while the law forbidding a slave from 
being a witness was in force in New York. It was con- 
tended by Weston that the manumission being made by an 
infant was revocable, and therefore, not being absolute, the 
witness was not a freeman. But the court held the deed 
valid till revoked, and this not having occurred when he 
was sworn, he was then a freeman, and overruled the 
objection. 

Mr. Weston soon became very popular with the people 
and remarkably successful in his profession. He was ap- 
pointed, on the creation of the post-office at Sandy Hill, its 
first postmaster, and remained such till succeeded by Al- 
pheus Doty. In 1807 he was appointed one of the justices 
■of the peace in and for the county, and remained such for 
many years, and was designated also as one of the assistants 
to hold with others the county courts. On the 22d April, 
56 



1825, he was appointed first judge of the county courts of 
the county of Washington, and as such presided first at 
the May term of the court held at Sandy Hill next follow- 
ing his appointment. 

It was while sitting in the oyer and terminer for Wash- 
ington county, at the term held at Salem in December, 
1825, with Walworth, then circuit judge, presiding, that 
Judge Weston exhibited the moral firmness and ability 
which always distinguishes a faithful judge. It was on 
the trial of Gordon for murder, and the evidence plainly 
establishing to the mind of Judge Weston that the accused 
had not committed the offen.sc with malice aforethought, he 
did not think him guilty of murder, but only of manslaugh- 
ter ; and when the question arose among the judges how the 
jury should be charged, all concurred with Judge AVcston 
in the merciful view of the case except Judge Walworth, 
and he was so indignant that he refused to give this view of 
the law to the jury, and said, " Charge the jury yourselves !'' 
This duty was performed by Judge Weston with distin- 
guished force and clearness, and resulted in a verdict in 
conformity to the charge. 

In June, 182(1, Judge Weston resigned the oflice of first 
judge and retired from official station entirely for the rest 
of his life. 

His modesty and retiring nature was strongly exhibited 
at the time the chancellorship of the State of New York 
was vacant by the resignation of Samuel Jones, when this 
eminent station was tendered by Governor Pitcher to Judge 
Weston, and was absolutely declined by the latter, though 
then in the full vigor of his intellectual strength. 

Among the distinguished .students in the office of Judge 
Weston were William Metcalf, James B. Gibson, John C. 
Parker, John Metcalf, Henry C. Martindale, and numerous 
others. 

In 1816, Judge Weston represented the county of Wash- 
ington in the Assembly of the State of New York, and by 
resolution of that body was appointed on the commission 
for the improvement of the navigation of the Hudson 
river.* 

Though devoted to his profession. Judge Weston was 
not inattentive to the advancement of the other material 
interests of the county. Thus he is found active in as.si.st- 
iiig in the organization of the first agricultural society of 
the county, on the committee to prepare its con.stitution, 
and subsequently, when the society was organized, w:ts ap- 
pointed secretary. 

And in November, 1819, he attended and participated 
in the celebration of the fii-st trial trip over the (then) new 
Chaniplain canal. 

And on the 18th of November, 1831, he is found with 
others giving notice of an application to the Legislature for 
the incorporation of a company to construct a railroad from 
Saratoga Springs to Sandy Hill. 

His great kindness of heart, and readiness of thought 
and action in an unforeseen contingency, are well shown by 
the following fact : Soon after he came to the bar, he acci- 
dentally learned that a young lawyer, who had a cause 
marked for trial ou the calendar for the morning of the 



» Sec Aascuibly Journal, 276, 0S6. 



442 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ensuing day, had become intoxicated the night previous, 
and when the court opened and the cause was called was 
non est inventus. His client was in great distress, not 
knowing what to do, and judgment was about to pass 
against him by default. Young Weston, seeing his trouble 
and suspecting the cause, called to him, and voluntarily as- 
sumed charge of the trial, and managed the case so ably 
that the client's case was gained. The latter was very 
grateful to Weston, and offered to make compensation to 
any amount he would name, but he refused to take any pay 
whatever, saying it was wholly voluntary and a mere friendly 
act, and that he would take nothing for the service, and did 
not accept anything. Nearly fifty years elapsed and Judge 
Weston had never again seen the person he had befriended, 
but while traveling in Michigan, having stopped to dine at 
a tavern on the road, he noticed a farmer who came in from 
the vicinity and sat down, making an effort to enter into 
conversation with him by asking where he was from, and 
he answered, rather shortly, from the east. This stopped 
him for a while, but he soon plucked up courage and asked 
what State he was from. And the reply, " From New York," 
made the in(|uirer start up and ask, " What county ?" and 
received for answer, " Washington," when he jumped to 
his feet, and with a highly interested manner said, " Why, 
that is my native county ! What town are you from ?" 
And when the judge replied, " Kingsbury," his anxious 
manner was greatly increased, and he asked, " Do you know 
Roswell Weston? And is he living?" The judge replied 
yes, and that when he left home he was living in Kingsbury. 
AVhen the man said, " I would do anything in the world to 
see him." The judge inquired why he manifested so much 
interest in Roswell Weston. When the man replied, " I 
was once in great distress, — in court one uiorning with a 
case moved for trial and my lawyer wholly unable to attend 
to it, and I was about to be defaulted when Roswell Weston 
volunteered to assist me, and be tried the case and defeated 
the prosecution. Do you think, sir, I shall ever forget 
him ?" 

The unmingled happiness of the man when he ascer- 
tained that the traveler was his benefactor, can be conceived 
but not expressed. 

Judge Weston had a remarkably delicate, sensitive, and 
retiring disposition and exceedingly modest deportment, 
accompanied with a noble, indeed a dignified presence, that 
received the respect of every one who came before him. 

His wife was a woman of rarest endowments, mental and 
moral, and certainly of great beauty and grace, combining 
so many attractions that every one admired, respected, and 
loved her. 

The death of Judge Weston occurred at Sandy Hill, on 
August 18, 18G1, in the eighty-eighth year of his age. 
His remains repose beside those of his beloved wife in the 
Union cemetery, between Sandy Hill and Fort Edward. 

Allusion has been made to the great respect entertained 
by Governor Pitcher for Judge Weston, and this continued 
down to the death of the former, and is warmly expressed 
in his last will, executed shortly prior to his decease, in 
winch he says: " To the Honorable Roswell Weston, the 
companion of my youth and the constant friend of my 
early as of my riper years, 1 give, as a token of my affec- 



tionate and continued regard, the Osage orange walking- 
cane which was presented to me by my brother, after the 
same shall be reduced to a proper size and handsomely fin- 
ished and mounted with gold as originally designed." 

Judge Weston left four sons and one daughter, viz., (1) 
Frederick, who became a lawyer and practiced for a time 
in Warren county, returning to and dying at Sandy Hill, 
on Dec. 27, 1858. (2) Henry, also a lawyer, who settled 
at and still resides in New Brunswick, N. J. (3) Charles, 
also a lawyer, who settled in Iowa, and there attained dis- 
tinction as a judge, and since removing to and residing in 
New Jersey. (4) George, who retains and resides on the 
farm and homestead of his father; and (3) daughter Margaret, 
who became the beloved wife of James P. Cronkhite, and 
whose early death in Rome, Italy, in 18li0, leaves only in 
memory the virtues and graces of character and person she 
inherited from her mother, and exhibited to all who knew 
her in her useful though brief span of life. 



CHARLES ROGERS 

was born in Northumbei'land, Saratoga Co., N. Y., on the 
30th day of April, 1800. His father, James Rogers, who 

was the leading business man in that section of the State, 





\bo ^nM 



having large landed, lumber, and mercantile interests in 
AA ashington and Saratoga counties, soon after removed to 
Fort Edward, where he died in 1810, at the early age of 
thirty-four. Charles was then ten years old. His mother) 
the daughter of Colonel Sidney Berry, of Northumberland, 
a year or two later married Esek Cowon, who subsequently 
became famous as a lawyer and jurist; and Charles, there- 
after, when not at school or college, made his home with 
his uncle and guardian, Judge Halsty Rogers, at Lake 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



443 



George. He was at the Granville Academy when his father 
died, and remained there, under the instruction of tliat cele- 
brated educator, Salem Town, until prepared for college. 
When fourteen years old, he was taken to Yale Collesje by 
his guardian, but the authorities of the college refused to 
receive or examine him, on account of his youth. He then 
entered Union College, where he graduated at the age of 
eighteen, in the class of 1818, having William H. Seward, 
Alonzo Potter, Sidney Brcese, and Augustus Porter as his 
class-mates and friends. After leaving college he read law 
with his stepfather. Judge Cowen, at Saratoga Springs, but 
finding himself possessed of an ample fortune, he gave up 
a profession which his great abilities peculiarly fitted him 
to adorn, and removing to Sandy Hill, he entered upon the 
independent life of a country gentleman. 

Besides the care of his estate, he devoted a good share 
of his leisure at this time to botanical and geological re- 
searches and general literary pursuits, and his contributions 
to the local press, both political and literary, especially 
a series of articles entitled, " The Musings of Hazclton 
Hazelwood," were widely read and admired. 

He entered the political field as a champion of De Witt 
Clinton, as oppo.sed to the " Bucktails of Tammany Hall," 
and was afterwards an ardent and active supporter of the 
Whig and Republican parties. And for many years the 
addresses to the people, and other campaign documents of 
his party, in Washington county, were the productions of 
his polished pen. 

In 1827, Jlr. Rogers married Susan A. Clark, only 
daughter of Dr. Russell Clark, one of the mo.st eminent 
physicians in northern New York, by whom he had six 
children, — three sons and three daughters, — all of whom, 
with his widow, survive him. 

In the year 1832, Mr. Rogers was elected to the Legisla- 
ture of the State, and at the very opening of the session, 
by an elo<|uent speech in favor of the employment of chap- 
lains, which time-honored custom was opposed by some in- 
fidel members from New York city, he placed himself in 
the front rank of that body. He was elected again in 
183G, his uncle and former guardian being a member at the 
same time. He was afterwards the Temperance candidate 
for the Senate, but, though receiving a very large vote, he w;us 
defeated. In 1842 he was elected a member of Congress 
from the district composed of Washington and Essex coun- 
ties, receiving four thousand and seventy-three votes, out of 
a total of four thousand nine hundred and seventy-one, in 
Washington county. Numerous petitions having been re- 
ceived from the north praying Congress to abolish slavery 
in the District of Columbia, the slave-holding interest at- 
tacked the right of petition, and Mr. Rogers' speech in de- 
fense of that right, and of the power of Congress to abolish 
slavery in the District, was regarded as one of the most able 
and elo((uent efibrts of the session, and, being published, en- 
joyed a wide circulation and popularity. 

As an orator Mr. Rogers had fewe(|uals. Possessed of a 
commanding figure and presence, a voice of remarkable 
clearness and power, and a rich affluence of the choicest 
language, he never failed to wield his audiences at will ; and 
many old residents of the county still delight to recall his 
effective speeches upon the stump. Yet great as was his 



power as a public speaker, perhaps the brilliancy of his 
mind and the variety of his acf|uircnients, especially in later 
3'eai's, were never better exhibited than in his ordinary con- 
versation. It was always a pleasure to listen to him ; there 
was no subject which he discussed that was not adorned by 
his method of treating it. And wherever he happened to 
be, his rich, sonorous voice and brilliant language never 
failed to draw a crowd of attentive listeners about him. 

At the breaking out of the Rebellion, Mr. Rogers en- 
tered heart and soul into the struggle. His voice and pen 
and niean.s, and all the strong energies of his nature, were 
enlisted in the country's cause. And inspired by his patri- 
otic teachings and example, and that of their noble-hearted 
mother, whose exertions in behalf of the soldiers in the 
field were constant and unceasing during the whole war, 
two .sons entered the army ; Randolph enlisting as a private 
in the Twenty-second Regiment, and remaining until his 
health gave way, and James C. raising a company in liis 
native village, and serving successively as a captain in the 
Forty-third New York, major, lieutenant-colonel, and. col- 
onel of the One Hundred and Twenty-third New York, 
and brigadier-general of volunteers commanding the First 
Brigade, First Division of the Twentieth Army Corps, at 
the close of the war, though but twenty-five years of age. 

After the return of peace, believing that the south was 
sincere in her professions of repentance, Mr. Rogers united 
with William H. Seward, General Dix, Thurlow Weed, and 
others of his old friends and comrades, in organizing the cele- 
brated Philadelphia convention ; and one of his last public 
speeches, made soon after his return, was an able and elo- 
quent exposition of the purposes and aims of that well-in- 
tentioned but premature and unsuccessful movement. In 
1872 he supported Horace Greeley for President, but took 
no active part in the campaign. 

Mr. Rogers' social and family relations were of the most 
agreeable and happy character, and during the later years of 
his life the allurements of his own pleasant home drew him 
from the strife and turmoil of public life. In 1873 his 
health began to give way, and though not confined to his 
bed his strength gradually failed, and on the 13th of Jan- 
uary, 1874, while seated in the midst of the home circle 
which he so loved, he calmly breathed his last. Thus pa.ssed 
from earth, at the end of a long and honorable career, what 
Pope has called, — 

"The noblest work of God — an honest innn." 

His high sense of honor, his strict moral integrity, and 
firmness of character, placed him above the temptations 
which so often beset public men. No man ever dared to 
approach him with a mean or dishonorable proposition. In 
all his relations, both public and private, the breath of sus- 
picion never for an instant rested upon his fair fame ; and 
he went down to the gi-ave, as he had lived, beloved by his 
family and friends, and hcmorcd and res])ected by the whole 
community. 

EZEKIEL SMITH. 
Ebenezer Smith, grandfather of Ezekicl, was a farmer in 
Lexington, Ma.ss., on the breaking out of the Revolution- 
ary war. He w;is engaged in the battle of Lexington and 
served during the war. His son, father of the subject of 



444 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



this sketch, whose name was also Ezekiol, was six years old 
at the time of the battle, and remembered it well. After 
the war the family moved fiom Massachusetts, and settled in 
Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. As an incident of those 
times, it may be stated that Mr. Smith sold his farm in 
Lexington and took his pay in Continental money, which, 
as it eventuated, was about equivalent to giving his farm 
away. From Salem they moved to Hebron, Washington 
Co. ; thence to Fort Ann, where they settled on a farm one 
mile east of the village, iiow owned and occupied by Deacon 
Barnard. The grandfather died in Clyde, about the year 
1815. Ezekiel Smith, the futlier, married, Nov. 15, 1792, 
Nancy Campbell, whose fatlier emigrated from Scotland and 
settled in Massachusetts. He was a carpenter and joiner, 
and helped build Kane's mills at Kane's Falls. 

Mr. Smith bought a farm at South Granville, kept a 
hotel at Hartford, then bought a farm two miles east of 
Hartford village, now owned by Mason Hulctt. He built 
the house, still standing, in 1811. About the year 1830 he 
sold, and bought a farm in Kingsbury township, near Kings- 
bury Street, now owned by Orlin Brayton. He sold, and 
purchased at Smith's Basin the farm known as the Brad- 
shaw farm. He died there Jan. 15, 1848. After his 
death his wife lived with her .son, subject ul this sketch, 
till her death, which occurred Sept. 15, 18G0. Their chil- 
dren were as follows: Daniel, Ezekiel, Jr., Lyman, Israel, 
Maria, and Harvey. Daniel and Lyman are deceased ; Is- 
rael is living in Coluiubus, Wi.s., a retired farmer; Harvey 
is living in Kingsbury, a farmer; Maria, widow of Elias 
Inglcsby, is living in Middletown, Wis. 

Ezekiel Smith was born in Granville, Washington Co., 
IMay 9, 1802. Worked on the farm at home, receiving his 
education in the district schools of the neighborhood ; taught 
the district school two seasons at the age of twenty and 
twenty-one ; clerk for Foster Foot at Morrow's Meadows, in 
Hebron, for two years ; fur Harris & McConnell, in 1825, at 
what is now called Smith's Basin, which received its name 
from liim. In about two years he purchased the store, and 
took into partnership his brother Daniel. Business pros- 
pered, and out of its profits they purchased from time to 
time the following pieces of land: the Bradshaw farm, IGO 
acres; Littlefield, 100 acres; Griffin, 60 acres; Butterfield, 
55 acres; Nelson and Sidney Miller, 85 acres; Bardwcll, 
20 acres; and Underbill, 134 acres — the latter situated in 
Hartford township ; altogether, 564 acres. Daniel Smith 
died at Smith's Basin, Feb. 9, 1840. 

A store has been run at the Basin by either Mr. Smith 
or some member of his family since it was first establi-shed 
by him. The fine hotel and residence was built in 1870, to 
which the new store wa.s added two years thereafter. 

For three years Mr. Smith was a partner in the lime 
business with John Keenan ; a.side from that, merchandis- 
ing and farming has been his life-work. He was a Jackson 
Democrat, but ca.st the first Abolition vote in the township. 
He has been identified with the Republican party since its 
organization. 

He married Catharine Holmes, daughter of Joel and 
Elizabeth Holmes, both natives of New York. Mrs. Smith 
was born in Fort Ann, Blarch 10, ISOS. They have chil- 
dren as follows : Frances A., born Dec. 29, 1829 ; married. 



Nov. 15, 1857, to Lucian Rust, living in Leudenville, 
Ohio. Mrs. Rust died May 7, 1859. Her daughter, 
Frances Helen, has lived with her grandparents since her 
mother's death. Elizabeth H., born Nov. 28, 1833; mar- 
ried Edward Coleman Sept. 11, 1855, farmer in Fort Ann ; 
one child, Helen Mary, born Sept. 29, 1859. Thomas, 
born April 24, 1836; died May 1, 1836. Mary L., born 
May 15, 1837 ; married, Jan. 2, 1855, to Walter S. Alden; 
living at Smith's Basin. George W. L., born Oct. 25, 
1839; married, Oct. 1, 1863, to Celina B. Hitchcock, 
daughter of Hon. A.sahel and Sarah Hitchcock, of Kings- 
bury ; children as follows: E. Daniel, born Feb. 19, 1865; 
Mary L., Oct. 11, 1867 ; George W. L., Jr., Jan. 15, 1873, 
died May 1, 1873; Alfred H., July 20, 1875. Josephine 
A., Oct. 24, 1842 ; married Charles C. Smith, June 5, 1862 ; 
three children ; Georgianna, born March 23, 1803 ; Edward 
I., born Jan. 15, 1865, died July 20, 1866; Frank R., 
born May 13, 1867. 

In 1874, Mr. Smith took into partnership his son George 
W. L. and his son-in-law Charles C. Smith, both of whom 
had been in his employ many years, under the firm-name of 
E. Smith & Sons, since which time the active business has 
devolved on the two latter. Mr. Smith has been local agent 
for the D. & H. C. Co.'s road, at Smith's Basin, since it 
was built; was committee, with Dr. E. G. Clark and Hon. 
A. F. Hitchcock, to provide for filling the township's quota 
of men in the late war ; was first postmaster at Smith's 
Basin, and held the office for many years. Few men, if any, 
in the township have spent a more active life than has Mr. 
Smith. What is also rare, he has been almost uniformly 
successful. A few years since he received a partial .stroke 
of paralysis, since which time he has remitted the care of 
his business almost wholly to his children. 

In their declining years, Mr. and Mrs. Smith are sur- 
rounded with the comforts of a refined home, the loving 
attention of children and grandchildren, and enjoy in the 
largest measure the esteem and confidence of all who know 
them. 

George W. L. Smith, their son, was elected member of 
the Assembly in 1872; has been justice of the peace for 
ten years, and postmaster for the last eighteen years. 



BENJAMIN FERRIS. 

Reed Ferris, grandfather of Benjamin, was the youngest 
of four brothers who, with two sisters, immigrated to this 
country from England (another account says from Wales) 
about the middle of the seventeenth century. A portion, 
if not all of them, settled at or in the vicinity of the Ob- 
long, in Dutchess county, who, in religious sympathy with 
nearly all the settlers in that region, were Quakers. 

He was one of the original proprietors of the town.ship 
of Queensbury, and an intimate friend of Abraham Wing, 
the founder of the first settlement in that town. He died 
at Quaker Hill, in Dutche.ss Co., March, 1804, aged sev- 
enty-four years. He had ten children, one of whom, viz., 
James, was father to the subject of our sketch. The latter 
was born in the town of Queensbury, then a part of Wash- 
ington county, now of Warren, Sept. 7, 1794. He was 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



445 



married, Jan. 23, 1822, to Celestia Cook, daughter of 
Samuel B. and Anna Cook. Mrs. Ferris was born at 
Fort Ann, Dec. 2G, 1802. Her father was owner, at an 
early day, of a flouring-mill, on the site where Eber Rich- 
ards' mill now stands. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ferris have had children as follows: 
Charles, born Jan. 13, 1823, died Aug. IG, 1824; De 
Witt, born Aug. 17, 1824, married, and living in Kansas; 
Emeline, born Aug. 30, 182G, wife of Matthew D. Sherrill, 
living in Sandy Hill ; George, born Dec. 17, 1828, died 
April 19, 1872, in California; Charles, born Dec. 23, 1830, 
married, Nov. 31, 18G0, to Jane Ogden, widow of Lucius 
Ogden, living in Sandy Hill; Helen M., born Jan. 15, 
1833, married, Oct. 19, 1850, to Jno. H. Baker, died March 
14, 1873 ; Benjamin Franklin, born March 3, 1835, mar- 
ried, Oct. 22, 1861, to Anna D. White, living in Sandusky, 
Ohio ; Henrietta, born May 12, 1837, married, Jan. 24, 
1861, to James E. Miller (the latter died Deo. 2, 1862; 
the widow resides at the homestead with her mother) ; 
Frederick, born July 12, 1840, married to Jane Wade, 
living in Columbus, Ohio; Samuel Cook, living in San- 
dusky, Ohio. 

With the exception of his sheriff's term of three years, 
when he lived at Salem, Mr. Ferris lived in the same 
house from the time of his marriage till his death, which 
occurred Feb. 15, 1875. He was a prominent man in his 
day, and held several offices which brought him promi- 
nently before the public. He came from Queensbury to 
Sandy Hill in 1810. He learned the business of cloth- 
dressing and wool-carding from Ahijah Jones, whose fac- 
tory was in a building now used as a machine-shop by 
Newell Holbrook,— the first factory of the kind in Wash- 
ington county. 

. In 1810 he entered into copartnership with Philip 
Nichols for the manufacture of cloth, in a building which 
stood where one of Richards' saw-mills now stands. The 
business was continued till 1834. In that year he was 
elected high sheriff of the county, which important office 
he filled to the entire acceptance of the people. After the 
expiration of his term of office he was appointed canal 
superintendent. At the close of his official term in that 
capacity he embarked in a new bu.siness, viz., paper-making. 
Id company with Albert Bartlett, Mr. Ferris erected the 
first paper-mill at Baker's Falls, where Wait's mill now 
stands. They were subsequently bought out by Wait & 
Allen. He was one of the foundere of the old Glen's Falls 
bank, and continued a director until his death. At the time 
of the robbery of the bank it is believed lie suffered heavily. 
Shortly after his mind became impaired, induced by soften- 
ing of the brain. He withdrew from public affiiirs, and 
remained confined to his home almost constantly. Mr. 
Ferris was a strong anti-Mason. In the conduct of his 
own business matters he exercised rare judgment and tact, 
and his counsel and advice were frequently sought by his 
neighbors. Both he and Mrs. Ferris united with the Pres- 
byterian church, Sandy Hill, in 1843. In politics he was 
first a Whig, and Republican from the time of the organiza- 
tion of that party. A representation of the homestead, with 
portraits of Mr. and Jlrs. Ferris, appear on another page of 
this volume. 



JOHN DWYER. 

John Dwyer, of Sandy Hill, Washington Co., N. Y., 
enlisted as a private in Capt. Michael O'Sullivan's com- 
pany, in Albany, N. Y., early in 18G1 ; but the company 
was subse((uently consolidated with that of John Branni- 
gan's, agreeable to orders from the War Department, when 
it was mustered into the United States service " for three 
years or during the war." The company Wiis attached to 
the 63d Regiment (and known as Co. K), and formed the 
third regiment of Gen. Thomas Francis Meagher's Irish 
Brigade, attached to the 1st Division, 2d Corps. Col. R. 
C. Enright commanded the regiment. The regiment was 
encamped on Daird's island. Long Island sound, during the 
organization of the brigade, where the men were con.stantly 
drilled and taught the duties of the soldier. In November, 

1861, the brigade was .sent to the front, and was enciunped 
at " Camp California," in front of Alexandria, Va. It then 
numbered three regiments, -viz., G3d, 69th, and 8Sth, in 
all about three thousand men, beside a battery of volunteer 
artillery, in command of Capt. Hogan. 

He received the following promotions: Dec. 1, 18GI, 
sergeant, Co. K, at " Camp California," Alexandria, Va. ; 
May 10, 1862, first sergeant, Co. G, at Y.n-ktown, Va. ; 
October 25, 18G2, first lieutenant, Co. K ; Dec. 16, 1862, 
captain, Co. K; May 1, 1866, major (brevet), " for gallant 
and meritorious services," by Governor Reuben E. Fenton, 
of New York. 

Participated in the following engagements, besides num- 
erous minor skirmishes with the enemy: May 6, 1862, 
siege of Yorktown, Va. ; June 1, 1862, battle of Fair 
Oaks, Va. ; June 27, 18G2, battle of Gaines' Mill, Va. ; 
June 28, 1862, battle of Savage Station, Va. ; June 30, 

1862, battle of White Oak Swamp, Va. ; July 1, 18G2, 
battle of Malvern Hill, Va. ; Aug. 31, 1862, reinforced 
the army of Gen. Pope, second Bull Run, Va., and covered 
the retreat of the Union army to the defenses of Washing- 
ton ; Sept. 13, 1862, battle of South Mountain, Md. ; Sept. 
17, 1862, battle of Antietam, Md. ; Dec. 13, 1863, battle 
of Fredericksburg, Va. ; Jlay 3, 1863, battle of Cliancul- 
lorsville, Va. 

Out of three hundred men of the 63d Regiment engaged 
at Antietam, five officers were killed, six wounded ; thirty- 
one enlisted men killed, one hundred and fifty-eight 
wounded. Total, two hundred hors de combiit. 

Sergeant Dwyer's company (G) went into the engage- 
ment at Antietam with forty-two officere and men. All 
but one corporal and four privates were killed and wounded. 
The company was commanded by C!>pt- !*• J- Condon 
(who was wounded). Second in command, Lieut. George 
Lynch, killed on the field. 

At Fredericksburg one hundred officers and men (full 
strength) went into action. Fifty of these were hors Jc 
combat. 

In the summer of 1863 the 63d Regiment wiis reduced 
to less than one hundred men fit for duty ; tlie 69th and 
SSth to about the same number. The War Department 
ordered these three regiments of the brigade to be con- 
solidated into a battalion, and the sui)ernumerary officers to 
be mustered out by an lionorable discharge. The subject 
of this sketch was among the latter. 



446 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Wiis dangerously wounded at Antietam by a rifle ball in 
the head. Tlio 63d went to the front with nine hundred 
men, not including recruits received during 1861-03. 
Lost up to and including the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., 
three hundred and fifty-one men killed, wounded, and miss- 
ing. Total casualties of the three original regiment.^, up to 
and including Gettysburg, Pa., thirteen hundred and fifty- 
two. Of one hundred and two enlisted men of Co. K ( 63d) 
who left; Albany, N. Y., for the seat of war in 1861, oulj' 
ei'yht were present for duty at the consolidation of the 
brigade (June, 1863); the rcuiainder killed, wounded, and 
missing. 

Mr. Dwycr is editor and j)ruprietor of the Sainli/ Hill 
Herald. 



JAxMES P. I5UCK 



was born in Kingsbury tflwnsbip, Washington Co., N. Y., 
April 2, 1815, the youngest child of Justus and Lovina 
Buck. His grandfather, wliose name was Justus,~emigrated 
with two brothers from England and settled in Saybrook, 
Conn. He moved to Kingsbury, Washington Co., about 
the year 1790, and died there. His fiither, Justus Buck, 
married in Kingsbury, Lovina Parks, daughter of James 
and Molly Parks. Their eiiildrcn were William, Abigail, 
John, Rosamond, and James P. They were born in Kings- 
bury, and are all living except Abigail ; all are married, and 
have raised families. 

The father died at the age of eighty years, Jan. 6, 1852; 
the mother at the age of ninety-two, Jan. 13, 1864. James 
P. worked on his father's farm until his majority. His 
education was received at the district schools of his native 
town. At the age of twenty-one he ran a line boat from 
Whitehall to Albany one season. He married, March 3, 
1843, Eliza Ann Brush, daughter of James H. and Eliza 
Brush, of CharltoT), Saratoga Co. After marriage he hired 
General Pitcher's farm, near Dunham's Basin. He then 
bought a farm of sixty acres one mile and a half east of 
Sandy Hill, still known as the Buck farm. Sold it and 
bought what is known as the Beach farm, one hundred and 
seventy-five acres, three miles north of Sandy Hill; built 
most of the improvenunts thereon, and worked it up to 
the year 1868. 

Leaving the conduct of the farm to his son, under con- 
tract with the State he built the aqueduct at Fort Ed- 
ward. He had the repair contract for two years of the 
canal from Glen's Falls to the river, twenty-four miles. 
He then engaged in the construction of bridges over the 
canals and creeks of the State. His last work for the State 
Wiis the construction of the canal-lock on the Glen's Falls 
feeder, one mile east of Sandy Hill. After closing up his 
business of bridge-building, Aug. 1, 1877, he engaged in 
the general hardware business at Sandy Hill in company 
with Solomon H. Parks, his son-in-law, and has since car- 
ried on the leading business in that line at Sandy Hill. 
Leaving his home with only three hundred dollars, 3Ir. 
Buck, by indefatigable industry, close attention to business, 
and honorable dealing, has achieved a marked success and 
accumulated an ample fortune. For ten years he was 



township assessor. In politics he has beeu identified with 
the Whig and Republican parties. 

His children are as follows : Henry, born April 28, 1844, 
died Feb. 18, 1845; James Orville, born Nov. 1, 1845, 
married to Mary Mead, and living on the homestead farm ; 
Ann Elizabeth, born Nov. 1, 1845, wife of Isaiah Miller, 
farmer in Kingsbury, — one child, Cora Eliza ; Rosamond 
Lovina, born July 23, 1847, wife of William D. Sherman, 
farmer in Kingsbury, one son, — James; Laura Josephine, 
born Sept. 27, 1850, wife of Solomon S. Parks, — one child, 
Eliza G. ; Caroline Matilda, born March 18, 1854, died 
IMtirch 1, 1857; Cora Eliza, born Aug. 23, 1856, died 
3Iay 13, 1870; Elleu Mary, born Dec. 3, 1859, died June 
7, 1867. 

Mr. Buck married for his scL'ond wife, Oct. 6, 1870, 
Blilien Pervee, daughter of John JkDougall, of Argyle, 
atid widow of Anthony Pervee. 



LOREN ALLEN. 



Daniel Allen, great-grandfather of this gentleman, was 
a native of Rhode Island, and lived and died there. His 
grandfather, John Allen, after marriage to Deborah Palmer, 
moved from Rhode Island, and settled at an early day in 
Providence, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., where were born to them 
seven sons and one daughter, only two of whom are still 
living, viz., Elihu, father of Loren, and Seabury, living in 
Providence, Saratoga Co. 

Elihu was born in Providence, March 9, 1805; married 
Laura Cornell, Oct. 25, 1828, by whom he had five chil- 
dren, as follows : two died in infancy. Urias C. Allen, born 
May 31, 1829 ; married Nov. 5, 1856, to Elizabeth Stover, 
now a resident of New York city. Hiram Allen, born Jan. 
14, 1831 ; married Jan. 17, 1856, to Fanny M. Benedict, 
by whom he had one son, Hiram ; married second time, June 
10, 1862, to Helen S. Benedict, sister of first wife. Loren, 
subject of this sketch. In the first years of his business 
life Mr. Allen, the father, followed the cabinet and carriage 
business. In 1846 he built a paper-mill at Stillwater, 
Saratoga Co. In 1850, in company with Nelson W. Wait, 
he purchased a paper-mill, at Baker's Falls, of Benjamin 
Ferris and Albert Bartlett. In 1860 he sold his interest to 
Wait & Son, since which time he has retired from active 
business. His wife died Feb. 22, 1861. At the present 
time he makes his home with his son Loren. The latter 
was born in Galway, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 1833. 
He received his education in the di-striet schools of Gallo- 
way, in Stillwater, Glen's Falls, and Rhinebeck Academics, 
and McLaren's mathematical and classical school at Sandy 
Hill. For a number of sca.sons he taught school in Albany 
and Sandy HilL In 1857 he entered into partnership with 
his brother Hiram, who had built a paper-mill at Baker's 
Falls in 1862. They enlarged their mill in 1869. They 
manufocture wall-paper exclusively, and have been very 
successful in their business. Mr. Allen married, Dec. 25, 
1856, Mary Ann Vandenburgh, daughter of Peter and 
Ann Vandenburgh. She was the youngest of seventeen 
children, and was born in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer Co., 
N. Y., Sept. 20, 1834. Her grandfather emigrated from 










\ 



s ,.' 



James P Buck . 




r,AF?M Property or JAMtS BUCK , 5andy /^ill /Vew York 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



447 



Holland at an early day. Only two brothers and two half- 
sisters are living, viz., Jacob L., in Stillwater, S.irato^^a Co. ; 
James H., in Sandy Hill ; Mrs. Abraham Van Vegliten, 
and Mrs. Sarah V. Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have 
children as follows: Mary Ida, born May 30, 1859 ; Chas. 
L. and Clifford H., twins, born Jan. 31, 1867, all livinijc at 
homo. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of the 
Baptist church at Sandy Hill. In politics Mr. Allen is 
Republican. A careful and prudent manager in his busi- 
ness, prompt in the fulfillment of his engagements, liberal 
in all public and benevolent enterprises, Mr. Allen fully 
deserves the esteem in which he is hold by the community 
in which he lives. 



JAMKS McCARTY 
was born in the town of Hartford, Jan. 6, 1840. He re- 
ceived a common-school education in that town, where his 
parents, who were engaged in firming, then resided. He 
attended school at the North Granville Academy one term 
in the fall of 1860. When the President of the United States 
called for five hundred thousand volunteers, MeCarty was 
attending school at the Fort Edward Collegiate Institute, 
from which institution he volunteered, on the 4tli day of 
November, 1861, as private in Company E, Ninety-si.\th 
Regiment of New York Volunteers, then being organized, 
under Colonel James Fairman, at Platt.sburg, Now York. 
The officers of the company then being recruited at Fort 
Edward were Captain Hiram Eldridge, First Lieutenant 
A. J. Russell, Second Lieutenant James L. Cray. Me- 
Carty was appointed sergeant, Nov. 22, 1861, and in March, 
1862, was assigned to duty as commissary -sergeant of his 
regiment. Was promoted to second lieutenant, Sept. 25, 
1862; to first lieutenant and regimental quartermaster, 
July 17, 1863. In May, 1864, he was assigned to duty on 
the staff of Brigadier-General Gilnian Marston, as brigade 
commis.sary. He served on staff duty in different capaci- 
ties, in the " Army of the James," until the close of the 
war. Was promoted to the rank of captain, May 15, 1865. 
He served after the close of the wai' on the staff of Brevet 
Major-General N. M. Curtis, as assistant adjutant-general in 
the department of Virginia, and received commission as 
major by brevet from the President of the United States, 



and also from the governor of the State, for gallant and 
meritorious service. Mustered out Feb. 6, 1866. Was 
married to Miss Mary C. Johnston, of his native town, 
shortly after. Hj has since given his attention to manufac- 
turing machinery, and is now manager of the Washington 
Machine Works at S.indy Hill. 



JOSEPH H. HARRIS. 

This gentleman was born in Hartford town.ship, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 1826, the eldest son of Ebenezer 
and Mary S. Harris. Ebenezer S. is the only other child 
living, a resident of Bennington, Vt. The father and 
mother were natives of Massachusetts. Tiiey first moved to 
Hoosick, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., tlien to Hartford, Wiush- 
ington Co. The father died in Fort Ann ; the mother 
in Hoosick, June 20, 1875. 

Joseph H. Harris, at the age of ten, upon the death of 
his father, went to live with his uncle, where he remained 
five years, attending school in winter. He worked out by 
the month at farming up to the time of his majority. He 
married, Sept. 14, 1818, Klmira N. Harris, daughter of 
Jno. L. and Hannah Harris, residents of King.sbury town- 
ship, Washington Co. Her father w;us a native of Ver- 
mont, her mother of King.sbury. Mrs. Harris was born 
May 4, 1828. Elijah Butterfield, her grandfather, was a 
Revolutionary soldier, and was among the earliest settlers of 
Kingsbury. Ho came witii his wife on horseback from 
Lancaster, Mass. Mrs. Harris has in her possession tlie 
side-saddle upon which her grandmother rode. 

They have children as follows: Mary S., born Oct. 31, 
1854, married to Frank Sheldon, Oct. 9, 1873; Eva H., 
born Sept. 26, 1860; Ervin W., born Jan. 14, 1867, 
died Feb. 26, 1867; Alice E., born Feb. 13, 1872, died 
June 28, 1872. From the time of his marriage Mr. Harris 
carried on farming in Kingsbury up to 1857, when he 
moved to Wisconsin, where he bought a farm and carried 
it on two years. He then returned and bought a farm at 
Smith's Bu.sin, King.sbnry township, and has resided there 
since. He built liis present residence — a sketch of which, 
with portraits of Mr. and Mi-s. Harris, appears on another 
page of this work — in 1875. 



PUTNAM. 



Putnam is the northornmost town of AA'^ashington 
county, and lios on tlic peninsula between the waters of 
Lake Champlain and Lake George. It is bounded north 
by Essex county, soutli by Dresden. The surface is rough, 
rocky, and mountainous, and divided into three ranges by 
the valleys of Mill and Charter brooks. The westernmost 
range rises quite abiuptly from the shore of Lake George, 
and in some places attains a height of one thousand feet 
above the lake. The most prominent peak, Anthony's 
Nose, lies in the north part of the town, just below Blair's 
bay. It is a bold, rocky promontory, around the base of 
which Lake George bends sharply to the eastward on its 
way to the waters of Lake Champlain. The northern point 
lies partly in Ticonderoga, and is the historical Mount Do- 
fiance' which had so pi'ominent a part in all the wars of the 
last century. It rises abruptly from the shores of Lake 
Champlain, leaving a very narrow strip of land at its base 
around which a carriage road and the track of the New 
York and Canada railroad run in close proximity. On the 
shores of Lake George are two beautiful bays, called re- 
spectively " Blair's" and " Gull'' bays. These are fre- 
quently visited by summer tourists, and the lovely waters 
of the Horicon, abounding with fish of all kinds, furnish 
ample opportunity for the pursuit of pleasure. In the 
south part of the town lies Mud pond, a small body of 
water three hundred feet above Lake George. It is sur- 
rounded by a wide marsh in which cranberry-bushes flourish. 
About two-thirds of the surface of this town is rough and 
rocky. The remaining third is tillable land, and though 
hard to work is strong and productive. The soil is mostly 
a hard, gravelly loam intermixed with clay. It is valuable 
for grazing and grass growing purposes. 

The eastern range of mountains lies a little back from 
the shore of Lake Champlain and terminates near Mill bay. 
The middle range extends in a northeasterly course, and 
from its summit, just west of Putnam Corners, there is a 
fine view of the Champlain valley and the Green Mountains. 

A mine of graphite of a fine quality was opened in the 
southern part of the town several years ago, and a mill built 
to prepare it for market. But the veins were too scattering 
to make the mine profitable, and it was soon abandoned. 

Putnam comprises an area of nineteen thousand two 
hundred and seventy-nine acres, and has the smallest popu- 
lation of any town in the county, the census of 1875 
showing only six hundred and forty-nine inhabitants. 

It was formerly a part of Westfield (now Fort Ann), 
and was erected as a separate town Feb. 28, 1806, and 
named in honor of General Israel Putnam, some of whose 
most remarkable military exploits were performed in this 
vicinity. At that time it also comprised the territory now 
embraced in the town of Dresden. 
448 



The first town-meeting was held at the residence of 
James Burnet, Esq., on the 4th of April, 180(!. The 
following is a copy of the minutes as recorded in the town- 
book: 

" FIRST TOWN-MEETI.\a. 

"PiTNAM, April -t, 1806. 

"The freeholders nnd inb.ibitance of the town of Putnam met at 
the house of .Tames Burnet to bold their first town-meeting, and chose 
.Tames Burnet moderator: proceeded to business as follows, viz.: 
Voted, that all aliens and them that are not freeholders shall hold 
offices if voted in. Chose John Gourly, su])ervisor; George Willey, 
clerk; Robert Gumming?, Levi Harrington, John Butterfield, asses- 
sors; William Hutton, Jr., Levi Harrington. Pelatiah Bugby, Jr., 
commissioners of highways; Levi Harrington, George Easton, over- 
seers of the poor; Peter Hutton, Levi Harrington, constables; Peter 
Hutton, collector; Robert Paterson, Robert Cummings, William Hut- 
ton, Jr., George Record, George Euston, Alexander Corbet, John 
Butterfield, Frederick Dedrick, overseers of highways; Samuel 
Rogers, Pelatiah Bubgy, Pr., Obadiah Bleak, George Easton, fence- 
viewers; James Burnet, Levi Harrington, !Xathan Butterfield, Geo. 
Easton, pound-keepers. 

"Horses is not to run on the commons. A seed horse above two 
years old found out of an enclosure, the owner is fineable of twelve 
dolers and fifty cents. Kams is not to run from the first of Septem- 
ber till the tenth of November, or the owner will be fined of two 
dolers. Hogs not commoners. 

" By order of the commissioners every person is to work two days 
on the road from Mr. Clark's to Walch Hollow. 

"Ne.\t town-meeting to be held at the house of George Willey. 

" The commissioners divided the town into districts at their meet- 
ing, as follows : 

" Dittrict No. 1. — Beginning near James Crage's ; thence soutl. to 
John Gourly's north line. 

" DinlricI A'o. 2. — Beginning at John Gourly's north line; thence 
south to Mr. Bugby's north line. 

" [Uttrkl Xij. 3. — Beginning at Mr. Bugby's north line ; thence to 
the house of William Hutton. 

" Diilrlcl No. i. — Beginning at George Easton's; Ihcnce to the 
northeast corner of Alexander Corbet's field ; thence from the west 
end of Alexander Corbet's lane to the west end of James Burnet's 

" Dixlrict Nn. 5. — Beginning at the northeast end of Alexander 
Corbet's field ; thence to Mr. Shill's. 

" Dlatrict No. 6. — Beginning at the mill bay ; thence to Nathan 
Butterfield's. 

" DUli-ifl No. 7. — Beginning at Nathan Butterfield's ; thence to 
Josiah Clark's. 

" Dhtrict No. 8. — Beginning at John Blair's ; thence to Mr. Bug- 
by's. 

" Diatn'cl No. 9. — Beginning at the west enil of Levi Harrington's 
barn ; thence to the top of the hill south of Mr. Shear's. 

" Dhtikt No. 10.— Beginning at Gull b.-iy ; thence to Obadiah 
Bleak's. 

" JJistricl No. \l. — Beginning at Amos Hiscock's; thence to the 
road south of Mr. Clark's; thence north to said Clark's. 

" Dislrict No. 12. — Beginning at or near the house of Cyrus Nel- 
son, near Lake George; thence southwardly to the house of Judathan 
Dickson ; and from the house of Isaac Lyman eastwardly to the main 

path. 

" Levi HAimiNGTox, 
"TiMOTHV Rick, 
- " Amos IIiscock, 
" Oviirsecre o/ Hiyhwat/a. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. NEW YOKK. 



449 



■• A[»|>ointe<l l)y the eoramissioDcrs of highways. 
*' The proceedings of the town of Putnam of the year past was 
recorded ijy me. 

"(iKolUJE Wu.l.KV, T,>nn r/ei-l.-." 

The following is a list of the proniiiieiit officers of the 
town from its organization to the present time, as full and 
accurate as can be obtained, viz. ; 



AHthony D. Wclcli. Walter Benja 
George Willev. 



Supervisors. Town Clerks, 

ISUO. John (rourly. t>corge Willev. 

ISO-. '• 

1508. " " 

1509. '• 
1810. " 

ISll. James Burnet. 

1812. 

1813. Robert Cummings. 

1814. 

1815. 

ISIG. Alex. .MeLauglilin. 

1817. 

1818. David Congdon. Freeman Clark. 

1819. " ■ " " 

1820. Ale.\. McLaughlin. George Willev. 

1821. David Congdon. 

1822. Peter Hutton. 
1823. 

1821. •■ •• Abel Comstock. 

182o. ■' •• •■ " 

1826. Robert Easton. Alex. Robertson. 

1827. 

1828. 

182'J. ■' '• George Willey. 

1830. Alex. McLaughlin. " 

1831. Alex. Robertson. " " 
1632. " " Daniel Williamsoi 

1833. •• 

1834. " ■' James Blair. 
183.1. Andrew Mciklejohn. George Willey. 
183(3. Robert Wright. 

1837. Alex. Robertson. '* " 

1838. James Blair. 

1839. " 

1840. William Hutton. 
1841. 

1842. William G. Corbet, 
1843. 

1844. John Wright. 

1845. " 

1846. John Backus. 

1847. Alexander Wiley. 
1848. 



Collectors 
Peter lluttou. 



James Easton. 
William Corbet. 
Freeman Clark. 

William Cummings 
Anthony D. Welch. 
Peter Hutton. 

William Patterson. 
Josiah Clark. Jr. 



Sam'l J. Woodstock. 
.Tohn L. Hiscock. 



Silas Beeclicr. 
George Easton. 



Daniel Willi; 
D. Williamsc 



Abram Shear. 
Andrew Williamson. 



William Hutton. 

George Willey. " 

" " Wm. E. Woodstock. 

" William M. Wiley. 

William M. Wiley. D. Williamson, Jr. 
Wm. E. Woodstock. " " 

William G. Corbet. " " 

Robert C. Wright. 

D. Williamson, Jr. 
James Burnet. '' " 

1849. William G. Corbet. James McLaughlin. Robert Williamson. 

1850. Robert Paterson, Jr. " " •' •• 

1851. " " William G. Corbet. Geo. E. Meiklejohn. 

1852. D. Williamson, Jr. •■ " '• 

1853. •' " •' •' John McLaughlin. 

1854. James McLaughlin. " " 

1855. " " George Easton. Thomas li. Wright. 

1856. John Gourly. D. Williamson, .fr. J.ihn McLaughlin. 

1857. " '• " ••■ Anthony Anderson. 

1858. .Tames Leidgerwood. James McLaughlin. " '* 

1859. •■ •' D. Williamson, Jr. Thos. W. Cummings. 

1860. Henry Beldin. '■ " Wm. M. Cummings. 

1861. •• " ■■ •' 

1862. A. G. Meiklejohn. Alex. C. Thompson. Elbcrton .Spaulding. 

1863. " •• D. Williamson, Jr. 

1864. Anthony Anderson. •' '' " " 
I860. " " ■• •• Thos. B. Cummings. 

1866. William McArthur. Wm. McLaughlin,Jr.John S. Cummings. 

1867. " " D. Williamson, Jr. Albert Smith. 

1868. Arnold Hulett. Chas.W. Williamson. Wm. J. Wright. 

1869. ■• •• '• •' George G. Burnet. 

1870. Thomas Lilley. ■ " 

57 





Supoi*vi8ors. 


Town 


Clerks. 


Collecton*. 


1871. 


Thomas Lilley. 


Chas.W.Williams. 


n. John Hcst. Jr. 


1872. 


William McArlhur 


" 


" 


.< 


1873. 








Daniel William.son. 


1874. 


Thos. Lcidgerwooi 


. 




Erastus 11. Sears. 


1875. 


Robert P. Graham 


•' 




Wm. McLaughlin. 


1876. 




" 






1877. 


Henry D. Easton. 






James E. Hutton. 


1878. 








1. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1806- 


^. .lames Burnet. 


1845. 


Alexander Wiley. 


1809- 


11. Pelatiah Bugboc. 


1840. 


James Blair. 


1814. 


Alexander McLaughlin. 


1847. 


Wm. Hutton. 


1815. 


James Burnet. 


184S. 


Robert Paterson, Jr. 




Freeman Clark. 


1849. 


Alexander Wiley. 




Levi Harrington. 


1850. 


James Blair, f. t. 


1SI6. 


Alanson Clark. 




Wm. McArthur, v. 




Wm. Butterlicld. 


1851. 


Wm. Hutton. 


1818. 


James Burnet. 


1852. 


Gustavus A. Goodrich. 




Wm. Butterlield. 


1853. 


Wm. MeArthnr. 


1819. 


David Congdon. 


1854. 


John Wright. 


1820. 


Alexander McLaughlin. 


1855. 


Wm. McLaughlin. 


1821. 


James Burnet. 


1856. 


Gustavus .\. Goodrich. 




Alexander McLaughlin. 


1857. 


Wm. McArthur. 




Robert Easton. 


1858. 


John Wrighl. 


1827. 


Alexander McLaughlin. 


1859. 


Wm. G. Corbet. 




Robert Easton. 


1860. 


Gustavus A. Goodrich, f. t 




James Blair. 




Arnold Hulett, v. . 




Anthony D. Welch. 


1801. 


Robert R. Hutton, f. t. 


1828. 


Abel Comstock. 




Wm. Graham, v. 


1829. 


Robert Easton. 


1862. 


Thomas Lilley. 


1830. 


James Blair. 


186.3. 


Arnold Hulett. 


1831 


Anthony D. Welch. 


1864 


Wm. McArthur. 


1832 


Abel Comstock. 


1865 


Wm. G. Corbet. 


1833 


Alexander McLaughlin. 


18G6 


Thomas Lilley. 


1834 


James Blair, f. t. 


1867 


Arnold Hulett. 




Robert Wright, v. 


1868 


AVm. McArthur, f. t. 


1835 


Anthony D. Welch, f. t. 




James Shear, v. 




Andrew Mciklejohn, v. 


1869 


Thomas Leidgerwood. 


1836 


George Willey. 


1870 


Thomas Lilley, f. t. 


1837 


James Cummings. 




Wm. Hutton, v. 


1838 


Alexander Wiley, f. t. 


1871 


Ezra Roberts. 




Jasper .Shear, v. 


1872 


Arnohl Hulett. 


1839 


Robert Paterson, Jr. 


1873 


Wm. Hutton. 


1840 


-41. Alexander Robertson. 


1874 


Thomas Lilley. 


1842 


.James Blair, f. t. 


1875 


David L. Butler. 




Daniel McLaughlin, v. 


1876 


Arnold Hulett. 


1843 


Wm. Uutton. 


1877 


Wm. Hutton. 


1844 


Alex. Robertson, f. t. 
Jasper Shear, v. 


1878 


H. D. Easton. 



The territory of this town was composed of two tracts 
known respectively as " Turner's Patent" and " Hutton .s 
Bush." The former lay in the western half of the town, 
and the latter in the eastern part. This land was originally 
granted to soldiers of the provincial troops who participated 
in the French and Indian wars. The eastern tract came 
into the possession of one Hodgson, who came to this country 
to examine the land, and, returning to Paisley, Scotland, 
sold the tract to " William Hutton & Co." This firm was 
composed of three individuals, but two of them became 
discouraged and abandoned their claims. The third, Wm. 
Hutton, came on to occupy the land, and lived for a few 
years at Whitehall before actually settling on this tract. 
Some few years after, John Williams claimed the land by 
virtue of an alleged purchase from Alexander Turner, and 
sought to enforce bis claims to tlie title through the courts. 
Hutton resolved to contest the claim, and employed a lawyer 
named Dickinson, residing at Lansiugburg, to defend the 



450 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



suit. It was never brought to trial, the plaintiff withdrawing 
the suit. Hutton paid his hiwyer in land, and they em- 
ployed a man to survey the tract and lay it out in lots. His 
name was William Cockburii. After the survey was com- 
pleted, in 1801, the tract was divided nearly equally among 
the three, Cockburn taking the southern, Hutton the cen- 
tral, and Dickinson the northern parts. 

The first settlement was made near the centre of the 
town by Joseph Haskins, a squatter, who built a log house 
on lot 22, near the site of the present residence of George 
G. Burnet. He afterwards acquired a title by purchase 
from William Hutton about 1786. He first came, possibly, 
as early as 1782. 

The next settler was William Hutton, in 1784, followed 
by George Easton,in 1785, and several others soon after, a 
list of whose names will be found elsewhere. We give a 
brief sketch of some of the earlier settlors who had the 
courage to dare the dangers of pioneer life in this rocky 
fastness of northern New York. They were, almost with- 
out exception, natives of Scotland, and prepared by their 
life iu the highlands to enjoy their homes in this some- 
what similar region. 

First and most prominent was William Hutton, with his 
family of three sons and five daughters, all of whom settled 
here. He selected a situation on the shore of Lake Cham- 
plain, about a mile and a half north of Mill bay, and, as 
the title to the lands was in dispute, in order to secure his 
dwelling in any event, built it beyond high-water mark over 
the lake. This was called the ■' big house," and was ap- 
proached from the shore by a broad platform. He after- 
wards built another dwelling near the present residence of 
his grand.sou and namesake, William Hutton, Esq. Of his 
sons, Peter settled on the one hundred acres next north of 
his fathers, where Robert R. Hutton now lives, and all of 
the name now residing in Putnam are descendants of Peter. 
William, Jr., lived with his father and worked the home- 
stead farm. While crossing Lake Champlain on the ice, 
the team broke through and he was drowned. John settled 
on the place now occupied by John Gourlie. About the 
year 1800 he sold to John Gourlie, an uncle of the present 
occupant. The daughters all married citizens of Putnam. 
Some of them were married before coming to America. 
At one time, while the title to the land was in dispute, a 
man named Lytle came and claimed a part of the tract by 
virtue of purchase from some other alleged owner. One 
day, when all the men of the family were absent from 
home, he made himself more than usually obnoxious, and 
finally two of the girls (one of whom was afterwards Mrs. 
Robert Cummings) told him that unless he would agree to 
leave the country and cease his annoying persecutions they 
would " duck ' him in the lake. As he refused, they, true 
to their promise, seized him, and, despite his frantic strug- 
gles, plunged him beneath the water. As he came above 
the surface, they asked him for his promise, and, as he re- 
fused, put him under again. He came up the second time, 
and was once more interrogated as to his willingness to 
leave. He refused, and again he was depressed below the 
rippling water, and held down as long as a due regard for 
the sanctity of human life would allow. A third time he 
came up dripping from his involuntary bath, and was asked 



if he would leave. Reluctant to consent, he said, " No ;" 
but, as he began to sink, cried out, " You won't drown me, 
will you ?" He was informed that he must go or take the 
consequences, and thereupon signified his assent to the 
terms and was released. He speedily vanished from the 
scene of his humiliating defeat, and never reappeared- 
William Hutton's wife was also a good representative of the 
plucky and fearless nature of these Scotch pioneers. While 
livmg in Whitehall, during the Revolutionary war, a foraging 
party of British soldiers attempted to break into the barn- 
yard and drive off the cattle, but were met by this brave 
woman, who, armed with an old flint-lock musket, coolly 
informed them that they could only reach the bars over 
her body. Struck by her brave demeanor, they gal- 
lantly, but perhaps ingloriously, retreated from the field, 
leaving her in undisputed posses.sion of the stock she had 
so courageously defended. 

Robert Cummings was a re.sident of Cambridge previous 
to the Revolution, and though too young to regularly enlist 
as a soldier, attached himself to the army as an officer's 
servant. At the close of the war he returned to Cam- 
bridge, and about the year 1789 married Hannah Hutton, 
who was visilitig friends in that town. Soon after they 
came to Putnam, and settled on lands given them by William 
Hutton, on lot 19 of the tract. The place is now occupied 
by a grand.son, James L. Cummings. Robert Cummings 
built the first saw-mill in town, in 1802. It was located 
on Mill brook, about one mile from Lake Champlain. This 
mill was long known as the '' Angel Mill,'' though what 
gave it this name is a mystery we are unable to solve. It 
stood on the north side of the stream, and was carried off 
by a freshet. In 1837, William and Robert Hutton erected 
a grist-mill on the same site. This mill was burned in the 
spring of 1876. The first grist-mill in town was built on 
the south side of the stream, in the year 1814, by Abel 
Comstock. 

Robert Cummings had a fiimily of thiee sons and three 
daughters, none of whom are now living. Several of his 
grandchildren reside in the town. 

George Easton came from Cambridge to Putnam in 1785. 
A short time after, he married JIargaret, the youngest 
daughter of William Hutton, and settled on the place now 
occupied by P. W. Hutton. Mrs. Elizabeth Meiklejohn is 
the youngest and only surviving child. She is upwards of 
eighty-three years old. Several grandchildren, among them 
George Easton, still live in the town. 

Alexander Corbet was a native of Paisley, Scotland, and 
came to America in 1795, landing in New York on the 
third of October. He had, previous to his emigrating to 
this country, married Agnes Hutton, and soon after landing 
in New Y'ork came on to Putnam and settled in the valley 
where the village of Putnam now stands. Alexander Cor- 
bet, Jr., was born on the voyage from Greenock, iu 1795. 
Arriving at the age of twenty-one years, he attended an 
election, and offering his vote was challenged on the ground 
that he was not naturalized. He claimed that being born 
on the high seas this was unnecessary, and his vote was 
received. 

Alexander McLaughlin was a native of the Scottish 
highlands, and came to this country while a young man. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



451 



He married Anne, a daughter of Alexander Corbet, in 
September, 1805. He bought lots 43 and 44, containing 
one hundred and ninety-eight and one-quarter acres, of 
William Cockburn, in 1804, giving him four hundred and 
ninety-five dollars and sixty-two cents, or a little less than 
two dollars and fifty cents per acre. 

He became ((uite prominent in town affairs, was four 
times supervisor, and held numerous other oflnces. One of 
his sons, James McLaughlin, now lives on the homestead. 
While building the stone house, this gentleman, then a boy 
of thirteen or fourteen, was working alone at the foot of the 
mountain, getting out stone for the building, when he saw 
two wolves come to the brow of the cliff above him. He 
heard one of them coming down the hill to the north, and 
thinking it was a question of life or death, he plunged 
through the snow in the direction of his home at the top 
of his speed. As he neared the house, the footsteps of his 
pursuers came closer and closer until, as he reached the 
door and sprang through its protecting portals, he cast an 
anxious look backward, and saw a large — deer dash through 
the yard in full flight. 

James Burnet was a gardener at Paisley, Scotland, and, 
emigrating to America, bought a piece of land in what is 
now the central part of New York city, and worked at his 
trade for several years. He finally disposed of his property 
there, and upon the recommendation of his uncle, William 
Button, decided to settle in Putnam. He purchased the 
land formerly occupied by Joseph Ha.skins, in 1804. He 
was a man of great energy and good business ability, and 
possessed of a commendable public spirit, which led to his 
becoming prominent in all public enterprises. In 1808 he 
contracted to open up the " State road" through the town, 
which he did with dispatch and credit. He was the first 
justice of the peace appointed in the town, and held that 
office for some twenty years. He was mainly instrumental 
in getting the first post-ofBce established here about 1808 
or 1810, and was the first postmaster. He was succeeded 
in this office by his son George. James Burnet married 
in Scotland, and he had a family of two sons and four 
daughters. The youngest of these, Mrs. Helen Bullard, is 
still living. She resides in Wyoming Co., N. Y. Some of 
his grandchildren still live in Putnam, one of them, George 
G. Burnet, occupying the homestead. 

John Gourlie* came from Scotland about 1788 and 
worked in New York city at gardening and distilling until 
about 1800, when he came to Putnam and settled on lot 
18 of the Hutton tract. His house stood a little north of 
the present residence of his nephew, John Gourlie, and 
nearer the lake shore. He was the first supervisor of the 
town, and held the office five successive years. He was 
married, but had no children. 

Robert Paterson lived in Rhode Island and Connecticut, 
and was three years a sailor on a voyage to China. Re- 
turning, he came to New York for a short time and then 
to Putnam, married a Widow Graham, and settled on the 
place now occupied by his only son, Robert Paterson. He 
taught the first school kept in town in the winter of 1803-4. 



' Also spelled Gourly. 



It was held in the log house built by Joseph Haskins on 
the Burnet place. 

Pelatiah Bugbee was an early settler on the place now 
occupied by David Cummings. He was the second justice 
of the peace appointed in the town, and held several other 
town offices. 

The other early settlers previous to 1803 we give below, 
together with the names of the present occupants of the 
places where they lived : 

William Jones, now D. Ray Williamson. 

George Willey, now George W. Thompson ( Willey was the 
first town clerk, serving twenty-five years in that capacity^. 

James McArthur, now Mrs. William McArthur. 

Goodspeed, on Goodspeed's point. 

Luther Gaut, now Simon Cramond. 

Fuller, now William B. McLaughlin. 

All of the above were in " Hutton's Bush." The fol- 
lowing were in the west or hill settlement : 

George Rickert, now Isaac Graham. 

Aaron Backus, now Henry D. Easton. 

Christopher Burgess, now Henry D. Easton. 

Levi Harrington, now John Lilley. 

Asahel Harrington, now Thomas Lilley. 

Abiathar Odell, now Thomas Lilley. 

Samuel Rogers, now .James Smith. 

Philo Rogers, now James Smith. 

Samuel McCarl, now James Smith. 

Dyer Perry, now William JI. Cummings. 

Jonas Odell, now Charles Lyon (at Blair's bay ). 

The south settlement was composed of the following- 
named persons : 

Josiah Clark, now Edwin Peabody. 

Leman Bunce, now William Anderson. 

Frederick Dedrick, now Ezra Roberts. 

John Hale, now John A. Easton. 

Luke Welch, now John A. Easton. 

Ephraim Case, now R. and J. Simi)Son. 

Peleg Durfee, now Michael Glannery. 

John Butterfield, now J. G. Williamson. 

John Hale, Jr., now Nicholas Flannery (at Gull bay). 

Ords B. Johnson, now Daniel Williamson. 

Black Point, on Lake George, in the extreme north part 
of the town, is supposed to have received its name from 
the legend that it was first settled by black people at a very 
early day. Tradition says it was owned by one Prince 
Taylor, more commonly known as " Black Prince." 

Six-Mile Point, on Lake Champlain, is genei'ally known 
as " Negro Point." It received this name from the fact 
that a negro employed on one of the lake craft died of 
smallpox, and was buried on this point. 

Putnam Academy was built in 1854, at a cost of one 
thousand dollars. This amount was divided int^) fifty-dol- 
lar shares, and they were owned by Daniel Williamson, 
Solomon French, George E. Meiklejohu, George Easton, 
William G. Corbet, Samuel W. Haynes, William B. 
McLaughlin, William Graham, James L. Cummings. 
Alexander AViley, Thomas Lilley, James McLaughlin, 
William Shiells, Robert Ilutton, Robert Ea.ston, John 
Backus, Rev. Isaac Law, James Blair, William Hutton, 
and Robert Paterson. 



452 



HISTOllV OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The land on which it stands was donated by George 
Easton. 

The teachers, in tlie order of their service, were Joseph 
McKirahan, Joseph Shortledge, Josepli Thyme, Andrew 
Cole, John Fisher, J. Q. A. Dickinson, John Dobbin, 
William J. Smith, Miss Boudry, Mary A. McLauijhlin, 
Jane Easton, Slargaret Easton, Judith Perry, and Mrs. 
Jane A. Corbet, the present principal. 

THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF PUTNAM. 

This church was an outgrowth of the Baptist church of 
Benson, Vt., which was organized previous to 1817 by 
Rev. Abel Wood. In 1820, while under the pastoral care 
of Elder John S. Carter, a wonderful revival of religion 
was experienced, which extended across the lake, and many 
converts were made in the town of Putnam. Soon after 
this Elder Carter became exercised in mind upon some of 
the doctrines of the church and was disciplined. Meantime, 
at two meetings held in Benson, Vt., April 6, and in Put- 
nam, April 7, 1823, a church was organized by Elder Syl- 
vester Robinson, assisted by Elder John S. Carter and 
Deacon Gideon Carter. Twenty-eight members composed 
this church, among them being Gideon Carter, Joanna 
Carter, John S. Carter, John C. Woodstock, Daniel Carter, 
Jared Carter, Samuel Fish, Stephen A. Fish, Levi Fish, 
John Backus, Hiram Congdon, Hannibal Cougdon, Isaac 
Congdon, Abraham Shear, William Woodstock, Simeon 
Bugbee, Oatman Fish, Levi Fish (2d), Joseph Congdon, 
Anthony D. Welch, John Shear, Willard Woodstock, Ruah 
Morton, Jerusha Carter, Clarissa Carter, Highly Carter, 
Almira Fish, and Nancy Dedrick. 

Upon the organization of this societ\'. Elder John S. 
Carter was called to the charge of the church, and upon 
conviction of holding false doctrines by the Baptist denom- 
ination, he was sustained by this church. He and they 
embraced the doctrines and connected themselves with 
the Free-Will Baptist denomination. Elder Carter con- 
tinued to act as pastor until 1825, when he was succeeded 
by Abraham Shear. In the spring of 1832 the church 
sent a committee to Vermont, with teams, to move Elder 
Carter and family to Putnam, and while they were on the 
way he embraced the Mormon faith, and, as the records 
say, " leaving the church, after all its exijcnditure and 
trouble, without a pastor." 

The pastors of the church since Elder Shear have been 
Revs. Leland Huntley, Charles Bowles, William P. Chase, 
Samuel Hart, S. D. Keniston, A. Kilborne, B. S. Baxter, 

Henry Belden, Harvey, Loren E. Bixbj", Joshua 

Tucker, Joseph Bruce, Peleg Fuller, Frederick H. Part- 
ridge, W. A. Nealy, and the present pastor. Rev. R. H. 
Tozer. Of these, William P. Chase, A. Kilborne, and F. 
II. Partridge were twice pastors of this church, and Henry 
Belden four times. Besides these regular preachers, occa- 
sional ministerial labor has been perfermed by Gideon Carter, 
James Rickert, Daniel Jackson, and others. 

In 1823 the church connected itself with the HuntiTigton 
quarterly meeting, in 1825 with the Rutland quarterly 
meeting, and at a subsequent date to the Lake George 
quarterly meeting, of which ecclesiastical body it is still a 
member. 



This church has had more of the vicissitudes and trials 
of existence than usually fidls to the lot of churches. 
Periods of unusual prosperity have been eventually suc- 
ceeded by con-esponding periods of depression. This in 
turn would again give way to another period of growth. 
During a sea.son of revival interest, in 1831, Rev. Charles 
Bowles, a colored minister, baptized fourteen converts at 
one time in Lake George. In 1840 a successful protracted 
meeting was held by Elders S. D. Keniston, L. E. Bixby, 
and J. E. Davis, which resulted in thirty-five additions to 
the church. Other revivals were had in 1823 and 1852. 

In 1843, Elder B. S. Baxter began to preach Adventist 
or " Millerite" doctrines. This created considerable excite- 
ment for a time, but was eventually combated and over- 
come by the efforts of Deacon John Backus and others. 

The society was incorporated in 1860. The church edi- 
fice was erected in 1841, on the present lot, at a cost of six 
hundred and fifty dollars. It is a neat building, twenty -six 
by thirty-six feet in size, and furnishes sittings for one hun- 
dred and eighty people. It was dedicated Oct. 3, 1841. 
In 1875-76 the church was repaired, newly furnished with 
pews, and fitted with inside blinds given by Messrs. Albert 
Crampton and Emerson Belden, of Troy. It is also pro- 
vided with an organ, and presents a very creditable appear- 
ance, comparing favorably with the most of country 
churches. 

In 1858 a parsonage was built on lands leased of Deacon 
John Backus, the cost of which is not recorded. The com- 
mittee having charge of the erection were Hiram Burgess, 
John Backus, and Arnold Hulett. 

Rev. A. Kilborne, while pastor of the church in May, 
1844, succeeded after many efforts in having a temperance 
pledge made one of the articles of the covenant. 

The present membership of the church is seventy-two. 

The present officers of the church are as follows, viz. : 
trustees, James Backus, Arnold Hulett, A. 0. Clemens; 
deacons. James Backus, Hiram Congdon, Nathaniel King ; 
clerk, Edwin Peabody. 

The present valuation of the entire church property is 
about two thousand five hundred dollars. 

The first Sabbath-school was formed in 1843, with three 
teachers and twenty scholars. The school now hiis an aver- 
age attendance of from forty-five to fifty scholars, and is 
prospering under the superintendence of Rev. R. H. Tozer. 

THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PUTNAM, N. Y. 

It is supposed, though not absolutely known, that the 
earliest public preaching in the town of Putnam was held 
about the years 1798-99. No church organization was 
effected until the year 1803, when, under the direction and 
authority of the associate presbytery of Cambridge, a meet- 
ing was held at the " big house" owned by William Hut- 
ton, and standing on the west shore of Lake Champlain. 
about a mile east of the present church site. This meeting 
was conducted by a committee of presbytery, Revs. Archi- 
bald White and Robert Lange. A church Wiis organized 
composed of the followinsj members, seventeen in all, viz. : 
William Hutton, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. William Hutton, Jr., 
Mr. and Mrs. John Gourlie, Mr. and Mrs. George Easton, 
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Corbet, Mr. and Mrs. Robert 



IIISTOUY OK WASHINGTON COUNTV, NEW YORK. 



458 



Cumniings, 5Ir. and Mrs. Goorue Willey, Mr. and Mrs. 
John Robertson. Mr. and Mrs. William J^iiiell, and Alex- 
ander i\IcLauj,diliii. All, or n(n\rly all, of these persou.s 
were natives iif Seothmd, who came from tiie mother coun- 
try and to this locality mainly throuj;li the influence of 
William Button, Sr., who was the ori>;;inal purchaser of the 
eastern part of the town. 

At this first meeting, John Gourlie, William Shiell, and 
Alexander McLaughlin were chosen elders of the congre- 
gation. For several years the preaching was irregular. In 
the fall of 1819 they had regular preaching and a settled 
pastor. These were yoar.s of struggle and trial, but Scotch 
perseverance, under God's blessing, preserved the churcli 
and brought it to success and assured prosperity. 

For the seventy-four years of its existence tlie church 
has been ministered to by five difterent pastors, oi' whom a 
brief notice will be appropriate. 

The first, Rev. James Miller, was a native of Scotland, 
and obtained his theological education in that country. He 
came to America in 1818. and united himself by letter with 
the associate presbytery of Cambridge. The meeting at 
which he was called to the pastorate was presided over by 
John Gourlie. John Gourlie and Alexander McLaughlin 
were the committee to present the call to presbytery. At 
the same meeting the anuual salary was fixed at four hun- 
dred dollars, a free house and garden, keeping for a cow, 
and firewood. Nov. 4, 1819, Mr. Miller was installed as 
pastor. He remained in this capacity till some time in 
1825. 

The second pivstor was Rev. Alexander Gordon, who was 
born in Montrose, Scotland, in 1789. His education was 
obtained in the Latin school at Montrose and the University 
of Edinburgh. He joined the presbytery of Edinburgh in 
1813, and was licensed to preach the gospel, June 25, 1817, 
by the synod at Howgate. Sailing from Leith, July 2(1. 
1817, he landed in New York, September 27. He preached 
during the next eleven years at Kingston, York Co., Pa. ; 
in North and South Carolina; at Baltimore, Md. ; and at 
various places within the bounds of tile presbytery of Cam- 
bridge. July 2, 1828, he was installed as pastor of this 
church, and ministered to its people until Aug. 8, 1842, 
when the relation was dissolved, and he removed to John.s- 
town, Fulton county, where he died Aug. 20, 1845. 

The tliird pastor was Rev. Isaac Law, a native of Salem, 
N. Y., who was educated at Union College and the theo- 
logical .seminary at Canoiisburg, Pa. He was installed 
pastor Oct. 7, 1847, and labored until his death, which 
occurred Jan. 28, 1861. The cougregatiou held a meeting 
soon after, at which resolutions of respect and .sympathy 
were adopted. 

Ou the 6th of July, 1862, the fourth pastor of this 
church was installed. Rev. Thomas Lawrence, who remained 
four years, aud then went to Europe to continue liis studies 
in the Bonn University. 

The fifth and present pastor. Rev. Samuel Bigger, was 
installed on the 5th of July, 1867. He is a graduate of 
Westminster College and the theological seminaries of 
Xenia, Ohio, and Monmouth, 111. Licensed to preach the 
gospel in 1866, he was ordained in October, 1868. by the 
presbytery of Argyle. At the ordination Rev. J. H. An- 



drews presided, Rev. J. R. Fisher preached the sermon. 
Rev. J. C. Forsyth delivered the address to the pastor, and 
Rev. Henry Gordon the address to the people. 

From the first membership of eighteen, the church has 
steadily increased in numbers until now (1878) the mem- 
bership is one hundred and forty-two. The present dthcei-s 
are John Hennessy, George W. Thomp.son, William Graham, 
John T. Graham, William Gourlie. and John Best, trustees; 
Robert Simpson, James McLaughlin, William G. Corbet, 
John Gourlie, Thomas Leidgerwood. John Lilley, John 
Simpson, John Graham, William B. McLaughlin, elders; 
William (Jraham, John Hennessy, Thomas Lilley, deacons. 
The other members who have been ruling elders arc 
Adam Darling, John W. Graham, Robert Shiell. Joseph 
Thompson, James Burnet, James Cummiiigs, and William 
Anderson. At those times when the chiinh was without a 
pastor the pulpit was su]>plied by the presbytery. Among 
those who preached during the infancy of the churcii were 
Revs. Arcliiliald White, Robert Lange, Peter Bullions. 
Alexander Bullious, and Rev. Mr. Shaw, all noble men, 
eminent in ability and worth . 

The first church edifice was commenced in 18t)6,bul was 
not completed until 1817. It was a frame building, tweuty- 
four by thirty-two, fourteen-foot posts, and cost the sum of 
three hundred and forty-nine dollars. Two hundred and 
twenty-three dollars of this amount was raised by subscrip- 
tion among the members of the congregation, and the rest 
(one hundred and twenty-six dollars) was donated by 
friends in New Y'ork. This building stood on the site of 
the j)resent burial-ground, a few rods southeast of the pres- 
ent church. In 1838 a second church building was erected 
on the same site. It was built of brick, and was a low 
building. The cost of its construction is not known. 

In 1 857 the present churcli was built, at a cost of about 
five thousand dollars. It is a fine-looking and substantial 
building, with a handsome spire, and the inner walls tastily 
frescoed. It stands to-day just as it was built, with the ex- 
ception that the high, unsightly, and uncomfortable pulpit 
has been replaced by a modern platform and desk that add 
much to the appearance of the church. 

A Sabbath-school has been connected with the church 
for many years, and has at present an average attendance 
of about fifty. William B. McLaughlin is superintendent, 
and William Cummiugs, secretary. 

The following list gives the names of the soldiers from 
this town in the War of 1861-65 : 

Aloiaudcr Anderson, 1st lieut.; oiil. July 28, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; pro. 

capt., Feb. 11, 1863 ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
William Anderson, Jr., enl. March 20, 1864, 123d Kegt., Co. D ; died of disease 

at Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 15, 1864. 
Jarius D. Backus, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. D ; disch. with the regiment, 

June 8, 1865. 
Levi A. Belden, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 12.(d Kegt., Co. D ; disch. with the regiment, 

June 8, 1863. 
George W. nlair, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. D ; disch. for disability, Feb. 

23, 1863 ; died of fevei-,Fob. 2.1, 1863, at Washington, D. C. 
Andrew E. Benson, enl. Aug.1l, 1862, 123d R«gt., Co. D ; disch. with the regi- 
ment, June 8, 186r>. 
James F. Burnett, enl. 1861, 44th Kegt., Co. C; died of disease, at Windmill 

Point, Va., Jan. 2.3, 186:i. 
Andrew J. Blanchard, enl. Sept. 1, 1861, 87tli Begt, Co. A; dismissed; since 

died. 
Benjamin F. Blanchard, enl. Nov. 23, 1861, 1st Md. Cav., Co. H; pro. Corp.; 

disch. Bee. 3, 1864. 
Wm, C. Blanchard, enl. Solit. 1, 1«G1, 87th Kegt., fto. A ; pro. sergt.; disch. at 

close of tlie war. 



454 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Jumes L. CummingB, «ergt. ; pnl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. D ; died. May 27, 
1864, of wounds received at Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1864. 

.fohii S. Cunimings, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. D; disch. with the regi- 
ment, June 8, 1863. 

Robert I. Cuinmings, corp. ; onl. July 30. 1862, 123d Begt., d. D ; absent from 
regiment since July 17, 1864. 

Joseph H. Congdon, eril. Aug. 2, 1882, 123J Kegt., Co. U; disch. with the regi- 
ment, June 8. 1863. 

Wni. 0. Corbet, enl. Sept. 12, 1861, 87th Kegt., Co. A; trans, to 40th Kegt.; 
served through the war from Yorktown to Petersburg ; once wounded 
and once a prisuner; disch. 1865. 

William Craig, enl. 1861, 44th Begt., Co. A; died of wounds at general hospital, 
Washington, D. C. 

Ruthven W. Craig, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 3d Cav., Co. L; disch. in Massachusetts. 

Peter Ci-aniond, enl. Sept. 8, 1864, 2d Battery Art. ; disch. at close of the war. 

George K. Corbet, enl. Sept. 1, 1864, 76th Begt., Co. B ; disch. at close of the 

Benjamin Clark, enl. 1861, 93d Begt. ; disch. at close of the war. 

Thomas Clark, enl. 1861, 93d Regt.; died of smallpox at Albany, N. T. 

Allen Congdon, enl. 87th Begt., Co. A ; disch. at close of the war. 

Henry A. Dedrick, enl. Aug. 8,1862,123d Begt., Co. D ; died of disease, at Madi- 
son, Ind., July 25, 1864. 

Darwin Easton, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D ; died of disease, at Stafford 
Court-House, Va., March. 1863. 

Theodore Easton, enl. Dec. 25, 1863, 5th Cav., Co. L; missing soon after mus- 
tering in; supposed to have been taken prisoner; never heard from 

P.atrick Flannery, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A ; discharged ; mustered 
in a regiment for provost duty at Alexandria, Va. ; discharged. 

John C. Gourlie, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D ; pro. sergt. ; disch. 
with the regiment, June 8, 1865. 

James H. Haynes, onl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D ; died of disease, at Har- 
per's Ferry. Va , Nov. 15, 1862. 

William Hutton, Jr., sergt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C ; detailed on 
color-guard alter Chancelloraville ; died, July 22, 1864, of wounds received 
while carrying the colors at Peach-Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. 

Edwin F. Harvey, enl. Dec. 25, 1863, 123d Begt., Co. D; trans, to 60th Begt., 
June 8, 1865 ; disch. Aug. 1, 1865. 

James D. Leigh, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. Feb. 23, 1863; 
re-enl. 5th Cav. ; discharged. 

Edward Lyons, enl. Aug. 10, 1864, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. E ; disch. at close of the war. 

John A. McLaughlin, ord.-sergt. ; enl. 1861, 44th Begt., Co. A; discharged; 
re-enl. July 30, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. with regiment, 1865. 

Robert Maxwell, corp. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. for disabil- 
ity, Jan. 13, 1863. 



James McLaughlin (2d), enl. Aug. 9, 1SC2, 12:td Regt., Co. D ; disch. with regi- 
ment, June 8, 1865. 
Kilbourn A. Miller, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. with regiment, 

Junes, 1 865. 
Wm. D. McLiiughlin, enl. March 1,1864, 123d Begt., Co. I); trans, to 60th 

Kegt., June 8, 1866 ; disch. Aug. 1, 1865. 
Alexander McLaughlin, enl. April 16, 1861, 3d Cav., Co. D ; disch. 1861 ; re-enl. 

July 30, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. D ; died of disease, Dec. 1, 1863, while home 

on furlough. 
William Moore, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. with regiment, 

June 8, 1805. 
William W. Miller, musician; enl. Sept. 24, 1801, 87th Regt., Co. A; wounded 

at Frederickslnirg; leg amputated above the knee; government supplied 

artificial limb ; discharged. 
William McLaughlin, enl. Aug. 9, 1862,123d Regt., Co. D ; pro. to corp. ; disch. 

with regiment, June 8, 1865. 
Robert McLaughlin, enl. March 25, 1864, 123d Begt., C... 1); trans, to 00th 

Regt., June 8, 1865; disch. Aug. 1, 1865. 
Alexander McLaughlin (2d), enl. June 10, 1863, 54th Begt., Co. K.; disch. at 

close of the war. The only man in town who was drafted and went into 

the service. 
Philander Odell, enl. Sept. 8, 1864, 2d Battery Art. ; disch. at close of the war. 
Eber W. Odell, enl. Sept. 15, 1864, 2d Battery Art. ; disch. at close of the war. 
Joseph Petty, enl. Aug. 1 , 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D ; disch. with regiment, June 

8, 1865. 
Bara M. Rickert, enl. Sept. 15, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A; wounded and taken 

prisoner at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863; trans, to 40th Regt.; wounded 

at Wilderness; disch. with regiment, Dec. 3, 1864. 
Myron Rickert, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A; trans, to 40th Regt.; 

discii. with regiment, Dec. 3, 1864. 
James L. Rickert, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A ; trans, to 40th Kegt.; 

wounded in side at Petersburg, Va. ; disch. with regiment, Dec. 3, 1864. 
Harvey H. Rickert, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A; trans, to 40th Kegt. 
Philo K. Rickert, enl. Aug. 20, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav. ; disch. for disability, at Camp 

Stoneman, Va., Jan. 1864. 
John D. Rickert, enl. Dec. 25, 1863, otii Cav., Co. L; disch. at close of the war. 
Henry Stevens, enl. 1861, 44th Regt., Co. A; detailed for hospital service at 

Philadelphia ; discharged. 
Alexander C. Thompson, sergt.; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D; died of 

typhoid fever, at Washington, D. C, Feb. 12, 1863. 
James M. Vaughn, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D ; disch. with regiment, 

June 8, 1865. 
George T. Wright, Corp.; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., (>). D. 
Daniel B. Williamson, Corp.; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; wounded in 

chin at Peach-Tree Creek, Ga.; disch. with regiment, June 8, 1865. 




f^ESiD£NC£ or THE LATE ISAAC ASHTQN,WHin Chuk .ViASHiNCJONCo.MX 



WHITE CREEK. 



SITUATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. 

This towu is at the southeastern comer of the county. 
It is bounded on the north by Jaekson, east by Vermont, 
south by Rensselaer county, and west by Cambridge. It 
comprises twenty-eight thousand three hundred acres, or 
about forty-four square miles. The surface of the south 
portion is gently rolling, and the central and north portions 
are occupied by the Taghanic mountains. The summits 
of these mountains are rocky and broken, and covered with 
forests, and their sides are bounded by steep declivities and 
perpendicular ledges. The surface is drained in a general 
southwesterly direction. The Owl Kill flowing into the 
town from the north, near Cambridge village, takes a 
southerly direction, uniting with the Hoosick, below Centre 
White Creek, on the southern border of the county. The 
principal tributary of the Owl Kill is North White creek. 
This is formed of several rivulets rising in the northeast 
part of the town. South of the White creek the Owl KUl 
receives five small creeks from the east and three from the 
west. In the southeast portion of the town is found the 
Little White creek, formed of several small streams rising 
north, near the centre of the eastern side. This flows 
directly to the Hoosick, uniting with it in Rensselaer county. 

In the Taghanic range limestone is found, but has never 
been used to any extent. A small vein of lead was dis- 
covered on the Noxon farm, three-fourths of a mile east of 
Post's Corners. It was discovered by Samuel Chase dig- 
ging a post-hole. He prosecuted the search at considerable 
expense, and abandoned it. The farm was bought by 
Charles Tripp, who sunk a shaft, but likewise gave up the 
undertaking. Bruitt & Kane also experimented with the 
mine, but found it unprofitable. The assay shows twenty- 
two per cent, of silver, but the vein is not easy to work. 

PATENTS. 

About one-third of the town is upon the Cambridge 
patent, mention of which is made in the general history. 
A portion of the Schermerhorn patent extends into this 
town from Jackson. In the southeast part of the town is 
included the Lake and Van Cuyler's patent. Between this 
and the Schermerhorn patent, occupying a large portion of 
the northeast, east, and centre of the town, is the Wilson 
patent. This is stated by Hon. G. W. Jermain, in the Cam- 
bridge centennial address, to be the same as the Embury 
patent. Other, patents given in Hough's Gazetteer as in- 
cluded in the present town of White Creek, are those of 
Bain, Grant, and Campbell. Land was plenty in tho.se 
days, and surveyors were careless. The boundary-lines of 
patents consequently conflict somewhat with each other ou 
colonial maps drawn at various times before the Revolution. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The settlement of this town may be stated as having 
been made from 1761 to 17ti5. It is true that there is 
proof of still earlier occupation just south, in the valley of 
the Hoosick, and there may have been some bold adventurer 
who located within White Creek, in the Owl Kill valley, 
or in some secluded nook amid the ranges of the Tagha- 
nic hills to the east, but nothing of this kind seems to 
be authenticated. The Walloomsac patent was bought in 
1739, but settlements are not known to have occurred until 
after the Cambridge patent was obtained, in 1761. Then 
an ofler of one hundred acres to each of the first thirty 
families who should actually settle on the patent began to 
induce those seeking new homes to search out the Cam- 
bridge valley. 

The following notices of individual families will indicate 
the progress of settlement, and the general remarks in the 
history of Cambridge will apply very largely to the early 
history of this town. 

The town-meetings of Old Cambridge were held very 
frequently within ihe present town of White Creek, and 
very much of the early public business of Cambridge was 
carried on within this town. 

Thomas and James Ashton, brothers, were from the 
north of Ireland. They came to America in 1772, and 
settled at what is now Ashgrove. Thomas' homestead was 
the present farm of Charles Hover. He left no children. 

James Ashton settled on the present farm of David Ar- 
nold, and spent his life there. He was a prominent public 
man, holding various positions of trust, both civil and mili- 
tary. He received from the State a commission as major 
in the militia in 1786. His children were John Ashton, 
born in Ireland, July 8, 1763 ; Rebecca, who married 
George Barber ; Margaret, who married Wm. Van Kirk. 

The pioneer, Thomas, was a Methodist, and shared in 
the founding of the church. James was a Presbyterian, 
and his descendants were and are generally in that connec- 
tion. 

The children of John Ashton were James, Joseph, 
Thomas, William, John, Isaac, Benjamin. Sarah (Mrs. 
John Foster), Rebecca, and Betsey. 

Mrs. Darby, a daughter of Isaac, is still living on her 
father's homestead. 

John Allen, a Friend, moved from Now Bedford just 
before the Revolution, and settled on the site of White 
Creek village, owning a large tract there. A readjustment 
of the patent lines after his purchase changed iiis lino to 
the north about twenty rods. Of his children, Mary and 
David died young ; Ruth became Mrs. Dr. Elihu Allen ; 
Rhoda, Mrs. Calvin Murray ; both these settling in Welles- 

455 



456 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ton, Vt. ; Elizalioth. Mrs. Nathan Draper, of Shaftsbury ; 
Lydia, Mrs. Elihu Cross, of Shaftsbury ; Mary, Mrs. 
Beardsley Hendricks, of Shaftsbury ; Anna, Mrs. Eben 
Deuel, of Easton; Sarah, Mrs. Dr. Wm. Richards, of 
White Creek ; Chri.stopher settled in White Creek ; Gil- 
bert in White Creek ; John, the hatter, in White Creek. 

Lyman Cross, a son of Elihu Cross, wrote the first total 
abstinence pledge in this section of country. 

James, a .son of Christopher, is now living on the pioneer 
homestead, and Quincy, a son of (iilbert, on his father's 
homestead. 

John Allen moved, by means of a sloop, from New Bed- 
ford up the Hudson, and then walked from Lansingburg to 
White ('reek. 

Dr. William Richards, son of Colonel Richards, a sol- 
dier of the Revolution, residing in Waterbury, Conn., was 
educated for the medical profession at Duanesburg, Sche- 
nectady Co., N. Y. After finishing his studies he returned 
to Waterbury, and from that place came to White Creek 
village, about the year 1795, and began the practice of 
medicine, whicii he followed successfully for more than 
forty yeai's. He married Sarah Allen, and their children 
are Miss Ann P., now living on the homestead, who has 
been engaged in teaching a large portion of her life; Dr. 
Jo.seph W., now living on the homestead, attended the 
academy, and graduated at Union College, studied medi- 
cine, which he has practiced in White Creek, Troy, and 
New York city for about fifty years ; now retires from busi- 
ness to spend his remaining years in the home of his child- 
hood. George, his brother, following farming, is still living 
in White Creek village ; Benjamin lived and died in Canan- 
daigua ; Jane became Mrs. Bristol, and lived and died in 
White Creek ; Ruth married Hon. T. C. Ripley, and lives 
in Saginaw, Mich. ; Sarah married C. J. Sinton, and lived 
and died in Richmond, Va. Dr. William Richards held 
the office of supervisor for the old town of Cambridge in 
181:i-13, and the town of White Creek in 181(5-23. He 
was also member of Assembly in 1820. Dr. Joseph W. 
Richards was member of Assembly in 1837. 

Zebulon Allen, a brother of the pioneer John, became 
very noted for a vigorous old age. At one hundred he 
worked in his garden, raising tobacco and vegetables. At 
the celebration of peace, in 1815, he carried the flag in the 
procession, at the age of one hundred and three. He died 
at the age of one hundred and four, aud Elder Waite, next 
below him in age, preached the funeral sermon. He lived 
with a daughter, Mrs. Dwinnells. 

David Sprag'ue came from Rhode Island about 1771, and 
settled on a farm where Daniel Gardner now lives, the lat- 
ter a nephew, now eighty-four years old. Sprague in a few 
years removed to Argyle. He was an early magistrate. 

Seth Chase was a member of the Society of Friends 
from Rhode Island ; came to White Creek before the Revo- 
lution, and kept tavern at the forks of the road southwest 
of White Creek village. 

Joseph Stewart came to White Creek very early and 
settled near Martindale Corners, — the Stewart Cemetery 
being named from that family. Of the children, David, 
Joseph, Enos, Reuben, Sylvauus ; daughters, — Mrs. Dr. Bar- 
num, Mrs. John Allen, Jr., Mrs. Asa Kellogg (Ann, the 



second wife of Mr. Kellogg), Mrs. Francis Lauderdale. 
Joseph was at one time county superintendent of the poor. 

Asa Rice was captured by the Indians when only three 
years old, and remained with them until ten years of age. 
He was then redeemed, but was loth to leave the Indian 
life. Ho lived a long time, and finally died at White Creek 
village. His descendants still reside in town. 

Paul Cornell came to White Creek village, March 7, 
1783, and settled just above the new creamery. Of his 
children, Elizabeth, Mrs. Michael F. Palmer, St. Alban's, 
Vt. ; Maria, Mrs. David Niles ; Walter R., of Chicago ; 
McD., phy.sician, of White Creek, and innkeeper. The 
pioneer finished off in his house a convenient lodge-room 
for the Masons, of whom he was the Master for four years. 
His name appears in early public matters, and he was of 
extensive business, engaged in iron- works at Bennington, 
and was connected to the late Hon. Ezra Cornell, of Ithaca. 

John Harroun came from Colerain, Ma.ss., about 1790, 
and settled on the farm now occupied by Wallace. Of the 
children, Oliver Harroun lived and died on the homestead ; 
Martha married Samuel Fowler, of White Creek. A 
grandson of John Harroun lives near Rochester, N. Y. 

Thomas M. Cool was probably a non-commissioned ofiicer 
in the army of 1750, and received two hundred acres of land. 
His homestead was Ijack of Brayton Perry's, on a farm now 
owned by Austin. 

John Wood and Isaac were brothers, Friends, from 
New Bedford, Mass. Isaac settled on the farm now owned 
by Stephen Barker. Mrs. Barker is a granddaughter. 

John Wood settled a mile south of the village of White 
Creek. His son, Jethro Wood, of Moravia, Cayuga Co., 
N. Y., was the patentee of the iron mould-board plow. 

Amos Hoag came from Dutchess county in 1781, and 
settled a little south of Pumpkin Hook, on the farm now 
owned by Stephen Hoag, a son, still living, ninety-three years 
of age. Other children : Eleazer moved to Ohio, Anna mar- 
ried Aaron Perry, Morris and Amos, Jr., moved to western 
New York, Behmeu moved to Adrian, Mich., Elizabeth 
married Herman Swift, of Granville, and John died young. 
The removal from Dutchess county was made in the winter 
by sleighs. House aud barn, built eighty-five years ago, 
still standing. 

Jonathan Hart moved from New Bedford at an early day, 
as a tanner, currier, and shoemaker, establishing one of the 
first tanneries in town. The children all moved west. A 
grandson, Thomas Hart, lives in Battle Creek, Mich. 

Aaron Van Cuyler, one of the original patentees of the 
Hoosick grant, settled on lot 10, the farm now owned by 
Dennis Brazel, about two miles southwest of White Creek 
village. Died at the age of one hundred and eight. 

Rev. Wm. Waite, the pioneer Baptist preacher spoken of 
elsewhere, was from Rhode Island ; came to this town 
about 1772, and settled very near the southeast corner, as 
he is stated by Benedict, the Bajitist hi.storiau, to have been 
living within half a mile of the Bennington battle-ground. 

In 1786 he had settled at what has been called Waite's 
Corners ever since. He owned a large tract of land, — gave 
the site for the church and burial-place. He died at the 
age of ninety-six, March 20, 1820. His wife also lived to 
the age of ninety-one, dying in 1822. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



457 



Joshua Gardner came from Argyle, March 17, 179 4-, and 
purchased the farm of David Sprague. Ho built, in 1813, 
a brick house now on the farm. Of his children, Ishmaei 
died on the homestead ; Ann, — Mrs. Kliplialut Wells ; Delia, 
— Mrs. Snyder, of Pittstown ; Daniel, now living on the 
homestead, — eighty-four; Jo.shua K., in White Creek; 
Susan, — Mrs. George Russell ; Lydia L., — Mrs. Sylvester 
Milliman, of Onondaga county; Eunice, — Mrs. R. E. 
Gorton, of New Jersey. 

Joiin Corey settled on the farm now owned by J. H. 
Ilutchkins, near Friends' meeting-hou.sc. 

Edward Aiken, an earlier proprietor of the same farm, 
afterwards bought the Sir William Johnston's place iu 
Jolin.stown, N. Y., and liis descendants are still in posses- 
sion of it. 

Isaac Lacy, who lived at one time on this .same farm, 
moved to South Chili, Monroe county, and became a State 
senator in 1835-38. 

Simon Covell, the first supervisor of Cambridge, lived in 
the present town of Wliite Creek, and was regarded as a 
friend of the Englisli government during the Revolution. 

David Preston lived a mile west of what is now Briggs' 
Corners, on the present land of Sir. Jermain. 

Joseph Mosher came from New Bedford at an early date 
and settled south of Wiiite Creek village. Of his children, 
Alien, Abiel, Jonatlian, George, Job, Paulina, SMary, Amy, 
and Margaret. Mary became IMrs. Tliomas Hart. 

Among other Friends from New Bedford not yet men- 
tioned as early settlers may be added the families of 
Johnson, Perrine, Van Kirk, and Lake. The latter has 
descendants in the town. 

Elisha Southwiek was an early settler and a merchant. 
The family moved to Moravia, Cayuga county. Friends. 

Amciig the early physicians in White Creek village may 
bo mentioned Dr. Sanford Smith, Dr. Barnabas Smith, and 
Dr. William Richards. 

Among the early lawyers were Judge Dyer Walwortli 
and Siderio G. Carpenter. 

There was an early store in what is known as Shaker 
Hollow, which is situated nearly in the centre of the town 
among the hills. 

It is said to derive its name from the fact that William 
Ellis went from there at an early date, and joined the 
Shakers of New Lebanon. After a few years he returned 
to his old farm, married, lived, and died there, known as 
a Shaker ; the place was called from him by the name it 
still bears. 

Simeon Fowler came from Rhode Lsland in 1781,orper- 
liaps earlier. He settled on a farm a short distance north 
of what is now Centre White Creek, the place now owned 
by a granddaughter. Miss Fowler. The children of Simeon 
were Abel, Isaac, George, Deborah. A son of Abel is 
Jonathan Fowler, now living at the age of cighty-sovcn ; 
and William P. Fowler, postmaster, is a son of Jonathan. 
With the pionoar Simeon Fowler, there also came his 
brother Christopher. 

Josiah Dowey was from Canterbury, Conn., and settled 

at Waite's Corners in 1781. lie was an early magistrate 

before tlie Vermont line was settled. He remained but a 

few years, selling out to Hercules Itice. Of his children, 

58 



Joseph remained in Connecticut; Huldah married Samuel 
Doming, who was from Connecticut; Mehetabel married 
Tiiuothy Wells, who was killed at the raising of a barn, 
— the widow afterwards marrying Daniel Herrick ; Mary, 
Mrs. Hercules Rice; Josiah, Jr., moved to Massachusetts; 
Abigail, Mrs. Clark Rice, of Jackson ; Joel settled in White 
Creek; Eunice, Mrs. S'.;th Veitch,of Pawlet ; Allen .settled 
in Ma.ssachusetts ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Elijah Porter, of Massa- 
chusetts. 

Noah Wilcox lived west of White Creek about a mile. 

Robert Wilcox had a trip-hammer at an early day. 

Three brothers, John, Aaron, and William Perry, came 
from Dutchess county about the opening of the Revolution- 
ary war ; first bought a tract of four iiundred acres of the 
Lake and Van Cuyler's patent, held in common. After- 
wards it was divided, William taking wliat is now the 
James farm ; John removed to Lansingburg ; Aaron re- 
mained on a part of the farm and died there. 

Of Aaron's children, Mary married Mo.ses Bristol, Addi- 
son Co., Vt. ; Lydia, Mr. Anthony Hart, of Kalamazoo, 
Mich.; Isaac died young; Elizabeth settled in AVhite 
Creek; Lncinda married and settled at Post's Corners; 
Deborah — Mrs. Levi Bristol, of White Creek ; Piiebe — 
Mrs. Peleg Fi.sher, of Waltham, Vt. ; Arvilla and Ruth 
were successive wives of James F. Telford, New York 
city; Patience died young; Angelina died young; Israel 
B., living on the homestead. 

Of William's children, Delcvan, of White Creek ; Plii- 
lena — Mrs. Jonathan Fowler, of Waite's Corners ; Ovando 
settled on the homestead ; Juliette — Mrs. David Fisher, of 
White Creek; Cornelia, not married. 

Wm. I. Perry, a son of Elihu, grandson of Aaron, is now 
living on the homestead. 

Hercules Rice came from Worcester, Mass., about 1785, 
and settled on a fiirm, but worked at blacksmithing. In the 
militia he held the rank of colonel. He bought the farm 
owned by Josiah Dewey, near Waite's Corners, now the 
property of his daughter. Miss Harriet Rice. On a stream 
running through the farm he built a dam and erected a saw- 
mill about 1790. 

Of his children, Josiah settled in Erie county, N. Y. ; 
Henry lived and died on the homestead ; Persis — Mre. 
John Russell — settled in Jack.son ; Mary — Mrs. John King 
— at Eagle Bridge; Harriet, unmarried, is still living; 
Laura went to Illinois; Hercule-s, Jr., to Michigan; and 
Walter lived and died on the homestead. 

John Younglove, whose name appears in early provincial 
records, settled on the present farm of Brayton Perry, east 
of Waite's Corners, before the Revolution. He was wounded 
in his house by a shot from a Tory named Partridge, who.se 
property was confiscated, and he returned from Canada to 
make the murderous attack. Younglove sold to Dr. San- 
ford Smith, and removed to Jackson. He is buried iu the 
old White meeting-house burying-ground. He was for 
many years a judge of the court of sessions and common 
pleas for the counties of Albany and Washington. 

Austin Wells, a son of Edmund Wells, the latter a pio- 
neer of Cambridge, came with his father when fourteen 
years old ; returned to Connecticut for a time, but was here 
iu 177G. 



458 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In 1777 he went to assist an older brother in Cambridge 
to remove his family to a place of safety, information hav- 
ing been received that a detachment of Burgoyne's army 
might be expected through tlie Cambridge valley. Hav- 
ing taken the family to Williamstown, the brothers has- 
tened back, and reached Bennington in time to join in the 
closing scenes of the battle. Not long after he went into 
the service as a substitute for an older brother. He re- 
mained two years in the army, was stationed at the differ- 
ent forts on the Hudson, north of Albany, ai'ter which he 
wont into the army as a volunteer, and was at Fort Stan- 
wis and Albany. After the war he settled in White Creek, 
upon the farm now occupied by Uriah Pratt. He passed 
a long life in the midst of his people, dying at the age of 
ninety-one, Dec. 8, 1849. He was very highly esteemed. 
At his funeral psalm.s were read from the Bible he carried 
with him into camp, said to have been the only one in the 
company to which he belonged. 

ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL HISTORY. 

This town fuiniod a part of old Cambridge from the 
earliest settlement down to the year 1815. The venerable 
parchment covered book yet existing in the town clerk's 
office of Cambridge goes back to 1773; many items of 
interest, appKing to what is now the town of White Creek, 
are recorded in that book, and will be found, to some ex- 
tent, in the history of Cambridge and in the lists of town 
oiEcers. 

This town sought for a separate organization at an early 
day, as shown by an " occasional" meeting held in White 
Creek, at the house of Simeon Covell, Feb. 1, 1775, when 
it was resolved to petition the A.ssembly to be set off from 
Cambridge, and Simeon Covell was appointed a committee 
to wait on the Assembly with the petition. He was also 
directed to pre.scnt another petition, asking permission for 
the people to keep bloodhounds. 

This movement was a failure, and the people of White 
Creek for forty years more continued to be a pait of Cam- 
bridge, and, so far as it appears frotn the records, without 
any further effort at separation until near the close of that 
long period. The reorganization of the territory of old 
Cambridge into three towns was made by act of the Legisla- 
ture in 1815, and the following notes from the town records 
show the minutes of the first town-meeting in White Creek, 
and other interesting items in the years following. 

At an annual town-meeting, holdcn at the house of 
Jafjues Johnson, innkeeper, in White Creek, on the first 
Tuesday in April, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
eight hundred and sixteen, the following resolutions wore 
passed : 

" lletohal, That I'aul Cornell be moderator of (his meeting. 

" Henolml, That Ira I'ariiicl.v be town clerk pro tcm. 

** liefolrecl, To raise one hundred and fifty dollars for the support 
of the poor for the current year. 

" lienolcet, That the justices of tbc peace, lojclher with the over- 
seers of (ho poor, be authorized to rent a house for (ho poor if they 
shall deem it expedient; the rtnt, however, shall not exceed fifty 
dollars a year. 

" ticHiihcd. To elect thi-ec constables and tlircc assessors. 

" Itcmhed, To elect four inspectors (if common sehool.s. 

" Itftuhrd, Thai all the officers by law requi-ed to b= electc.l by 
ballot, the'.:- u.mes sl.all bj tu cue Lallot." 



The following persons were duly elected to the offices 
set opposite their respective names, to wit : Wm. Richards, 
supervisor ; Ira Parmely, town clerk ; Paul Cornell, Krastus 
Fenton, Robert Wilcox (2d), assessors; Paul Cornell, Jona- 
than Dorr, Jr., George McKie, commissioners of common 
schools; John P. Putnam, John McViccar, Henry Rice, 
Alvin Cornell, inspectors of common schools; Duty Sayles, 
Hercules Rice, John Barber, commissioners of highways; 
Arthur Ackley, Solomon Warner, overseers of the poor ; 
Ira Parmely, William Trull, Wm. Dwinnells, constables ; 
William Trull, Ira Parmely, collectors; Elias Manchester, 
William Van Kirke, James McKie, Paul Cornell, Duty 
Sayles, Samuel Bowen, Hercules Rice, Austin Wells. Abner 
Chase, fence-viewers and appraisers. 

" llnnlnd. That the fcnoo-viewers be entitled to one dollar per day 
for their services." 

Hezekiah Smith, Joseph Smith, Austin Wells, Alvan 
Cornell, Samuel Buwen, Thomas G. Ashton, Slocum Barker, 
Paul Dennis, James Bogart, Joseph Luckos, Aaron Vail, 
Elijah C. Pearl, Humphrey Russell, Solomon Warner, 
Zachariah Fisher, Jonathan Fowler, Nathan Hunt, Wil- 
liam Gillniore, Abner Sharem.in, James Post, Benjamin 
Jcslin, Thomas Barber, Benjamin Smith, Elijah Slocum, 
James Chivers, David Mosher, John Doane, Asa Rice, 
John Cooper, John Barker. Thoimis Austin, Wm. Nichol- 
son, Howland Smith, Samuel Rich, Abraham Briggs, As.a 
Bowen, and Robert Wilcox (^2d) were elected overseers of 
highways. 

'• llcK~,h;d, That niithcr .sheep, hogs, horses, nor geese sh.all be 
pcrniilted to run at larfie in thecouimons or the highways. The barn- 
yards of Benjamin Smith, Ezekiel Adams, John Cooper, Jercmijih 
Stillwcll, and Aaron Barnes be declared pounds, and the several men 
named pound-keepers, except Ezckicl Adams, in whose stead Daniel 
Wells was made the otficcr." 

The town-meeting adjourned to meet next year, at the 
house of Garner Wilkinson, innkeeper. 

In 1817 the amount for the poor was raised to five hun- 
dred dollars. The justices of the peace were appointed a 
committee to meet with similar committees from Cambridge 
and Jackson, to confer upon the projiriety of erecting a 
poor-house jointly for the three towns. In the event of 
the failure of this plan, the authorities were still directed 
to rent a house for White Creek. 

IS20.— Bt»o'r«/, That it be left discretionary with the poor-mas- 
ters to cause William Stephens and wife to be transported to Canada^ 
and to make such contract with any person to transport them on sueh 
terms as they shall think proper. 

JtcMo/red, That a ten dollar bill belonging to the town of White 
Creek be deposited with Clark Rice, Jun., to keep one year and then 
to return it to the overseers of the poor, or to exchange it if possible 
at par, or at a discount not exceeding seven per cent. 

UcHohed, That Ihree dollars be allowed George Barber for school- 
ing poor children during the past year. 

1821. — The currency question came up again, and it was 

lli-H„lrrd. That a t.n d.dlar bill, now in the hands of C:aik Riee, 
Jun., belonging to the town, on the Washington and AVarren lianl;, 
be left to the town clerk to be disposed of to the best advantage, and 
the avails to be paid to the overseers of the poor. 

KTi.—RcHidml, That the law be put in force against pathmaslers 
who may neglect their duty. 

1S2G.— «oso/.-f'?, That the school inspectors be allowed three dol- 
lars each if they perfurui their duties according to law. 




^\l 



''\ '^^ 



I.Braton Perry. 



^4 ^ Jt H^'^ 




• - ■ ■. . -. ■ 1. .■■ . .-■-a.aataMilflMl 

Residence uf I. B RATON PERRY, White C/?EEif.WASHiNGTDXCo,Nr 



HISTORY OF WASIIINOTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



459 



1832. — RennUed, That the town resist all applications that may be 
made in favor of setting otf any part of said town. 

mi.— Resulvcii, That milch cows run in the road; that all other 
cattle be excluded, and that no man let more than one cow run in the 
road. 

1835. — The previous overseere of the poor had evidently 
been prudent and economical, as one hundred dollars remain- 
ing in ihir liands was voted to the higliway commissioneis. 

1S42. — Reeulred, That It was not expedient to raise money to erect 
a central court-house in the county of Washington. 

The town-meetings have been held at the following places : 
houses of Thias John.son, innkeeper; Garner Wilkinson, 
Abraham Briggs, Jun., Rcuel Bcebe, Zera Waite, at Pump- 
kin Hook; Hiram Cook, James Comstock, Widow Benja- 
min Rogers, Harvey Waite, Samuel Crosby, AVaito's Cor- 
ners ; Otis D. Slocum, Andrew Houghton, Jacob Decker, 
Harry Hurd, S. W. Tanner, John H. Arnold, Hannah 
Comstock, J. D. Mosher, David Fowler, John Shed, Abel 
Fowler, E. A. Loomis, Hiram Butts, Daniel Randall, Ed- 
ward Long, L. U. Davis, J. C. Wright. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICKRS. 



1818. 
1819. 
1820. 
1821. 
1822. 
1823. 
1824. 
1825. 
1826. 



Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


Ira Parmely. 


Willard Trull. 




Ira Parmely. 




Wm. DwinnelL 


" 


George Wilber 


Clark Rc", Jr. 


Seth Hays. 


" 


Wm. DwinnclU 


" 


Dyer Pierce. 



1827. 
1828. 
1829. 
1830. 
IS.'ii; 
1832. 
1833. 
1834. 
1835. 
1836. 
1837. 
1838. 
1S3<I. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
184-1. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1819. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
185S. 
1859. 
1860. 



Clark Rice, Jr. 

Michael F. Palmer. 

George W. Jerraain. 
John McKie. 
Andrew Cole. 
John A. Rice. 
James McKie, Jr. 

Stephen Barker. 
Henry Rice. 

Chaun'y S. Ransom. 
Stephen Barker. 

David Niles. 

Freeman A. Fuller. 

Dyer Pierce. 
Garrett W. Wilcox. 



Palmer D.Gardini 
John Hubbard. 
John McKie. 
John K. Dyer. 
Freeman A. Fulle 

Thom:i.s Ellis. 
George Barker. 



Johnson D. Stewart. 
Michael F. Palmer. 
Philip N. Draper. 
Michael F. Palmer. 

Norman Clark. 
George W. J 
. Michael F. Palmer. 
Andrew Cole. 
John A. Riee. 
Burdick G. Allen. 



Reuben Powers. 

Benj. F. McXitt. 

Bcnj. P. Crocker. 

Dyer P. Sisson. 

R. King Crocker. 
Wm. Brown. 
Loomis W. Gunn. 
J(diu Hubbard. 
, J. E.Kniekerboeker. 

Josiah H. Merchant. 

Thomas II. Lake. 
Chas. C. Oottrell. 
MialP. Barton(2d). 
Fletcher Baker. 



Abner Shearman. 
Tilness Briggs. 
Seneca Mosher. 

. Franklin Dorr. 

John Pierce. 
Franklin D .rr. 
Hiram A. Rice. 

Thomas B. Hughes. 
Solomon Ourtiss. 

Hiram A. Rice. 

John H. Arnold. 



Hiram A. Rice. 
Austin Wells {2d). 
Oscar Akins. 
Hiram A. Rice. 
Chris. Burdick (2d). 
Hugh R. Cowan. 
Jesse Arnold. 
Hugh R. Cowan. 
, Benj. M. Loomis. 
Abram V. T. Fowler. 
Daniel Ran<lall. 

Robert A. Rice. 
Edward Russell. 
Daniel Randall. 





Saporvisors. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1861. 


John Larmon, 


Iliram Butts. 


Worth W. Johnson. 


1862. 


" 


" " 


11. K. Wood. 


1863. 


George Barker. 


Franklin Fowler. 


Benj. M. Loomis. 


1864. 


" 


Xury J. .Maynard. 


Giles Russell. 


1865. 


G. W. Wilcox. 


.< 


John H. Pitney. 


ISfiO. 


Hiram Sisson. 


" " 


Walter C. Niles. 


1867. 


" 


Warren E. Hawkins 


" " 


1868. 


" 


" 


John C. Wright. 


1869. 


Clarence D. Kenyon 


'■ 


Wm. B. Sisson. 


1870. 


" 


" 


Chas. A. Starhuck. 


1871. 


Wm. KIdridgc. 


Josiah H. Merchant 


. J. Clark Wright. 


1872. 


James Ellis. 


El. L. Nicholson. 


Thomas H. Lake. 


1873. 


Wm. Eldrldge. 


Wm. P. Robertson. 


Jesse Arnold. 


1874. 


Charles C. Cottrell. 


" 


Jesse Pratt {2d). 


1S75. 


J.unes Ellis. 


Warren E. Hawkins 


. H. F. Sncll. 


1876. 


Hugh Taber. 


.< 


Henry G. Howe. 


1S77. 


" " 


Clark Rice. 


Daniel Rice. 


1878. 


" " 


E. J. Fuller. 


Martin 11. Robertson. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE. 



1830. Henry Rice. 

1831. George Fisher. 

1832. Benj. Crocker (probably) 

1833. John P. Pulman. 
James Lake. 

1834. Benjamin Crocker. 
Gideon C. Olin. 

1835. Gideon C. Olin. 
1S36. Luther L How. 

1837. James Lake. 

1838. Harmon S. Barnum. 

1839. Gideon C. Olin. 

1840. Henry Rice. 

1841. Dyer Pierce. 

1842. Luther I. Howe. 

1843. James Lake. 

1844. Henry Rice. 

1845. Dyer Pierce. 
1816. Leonard Wells. 
1S47. Walter R. Connell. 

John S. Crocker. 
1818. Henry Rice. 

1849. John S. Crocker. 
John K. Dyer. 

1850. Leonard Wells. 
Levi Bristol. 

1851. George Barker. 
1S52. John K. Dyer. 



1852. Joseph H. Wheeler. , 

1853. James L. Robertson. 

1854. Freeman A. Fuller. 

1855. Joseph H. Wheeler. 
1850. John K. Dyer. 

1857. James L. Robertson. 

1858. Loomis W. Gunn. 
]S59. Burdick G. Allen. 

1860. John K. Dyer. 

1861. James L. R'bertson. 

1862. Loomis W. Gunn. 

1863. George W. Briggs. 

1864. John K. Dyer. 

1865. James L. Robertson. 

1866. Loomis W. Gunn. 

1867. Hugh Taber. 
Daniel M. Westfall 

1868. John K. Dyer. 

1869. Leonard Fletcher. 

1870. James L. Robertson. 
1S71. Hugh Taber. 

1872. John K. Dyer. 

1873. Rufus K. Crocker. 

1874. James L. Robertson. 

1875. Hugh Taber. 

1876. Daniel H. Pratt. 

1877. Rufus K. Crocker. 

1878. James L. Robertson. 



Among the papers of Revolutionary times, the calendar 
of which was published a few years since by the State, is 
one showing a meeting of district committees at Albany to 
elect delegates to the provincial Congress for JNIay 2'1, 1775. 
The committees met at Albany, May 10, 1775, and the dis- 
trict of Cambridge was represented by John Younglove, 
Samuel Ashton, Simeon Carll, Jeremiah Clark, and John 
Millington. Of these the first two were from the present 
town of White Creek. 

Among the same papers may be seen the deposition of 
Isaac Peabody and Samuel Allen, relating to ths political 
position held by some persons in this section. As tliis is 
already a matter of documentary liistory, we insert the affi- 
davit here, though it does not furnish much evidence of the 
toryism of the parties mentioned : 

" Isaac Peabody and Samuel Allen, being duly sworn, 
depose and say, that on the 12th iiistjint they called at the 
house of Seth Chase, of Little White Creek, and hearing 
some words dropped which induced them to believe the 



4G0 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



taid Selli Chase an (iKmy to the country, they feigned 
themselves to be of the same sentiments. The said Chase 
and otlier peisons there tlicn asked these deponents from 
wlienee they came, and upon their answe)ing that they 
came from Kiiidcrhook, tliey said that they had heard that 
all tlie inhabitants were Tories; these deponents thereupon 
said tliat tlie word Tories was more properly applied to their 
accusers than to themselves ; the said Seth, and tiie other 
persons at liis liouse. said that they were of the same 
opinion. 

•• lii;.N.M.NMo.v. October H, 1770." ' 

This .seems to have been taken at some meeting of com- 
mittees of which John Yijunglove was chairman. 

To the affidavit is appended the I'ollowing memorandum : 

" Simon Covell's name was mpiilioncd as a great friend 
of the government, and that the deponents might not be 
afraid of him. Is.\.\C PeabODY." 

VILLAfiKS. 
NOUTII WIIITK CREEK. 

This is the old name for what is now the village of Cam- 
bridge, or for the eastern portion of it, and is properly in- 
cluded in the notice of that place, given in connection with 
the town of Cambridge. 

DOHli's CORNERS, 

now a part of Cambridge village, was a business point at an 
early day. Tiic place bears the name of a noted physician 
and public man of early times. Dr. Jonathan Dorr. 

StillwcU was a merchant there, afterwards Rico & Bill- 
ings. Above Dorr's Corners, a mile or so, was an old grist- 
mill. Nearer the Corners there is the new mill now owned 
by Clum & Horton, built in 18G1 by A. Woodworth ; 
burned and rebuilt in 18G4. It is run by water brought 
from the old pond, cast, through a trunk underground, one 
liundred and forty-eight rods, securing a fall of thiity feet. 

Near Dorr's Corners is a machine-shop and foundry. 
Farther up the stream is an old saw-mill, and used as a 
fla-xinill in later years. 

ASIICiROVE. 

This place, two miles east of Cambridge, has become of 
historic importance, in consequence of its connection with 
the Methodist church. The society is understood to have 
been the pioneer church of that denomination in the United 
States outside of the city of New York. Old John Street 
church, in the metropolis, formed in 1700, and Ashgrove 
next, in 1770. The name of tlie pioneer of Methodism, 
riiilip Embury, too, is associated with Ashgrove. Though 
he died in the Camden valley, Salem, his remains were 
afterwards removed to this place, and later to tlie cemetery 
at Cambridge village. Ashgrove takes its name from the 
early settler, Thomas Ashton. The first frame house built 
at this point was by Thomas Ashton, and is still standing, — 
the present dwelling-house of Charles Hover. The place 
has never had any special amount of business, being merely 
a .'-mall hamlet growing up around the old church and the 
School-house. It lies in a narrow valley upon North White 
creek, between two ranges of Tajrhanic hills. 



PUMPKIN nOOK. 

This name is regarded as a corrupti(m of the Indian 
word I'onipa-miclc. A tribe of Indians of that name are 
said to have moved to this point from Connecticut. The 
name to Yankee ears sounded very much like Pumpkin 
Hook, and was very easily changed to that. There was a 
mill very early at tliis place. In later years a chair-factory, 
by John AVarren. In ISIG, or about that time, there was 
a clock-factory; a comb-factory, by Mr. Glass; a woolen-mill, 
by Joseph Gordon also ; the machinery for the latter was built 
by Leonard Darby, who liad a machine-shop, and was a 
gunsmith. He made his patterns, had his casting done in 
Troy, finishing them up in his own shop. He also made 
the machinery for the cotton-mill built by Briggs. Lieu- 
tenant-Governor Talbot, of Massachusetts, who afterwards 
built mills at Lowell, learned liis trade in this factory at 
Pumpkin Hook. In the meadows below this place, John 
Rhodes had a fulling-mill, the first in town. About 1815 
there was a dislillery built by Frank Crocker. All these 
various enterprises are abandoned ; the buildings themselves 
gone except the chair-factory. The frame of the old woolen- 
mill was removed to Cambridge, and is now in the store 
opposite the Irving House. 

MARTI NDALE CORNERS. 

This place is near the east boundary of the town. The 
name is derived from the Martindale family, early settlers 
at that point. There was a store here in early times kept 
by Kincaid. The place is better known as Briggs" Corners, 
from the name of the family residing there. 

WHITE CREEK. 

This was a village of considerable business importance, 
and is also a point of very early settlement, the chief vil- 
lage of the town excepting Cambridge. White Creek, 
spoken of in the old documents a hundred years ago, no 
doubt refers very generally to this place rather than to the 
present territory of the town. 

The first hou.se at this point was built by John Allen. It 
was a log building, down tlie creek, below the old hat-factory. 
The first business enterprise was a store at the forks of the 
road, soon after the Revolution, a mile below, southwest of 
the present village. Jacob and Benjamin Merritt were the 
proprietors. Not satisfied with the location, they soon after 
moved and built a store on the site of the present Dyer P. 
Sisson store, in the village. They did an extensive business, 
— forty thousand or fifty thousand dollars trade a year, an 
immense amount for those times,— roxtending into Vermont. 
Farmers sold them their wheat, drew it to Troy, and re- 
turned to trade at this White Creek store. As a specimen 
of their prompt collection and the thrifty habits of their 
customers, it may be added that on retiring from business 
there was only five hundred dollars due them from the com- 
munity. They were followed in business by John Barrett. 

A little earlier than the removal of the Merritts to the 
village, Edward Aiken had come to White Creek, and 
built a grist-mill and the first frame house. This mill was 
changed to a cotton-factory for the manufacture of sheet- 
ings, then a woolen-mill, and is now a flax-mill. As a 
cotton-factory it was run by a company, and the mill was 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNT?, NKW YORK. 



4G1 



known as tlie Washington Company Factory. Paul Cornell, 
Garner Wilkinson, and Dr. Williimi Ricliards were the 
proprietors. 

Another gri.st-niill was built by John Allen and Paul 
Cornell, below the house now occupied by Dr. Joseph 
Richards. 

The first tannery was built in the rear of the hou.se now 
occupied by Jaiues Allen. Another early tannery was 
built by Jonathan Hart, now a tia.\-niill owned by Hugh 
Tabor. Still another tannery was by Sylvanus Tabor, in 
1824; changed it to a mitten-factory afterwards, which he 
still carries on. He also has a flax-mill in tlie same building. 

A hat-factory was founded by John Allen at a very early 
day. George N. Briggs, afterwards congressman and gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts, learned the trade in this establish- 
ment. His father was then • living as a blacksmith in 
White Creek, having moved there in 1805. In reference 
to this old building, still standing, is told the anecdote of 
Governor Briggs : 

Once, at a brilliant party, while he was governor, a lady 
said to hiiu, " May I ask, governor, at what college you 
graduated ?" He replied instantly, with great gravity and 
courtesy of manner, " At John Allen's hat-shop, madam.'' 

It is related of him that he left White Creek for a law- 
yer's office in Lanesboro, Mass., with only five dollars in 
bis pocket, which he had earned at haying. 

There were two trip-hammer e.stabli.shments in White 
Creek at an early day. One by Paul Cornell, on the creek 
near the present cheese-factory, where he made scythes and 
hoes. The other, by George Mann, a scythe-factory. Ed- 
win Hurd, an axe-factory. The last two from 181-1 to 
1820, — Cornell's earlier. Mann's factory was changed into 
a wagon-factory. There was also a scythe-snath factory, 
by Garner Wilkinson ; also made handles. All these en- 
terprises arc abandoned, except the mitten-factory. 

The first tavern was kept by Garner Wilkinson, on the 
site of the present tavern, probably about the time of the 
first mills and store. 

Earlier than this a tavern at the forks of the road, 
already mentioned, had been kept by Scth Chase as far 
back as the Revolution. Whipple also kept tavern there. 

The first post-office is said to have been established in 
1822. The first postmaster was Daniel P. Carpenter, suc- 
ceeded by Michael F. Palmer, Dr. Joseph Richards, Stephen 
Barker, Jerome Mosher, and Dyer P. Si.s.son, from 1850 to 
the present time. 

post's corners. 

This place, a short distance east of Wuite's Corners, has 
the advantage that may be derived from the meeting of 
several roads, — -not quite at a common point, but so near as 
to cause the travel from several valleys of the town to con- 
centrate here to some extent, — but has never become a 
point of much business. It takes its name from Dr. Post, 
a former physician of the town. Formerly a store was 
opened here, and a post-office, kept by James Hay. The 
office was removed to Waite's Corners in 1S3G. 

CENTRE WIIIIE CREEK 

designates a post-office, but the name fails to express its 
real location, as far as the town is concerned, it being much 



nearer the southwest corner than tlie centre. It is, how- 
ever, about half-way between White Creek and North White 
Creek, and may, therefore, fairly be considered entitled to 
its name. 

It is, perhaps, better known as " Waite's Corners" in all 
the old records, as well as in the memory of the older citi- 
zens. This place is about two miles southeast of the cele- 
brated historical Iiou.se, — the " checkered tavern." 

The land in this vicinity was purchased by William Waite, 
a Baptist preacher, and from him the place was named for 
many years. 

An early gri.st-mill was built half a mile south, by James 
Hay, soon after the Revolution ; sold to Aaron Vail, run by 
him for many years, now abandoned, and a rope-factory 
existing near it. A saw-mill, nearer the Corners, was built 
by Colonel Hercules Rice in 17!)0, on a tributary of the Owl 
Kill. A little above the Corners was a flax-mill, now 
abandoned. Zerah and Ezra Waite kept the first store. 
Ishmael Gardner kept the fir.st tavern, and afterwards it 
was Waite's tavern for many years. The town-nieelings of 
White Creek, and of old Cambridge still earlier, were fre- 
quently held here. 

The town meeting of 1773 was held at the house of 
Archibald McViccar. This was about half a mile east of 
Waite's Corners. The present hotel is kept by McD. Cor- 
nell, a son of the Paul Cornell, a prominent business man 
of White Creek, already mentioned. 

The post-office, removed from Post's Corners in 1800, 
was first kept here by Thomas Fowler. He was succeeded 
by Henry Rice, and Waite, and Pratt. The present in- 
cumbent is Wm. P. Fowler, who keeps the only store at 
this point. 



No facts of special interest have been obtained concern- 
ing early schools or teachers. Like other towns in this 
vicinity, the citizens early sought for the means of educating 
their children. But no records are to be found, except 
such as may occur in the annals of old Cambridge. 

The schoolmaster was abroad here as elsewhere. 

The town, being formed after the statutes for the general 
organization of school districts throughout the State had 
been passed, elected school officers at its first town-meeting, 
as follows: Paul Cornell, Jonathan Dorr, Jr., George Mc- 
Kie, commissioners ; and John P. Putnam, John McViccar, 
Henry Rice, Alvin Cornell, inspectors. 

During the following years, down to 1813, the following 
served as inspectors one or more years each : Lyman Cross, 
Clark Rice, Jr., Ira Parmeley, Rev. Nathaniel S. Prime, 
Burdick G. Allen, Ira Hill, Wm. Nicholson, Jr., John 
Alden, Seth Hays, John P. Putnam, Jonathan Dorr, Jr., 
Cyrenus Swift, Clark Rice, Jr., John King, Burdick G. 
Allen, Michael F. Palmer, S. G. Carpenter, Henry Rice, 
Luther I. Howe, Ira Dickinson, Philip N. Draper, Joseph 
W. Richards, Benjamin F. Raleigh, William Woodworth, 
Watson Sumner, Allen Sissons, Benjamin Richards, Al- 
bert Wright, Reuben Powers, Lyman Cross, John Baker, 
Gideon C. Olin, Cyrus Bowcn, Edwin Parker, William D. 
Dillon, Edward Parker, John Wright, Kirtland Warner, 
Oliver Cook, Solomon Blood, Beiijaniin F. McNitt, Myron 



462 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



C. Tii)khaui, Reuben Powers, Robert C. Masters, Cyrus 
Sayles, Slocum Wilber, Win. P. Chase, C. F. R. Wood- 
worth, Charles Qua, B. P. Crocker, Stephen Herrick, John 
S. Crocker. 

Also in the office of school commissioner the following 
citizens served one or more years each : James Lake, 
James Post, Duty Saylcs, Austin Welles, Henry Rice, 
Paul Cornell, John P. Putnam, Jonathan Dorr, Jr., Michael 
F. Palmer, James Post, Lott Wood worth, Jr., Thomas 
Joslin, James Lake, Uriah P. Smith, Ishraael A. Gardner, 
Seneca Mosher, John Gilmore, Henry Ilatton, Benjamin 
F. Post, Tra Dickinson, William H. Tabor, George Fisher, 
Dyer Pierce, Benjamin Russell, Albert AVright, Bur- 
dick G. Allen, William Dillon, Elijah Corbett, Andrew 
Cole, Henry Rice, Thomas Rice, Reuben Powers, Levi 
Bristol, Samuel Rust. Lewis Nicholson, Joseph Allen, 
Abram Hoag Waitc, S. Pratt, Chauncey S. Ransom, 
Gideon C. Olin, Charles Smith, Daniel Rice, C. V. K. 
Woodworth, Garrett W. Wilcox, John K. Dyer, Slocum 
Wilber, John King, George Barker. 

The following were elected as town superintendents: 
Elon Curtis, in 184-t; Ro.swell N. Rice, in 184.5-4G; 
Alexander King, in 1848; Morgan Cole, in 1850; Daniel 
B. Cole, in 1851 ; William P. Fowler, in 1853; Albert C. 
Eddy, in 1855. 

The last was superseded by the Assembly district super- 
vision, which weut into efi'ect in June, 1856. 

The school commissioners readjusted the boundaries of 
the school districts Feb. 14, 1818. 

The earliest report preserved in the books seems to be 
under date of April (5, 1825. The children in each dis- 
trict and the public money granted at that time were as 
follows : 

Chil.lron mijlic monpy 

District. bctwuLMi aiid IS rBieivt-d. 

No. 1 fir $29.70 

" 2 .il 13.75 

" 3 ; 4.5 ia.95 

" 4 45 111.94 

" 5 04 28.36 

" 6 47 20.83 

" 7 40 17.73 

" 8 44 19.50 

" 9 .01) 24.S2 

" 10 77 34.13 

" 15 and 16 12 5.32 

" 14 17 7.53 

" 15 4 1.77 

" 16 .33 14.63 

" 17 30 13.30 

'• 12 13 5.76 

625 $277.02 

State of the schools shown by the school commi.ssiouors' 
appointment for the year ending Sept. 30, 1877. 

CliiUliiMi Librar.v Uruncy Teachers' Wages 

District. between 5 and IG received. received. 

No. 1 84 $2.65 $146.66 

" 2 55 1.73 131.13 

'• ■'> 63 1.98 127. 2S 

" 4 84 2.65 144.67 

" 5 61 1.92 127.31 

" 6 38 I.2{1 91.12 

" 7 60 1.S9 127.12 

" 8 39 1.23 98.32 

" 9 50 1.58 120.76 

" 10 25S 8.13 475.53 

" II 42 1.12 106.49 

" 12 6 19 12.6 i 

" 13 22 69 77.56 

" 14 27 86 86.79 

SS9 $28.00 $1873.10 



U.-VION ACADEMY OF WHITE CUEEK VILLAGE. 

This institution was established in 1810 by the subscrip- 
tion of the principal men in this vicinity. The following 
arc the names: Christ<}plier Allen, Ebcnezer Dwinnells, 
Henry Smith, Jr., Abner Lake, Abraham Smith, Jonathan 
Woodward, John Barrett, Jeremiah lloyle, Elias Hunting- 
ton, Paul Cornell, David Gooding, Benjamin Joslin, Jere- 
miah Wheat, Garret S. Lake, Samuel Bowcn, John Barber, 
William Perry, Joseph Lucas, Elias Wheeler, Thom;is 
Hart, Duty Sayles, Joseph Stewart, John Allen, Jr., Dr. 
William Richards, Allen Briggs, Jaques Johu.son, Oliver 
Barber, Benjamin Smith, Isaac Lacy, Gilbert Allen, Joseph 
Cornell, Elihu Cross, Samuel Cross. Jedediah Wood, Joshua 
Gardner, John Matthews, Garner Wilkinson. It was a 
large two-story frame building, conveniently arranged, sur- 
mounted by a belfiy. On 'the flrst floor were two school- 
rooms divided by a hall. One of them was devoted to the 
u.se of the district school. 

Isaiah Y. Johnson was the first principal, beginning in 
the fall of 1810. He was succeeded by Mr. Marsh, of 
Vermont ; Friend Hall, of Vermont ; Ambrose Eggleston, 
from Dutchess county. For several years this was a prom- 
inent and flouiishing academy, and many students were 
educated there. Among them the following noted men : 
Governor George N. Briggs, of Massachusetts; Governor 
inland Hall, of Vermont; Senator Joel Talmage, Judge 
Daniel B. Talmage, Judge Olin, now of Washington, D. C. ; 
Hon. Gideon Hard, of Orleans county; Prof Gilbert Mor- 
gan, of Hampden Sidney College; John P. McVicar, and 
Hon. John McDonald, of Salem. 

In late years a private or select school was taught for 
some time by Prof Lyman Crass, who afterwards removed 
to Toledo, Ohio. 

The building was finally abandoned for school purposes, 
and is now occupied as a dwelling-house for several families. 

CHURCHES. 

BAPTIST CHURCH OF WHITE CREEK VILLAGE. 

This was one of the earliest Baptist churches in what is 
now Washington county, proliably antedating all others. 
A writer In 1868, furnishing a historical sketch to the 
Washington Union Baptist Association, tjuotes from Bene- 
diets History of Baptist Churches: 

" In Canibiidge a church was planted in 1772 by Elder 
William Waite, from Rhode Island. It was called White 
Creek at first, situated near the line of Vermont, and within 
half a mile of Elder Waite's house the battle of Benning- 
ton terminated." Benedict further states that some of this 
church, the night before the battle, weut over to the enemy, 
and were obliged to fight in the eonflict of Aug. 16, 1777, 
against their own brethren and neighbors, which threw the 
church into confusion, and entirely broke it up. But the 
next year Elder Waite collected three members beside him- 
self, and began anew, and a revival commenced soon after. 
In the records of the church it is said, " In the month of 
November, 1778, the Lord was pleased to revive his work 
among us." 

The church was formally organized again in February, 
1779, following a revival that commenced in November, 




"Round Hill F/irm.!' Residence of JOHN 




tl; ■&. fv i;^^T 







t'^i'U. -- 









S, White Creck, WASHiNteTON Cq.,H Y. 






HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



4fi3 



1778, in the southciistein poiiion of the town, on the Wal- 
luomsuc ciwk. Tlic first pastor was Rev. Wni Waite, who 
was ordained June 2, 1779, by Eldurs John Gano and Peter 
Werden. He continued in that otiice about fourteen years, or 
till 1703. For several years there was no settled pastor, but 
in February, 17'JS, Israel Craw, a lieeutiafe, btf;an to labor 
amoui^ them, and on the 15th of November following he 
was ordained to the work of the niini.stry at Waite's Cor- 
ners' meeting-house. He was pastor about three years, or 
till tlie spring of 1801. Until 1804 there was no regular 
pastor, when Rev. James Glass became the pastor, and 
served about six years, or till about 1810, when ho removed 
\ to Iloosick, wliere lie died the next year. For two years, 
till 1812, there was no pastor, though they had the partial 
sei'vices of licentiates and neighboring ministers. In the 
spring of 1812, Rev. Obed Warren, who liad preached for 
the Baptist church at Shu.shan some eighteen or twenty 
years, became pastor of the church. He served them about 
two years, during the stormy period of the War of 1812-15. 
He was dismissed in 1815, at his own request, and for one 
year they were again destitute. In July, 1816, Rev. Daniel 
Tinkham was settled as pastor of the church, which he 
filled with very good acceptance for more than thirty years, 
except in 1845—16, when Rev. Samuel Pollaid served as 
pastor. In 1847, P]lder Tinkham was recalled. During 
his long pastorate, up to 1853, he baptized about five hun- 
dred persons. In the year 1838 this church had a mem- 
bership of two hundred and eighty. In 1850 the number 
liad diminished to ninety-three. This diminution resulted 
from the formation of branches at North White Creek and 
AVest Iloosick. This church has furnished about twelve 
ministers of the gospel from its membership who have 
been ordained. 

The following brethren have been deaecjns in the church : 
John Waldo, 1779-81 ; Jabez iMosher, Jr., 1700 ; Henry 
Smith, 1709-1812; Jacob Parker, 1799; Anion Fowler, 
1809-43; Hugh Allen, 1812-19 ; Seaman Wright, 1819 
-33 ; Henry Barrington, 1832 ; Increa.se JMosley, 1832-35 ; 
Abel Hodges, Jr., 1832 ; Joel Gay, 1839-50 ; Whitman 
Joslin, 1845-78; Nathaniel Cottrell, Abner Brownell, 
Martin Ames, Joseph Barrett, Alva Ames, Gardner Dyer, 
and Wiu. Gray. S. Ben.soii was the first clerk, in 1782. 
George H. Wright is the present clerk. Since 1853 the 
following liave been pastors : Rev. Solomon Gale, Elder 
Lewis. Rev. Thomas Tiller was pastor for three years 
before being ordained, which took place May 9, 1877. 
The first housa of worship was erected of log.s, like the 
dwellings of the first settlers of those days. This house 
was about twenty-five by thirty-five feet, and was located on 
the south .side of the road, east of the .school-house, near 
the present residence of Mr. Stephen Barker, and two miles 
west of White Creek village. This shows where the centre 
of the church then was. The time of its erection must 
have been in 1783. In October, 178(), it was voted, " That 
we build a house thirty-five by forty-five feet, near the 
mouth of David Sprague's lane," about one mile west of 
tlic log hou.se of worship, and near the later residence of 
Mr. Ovando Perry, now the residence of Mr. John James. 
Before this was carried out the house was located at Waite's 
Corners, by the gift of a site by Elder Waite, who had 



made a purchase and settled there. The meeting-house, 

thirty-five by fifty feet, was erected in 1788, and roughly 
seated at first. It was not entirely fini.shed until 1808. In 
December, 1790, the log meeting-hou.se was sold. During 
the year 1855 the church edifice was rebuilt at a cost of 
about twenty-five hundred dollars, and dedicated Jan. 10, 
1856. The present membership is about one hundred. 
The Sunday-school has about .sixty scholars. George II. 
Wright is the superintendent. 

The operations of the Baptist church, as shown in the 
above account, having become mainly tran.sierred to Waite's 
Corners, further arrangements for .services at White Creek 
village became desirable. 

There was first a union movement which resulted in the 
building of a hou.se of worship in 1796. A meeting was 
held at the house of Jaqiies Johnson, innliolder, April 22. 

Peter Wright, chosen moderator; Paul Cornell, clerk. 
Voted, to build a meeting-house near John Allen's. Voted, 
that it be forty by fifty feet, as near as circumstances will 
admit, and left to the discretion of the trustees. Voted, that 
Peter Wright, Es<|., Joseph Stewart, and Comfort Curtis be 
trustees to effect the building of the house. 

Voted, that the trustees buy land of John Allen for a 
site. Voted, that the trustees proceed as soon as one thou- 
sand dollars are subscribed. 

The house thus built by the citizens in general was there- 
after generally occupied by the Baptists, the same minis- 
ters preaching as ofliciated at Waite's Corners. 

In 1855 the house was rebuilt by the Baptists, though 
the Methodists are said to have added the bell, and citi- 
zens generally assisted. The rededication was in October, 
1855. There is now a pastor for this part of the church 
residing at White Creek village. 

friends' MEETINd, WHITE (KEEK. 

The oldest record dates back to the seventh of Tenth 
month, 1783. The meeting was probably established at an 
earlier date, and was held at the dwelling-house of Isaac 
Wood, and ,Iohn Wood was clerk. The records show that 
at a meeting held the tenth of the Eleventh month, 1783, he 
was appointed clerk for one year. At a meeting held ninth 
of Fifth month, 1792, Allen Mosher became the regular clerk, 
and continued in oifice two years, when he was succeeded 
by Elisha Soulhwick, wlio was clerk for two years, after 
which George Barren was ajipointed every year for four- 
teen years. In 1810, Thomas Hart became clerk and filled 
the oSice for three years. He died during the epidemic 
which raged in 1813. By his death the society lost one of 
its most useful members. On the twenty-eighth of Seventh 
month, 1813, Slocum Barker was cluxscn clerk, and con- 
tinued as such for nine years. Then Jonathan Hart, Jr., 
became the clerk, and filled the office up to 1832, when 
Slocum Barker was again appointed and served one year, 
when Stephen Tabor was chosen. Among the members 
who held various stations in this society were the following : 
Isaac Wood, Jonathan Hoag, Steiihen Hoag, Stephen Hoag, 
Jr., John Allen, Philip Allen, Jonathan Russey, Samuel 
Mosher, Joseph Jlo.sher, Allen Mosher, James Carpenter, 
Benjamin Nichols, Micajah Covell, Micajah Hunt, John 
Soule, John Wing, Nithaii Nichols, James Hunt, Jr., 



464 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



Amos Hoag, Abraliam Hoau, Cornelius Deuel, David Nor- 
ton. Amon;; the names of later date are found those of 
Barker, Hart, Smith, Chase, Staples, Taber, Cornell, Kinteli, 
Potter, etc. 

In 1784-85, measures were taken to finish their first 
meetinghouse, which was located about half a mile west 
from the village of White Creek, on a lot leased to the so- 
ciety by Edward Aikens, at a rent of one peppercorn per 
year. The meeting-house having been found too small for 
the increasing numbers, permission was given by the supe- 
rior meeting in 18U4 to build a new house. The new meet- 
ing-house was erected on the site of the old one, and is 
twenty-eight by twenty-five feet in size, two stories high, 
and built according to the peculiar notions of the society, 
in a plain and simple style, at a cost of one thousand 
dollars. 

House was burned about three years ago. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, POSt's CORNERS. 

A house of worship was built at this place in 1850, as a 
union house. The Methodist church was, however, in 
charge of the services, which were continued for some 
years as a separate appointment of the North White Creek 
church. Pastors preaching here were Rev. Jonah Phillips, 
llev. Reuben Washburn, Rev. Mr. ShurtkiF, Rev. Mr. 
Patterson, and Rev. Ensign Stover. The enterprise de- 
clined. In 1875 the house was sold to the Roman Catholics, 
who removed it to Buskirk's Bridge. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIIDRCH AT WHITE CREEK 
VILLAGE. 

The society was organized in 1831, according to Corey's 
Gazetteer, but has never had a very strong or vigorous 
existence. They have always worshiped in the union 
house of that place. 

John M. Weaver, Wright Hazon, Henry Burton, Henry 
Smith, E. B. Hubbard, A. A. Parr, Lorenzo Sherwood, 
Wm. Henry, C. Barber, A. Jones, John Seayre, were early 
ministers at this place. 

BURIAL-PLACES. 

The cemetery just on the line of Vermont, southwest of 
White Creek village, is called the Cornell burying-ground, 
and is mostly devoted to that family. 

There are also three west of the village of White Creek, 
one near the Friends' meeting-house, which contains the 
remains of very early settlers, but the absence of head- 
stones prevents securing early dates. 

There are two smaller yards in the same neighborhood. 

Between White Creek and Martindale is the Stewart 
family cemetery, a little off from the main road east. 

In the north part of tlie town, near the Vermont line, 
opposite the old fla.\-inill, is an old neighborhood burial- 
place. 

At Ashgrovo were buried many of the early settlers, par- 
ticularly of that colony of Irish Methodists which, under 
the lead of Rev. Philip Embury, organized the church at 
that jjlacc. 

This burial-place was the second in the old town of 
Cambridge, and the first in AVhite Crock. 



The first Methodist chapel was erected on part of the 
ground in 1788. The deed of the property bears date 
May 10, 1792, and was given by Thomas and James Ash- 
ton, from whose family name the word Ashgrove has come 
down in the annals of American Methodism. Burials were 
still earlier, — the fir.st about 178G. The oldest gravestone 
is erected to Mr.s. Elcy Annitage, Dec. 22, 1793. 

Other old dates are Mrs. Sarah Fisher, Dee. 24, 179G ; 
Mrs. Catharine McLean, April 10, 1798. 

On the stone of John Armitage, who died Nov. 13, 1S05, 
is the following epitaph : 

" The old must die and leave the stage, 
The young may die, you see ; 
But I was called in middle age, 

Prepare to follow me." . 

In the wall of the old burial-place, near the steps, is AV 
preserved a marble tablet, marked " Ashgrove M. E. Church, 
built A.D. 1708. Rebuilt a.d. 1832.'^ " The" remains of 
Piiilip Embury, brought from his first burial-place in Cam- 
den valley, were deposited in this yard not far from the 
entrance until their later removal to Cambridge Cemetery. 
Many others of the dead have been removed, but this ven- 
erable spot will ever be a sacred place, connected as it is 
with the memories of the early settlers, the pioneer work 
of the Methodist church, and the name of Philip Embury. 

It is in a neglected condition, burials have nearly ceased; 
but the citizens of White Creek can never aflbrd to permit 
so sacred and classic a place to remain in decay and ruin. 

The early Ashtons, though pioneers here and giving name 
to the place, yet are themselves buried on the old turnpike, 
south of Cambridge village. 

North of Centre White Creek is the Fowler family bury- 
ing-ground. One stone in this, erected to the memory of 
Molly Fowler, a child of twelve years, bears the date 
Sept. 5, 1792, though there were earlier burials than that. 
Siniecm Fowler's grave is marked by a stone bearing the 
date of his death, Sept. 7, 1807, aged ninety-one. 

At Waite's Corners, opposite the Baptist church, is the 
old public burial-place belonging to the church, but free to 
all. The first interment was Mrs. Sarah Wright, wife of 
Abraham Wright, who died April 27, 1787. 

Mr. Fibcnezer Wright, a .son, used to relate, that while 
standing around the grave, a person said, '■ We have now 
opened a vineyard, and who will help fill it." A new 
ground has been set apart a little east, in which the dc.id 
are buried at the present time. 

A mile east of Post's Corners is another burying-place 
of long standing. 

TOW.V SOCIETIES. 

Rural Lodge, No. 32, F. ami A. J)/.— Nov. 20, 1793, 
Brother John Williams, Master of Aurora Lodge in Hamp- 
ton, by virtue of warrant and dispensation from the Grand 
Lodge of this State authorizing him to install John Honey- 
wood as Master, Gerrit Y. Lansing as Senior and Andrew 
White as Junior Wardens of Rural Lodge, No. 32, in Cam- 
bridge, and for constituting said lodge. A lodge was opened 
in due form. Present, John Williams, Worshipful Master; 
Philip Smith, Senior Warden ; and Alexander J. Turner, 
Junior Wardcu ; George Eagus, Scc'y ; Simon D. Rider, 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



465 



Jcihii P. Becker, Samuel Cook, Ezra St. Johu, Abram 
Van Tuyl, Solomon King, Benjamin Scott, Reuben Pride, 
Andrew Simpson, John Mclntj're. 

The lodge was constituted in due form, Dee. 24, 1793. 
The lodge met at the house of Daniel Wells. July 15, 

1794, the lodge decided to remove to the house of Adam 
Skinner, and directed a meeting for that purpose on the 
third Tuesday of August. Lodge met at one o'clock, — 
opened in due form, — then walked to the new room, and 
opened at four o'clock. Grand Lodge was petitioned to 
allow this lodge to meet alternately in the towns of Cam- 
bridge, Easton, and Salem. Another resolution is worth 
inserting: 

" Rettilreil, unanimoiisly, That Bro. Treasurer rlo advance to Bro. 
Ij. Berry a sufficient sum of money to purchase the following articles 
in New York, viz., ten gallons spirits, ten gallons sherry wine, five 
gallons brandy, and a cask of crackers, for the use of this lodge." 

The oflicers chosen Dec. 16, 1794, were Andrew White, 
Master ; Alex. J. Turner, Senior Warden ; Ezra St. John, 
Junior Warden ; Joseph Heath, Treas. ; Lewis Berry, Sec'y ; 
Reuben Pride, Senior Deacon ; J. P. Becker, Junior Dea- 
con ; Simon D. Rider, Eben Jones, Stewards. In February, 

1795, a committee was appointed to purchase furniture and 
contract with Brother Skinner for the use of the lodge- 
room. 

St. John's day, June 24, 1795, was celebrated, and the 
following lodges invited: Federal, Washington, Aurora, 
Livingston, and Montgomery. 

Rev. Mr, Williams was invited to preach on that occa- 
sion. He accepted. The lodge, under Worshipful Master 
White, met in due form, the Master delivering an appro- 
priate opening address. Marching in procession to the 
church, the sermon was delivered as arranged, followed by 
an elegant dinner. This custom was observed in 1796 and 
1797. 

Jan. 21, 1800, the following resolution was adopted : 

" Jleaohed, That this lodge do meet on the 22d day of February 
next, at ten o'clock in the morning of said day, agreeably to the 
proclamation of the President of the United States, for the purpose 
of paying a suitable and becoming tribute of respect to the memory 
of our once illustrious Grand Master, George Washington, deceased." 

Other lodges joining in the celebration were North Star, 
Salem, 51 ; Homer Lodge, 76, Schaghticoke ; Newton, 16, 
Arlington. The procession was formed, with Lieutenant 
Skinner and his cavalry in front, citizens next, followed by 
the Masons, with their badges trimmed in mourning ; the 
secretary, with the Bible, square, and compass on a black 
cushion ; the treasurer, with the tools covered with black. 
The procession moved from the lodge-room to the sound of 
martial music. 

At the White meeting-house. Rev. Gershom Williams 
delivered a pertinent, pathetic discourse to a very crowded 
audience, after which Brother John Lee entered the pulpit 
and pronounced a very masterly oration. After which re- 
turned in due order back to the lodge-room. Every per- 
son, — the military, the citizens, as well as the Masonic 
brethren, — conducted themselves in a decent, solemn, and 
becoming manner, expressive of the public sorrow at the 
melancholy event. 

The lodge was in working order down to the time of the 
59 



Morgan excitement, when it became extinct. The house of 
Adonijah Skinner, where the lodge met for many years, was 
at North White Creek. It met for a time at the house of 
Paul Cornell, at White Creek village, who fitted up a room 
for its use. Before tliis the lodge met at the tavern, which 
is now the private residence of James Allen. 

The notices of other societies are embodied in the history 
of Cambridge village. 



PL.\CKS OF HISTORIC INTEREST. 

The route by which Baum's force moved against the 
American troops at Bennington was directly through this 
town. Entering from the northwest by the present road, 
which forms a part of the boundary between Jackson and 
Cambridge, Baum marched southward down the valley of 
the Owl Kill, probably passing through North White Creek 
village and along the east side of the stream. 

On the night of Aug. 13, 1777, he encamped till the 
next day near Waite's Corners, The exact place is pointed 
out by tradition as half a mile below the Corners, on a farm 
now owned by Patrick Tierney. The site of the encamp- 
ment was south of a small rivulet that empties into the Owl 
Kill at that place, on the point of land between the streams. 
The stay was only temporary, and a single bridle-bit, plowed 
up when the country was new, is about the onl}- relic ever 
found there. From this place he marched southward into 
the valley of the Hoosick, and passed beyond the present 
boundary of White Creek. 

The actual place of the fight known to history as the 
Bennington battle was but just beyond the line of this 
town. Hon. George W. Jermain describes it in his Cen- 
tennial address at Cambridge as being at the junction of 
the three towns, Bennington, Hoosick, and Cambridge. This 
language must not probably be explained to mean that any 
part of the battle-ground was in this town. It was not far 
from the southeast corner, but was beyond the limits of 
White Creek. Yet some stray shot are said to have fallen 
upon the soil of this town. An old Quaker who had a farm 
in the southeast corner was engaged in haying the day of 
the battle. His sons proposed to quit work, as things were 
somewhat lively in the neighborhood. The old gentleman 
objected ; said they wouldn't be molested ; they were 
Friends, men of peace, neutral. Soon after a cannon-ball, 
without any regard to theological preferences, fell near them. 
This was an argument which was not to be resisted, and the 
boys secured a holiday. It is said, too, that William Gil- 
more, working in the field that day, on the present farm of 
B. B. Kenyon, unyoked his cattle, leaving his plow in the 
furrow, took his gun, and started for Hoosick, Fighting 
on his own hook, he, with a few others, learning of Bray- 
man's approaching reinforcement, tore up the bridge over 
Little White creek, just barely succeeding in removing the 
last plank when the British detachment came in sight. No 
doubt this patriotic act caused just enough delay in Bray- 
man's movements to enable the Americans under Colonel 
Warren to reach the battle-ground in time for the second 
struggle. It should be added that Giluiore and his com- 
rades barely escaped with their lives from the bullet,<< of the 
enemy. 



466 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 

The soil in this town, in the tillable portions, is a fine 
gravelly loam, fertile and productive. Notwithstanding the 
spurs of the mountain range that extend into the town, 
the valleys are extensive, and along the streams there are 
some valuable alluvial flats. The hilly districts aflFord ex- 
tensive and excellent pasturage. The town on the whole is 
adapted to husbandry of a varied character, and the well- 
cultivated farms indicate profitable and remunerative in- 
dustry. 

Sheep husbandry has been carried on largely in past years, 
being at its height from 18-15 to 1850, when reported in the 
Fitch survey of Washington county. There were then sev- 
eral very large and noted flocks. At that time Stephen 
Barker had a flock of two thousand five hundred ; Mrs. 
Sarah Hanna, three thousand ; Simeon Sweet, two thousand ; 
James McKie, one thousand ; and John McKie, George 
Barber, James Lake, and Ovando Perry, about seven hun- 
dred each. The broken and mountainous districts in the 
north part of the town are less adapted for tillage than the 
lands in most of the other towns of the county. Extensive 
tracts were possessed by single individuals, and stocked 
mostly with sheep. Hence the flocks were larger in num- 
bers than in any other town of the county. There were 9407 
sheep in town in 1825, 24,488 in 1835, 30,786 in 1845. 
In later years sheep husbandry has given place to the dairy 
interest, while flax and potatoes are extensively grown. 

A creamery was established in 1877 in White Creek vil- 
lage ; proprietor, J. B. Jermain, Albany, who owns thirteen 
hundred acres of land in that vicinity. The creamery, from 
July 16 that year, received the milk of one hundred and 
fifty cows, or 212,500 pounds ; butter made, two thousand 
pounds, sold at an average of thirty cents ; 21,250 pounds 
of cheese, sold at an average of twelve cents. The net 
price received by patrons for milk was one dollar and five 
cents per one hundred pounds. 

The first orchards were planted before the Revolutionary 
war by the Gilmores, Youngloves, and others. Taking 
two yoke of oxen to each of two wagons they brought the 
trees from Barker's Grove, in the town of Easton. 

MILIT.\Rr. 

This town having been settled ten or twelve years before 
the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, had quite a 
population when that struggle opened. Very many of the 
citizens of White Creek went into the army, either in the 
regular service for a stated period of enlistment, or tempo- 
rarily in militia regiments, or as volunteers in times of 
special danger, like that of the battle of Bennington. It 
is a matter of regret that so few records remain from which 
the names of these soldiers can be obtained. A few names 
have been secured by considerable inquiry among descend- 
ants of the old families. 

Besides Wm. Gilmore, ah-eady mentioned, the following 
are known to have been in the Revolutionary war : Isaac 
Fowler, Hiram Hathaway, Captain Jonathan Gardner, and 
Aaron Perry. 

The latter was engaged in driving cattle to Green's army 
in Virginia from Dutchess county. 

Colonel Tiffany lived in town during the Revolution, and 



commanded the militia of this vicinity at the battle of 
Stillwater. He is buried upon his farm. It is said that 
he had a neighbor who was an undoubted Tory, and was sus- 
pected of carrying provisions to the enemy. Colonel Tif- 
fany, seeing him coming from the British camp one morning, 
fired at him, the ball striking the rails just as he was climb- 
ing a fence. The Tory ran, not stopping, it is supposed, 
until he reached Dutchess county. 

The difficult straits in which some men were placed 
during the fearful year ( 1777 ) is very well shown by the 
following petition, with its quaint spelling, capitals, and all : 

"ToTiiK lIiiN. Geiihce Clinton-, Esg., C(imm.v.n-|ikk-i\-('eiikf asii 
OVER THE State iir Xew Yohk. ok tub <iNRiitKi. CotNsKt. or 
Safete. 



.li.-trict. 



" The Petition of Abniham Lake, of Cam 
bauy county. Humbly Sbeweth : 

" That whereas, the Lot of your jietitioner being unlia|ipily east 
near where the late action was commenced at Wallom^cot, in .August 
last past, where the Enemy in their march was so much more hasty 
than was E.vpecteJ. From Brittains Great number of honest People 
had not the opportunity to Remove their Familys out of their way, 
and so fell into their hands, contrary to their minds, to the Grief and 
damage of many thus captivated. Among whome your Petitioner 
was one who thus fell a Prey to British Tyranny. Being by gome of 
their enemies ordered immediately to Repair to camp or to expeot 
no mercy from them, nor yet to escape the fury of Savages, your 
Petitioner Being in amaze, complied to their avoracious command 
on entering their camp, yet never assisted the Enemy in any shape 
whatever : yet being informed by the commissioners of the county, 
aforesaid, that by so doing I had incurred forfeiture of my whole In- 
terest, which threatens utter destruction to myself .and family. Yet 
Recollecting that all just Laws are built on true Reason, and your 
Petitioner being wholly inclined to lend all the assistance he possibly 
can to supp<»rt the Cause of Liberty, Can but conclude, upon the 
whole, that it was not the meaning of the convention that such per- 
sons should suffer as aforesaid, but that the Act against Disafected 
persons making their escape to the enemy only wanted some explana- 
tion. Hopeing, therefore, that your excellency, together with the 
Honorable Council, will take some speedy measures for the Redress 
of your petitioner, and otherwise in like circumstances that shall 
seem most agreeable to Justice, and for the propagating the system 
of Liberty. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever priiy, &c. 

'* Abuasi Lake. 
** December 2nil. 1777." 

WAR OF 1.S12. 

Little can be found of written records to show what 
part the citizeiis of White Creek took in the last war with 
England. The following names have been obtained : Col. 
Hercules Rice, who commanded a regiment of militia 
which was called into active service ; Jonathan B. Fowler, 
a musician, who is still living in White Creek at the age 
of eighty-seven ; Samuel Hodge, David Robertson, John 
Conaut, John Hamlin, James Wells, Abram Van Tuyl, 
Isaac Van Tuyl, Samuel Day, Asa Day, James Peters, 
David Wright, Isaac Culver, John Caldwell, Brownell 
Fowler, Wm. Ashton. 

WAR OF 1861-65. 

At a special town-meeting held at the house of Edward 
Long, Oct. 30, 1862, Loomis W. Gunn presiding, and 
D. M. Westfall clerk, the supervisor was authorized to 
borrow money enough on the credit of the town to pay 
two hundred dollars bounty to each recruit necessary to fill 
the quota of the town under the late calls of the President, 



HlSTORi' OF WASHINGTON COUNTS, NEW YORK. 



407 



the supeivis(jr to pay out the same moiicj so borrowed 
under tlie direction of the war committee of the town. 

At the annual town-meeting-, March 1, 1864, the town 
disapproved the action of the supervisor in providing for a 
county bounty, and proceeded to offer a town bounty of 
three hundred and fifty dollars for twenty recruits to fill 
the pending calls. 

Ata special town-meeting, June 25, 18G4,held at Wrii:ht's 
Hotel, Loomis W. Gunn presiding, and C. J. JIaynard 
clerk, S. W. Crosby, John Larman, Josiah Merchant, and 
the supervisor were appointed a committee to procure men 
for the town under the coming call of the President. 

Full authority was given to raise all the money neces.sary 
to secure the men, bonds to be issued for the money, payable 
March 1, 1867. 

Further unlimited authority was conferred by a special 
meeting, Dec. 28, 1864. 

The following roll of soldiers from White Cieek in the 
War of 1861-65 has been prepared from that furnished 
by the town clerk in 1865, and from the printed muster-in 
rolls of the State. It has also been submitted to the 
present town clerk for revision and correction, and citizens 
invited by advertisement to call and see it. 



John W. Arnold, Corp. ; enl. May 6,1861, 22ii Regt., Co. D; died of disease, 

Juno 19, 1863. 
Charles H. Akin, enl. April 22, 1861, 22d Begt., Co. D; pro. to 2d lieut., Oct. 23, 
1862 ; disch. June 19, 1803 ; rc-enl. Dec. 28, 1863, 16th Art., Co. H ; ilisch. 

Aug. 31, 1865. 
Wm. U. Askej-, enl. April, 1861, 22d Eegt., Co. D; disch. June, 1863. 
John A. Austin, enl. Nov. 5, 1861, 93d Begt., Co. G ; pro. to sergt., March, 1862 ; 

disch. for disability, March 30, 1863. 
Henry L. Arnold, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. G; disch. Aug. 3, 1865. 
Charles W. Arnold, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. G ; disch. Aug. 3, 1865. 
Charles Archer, 2d lieut. ; enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. 3 ; disch. Teh. 15 

1863. 
James M. Austin, enl. Nov. 1861, 176th Eegt, Co. E; pro. to Corp.; died in 

Louisiana, Aug. 1862. 
Erskine Arnold, enl. Nov. 5, 1861, 176th Kegt., Co. B ; pro. to seigt ; disch. Nov. 

16, 1863. 
James Allen, enl. 12.5th Eegt. 
Daniel B. Aldrich, enl. 21st Cav. 

Hallett C. Burdick, enl. Nov. 1863, 123d Eegt., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1865. 
Gardner C. Bentley, enl. Nov. 1863, 123d Regt., Co. I; disch. Aug. 1865. 
Sylvester Butterfield, enl. Dec. 31, 1863, 16th Art., Co. K ; disch. Aug. 10, 1865. 
Chauncey Baker, enl. Nov. 0, 1861, 176th Eegt., Co. E; taken prisoner; 

paroled; disch. Nov. 16, 1863. 
Benjamin Baker, enl. Sept. 12, 1862, 1st M. Eiflcs, Co. M; disch. for disahility, 

Sept. 1, 1863. 
John \V. Bennett, enl. July 29, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. I; disch. July 22, 1865. 
John W. Bailey, hospital steward; enl. July 20, 1864, 123d Eegt. 
Wm. Bailey, enl. Aug. 26, 1864, 2l8t Cav. 
Alonzo Bentley, enl. Aug. 16, 1864, 169th Kegt. 
James Bann, enl. July 27, 1864, 169tli Eegt. 

Wales M. Barton, enl. Sept. 1861, 7tli Cav., Co. A; disch. March 31, 1862. 
Caleb G. Barnhart, enl. Aug. 1803, 2Ist Cav., Co. D ; wouuded in Indian service. 
Edward Bennett, enl. Jan. 7, 1864. 
John G. Birmingham, enl. April, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. D; disch. June, 1803; 

re-enl. 21st Cav., Aug. 1863; discharged. 
Andrew H. Blancliard, enl. April 22, 1861, 22d Eegt., Co. D: disch. Jnne, 

1863. 
Francis S. Bailey, lat lieut; enl. Oct 1861, 93d Kegt, Co. G; pro. to capt; 

wounded in Wilderness; disch. Aug. 26, 1864. 
Henry 0. Barton, enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Kegt, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Jan. 

3, 1863. 
Abel Brimmer, enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G ; disch. for disability, April 

15, 1862. 
John A. Brimmer, enl. Nov. G, ISGl, 93d Regt., Co. G; rlisch. for disability, 

April 29, 1862. 
Solomon Baker, enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Eegt., Co. G. 
John H. Bentley, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I ; pro. to Corp.; disch. 

June 8, 1865. 
Hiram F. Bentley, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Regt, f:o. I ; wounded at Dalliui; 

disch. July, 1865. 
Fanner Bennett, enl. Aug. 23, 1862, 123d Begt, Co. G; disch. Juno 8, 1865. 
Romaine Bennett, enl. Aug. 18, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. G ; disch. June 8, 186,5. 



battle 



^ Wilde 



James M. Beagle, enl. Dec. 21, 1863, 10th Art, Co. I; disch. May 10, 1865. 
Robert Baker, enl. Nov.. S, 1801, 176th Eegt, Co. E; pro. to Corp.: taken pris- 
oner; paroled; disch. Nov. 16, 1863. 
George S. Burdi.k. enl. Nov. 1863, 123d Regt., Co. I ; di«h. Ang. 1865. 
James Bevis, enl. Nov. 15, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. G; discharged. 
Elijah Beadle, enl. Nov. 15, 1861, USd Regt., Co. G ; discharged. 
Andrew J. Boatie, enl. Nov. 15, 1801, ftld Begt, Co. G; killed i 

the Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864. 
Horace Bartlctt, enl. l-23d Regt, Co. I. 
Simeon H. Corbett, enl. Nov. 6,1861, 93d Uegt, Co. G; wounde.1 in th< 

ne«s; disch. Nov. 16, 1864. 
tayton Coon, enl. Ang. 7, 1862, 123.1 Regt, Co. G; wounded; disch. Jan. 23, 

1865. 
Flavins J. Cornell, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. G; disch. June, 1865. 
Andrew J. Coon, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 12:!d Regt, Co. G; died of disease at Staff- 
ord, March 16, 1863. 
Benjamin Church, enl. Nov. 5, 1862, 176th Regt., Co. E ; absent; returned; re- 
ported killed in battle. 
Henry B. Cook, sergt; enl. May 6, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. D; pro. to Ist lieut. ; 

disch. June 19, 1863 ; rc-enl. 10th Art, Co. K, sergt; pr... to 1st lieut;' 

killed in battle near Petersburg, Oct 7, 1864. 
Warren Chase, enl. Jan. 2, 1863, 20th U. S. Colored Troops, Co. B : disch. 
Lewis P. Chase, enl. Jan. 2, 1863, 20th U. S. Colored Troops, Co. B ; died at 

Hart's Island. Nov. 7, 1865. 
James W. Coulter, enl. April 19, 1861, 22d Regt, Co. G; discharged; rceiil. 

July 27, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. A ; disch. April 2S, 1864. 
Alanson B. Cone, enl. Dec. 31, 1863, 123d Regt, to. G; disch. July 31, 1805. 
James Connelly, enl. Sept. 19, 1864. 
John E. Church, enl. Nov. 25, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. G. 
Neddy Coila, enl. Sept. 1862, Uth Vet Regt, Co. A; wounded at Petersburg 

batlle, June 22, 1864 ; died in Stanton Hospital, July 30, 1864. 
Peter Cromby, enl. Aug. 3, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. G ; wounded at Dallas, Ga., 

May 25, 1864; died soon after. 
Ezra Dibble, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. G; disch. June, 1805. 
Gardner R. Dyer, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. I; pro. to corp.; disch. 

June 8, 1865. 
Henry Dyer, enl. Sept. 5, 1863, 15tli H. Art, Co. K ; iliscli. Sept. 7, 1805. 
Ezekiel Downing. 

.\mos Downing, enl. Black Horse Cav. 
John W. Darby, enl. 22d Mass. Regt, Co. K mustered out in Washington, 

D. C, after Lee's surrender; in battle of Raccoon Ford. 
Charles S. Eaton, sergt. ; enl. April 22, 1801, 22d Regt, Co. D; died in Wash- 
ton, May 18, 1802. 
Wm. B. Ellis, enl. May, 1801, 22d Eegt, Co. D ; di-ch. for disability. 
Berlhidd Emiscli, enl. Nov. 1, 1861. 9.3d Begt, Co. G; pro. to 2d lieut; disch. 

July, 1865. 
Le Eoy W. Eldridge, enl. Ang. 6, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. I ; disch. June, 1805. 
DeWitt F. Eldridge, enl. Ang. 8, 1862, 12:jd Regt, Co. G ; pro. to sergt. ; disch. 

June, 1865. 
Alexander Ellis, enl. .\ug. 14, 1862, 12:id Regt., Co. G ; wounded May 1, 1863 ; 

disch. for disability, Nov. 2, 1863: rc-enl. Feb. 27, 1805, 123d Regt, Co. 

G ; disch. June 26, 1865. 
Ebenozer S. Edgerton, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 7th V. S. Odored Troops, Co. H : pro. 

to 1st lieut. : disch. for disability, Oct. 14, 1864. 
George C. Fairbrother, enl. Sept 1861, 2d Md. Rifles, Co. L ; prisoner at Ander- 

sonville ; died there. 
Lewis N. Ford, enl. Nov. 1861, 93d Eegt, Co. G ; died of fever at Newjwrt, fall 

of 1802. 
Stephen R. Fisher, enl. Dec. 24, 1863, 16th Art., Co. K ; disch. June 5, 1865. 
Irwin Fairbrother, enl. Dec. 18, 1863, 93d Regt., Co. H ; died atDavids Island, 

July 19, 1S64. 
John Fowler, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Eegt, Co. G. 

George E. Kenton, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Kegt, Co. G ; disch. June, 186.5. 
Henry P. Fowler, enl. Aug. 9, 1864, 123d Regt, Co. G; disch. June, 1865. 
John N. Fuller, enl. 12.3d Regt, Co. G. 
Cyrus Eraser, enl. Cav. 
Charies W. Gilbert, enl. Aug. 14, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. E; pro. to Ist lieut; disch. 

Oct. 28, 1863 ; re-enl. Dec. 9, 1863, 2d Cav., Co. E ; Ist lient ; pro. to q.-m. ; 

disch. June 20, 1865. 
Perry A. Goodell, enl. Nov. 1861, 93d Eegt., Co. G; disch. for disability, Aug. 1, 

1862. 
Nathaniel P. Gray, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. O ; died Jan. 27, 1863. 
Norman Granger, enl. Nov. 18, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. G. 
Joseph Gilbert, enl. July 29, 1862, 123d Regt.. Co. G; pro. to corp. ; disch. June 

27, 1865. 
Hiram T. Gay, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. G; disch. June 27, 1865. 
Kufus P. Galway, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 12.3d Regt., Co. I ; wounded; disch. Aug. 

1865. 
Walter S. Gray, capt ; enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. O : disch. for disabilily, 

Aug. 8, 1862. 
Norman W. Gray, enl. Nov. 1861, 93d Kegt., Co. G : pro. to 1st sergt. ; disch. ; 

re-enl. 93d Regt., Co. E; pro. to 2d lieut.; killed in front of Petersburg, 
June 16, 1864. 
Marshall Gardner, enl. Nov. 4, 1862, 176th Regt., Co. E. 
Robert L. Gray. enl. Nov. 1861, 93d Regt, Co. G ; pro. to 1st lieut. ; wounded in 

the Wilderness ; carried to the rear; reported himself only slightly in* 
jnred ; returned, and wa." killed .-ionn after. 



468 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Henry Gray, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. G; pro. to capt.; to major; 

wounded twice ; disch. June, 1865. 
Charles A. Gray, enl. July, 1863, 2d Vet. CaT., Co. B; discharged. 
Geo. W. Gray, eul. Aug. 9, 1862, on ship New Ironsides; disch. Sept. IS, 1S63 ; 

reeul. Sept. 7, 1864, 14th Art., Co. L; prisoner; paroled; disch. June 3, 

1865. 
Alvin Edson Gage, 30tli N. Y. Cav.; killed at second battle of Bull Kun, 1862. 
Walter Uover, enl. Dec. 1862, 16th Art., Co. K ; served through. 
Montrevillo Hart, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. G; wounded; dinih. June, 

1866. 
Charles Hoffman, enl. Aug, 13, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. G; wounded ; disch. June, 

1865. 
Lucien Howe, eul. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. G; disch. for disability, Feb. 

23, 1863. 
.Vrtemus Harrington, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. G ; disch. June, 1S65. 
Harvey Hodge, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. I; disch. for disability, June, 

1863, 
Henry Hodge, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 7th Mounted Rifles; disch. Aug. 1862. 
George Hodge, enl. Jan. 13, 1862, 95th Eegt., Co. I ; wounded at Gettysburg ; 

disch. Jan. 13, 1805. 
George W. Higby, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. G; disch. for disability. 
David Howe, enl. Nov. 1862, 17flth Kegt., Co. E ; prisoner ; paroled ; disch. Nov. 

1863. 
Charles H. Hodge, enl. Nov. 29, 1863, 123d Kegt,, Co. I; diech. Aug. 1865. 
Wm. J. Harrell, enl. April 16, 1861, 22d Kegt., Co. D ; disch. for disability; re- 

enl. July 3(1, 1863, 2d Vet, Cav,, Co. A ; disch. Aug. 5, 1865. 
Frank Hamilton. 
Z.Taylor Hunt. 
Samuel D. Jeffords. 

Le Boy Larrabee, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. G; disch. June, 18B5. 
Clark Lawton, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. O ; wounded ; disch. June 22, 

1865. 
George Lambert, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 12;)d Kegt., Co, G ; wounded ; prisoner ; pa- 
roled ; disch. Sept. 25, 1863. 
Albert M. Lawton, enl. Nov. 1861, 93d Kegt., Co, G ; killed at Petersburg, June 

18, 1864. 

Willard Lawton, enl. April 27, 1861, 22d Eegt., Co. D ; pro. to sergt, ; disch. June 

19, 1863. 

Thomas Lynch, eul. April 20, 1861, 22d Kegt., Co. D; disch. for disability, Jan. 

23, 1863. 
Byron Lee, Whitney Bangers (Washington Ijight Cav.), 1st Cav.; prisoner; 

excliauged ; re-eul. 12th Cav. ; wounded at Brandy Station, Va. ; disch. 

July 27, 1865. 
Charles B. Loomis, enl. Nov, 14, 1861, 93d Eegt,, Co, G; disch, for disability. 

May 29, 1862. 
John F. Loomis, enl. 176th Begt. 
David C. Lambert, priv. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Kegt,, Co, O ; taken prisoner 

near Kenesaw Mountain, June 22, 1864; paroled Dec, 13, 1864; disch, 

July 7, 1865, 
Isaiah Mattison, enl, Aug, 18, 1862, 123d Begt,, Co, G ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
John McUmber, enl. Aug. 18, 1862, 123d Kegt,, Co, G; wounded and died at 

Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 
Wm. Moore, enl. Aug. 1862, 23d Eegt., Co. G; disch. June, 1865. 
Wm. H. M;irlin, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. G ; reported killed in battle, 

May 5, 1864. 
Neil McKinty, enl. April, 1861, 22d Eegt., Co. D ; wounded; disch. June, 1861. 
Isaac J. MiUiman, eul. Nov. 1861, 93d Kegt., Co. G; discharged. 
George Metcalf, enl, Nov, 15, 1861, 93d Kegt,, Co, G ; disch, Dec, 16, 1864, 
Darius Millington, enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Kegt., Co, G; killed in action, June, 

1864, 
Henrys, MiUiman, licut.; enl. May, 1861, 22d Kegt., Co. D ; pro. capt,; wouiulud 

at second Bull Run ; died at Washington, Sept, 11, 1862, 
Joseph B. Mattison, enl, April 20, 1861, 22d Kegt, Co. D ; prisoner ; exchanged ; 

disch. June 19, 1863. 
Charles J. Monro, enl. Aug. 15, 1864, 146th Kegt., Co. I; prisoner; paroled; 

discli. May 30, 1865, 
George McKinty, enl, April, 1861, 22d Kegt,, Go, D ; disch, June, 1864 ; re-enl. 

in cavalry ; discharged. 
John McKie, Jr., enl. April 12, 1861, 22d Kegt, Co, D; pro. capt.; wounded ; 

maj.; lient-col. ; disch. for disability, Feb, 13,1863; accidentally killed 

at home. Sept 1, 1864, 
AlbertJ, Muzzy, enl, Nov, 1S61, 93d Kegt, Co, G; pro, 1st lieut,; disch, Dec, 1864, 
David Mawhinney, enl, 4th Kegt, 
Wm, Miller, 

Wm, E, NeU, eul. Aug, 14, 1862, 123d Eegt, Co. I; disch. June 8, 1866, 
Willard Nelson, Jr,, enl. March 2, 1865: disch. July, 1866. 
Sylvester Pratt, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co, G ; disch, June 8, 1866. 
Dennis Pratt, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Eegt, Co. G ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
George Parker, enl, JVug, 8, 1862, 123d Kegt,, Co, G ; pro, corp ; disch, June 23, 

1865, 
Ohauncey Parker, enl. Aug, 6, 1S62, 123d Kegt., C.., G ; died at Stafford Court- 

House, Feb, 7, 1863, 
Samuel W, Parker, enl, Aug, 7, 1862, 123d Eegt,, (^o, G, 
John Peters, enl, Aug, 18, 1862, 123d Kegt,, Co. G ; trans, to Inv. Corps ; disch. 

Feb. 28, 1864. 
Wm. H. Pierce, enl. Oct. 29, 1861, 93d Kegt, Co. G ; pro. corp ; died at Fortress 

Monroe, July 10, 1862. 



Newton Peters, enl. Jan. 5, 1864, 93d Eegt, Co. G. 

Samuel M. Peters, enl. Jan. 5, 1864, 93d Kegt,, Co, G, 

John B, Peckham, enl, I23d Eegt, Co, I, 

Wm, C, Qua, enl, Aug, 19, 1862, 123d Eegt,, Co. G ; disch, for disability, Feb, 

28, 1863, 
Ebenezer Boss, enl, Aug, 15, 1862, 123d Kegt,, Co, G; disch, for disability, April 

21, 1863, 
George H, Kussell, enl, Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. I ; disch. July 4, 1865. 
John Eobinscm, enl. Nov. 4, 1862, 176th Begt, Co. E; disch. Nov, 10, 1863, 
L. C. Rice, enl, Nov. 18, 1861, 93d Kegt., Co. G ; ro-enl. in regular army. 
Charles H. Bice, enl. Dec. 21, 1861, 93d Eegt, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Oct. 

19. 1862. 

Alexander Eainey, eul. Doc, 22, 1863, 16th Art,, Co, K ; disch, June 17, 1865. 
Wm. T. Eainey, enl. May, 1861, 22d Kegt., Co. D ; pro. sergt. ; disch. June 19, 

1863 ; re-enl. Sept. 8, 1863, 2d Vet Cav. ; pro, sergt, ; discharged, 
Robert A, Rice, enl, April 22, 1861, 22d Kegt,, Co, D ; pro, 2d lieut, ; disch. 

Dec. 1862. 
Forest L, Roberts, enl. May, 1861, 22d Regt,, Co, D; disch, for disability. May 

28, 1862, 
3Iarcu8 D, Kice, enl. Black Horse Cav. 
•Joseph D. Stewart, asst, surg, ; enl, Aug. 18,1862,31st Kegt; resigried Dec, 31, 

1862; re-enl. May 18, 1863, 7l8t Regt; asst, surg.; wounded three times 

at Gettysburg; disch, Aug, 2, 1864, 
John Scrimger, enl, Aug, 1864, 123d Regt, Co. G ; disch. July, 1865. 
Charles Starbuck, enl, Aug, 14, 1862, 123d Regt,, Co, G; pro. Corp.; lieut, V. S, 

C, T, ; discharged, 
James Scrimger, enl. Aug, 1862, 123d Eegt,, Co, G, 
James Smith, enl, Nov, 1861, 93d Eegt,, Co, O; re-enl. July, 1863, 2d Vet, Cav., 

Co, A ; died near New Orleans, Sept, 26, 1864, 
John Slylield, enl, April 22, 1861, 22d Kegt,, Co. D; prisoner; paruled ; disch. 

June 19, 1863 ; re-enl. March 20, 1864, 93d Kegt, Co. D ; wounded ; pro. 

sergt, ; disch. July, 1865, 
Orrin W, Stevenson, drummer; eul, Nov, 6, 1861,93d Eegt, Co, G; discharged; 

re-enl. Vet. Res, Corps; wounded; disch, Aug. 1,1865, 
Christopher Shaw, enl Nov. 4, 1862, 176th Kegt,, Co. K; prisoner; paroled; 

disch, Nov. 16, 1863. 
Sidney W. Seeley, enl. April, 1861, 22d Kegt, Co. D. 
W. C. Spencer, surg,; enl. 44th Regt; discharged. 
Thomas W. Taylor, enl. Sept 1861, 5th Vermont Regt., Co. G; dieil of wounds 

at Savage Station, July 12, 1862. 
Norman Tucker, enl. Nov. 5, 1861, 176th Eegt, Co. E ; died in Louisiana, Oct 

10, 1862. 
John L. Tucker, enl. Nov. 5, 1861, n6th Kegt, Co. E ; prisoner ; paroled ; disch. 

Nov. 16, 1863. 
Dennis Tracy, enl. Nov. 22, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G ; discli, for disability, Feb, 

10. 1863, 

George E, Towne, enl. April 19, 1861, 22d Kegt., Co. D; disch. June 19, 1861. 
Smith Winne, enl. Jan. 1, 1864, 20th U. S. C. T,, Co, I ; disch, for disability, Ang, 

.16, 1865, 
George H, Wells, enl, Ang, 2, 1862, 123d Eegt,, Co, G; pro. sergt,; prisoner at 

Libby ; paroled ; disch, Jan. 19, 1865. 
Henry C. Wood, corp.; enl. Aug, 3, 1862, 123d Regt, Co, G; disch. June 8, 

1805. 
Robert Wilcox, enl, July 28, 1862, 123d Regt,, Co, H ; pro, .«ergt, ; disch, July, 

1866, 
Wm,S, Warner, sergt; enl. Aug, 6, 1862, 123d Regt, Co, G; pro, 1st lieut; 

disch. July, 1865. 
Charles D. Warner, enl. July 28, 1862; 123d Kegt, Co, G; pro. quar.-maat 

sergt ; disch, June 8, 1866. 
Wm. E. Walkley, com. dept; enl. Feb. 1862, 93d Regt; disch. July, 1863, 
Theodore C, Wallace, asst, surg,; enl, Dec, 14, 1861, 93d Eegt,; pro, surg,, Olst 

Regt ; disch. March 18, 1864, 
Lewis Westfall, asst surg,, navy; enl, Aug, 16, 1864, 
Henry Wallace. 

We add the following special notice : 

Gen. John S. Crocker entered the volunteer service from 
the town of White Creek, in June, 1861, as colonel of the 
Thirtieth Regiment New York State Uniformed Militia. 
He was appointed inspecting and mustering officer of vol- 
unteers. During June and July he inspected upwards of 
one hundred men. In August of the same year he com- 
menced making the necessary arrangements for the organi- 
zation of a regiment of volunteers. The work progressed 
favorably, and on the 16th of October, 1861, he was as- 
signed to duty as colonel of the Ninety-third Regiment 
Volunteers, and clothed with full authority to recruit, per- 
fect, and complete the organization of a regiment. He im- 
mediately entered on duty at Albany, and pushed vigor- 
ously the work, recruiting until December, 1861, when the 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



469 



organization was completed and the regiment filled to the 
maximum number. His regiment, in the mean time, as fast 
as recruited, was assigned to general duty at the barracks 
until January, 1862. The regimental officers were then 
commissioned and mustered into the United States service, 
and the regiment, numbering ten hundred and forty-two 
men, went to Virginia and were joined to the Army of the 
Potomac. In March, 1862, the regiment went to Fortress 
Monroe and entered upon the Peninsula campaign, under 
Gen. McClellan. On the 22d of April, 1S62, at the siege 
of Yorktown, Col. Crocker was taken prisoner by a com- 
pany of Missis.sippi Riflemen who lay in ambush near our 
lines and within five hundred yards of his own command. 
He received a slight bayonet wound at the time. He was 
taken before Gens. Magruder and Joseph E. Johnston, and 
the next day sent a prisoner of war to the Libby prison at 
Richmond, Va. He remained in that wretched charnel- 
house two months, subject to the inhuman treatment, 
wretched diet, foul air, and vermin incident to that filthy 
and loathsome place. He was then transferred with others 
to the rebel prison at Salisbury, where were over fourteen 
thousand Union prisoners in the most deplorable condition. 
Hunger, wretchedness, cruel treatment, sickness, privation, 
and death were the distinguishing features of that disgust- 
ing and loathsome pen. 

His release, bj' special exchange, for Col. Chancellor, of 
the 16th Virginia Cavalry, wa.s effected on the 17th of 
August, 1862. He was five days traveling through the 
Confederacy. He went directly to Washington, and gave 
to the Secretary of War and the President very important 
information of the situation, position, strength, and move- 
ments of the Confederate armies, which he had obtained 
on the other side of the lines, and for which he received 
the thanks of Secretary Stanton and President Lincoln in 
person, with the assurance of their high appreciation of his 
services in that regard. In September following he was 
tendered the command of a brigade in the army of the 
northwest ; but his health having been very much impaired 
by his confinement in rebel prisons, he was obliged to forego 
the honor and remain in the milder climate of the south 
with the Army of the Potomac. His regiment was now 
constituted the headquarters' guard, and he entered on duty 
with it at Gen. McClellan 's headquarters, and continued on 
duty in command of the headquarters' guard, and as aid 
under Generals McClellan, Burnside, Hooker, and Meade, 
successively. He participated in the battles of Fredericks- 
burg and Chancellorsville, in 1863. In July of that y(^ar 
he was detailed on special duty in New York harbor, at the 
time of the New York riots, and during the ensuing fall 
was sent in charge of transports loaded with recruits, de- 
serters, and bounty-jumpers, to Charleston harbor, Hilton 
Head Island, and Beaufort, S. C, Port Pula.ski, and New 
Orleans. On the last of November he returned to his com- 
mand at the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, in 
Virginia, under Gen. Meade. In December he superin- 
tended the re-enlistment of his regiment as veterans for the 
war. The 93d was the first regiment in that army that 
completed its veteran organization. In February, 1864, 
his regiment having returned to the army from a furlough 
of thirty days, with full ranks, was joined to the 2d Brigade, 



3d Division (Birney's), 2d Corps (Hancock's). Soon after 
Gen. Hays, the brigade commander, was detailed on special 
duty, and Gen. Crocker was placed in command of the 
brigade, and continued the preparations and outfit of the 
brigade for the great campaign of 1864, under Gen. Grant. 
On the day previous to the battle of the Wilderness, 
Gen. Hays returned to the command, but the next morning, 
while rcconnoitering the enemy's position, and before his 
brigade had been placed in line of battle, was instantly 
killed, and Gen. Crocker again a.ssunied c<mimand, and led 
the brigade into action. He remained in command of the 
brigade through the battles of the Wildeiriess, Spottsyl- 
vania, River Nye, South Anna, Cold Harbor, etc., during 
which time his brigade was under fire, more or less, on thirty- 
one different days before the army crossed the James. His 
brigade consisted of eight veteran regiments, and made a 
gallant record, losing in those battles upwards of three 
thousand five hundred men in killed and wounded. The 
brigade frequently won the commendation of the corps and 
division commanders. At the brilliant charge made by the 
2d Corps on the enemy's works at Spottsylvania, on the 
12th of May, 1864, Gen. Crocker's brigade, after capturing 
the forts and redoubts in their front, penetrated farther into 
the enemy's lines than any other troops. Gen. Crocker was 
twice complimented in orders during these battles by his 
commanding general for distinguished services, and was 
recommended for promotion. He had four horses shot 
under him during the campaign, received a shell wound in 
his left foot, and was seriously injured at Spottsylvania by 
his horse being killed and falling down an embankment 
while charging the enemy's works. He was designated by 
the Secretary of War for promotion to brigadier-general on 
the recommendation of Gens. Birney and Hancock ; but 
being disabled by physical disabilities contracted during the 
campaign, which his examining surgeon pronounced per- 
manent, he was obliged to (juit the service. He therefore 
tendered his resignation in September, 1864, which was 
accepted, and he was honorably discharged on surgeon's cer- 
tificate of disability contracted in the service. He was 
mustered out on the 4th of November, 1864. On the 13th 
of March, 1865, he was commissioned brigadier-general of 
volunteers by brevet, " for gallant and meritorious services 
during the war," as stated in his commission. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HUGH TABER. 

The Taber family is of English extraction. Sylvanus 
Taber, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came to 
the town of White Creek, N. Y., from New Bedford, Mass., 
in 1803. He married Elizabeth Hart, of Dartmouth, 
Mass., and had three children, William Hart, Stephen, and 
Phtebe. He followed the business of shoemaking most of 
his life, and that of tanning in his later years. He died in 
August, 1848, over seventy years of age, and his wife 
Elizabeth in 1832, at an advanced age. 



470 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTV, NKW YORK. 



Stephen, father of Hugh, was bom at New Bedford, 
Mass., in December, 18l)l, and was brought by his parents 
to White Creek at an early age. In 1834 lie married Sarah 
Alien, daughter of John and Content Allen, of White Creek, 
by whom he had six children, of whom four only are living, 
Elizabeth, Hugh, Margaret, and Sarah. Mr. Taber was 
raised a shoemaker, and followed that business for a number 
of years. Ho then engaged in the manufacture of gloves, 
a business which he is still following, at White Creek, at 
the age of seventy-seven years. His wife is still living. 

Hugh Taber was born at White Creek, r>ear his present 
place of residence, on Sept. 7, 1838. During his minority 
he resided with his father, engaging in farming and the 
growing of flax, and enjoying such educational advantages 
as the common schools of the day afforded. After arriving 
at his majority, he engaged in the same business on his own 
account. 

On August 23, 1865, he married Mary, daughter of 
George and Sophia Briggs, of White Creek, and has had 
four children, namely: Ada Sophia, born May 4, 1867; 
Susan Josephine, born July 6, 1869 : Stephen, born July 
6, 1871 ; and William, born July 8. 1873. Ilis wife died 
August 12, 1875. 

Mr. Taber is at present pursuing the occupation of farm- 
ing and flax-raising at White Creek. He also acts as 
agent for James B. Jermain, of Albany, who owns a large 
tract of land at White Creek. Since Mr. Taber has had 
charge of Mr. Jermain's estate he has largely developed it 
and enhanced its value ; has built a large cheese-factory 
and creamery upon the same, which is now in successful 
operation, — using the milk from four hundred cows, — and 
has improved it in other substantial respects, gathering 
around him meantime a class of thrifty and enterprising 
farmers, and greatly increasing the importance and influence 
of his town. 

In politics, Hugh Taber is a Republican, and has always 
been such, without other deviation than that he sympa- 
thized with the late Reform movement of Mr. Greeley. In 
1865 he was elected assessor of the town of White Creek, 
and filled that ofiice for the full term of three years. In 
1867 he Wiis elected a justice of the peace, an oflBce which 
he has continued to fill ever since to the satisfaction of all. 
In March, 1876, he was elected to the important town office 
of supervisor, and still holds that office, having been re- 
elected twice. Mr. Taber is prominent in the religious and 
charitable movements of his town, actively identified with 
its material development, and strictly upright in all his 
business transactions. He owns and tills a beautiful farm 
of one hundred and twenty acres. A view of his residence 
and its surroundings may be seen on another page of this 
work. 

ISRAEL BRATON PERRY. 

Aaron Perry came from Dutchess Co., N. Y., with his 
brother William, and settled on the farm formerly known 
as the Perry farm, in White Creek, now owned by John 
James. Aaron built a log house on the north part of the 
farm, on the south side of the eminence known as Bald 
hill, William located a little north of where the James 
residence now stands. Aaron Perry married Anna Hoag, 



whose parents weie from Dutchess county, and were among 
the early settlers in the town of White Creek. They had 
twelve children, two of whom still survive, viz., Lucinda 
Perry, residing at Post's Corners, in this towp, and Israel 
Braton Perry, whose name heads this article. The latter 
is unmarried, and resides on the family homestead, where 
he was boru on the 31st of December, 1812. 

After settling on the place above referred to, Aaron and 
William I'erry purcha.sed the Searles farm, and occupied it 
in partnership till they bought the present homestead, on 
which resides Israel Braton Perry. The deed of the place 
bears date Oct. 14, 1802. It was deeded to Aaron and 
William Perry by Sanford and Priscilla Smith, and con- 
tains one hundred and three acres. Aaron Perry also pur- 
chased of Heniaii and Elizabeth Swift the Swift farm, ad- 
joining this on the north, containing a little over fifty-one 
acres, on the 5th of January, 1814. This farm is still 
owned by Israel Braton Perry, and also a portion of the 
Searles farm. Aaron Perry was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary war. After the purchase of the present homestead, 
in 1802, he and his brother William divided the property 
they had purchased and improved together, Aaron taking 
the present homestead, on which he resided till the time of 
his death, which occurred in August, 1818. He died very 
.suddenly, after having worked all day in the Searles meadow, 
apparently as well as usual, being found dead in his bed in 
the morning. Mr.s. Perry died in 1841, aged seventy-five 
years. 

Israel Braton Perry tore down the old-fashioned Dutch 
house built here about the time of the Revolution, and 
erected the present commodious farm-house in 1862. Dur- 
ing the early part of the Revolution a house stood on this 
place, which was burnt during the war. It was occupied 
by a Mr. Younglove, who was shot in the house by a Brit- 
ish officer, but afterwards recovered. 

Mr. I. B. Perry has been a farmer all his life, having 
received his early education in the neighborhood where he 
was born, and where his honest, industrious, and upright 
life has merited the esteem and confidence justly reposed in 
him by his neighbors and fellow-citizens. 



DR. WILLIAM RICHARDS 

was a native of Waterbury, Conn., the son of Colonel Rich- 
ards, a distinguished officer in the Revolutionary war, and 
his early feelings and sympathies were strongly' enlisted on 
the side of the colonies in their struggle for freedom. 

Dr. Richards removed to White Creek, in this State, 
about fifty years since, where he resided the greater portion 
of that time, engaged in the practice of his profession. He 
was a physician of great skill and prudence, and possessed 
to an uncommon degree the confidence and esteem of his 
fellow-citizens. 

He was frequently elected to offices of trust and respon- 
sibility in the county of Washington, and represented that 
county in the Legislature of the State in 1820. 

Tn all the domestic relations of life his character was a 
model ; and in public life his judgment was sound and dis- 
criminating and his integrity unquestioned. He died in 
White Creek, in 1844, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



471 




JONATHAN B. FOWLER. 



JONATHAN B. FOWLER. 

Jonathan Blacknian Fowler was born in that part of the 
old town of Cambridge now included in White Creek, near 
the centre of the latter, on the 5th of February, 1793. 
He is, consequently, at the date of this writing (.June, 
1878), in the eighty-sixth year of his age. His father and 
grandfather, Abel and Simeon Fowler, were from Rhode 
Island, and settled on the original Fowler lot, in this vi- 
cinity, among the early pioneers of the county. Abel 
Fowler married Molly Brownell, of Pownal, Vt. They 
were the parents of seven children, — six sons and one 
daughter, — of whom Jonathan B. Fowler was the youngest. 
He was brought up on a farm, to which occupation he has 
devoted himself through life. 

Mr. Fowler was married to Miss Piiilena M. Perry, Dec. 
30, 1819. She was a daughter of William Perry, of White 
Creek, and was born on the farm now owned by John 
James, Feb. 19, 1793. They had children as follows : 
Minerva E., born Sept. 19, 1820 ; William Perry, born 
June 20, 1825; Cornelia Amanda, born Sept. 20, 1826, 
died Sept. 1, 1851 ; De Witt Clinton, born Feb. 8, 1828, 
died Sept. 6, 1855 ; Fayette Franklin, a twin brother, born 
Feb. 8, 1828. The three surviving children reside in the 
town of White Creek. 

Mr. Fowler has been a Democrat since the days of An- 
drew Jackson, and has served his town in various offices, 
such as assessor, overseer of the poor, etc. He has been a 
man of strong mind and vigorous constitution, which have 
been well preserved by the strictly temperate habits which 
he has practiced through life. Perhaps few men of his 
years are more active than Mr. Fowler. He was called out 
with his regiment of militia in the War of 1S12, and went 
to Burlington, Vt., but was discharged .soon after McDon- 
ough's victory on Lake Champlain. Colonel Hercules Rice, 
of Cambridge, was the colonel of the regiment. 

Mr. Fowler has resided in the house he now occupies 
fifty-eight years. He has been one of the trustees of the 
cemetery association, and treasurer since its organization. 




MRS. .JONATHAN B. FOWLKR. 



Few men have lived so long in a community and maintained 
so unblemished a reputation. 



JOHN JAMES. 

Mr. James is a native of Hoosick, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 
in which town he was born Aug. 23, 1827. His grand- 
father, Randall James, came from Rhode Island, and set- 
tled in Hoosick about 1788. His marriage-certificate, which 
has been preserved by his grandson, bears witness to the 
fact that he was married at Kingston, R. I., to Elizabeth 
Kenyon, June 5, 1785, three years before he settled in 
Hoosick. The wedding-coat worn on the occasion has also 
been preserved with the certificate by Mr. James as a 
souvenir of his grandfather, who gave a month's work in 
winter for each yard of cloth contained in the gannent. 
This ancestor died in Hoosick in 1831. His son, whose 
name was also Randall James, the father of John James, 
was born in Hoosick, and was by occupation a farmer. He 
held a colonel's commission in the militia, and was known 
as Colonel Randall James, and also held several civil offices 
in his town. He married Sally Eddy in April, 1820, and 
had nine children, — four sons and five daughters, — of whom 
the subject of this sketch was the eldest. Receiving his 
early education at the common schools, and being reared a 
farmer, he resided at the old homestead in Hoosick till the 
spring of 1875, when he purcha.sed the place where he now 
resides. It has been known as the Perry and also a.s the 
Starbuck place. It is one of the most beautiful loca- 
tions in this section of the State, and, with the' improve- 
ments contemplated and partly carried out by Mr. James, 
will be as desirable a country residence as can be found in 
Washington county. 

Mr. .James was married on the 12th of February, 1851, 
to Catharine J. Buwen, daughter of Sylvester Bowen, 
of Cambridge. Mr. Bowen (her father) was born in Shafts- 
bury, Vt., and came with his father to the town of White 
Creek when three years of age. Catharine J., now Mrs. 
James, was born in White Creek in June, 1828. Her 



472 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



mother waa Julia Cross, daughter of Greneral Samuel Cross, 
of Shaftsbury, Vt., and sister of Nathan L. Cross. She 
was born Oct. 2i», 1799, and died March 5, 1874. 

Mr. and Mrs. James have iiad children, as follows: 
Sylvester Boweii James, born May 17, 1842. Julia Cross 
James, born Nov. 6, 185(j ; married Hiram C. Houghton, 
of North Bennington, Vt., June 11, 1874; died May 22, 
1875, leaving one daughter, little Julia J., aged three years. 

Mr. James is a Republican in jiolitics. He is a man of 
decided opinions, but averse to taking any office, although 
frequently proposed and solicited to do so. 'Few men have 
attained in a higher degree the confidence and esteem of 
their fellow-citizens, and fevr have been more prosperous by 
steady application to the pursuit of farming. 



ISAAC ASHTON 

was born April 2, 1797, in the house now occupied by 
Willard and William Lawton, about a half-mile west of the 
Ashton place of a later day. He was a son of Deacon John 
Ashton, and grandson of Major James Ashton, who were 



the first settlers in Ashgrove, from whom the place derived 
its name. He was united in marriage, Dec. 1, 1825, to 
Anna Maria Beveridge, daughter of Rev. Thomiis Bever- 
idge, who was sent from Scotland to this country as a mis- 
sionary, and was the first minister settled in Cambridge, 
and sister of the Rev. Dr. Beveridge, of Xenia, Ohio, and 
of Mrs. Jennett Lourie, of Jackson. She was born Sept. 
12, 1798, and was baptized by Rev. William Marshall, 
then of Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Ashton early in life 
became members of the Associate Presbyterian church of 
Cambridge. They had eight children, four of whom are 
living, viz. ; Dr. John Ashton, a physician at Centre Cam- 
bridge ; Thomas Beveridge Ashton, noted as an entomolo- 
gist, residing in Leavenworth, Kansas; Mrs. Jennett Ash- 
ton Darby, and her sister, Mary Ashton, residing at the 
A.shton homestead. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ashton moved here in 1826, and lived 
here till their death. Mrs. Ashton died Sept. 11, 1858. 
Mr. Ashton departed this life Feb. 3, 1871. His last 
words were, " There are rivers of pleasure at Thy right 
hand forevermore." 




NATHANIEL COTTREI.L. 



W I L I T E H A L L. 



Tins town is noar the liortlieastoin corner of tlic county. 
It is bounded on the east by Hampton, on tlic west by Fort 
Ann, and on tlie south by Fort Ann and Granville. Upon 
tlic north and northwest its boundary is very irrejrular, 
being defined by the waters of South bay, Lake Ciiamplain, 
and the Poultney river, wliieh divide it from Dresden and 
the State of Vermont. 

In the central and eastern parts of the town its surface 
is roHinj^, but in the west and in the vicinity of the head 
of the hike it becomes rusged and even mountainous. 
. Its principal Waters, besides those upon its northern bor^ 
der already mentioned, are Wood creek and the Mettawce or 
Pawlet river, both of which enter from the south, and after 
a general northerly course of a few miles unite in a single 
stream, which takes the name of the former, and falls into 
the harbor of Whitehall. And all these waters, with the 
valleys and hills and crags which surround them, are his- 
toric. 

In the interminable warfare which for years, perhaps fur 
ages, before the coming of the white man was wogcd bc' 
tween the Iroquois and the Indian tribes of Canada, the 
Waters of the Hudson river and of Lake Champlain formed 
their military thoroughfare, broken only by a comparatively 
short portage, over which the red men had three distinct 
routes, — one being from Glen's Falls to Lake George and 
Ticondcroga, another from the point now Fort Ann to 
South bay, and the third from Fort Fjdward, acrass the 
summit, to Wood creek, and thence down that stream to 
Kah-sliah-(|uah-iia,* now Whitehall harbor. And when, 
in the years preceding our Revolution, France and England 
fought again and again for North American dominion, their 
expeditions traversed the same highway; and the same red 
warriors, or their descendants, continued the old strife as 
guides and allies of the civilized combatants. And so it 
comes that Whitehall is historic ground. Hostile cannon 
have boomed in the harbor, and the whir of arrows and the 
whistle of bullets have been heard along the rocky hill- 
sides. Scouts, watching their foes from the mountain-top, 
have looked down on the movements of stealthy savage 
bands, and on the defiant advance of a royal army. These 
numerous expeditions, with their accompanying conflicts 
and other exciting incidents, covered so large a territory 
that they are necessarily treated of in the general history 
of the county, where they will be found detailed at full 
length. 

MAJOR .SKENE AND HIS COLONY. 

The first settlement in Whitehall was made by a half- 
pay English officer, Major Philip Skencf He brought 



* " The plaoo where wo dip flsh," or the great fishing-phice. 
t From the letters " P. K. P.," in the stone over the door of his 
dwelling, ithas been iufcnea Unit he hiul ii nrKldlc iiaiiie bcgiiiuiiig 

60 



with him aljout thirly families of settloi-s, and entered on 
this domain fand to which he afterwards obtained a title) 
in 17(il. Everything here he found in a state of nature, 
bciiring no mark of man's occupancy except an intrench- 
inent and stockade, constructed during tlic then recent wor, 
occupying a commanding position on the present site of the 
Villagc.|: After establishing his colony, he joined an 
English expedition to the West Indies, from where he 
brought a number of negro slaves, Otk his return ho 
found that one-half his settlers had deserted the place, and 
that the remainder were in a state of great discontent. 
But the major was an energetic man, the owner of consid- 
erable private means, and a crown magistrate ; and he was 
not to be easily discouraged or diverted from his original 
purpose of securing for the settlement such advantages as 
would render it a tit place of residence for a man of hi.s' 
importance. He obtained a royal patent for twenty-five 
thousand acres§ on the 13th of March, 1765. Tlie im- 
provements which he made were extensive for tliat early 
time. With the labor of his negroc?, his .settlers, and some 
discharged soldiei-s whom he employed, he built a sloop, as 
a means of necessary transportation on the lake, opened a 
passable road hence to Salem, thirty miles, built a saw-mill 
and a grist-mill at the falls on Wood creek, || and erected 
for himself a stone mansion about thirty by forty feet in 
size, two and a half stories high, and of great solidity, 
where he lived in a baronial sort of way, surrounded by his 
black servants, and very popular with his colonists. This 
mansion stood fronting the creek, on a site now partially or' 



with E; but he signed himself "Philip Skene," and was so desig- 
nated in all records, 

i The high ground in the southeast nngle of lligh and -Church 
streets. 

^ Associated with him were twenty-four others, whose interests in 
it, however, were but nominal. Tlie names were as follows; .lohn 
Maunsel, Thomas Monoricf, John and Nathaniel Marston, Hugh 
Wallace, Alexander Wallace, Lawrence Readc, Thomas White, John 
Gill, Robert Alexander, Robert Stevens, John Mooro, Joseph Alli- 
cook, Gerard Bancker, Evert Banckcr, Richard Curson, John Lamb, 
James Deas, Boyle Roche, Alchcson Thompson, Peter Kettletas, John 
R. Meyer, Levinus Clarkson, and Abraham Bra«icr. A second patent 
was issued to him July 6, 1771, known as "Skene's Little PntcnI." 
This contained nine thousand acres, adjoining the first grant on (ho 
northeast. These together covered all of the town of Whitehall ex- 
cept the Mcintosh grant of about four thousand acres on the cast 
side, and also embraced the northern extremity of the present town 
of Hampton. The fust patent chartered the township as Skcnosbor- 
ough, and Skene himself, by virtue of his commission as magistrate, 
exercised the only authority within it at that time. By courtesy ho 
was sometimes designated as " Governor Skene," probably on ac- 
count of a project which ho was known to have entertained of the 
erection of northern Jfew York and Vermont into a sep.aralc royal 
province, under himself as its chief magistrate. 

11 He also erected aflerwanl.s, on the west side of Wood creek, a 
rudu furnace for smelting the ores of the riciuily. 

473 



474 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



entirely occupied by the roailw;iy of Williams street, anj 
near the residence of the late Joseph Jillson. 

Skene also built a massive stone building, which was still 
standing within the memory of some yet living, and was 
generally known as " Skene's Barn," though from its size 
and construction it seems hardly probable that it was built 
as such. It stood on a spot al'terwards embraced in the 
property of Judge Wheeler, on Skene street above Wheeler 
avenue. It was one hundred and thirty feet in length, and 
the walls were pierced, evidently for musketry, suggesting 
the idea of a j)laco of refuge and dcfen.se in case of attack, 
though it may also have been u.sed as a barn or stable. In 
the wall was a gateway-arch, the keystone of which was 
laid in the wall of the Episcopal church at its erection in 

18.37, and may now be scon at the Fiist National ^ 

bank in Whitehall. Upon it is cut the inscription \-g V 



To show the importance which had been at- V W 
tained by Skene';* settlement, it is appropriate to vJJ-J 
mention the fiict that in 1772, during the strife among the 
townshijis to secure the location of the court-house, a peti- 
tion asking that Skencsborough bo made the shire town 
received two hundred and eighty -one signatures, of which 
seventy-one were those of Skene s colonists. 

On the opening of the Revolution Skene was in England, 
suppo.sed to be seeking tlie establishment of a new province 
called Ticonderoga, with Skencsborough as the capital, and 
himself as governor. He was understood to be friendly to 
the king's side in the great controversy, and the Americans 
resolved to break up liis settlement at once. Accordingly, 
on the 13th of May, 1775, a party of volunteers, under 
command of Captain Ilerrick, marched into Skencsborough, 
which they captured without opposition.* Skene's son, fifty 
settlers, and twelve negroes were taken prisoners. Skene's 
sloop was also captured and sent down the lake to Arnold, 
who made it the flag-ship of the fleet he iinpiovised on 
Lake Champlain. 

Skencsborough being considered a point of importance, 
as commanding the head of Lake Champlain, General 
Schuyler was ordered to occupy it with a garrison and put 
it in a condition for defense, by repairing and adding to the 
old intrenchments. The place was held by the patriots for 
more than two years, during whicli time the harbor was the 
rendezvous of the American naval force in the upper lake. 

In July, 1777, came the army of Burgoyne. The mili- 
tary movements attending that great invasion are given in 
the general history, but some of the local items find their 
more proper place here. 

Burgoyne's right wing encamped on ground now the 
west part of Whitehall village, extending west from Canal 
street to the foot of the hill ; the Brunswickers, forming 
the left, lay away to the east, and the Indian allies were 
very properly placed on the lower ground along Wood 



'^■' Tn some accounts of this occurrence it hns been said that the Tol- 
unlcers, in pillaging the house, found there the de.id body of Slicne's 
wife scaled in a lead coffin, which he had licpt iu this way for j'cars, 
to secure the continuance of an annuity which was made payable 
" so long as she remained above ground," and that the soldiers buried 
it in the y.ard .idjoining the house. This, however, does not appear 
authentic, though crcdoncc is given to it by Kev. Lewis Kellogg, in 
his historical discourse delivered June 27, 1S17. 



creek, with civilized troops upon their either hand.f The 
headquarters of Burgoyne were at the stone mansion of 
Skene, and the colonel himself, as he was then called, 
though he held no rank in the British regular army, who 
had returned from exile with his countrymen, played the 
part of host to the British commander, and we may well 
imagine that the old house never contained so proud or so 
gay a company as during the three weeks which the gen- 
eral and his staif spent there, awaiting the removal of 
obstructions on the route to Fort Edward. 

In the movement on Bennington, Skene, being well ac- 
quainted with that section of country, joined Baum's forces, 
and took part in the battle of Aug. 16, in which he is said 
to have had four horses shot dead under liim, and a fifth so 
badly wounded that it died alter carrying the rider safely 
out of the fight. This was said to have been the work of 
Stark's sharpshooters, who recognized the major, and par- 
ticularly desired that he should be taken alive. If this 
was their object they were soon gratified, for Skene was 
surrendered with Burgoyne's army on the 17th of October. 
He was afterwards exchanged and returned to England, 
where he died at an advanced age. His stone mansion at 
Skenesborongh was destroyed by fire, kindled, as many said, 
by his own direction, to prevent it from falling into the 
hands of his foes, but of this there is no satisfactory proof. 

His lands were confiscated and sold, the purchasers 
being Joseph Stringham, John Murray, and General John 
Williams, of Salem.J The price paid by these gentlemen 
for all the lands was fourteen pounds ten shillings, their first 
bid, there being no competition at the sale, jirobably on 
account of the evil repute which had fallen on Skencs- 
borough, as being a location of extreme unhealthfulncss,§ 
which at that time, and for years afterwards, was undoubt- 
edly true ; for it is known the mortality here was very 
great among the soldiers of the garrison from 1775 to 
1777, and was scarcely less in proportion, among the few 
inl'abitants of the place, after the close of the war. 

TOWN OUCANIZATION AND OFFICERS. 

Although Skene.'^borough was erected into a township by 
the same patent of March 13, 17G5, which gave title to 
the land, there is no record to be found of any municipal 

+ Israel Warner, a 'son of Colonel Sclh Warner, of Bennington 
fame, for many years a resident in the town of Whitehall, was fond 
of r( lating how at that time he was sent by his father as a scout, to 
watch the movements and position of the enemy, from the top of 
Slieue's mountain. 

I General Williams afterwards became sole owner, purchasing 
Stringham's entire interest in 1802, and Murray's in 1803. 

^ Fearful and often ridiculous tales were also told concerning other 
alledgcd disadvantages of the place, particularly of the prevalence 
of mosquitoes. Mr. Isaac Weld, Jr., who in 1795 made a tour 
iu the United States for the purpose ** of ascertaining whether, in 
case of future emergency, any part of America might be looked for- 
ward to as an eligible place of abode," wrote as follows; "Skenes- 
borongh is most dreadfully infested with mosquitoes. . . . These 
insects were of a much larger size than any I ever saw elsewhere, 
and their bite was uncommonly venomous. General Washington 
told me that he never was so much annoyed by mosquitoes in any 
part of America as at Skencsborough, for they used to bite through 
the thickest boot !" Amazing as this may seem, there is no doubt 
that if General Washington made this statement it was strictly true. 
What wonder thai lands here were uusalable? 




X 



y^--^<^ Jl^. 




k '7^/'-7~e <V^ H-C(^-n. 



WILLIAM HANNAS. 



Deacon William Ilannas was born in New York 
city, June 22, 1799. Ho was second son of Thomas 
and Jane Hannas. He spent his early life at home, and 
a part of his minority in boating on North river, where 
he first became impressed with the idea of boat-building. 
His parents removed to Troy, N. Y., where he served his 
time in the ship-yard as an apprentice. In the year 1822 
he came to Whitehall, and at once engaged in boat-build- 
ing, which has been the main business of his life, and 
which he has continued until within the past year ; and 
during over a half-century, as a business man of that 
village, he has exemplified to all men that integrity of 
purpose and resolution to accomplish whatever he con- 
ceived to be right, characteristic of him in all his busi- 
ness transactions. 

Deacon Hannas was an ardent supporter of the old 
Whig party, but is now a member of the Republican 
party, and a stanch supporter of its principles. As 
early as 1825 he united with the Presbyterian church 
of Whitehall, and has been active in that body and 



prominent in it.s councils since, and for a period of some 
forty-six years has held the office of deacon. 

In the year 182.3, Dec. 7, he married Miss Charretty, 
eldest daughter of Joseph Drake Benjamin and Sarah 
Washburn, of Whitehall. Her great-grandfather Drake 
was a descendant of Sir Francis Drake, the navigator, 
and came to America as a captain in the English army 
during the Franco-English war of 1759. The family 
were early settlers of Whitehall. 

Mrs. Hannas was born May 27, 1802; is connected 
with the Presbyterian church a-s a member, and has 
always lent her influence to the support of every good 
work. 

To Deacon and Mrs. Hannas have been born two 
children, — Joseph died at the age of two years, and the 
youngest died in infancy. Deacon Ilannas is a plain, 
unostentatious man, contributing to society his moral and 
religious support. In his dealings with men in his cm- 
ploy, his kindness of heart and true sympathy for the 
deserving were worthy of notice. 



IIISTOUY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NHW Y015K. 



475 



organiz:ition until about thirteen years later. In 1778 the 
first known town-meeting was held, at which Daniel Brund- 
age and Levi Stuckwell were elected supervisors; James 
Burroughs, town clerk ; Thomas Wilson, Joseph Earle, and 
Zebuion Stubbs, assessors; and Wni. Higley, constable. 
Daniel Brundage was again elected supervisor in 1771), 
Levi Stockwell in 1780, Silas Obiids in 17S2-8:j, James 
Burroughs and Silas Cbilds in 1781. 

In 1786 the namj of Skenesborough was abandoned, 
and the town reorganized as Whitehall. 

During the succeeding thirty years the following-named 
persons were elected to the office of supervisor: Daniel 
Earll and Joel Adams, 178(5 ; Jeremiah Burroughs, 1787 ; 
Cornelius Jones, 1788-91; Thomas Lyon, 1792; Daniel 
Earll, 1793; Jeremiah Buiroughs, 1794-97; Nathaniel 
E.irle, 1798-99; Daniel Earll, 1890-14. 

Those elected to the offic3 of town clerk during the same 
period were as follows : Isaac Danks, 1780 ; B. Richard- 
son, 1787-91; Asa Noyes, 1792-9:-5; George Aekley, 
1791-97, and again in 1803; Gideon Taft, 1798-1802 
and 1804-7, all inclusive; Nathaniel Hall, 1808-14. 

From the record of 1815* (which is the earliest now 
known to e.xist relating to this town aflcr it assumed the 
name of Whitehall) we find that the annual meeting in 
that year was held at the house of Horace Carpenter, on 
the first Monday in March, and that the following officers 
were elected for the ensuing year; Daniel Earll, supervisor; 
Nathaniel Hall, town clerk; Solomon T. Vine, collector; 
William Johnson, E. Manville, Thomas Griffith, assessors; 
John McClintick, Benjamin Delamater, overseers of poor; 
Philip Hatch, Squire Bartholomew, Anthony Kinner, com- 
missioners of highways ; Justin Smith, Milo Daley, S. T. 
Vine, Philip Hatch, James Manville, constables. 

Following are the names of town officers who have been 
elected in Whitehall since 1815, with the date of such 
election : 

Siijicrvisofs. — Melancthon Wheeler, 1810-20; Daniel 
Earll, 1821-33; George Barney, 1834-40 ; Elisha A. Mar- 
tin, 1841-42; Dennis Jones, 1843-44; John H. Boyd, 
1845, 1848-49 ; Philander C. Hitchcock, 184G-t7; Daniel 
S. Wright, 1850; Oliver Ba.scom, 1851-52, 1804-05; 
Olif Abell. 1853-54; Alwyn Martin, 1855-56; Randolph 
C. Johnson. 1857 ; Julio T. Buel, 1858-59 ; Taylor Man- 
ville, lSCO-61 ; Samuel Benjamin, 1862-63 ; A. II. Tan- 
ner, 1866; Elisha A. Martin, 1867-69; George Brett, 
1870-71, 1873-74; S.T.Cook, 1872; Warren F. Bas- 
com, 1875-77. 

Town 67f/A;s.— Nathan Hall, 1816-21 and 1823-25, 
all inclusive; Justin Smith, 1822; Gideon Taft, 1826-30, 
1832, and 1836-40; Julian G. Buel, 1831; James G. 
Caldwell, 1833 ; Edward W. Parker, 1834-35 ; Andrew 
Anderson, 1841-44; Robert Doig, Jr., 1845-47 ; Henry 
Gibson, 1848-49; Horatio N. Parke, 1850-54; Franklin 
Bascom, 1855-56; D. Lafayette Falkenbury, 1857-59; 
Albert G. Bristol, 1858 ; George Hall, 1860 ; Charles C. 

» Tlio first book of town records, cmbrncing the time from the or- 
giviii/.aliun to the year 1S15, hius bi'en lost or ilestroycd. The names 
which we give of officers elected jivior to that time have been talicn 
fiom "Corey's Gazetteer," luiblisheil in ISjd. 



Rich, 1861-67 ; Heman 0. Allen, 1868-71 ; J. F. Clark, 
1872; James M. Wood, 1873 ; Lewis K. Pierce, 1874-77. 
Jdslices of the I'r.nce. — WwAmn Harlow, 1830-31; 
William H. Parker, 1831; John H. B,)yd, 1832, 1836, 
1840; Jacob Searl, 1833, 1837; Job 11. Smith, 1834; 
Henry Gayl.nd, 1835, 1838, 1845, 1849; Dennis Jones, 
1837; Salmon Noble, 1838; Ira Wilson, 1840; Robert 
Doig, Jr., 1841-42, 1846, 1850, 1854; George Dougla.ss, 
1841; Rcns.selaer Wright, 1841, 1843-44; Jame-s Mcln- 
tyre, 1843; Horace Stowell, 1847, 1857; Serve 1 Fish, 
1848, 1853, 1856; Isaac Wood,* 1849, 1852; Athorton 
Hall, M.D., 1851; F. D. Meacham, 1853; David Wil.son, 
1855; Hiram Dickinson, 1858, 1867; Alfred J. Long, 
1858, 1859; 0. Watkins, 1860; Jacob C. Dewey, 1860; 
Cassius D. Ltuidon, 1801; Jolin F. Clarke, 1862; A.saph 
Withcrell, 1803, 1873, 1877; Asa Hawley, 1864, 1868; 
John Neville, 1865 ; W. C. Corbett, 1866 ; George Gris- 
wold, 1866 ; J. A. Smith, 1867, 187«, 1875 ; Elisha Scott, 
1868; J. A. Watkin.s, 1870; L-^mon Barns, 1871; Na- 
than Smith, 1872; Frederick L. Beldon, 1872; Ciiarles G. 
Davis, 1874; William G. Merriam, 1876. 

ColhcUirs. — Solomon T. Vine, 181(5 to 1832, inclusive; 
Cyrus Boardinan, 1833; Warren Smith, 1834; Gideon 
Searl, 1835; Horace Stowell, 1836-37; Bartlctt L. Dibble, 
1838 to 1841, inclusive, 1849; Samuel T. Jillson, 1843- 
44; Job B. Hicks, 1845-47; Daniel Clark, 1818; Lyman 
Carpenter, 1850-51 ; Edward Lusher, 1852; Charles Pardo, 
1853; Murray Manville, 1854-55, 1859; Dulhan Benja- 
min, 1857, 1871 ; Josiah Bascom, 1853; A.sa Abell, 1861- 
62, 1875; P. P. Gaylord, 1863; John Carrington, 1864; 
John Brett, 1805; Amos Morris, IStJO; Hugh McCotter, 
1867; C. C. Rich, 1868; A. 0. Kane, 1870; Daniel 
Pratt, 1872; B. Wilson, 1873; Basil W. Peacor, 1874; 
James H. Bustecd, 1876; Alonzo Bailey, 1877. 

Other officers for 1877 are Harvey Bartholomew, high- 
way commissioner; Anson Parks, over.secr of the poor; 
Sereno Ilollister, assessor; George H. Buel, exci.se commis- 
sioner; W. M. Kcitii, H. T. Gaylord, Wm. H. Cooke, 
auditors. 

E.VRLY SETTLERS — Wil ITEII.M.L HEKOIIE 1825. 

It is said that in 1790 the number of dwellings in the 
village did not exceed eight or ten, though this seems hardly 
consistent with the fact that a post-office wxs cst;iblished 
here about 1796. Certain it is, however, that the settle- 
ment increased very slowly; a fact largely due to the 
reputed sickliness of the place. Among the earliest settlers 
in the town were Zebulon Fuller, Daniel Brundage, ElLsha 
Martin, Levi Stockwell, Zebulon Tubbs, Robert Wilson, 
Josiah Farr, John Connor, James Burroughs, Joseph, 
Daniel, and Nathaniel Earle, Jeremiah Burroughs, Silas 
Childs, Samuel Wilson, William Graham, John Gault, 
Gideon Taft, Cornelius Jones, Thomas Wilson, William 
Higley, Levi Falkenbury, Joel Adams, Thomas Lyon, 
George Douglass, Samuel Hatch, Rufus Whitford, Simeon 

Hotchki.ss, John Cogswell, Panghorn, Stephen Knowles, 

Joseph Bishop, Thomas McFarren, Ejihraim Thomas, An- 
drew Law, Enoch Wright, Lemuel Bartholomew, Stephen 
Parks, Silas Baker, Israel Warner. 

Upon the opening of the War of 1812, Whitehall again 



476 



HISTOr.Y OF AVASIIIXGTON COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



became a strategic point, and a base of supplies. Govern- 
uient store-houses weie luilt, the old loitificaticnson tlie hil 
were mounted with artillery, and on the opposite side of 
Church street barracks were constructed for the troops with 
which the place was garrisoned. It was the rendezvous of 
the forces raised to resist Provost's advance on Plaflsburg 
in 1814,* and after McDonough's brilliant victory on Sep- 
tember 14, in that year, the vessels captured by hiui, as 
well as several of those of his own squadron, were collected 
in East bay, a short distance below the village ; and here 
they lay quietly, side by side, until they decayed and sunk, 
one by one, at their moorings. There are yet many among 
the older citizens who recollect Captain Budd and his 
brother oiEeers in charge, who lived for a long time, and 
perhaps rather pleasantly, on board the " Confiance," which 
had been the flag-ship of the Britishf in the fight at Cum- 
berland Head. 

Immediately after the close of the war the vilLige made 
considerable increase in population, but probably very little 
advance in character, for it is represented as being then a 
very immoral place. In 1817 it contained between forty 
and fifty buildings, among which were Anthony Kock's 
hotel, near present site of Yule House; Henry Wi.swell's, 
where the opera-house now is ; the Bellamy House, near 
the site of the gas-works ; James H. Hooker's store, whore 
0. F. Davis' block now stands; Captain Archibald Smith's 
storc,J on the site of Grand Union Hotel ; the store of 
Ezra Smith ; and another store by Rock & Fonda, near the 
west end of the log bridge (the only one across the creek, 
and about where the foot-bridge now is) ; a small store by 
James Perry, east of the creek ; the saw-mill and grist-mill 
of J. H. Hooker, above his store, on the bank of the creek ; 
and near these, a fulling-mill and Langdon's stave-mill. 
The government store-houses stood on the margin of the 
basin, and a school-house on the corner of Central and Di- 
vision streets. 

In 1820, Whitehall became an incorporated village, but 
the records covering the first forty years of its existence as 
such have been destroyed. In 1822§ the Champlain canal 
was opened between here and Fort Edward, and the first 
newspaper, The Whitehall Emporium, was established, con- 
tinuing for six years. In the fall of 1824 the canal was 
completed through to Troy, and during the same year 
Whitehall, then a village of some seventy dwellings, re- 
ceived the honor of a visit from the Marquis Lafayette. 
He had embarked at Burlington, on the steamer " Phoenix," 
which had been specially placed at his service for the trip 
hither. On his arrival he was received with all the display 
which the village could command, and was most hospitably 



^' It was at that time that the intrenchments and magazine were 
erected on Taft's isliiuj below the village; of which some traces arc 
still visible. 

t One of the British ships (known to be such by the copper fasten- 
ings) has been recently blown up with nitro-glyceriue, from motives 
of curiosity, and to procure fragments as relics. 

X The front of this store and the store of Hooker were the first brick 
structures in the village; the former erected in 1S16, and the latter 
in 1817. 

g Rev. Mr. Kellogg gives the date as 1S20, but sevcrnl of the oldest 
and most reliable citizens whom we have consulted unite in placing 
it at 1S22. 



entertained at Wiswell's Hotel, after which he departed by 
land lor Troy and Albany. 

STEAM liOAT NAVIGATION. 

Nearly the entire history of the town of Whitehall is 
comprehended in tliat of its village, in which a prominent 
place should properly be given to the steamboat navigation 
upon Lake Champlain, which for more than sixty years 
centered here as a teiminal point. The first steamer upon 
the lake was the "Vermont," built at Vergennes about 
1810. She ran for a time between Whitehall and St. John, 
under command of Captain Wynass, but her trade was of 
course interrupted by the War of 1812—15. She was sunk 
by accident, at Ash island, before 1817. Next came the 
" Phoenix," about ISlC, built and run for the Champlain 
Transportation Company,]] by Captain Jehazel Sherman, 
previously a sloop-master on the North river. His son. 
Captain Richard W. Sherman, afterwards became her com- 
mander, and under him she was destroyed by fire, between 
Burlington and I'lattsburg, in 1819. The " Champlain" 
was also put on by the company in 1816 ; was commanded 
by Captain Wm. Brush, and was accidentally burned in 
Whitehall harbor in 1817. Her engine was raised, repaired, 
and placed on a new boat called the " Congress," built by 
Captain J. Sherman for the company, and put on in 1819, 
a short time before the burning of the •' Phoenix ;" after 
which she was the only remaining boat, and was taken by 
Captain R. W. Sherman. She remained on the line till 
worn out. 

A second " Phoenix" was put on about 1822, under Cap- 
tain J. Sherman. She received the engine of the old 
" Phoenix," but this being found too weak to give the 
speed which was desired in view of the opposition then 
threatening, a new engine was procured, which, proving as 
much too strong, soon wrenched and destroyed the boat. 

The opposition was brought about by Captain J. Sher- 
man, who had been discharged from the employ of the 
company. A ferry-boat, which had been running at St. 
Alban's, was purchased, lengthened, and remodeled, and in 
1826 was placed" on the route as the opposition boat 
" Franklin." Captain R. W. Sherman (who had also been 
discharged by the company) took command, and being very 
popular on the lake, the company not long after came to 
terms, reinstated Captain Sherman, and purchased the boat, 
which was worn out in their service. 

The success of the " Franklin" encouraged others. The 
" Washington" was built by Ross & McNeil, and put on in 
1827, as an opposition, under Captain James Snow. She 
continued as such for about two years, aud was then bought 
off by the company and used till worn out. 

About 1832 a Burlington ferry-boat, the " Winooski," 
was purchased and remodeled, to be placed on the route, 
under Captain Daniel Lyon, as an opposition, but was at 
once bought off by the company, aud afterwards used by 
them as a tow-boat. 

The " Burlington," a much larger and more .splendid 
boat than any of her predecessors, was built under super- 
vision of Captain R. W. Sherman, and placed on the line 

II The " Phccnix" was also built at Vergennes. 





/^^ ''W 



o3 0^j7< t~/6H^^ ^ 



a^'i/pt cf^ 



DWIGHT HOLLISTER. 



Dwight Hollister was bora at Glastenbury, Hartford 
Co., Conn., April 18, 1800, and was the fourth child in 
a family of three sons and five daughters. His parents, 
Roger and Hannah Hollister, were natives of the same 
place, being of Welsh descent. 

When only six years of age he came to the town of 
Whitehall with his parents, and settled on the farm north 
and adjoining the one he now owns. His minority was 
spent in the routine of farm labor, and attending school 
first at the common school, but subsequently at the Gran- 
ville Academy. Soon after becoming of age he learned 
the carpenter and joiner trade with Hiram Shaw ; and, 
after three years, gave his attention to milling and boat- 
building, which business he followed for over twenty 
years, when he purchased a farm in Warren county, town 
of Chester. In the year 1834 he returned to this county, 
purchased a farm near where he now resides, and subse- 
quently the one he now owns, comprising some two 
hundred and twelve acres. Mr. Hollister has spent a 
life of activity, and is known as a man of strict integrity 
in all his business transactions. 

January 30, 1830, he manied Miss Happielona Coggs- 
well, daughter of Captain John Coggswell, by whom he 
had eight children, three sons and five daughters, of whom 



three daughters and two sons are living: Hannah, wife 
of David Armstrong ; John C. ; Eunice, wife of Nicholas 
F. Hilliard ; Sereno ; Happielona, wife of Aaron V. Depew. 
Of the children deceased, all, save Frances Ann, died 
in infancy. 

His wife died Dec. 30, 1846. For his second wife 
he married Miss Hannah Coggswell, sister of his first 
wife, Oct. 24, 1847, with whom he is living at present; 
and, although past seventy years of age, is in quite 
robust health of both body and mind. 

In politics Mr. Hollister was originally an ardent sup- 
porter of the Democratic party, but upon the formation 
of the Republican party became identified with its prin- 
ciples. Under the old law he was inspector of the common 
schools of the town of Hampton for a t«rm of three 
years. He has done his part in supporting all interests 
tending to elevate and educate the rising generation. 

Mrs. Hollister is now in her eighty-first year, having 
been born in 1798, on the farm where she now resides. 
Her father. Captain Coggswell, settled on this farm about 
the year 1788, and hence was one of the pioneers of 
the town ; was in the War of the Revolution, and received 
the title of captain in the State militia. Captain Coggs- 
well died about the year 1837, aged seventy-eight years. 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



477 



in 1829 or 1830. She was commanded by Captain Sher- 
man for a number of years, and was then considered (to 
use the words of a veteran Chaniplain captain) " the pride 
of the world." 

The '• Whitehall" was built at " the elbow," at White- 
hall, about 1S33, by Peter Comstock, from wiioiii .she was 
purchased liy the company, and was run on their line under 
Captain Lyon, Captain Lothrop, and other,'^. 

The " Saranac" was put on by the company about the 
same time. Slie was commanded by Captain Phillips, and 
ran until worn out. 

One of the best-remembered boats on the lake was the 
" Francis Saltus," built at Whitehall by Peter Coni.stock, 
and put on in 1845, as an opposition boat, under Captain 
Henry G. Tisdale. At fir.st the " Whitebair' ran apiiiist 
her, and afterwards the " Saranac," but neither being able to 
equal her speed, the company built a new boat, the " United 
States," for that especial purpose. She was put on in 1847, 
and in one sea.son brought the opposition to terms, and the 
" Saltus" was sold to the company in 1848. During the 
period of her opposition the price of passage from White- 
hall to St. John was brought as low as one shilling. The 
" United States" was a favorite boat, and ran on the line for 
many years. Her first captain was P. T. Davis, and after- 
wards Captain William Anderson, who commanded her for 
a long time, and was one of the most faithful, widely-known, 
and universally-respected captains who ever sailed Lake 
Champlain. He still lives, but in exceedingly feeble health, 
at Burlington. 

The Saratoga and W^ashington railroad, which was opened 
to Whiteliall in December, 1848, brought a great increase 
of traffic, and marked the commencement of the period of 
greatest prosperity, both for the village and the steamboat 
line. In the following year was commenced the tunnel, 
seven hundred feet in length, under Church street, by means 
of which the trains received and delivered their passengers 
directly at the steamer's wharf, below " the elbow." 

The " Canada" was built at Whitehall, in 1852-53 ; was 
purchased by the company, put on the line, under Captain 
Seth Foster, and run until worn out. 

The " 11. W. Sherman," built at Whitehall about the 
same time, was put on as an opposition, under Captain 
Thomas Chapman, but about a year afterwards was pur- 
cha.sed by the company. 

The '• IMontreal," partially built at Whitehall in 1847-48, 
was intended as an opposition boat to run with the " Saltus," 
but was purcliased in an unfinished state by the company, 
who laid her up at Shelburne for several years. She was 
then finished and put on the route in 1857, under Captain 
Henry Mayo. She ran as a passenger boat for several 
years ; was then sold to the Northern Transportation line, 
and used as a towboat until the summer of 1877, when 
she was destroyed by fire. 

The " Adirondack" was built by the company and put on 
about 18G5, under Captain William II. Flagg. She was 
afterwards commanded by Captain Anderson. 

The hust of the through passenger boats was named for 
the pioneer steamer of sixty years before, — " Vermont." 
She was put on by the company about 1871, under Caj)tain 
Flagg, and, with the '' Adirondack," continued to ply from 



Whitehall until the opening of the New York and Canada 
railroad, in 1875, wlien they were transferred to Ticonderoga, 
and the lake above that point was closed as a throu"h pas- 
senger route forever. 

The Northern Transportation lino have three steamers 
engaged in the towing of boats and barges between White- 
hall and St. John's. This company Wiis established in 
1857, having originated in a private transporution busi- 
ness started by Colonel James H. Hooker, of Troy, and 
afterwards purchased by Baseom, Vauglian & Co. Tho 
present president of the line is W. F. Baseom. 

The Whitehall Transportation Company was incorporated 
in 18G5, with E. E. Davis president. The present direc- 
tors are A. H. Griswold, president ; W. H. Cook, II. G. 
Tisdale, John L. Blanchard, D. G. Percival, Wui. H. Keith, 
Wm. Allen, H. C. Griswold. They have five propellers 
engaged in towing hence to Montreal via the Chambly 
canal. Three of these vessels, viz., the " John II. Heed," 
the " H. G. Tisdale" (iron), and the " Quaker City," were 
built in Philadelphia, under the supervision of Captain H. 
G. Tisdale, and brought to the lake by .sea, and up the St. 
Lawrence. 

The private transportation line of II. G. Burleigh is also 
engaged in the business as extensively as either of the com- 
panies. A short line of steamers ran between Whitehall 
and Ticonderoga until the clo.se of navigation in 1X77, 
but it is understood they are now finally withdrawn. 

THE PORT OF WUITEUALL. 
The district of Champlain, in which Whitehall is in- 
cluded, was created by act of Congress, approved March 2, 
1799. The first recognition, however, which we find of 
Whitehall as a port, is in the act of Congress passed Jan. 
10, 1849, and in the proclamation of President Polk, March 
2, 18-19, extending certain privileges to "the port of 
Whitehall." And section 2535, " Revised Statutes," de- 
clares Whitehall a port of delivery. Following is a li.st of 
deputy collectors in charge at Whitehall during the past 
twenty years, which is as far back as we have been able to 
trace; Matthew D. Sherrill, appointed Aug. 23, 1858, re- 
moved 18{il ; Julio T. Buel, appointed July 13, 18G1, re- 
signed April 2, 1873 ; Nathan Hall, appointed April 2, 
1873, died September, 1875; Wm. II. Tefft, appointed 
September 11, 1S75, still in office, January, 1878. 

THE WHITEHALL POST-OFFICE 

was established in 1796, but the name of the first postmaster 
cannot be given with certainty. Gideon Taft was postmasster 
in 1809, and tho list of the incumbents of the office from 
that time until the present is as follows, viz. : I'iZra Smith, 
James G. Caldwell, Henry Kirtland, Atherton Hall, W. G. 
Wolcott, R. II. Winters, Olif Abel, Tracy Cowcn, and II. 
N. Parke, the present postmaster. Mr. Parke, when a lad 
about twelve years of age, carried the mails on the route 
between Whitehall and Vcrgennes, Vt., seventy-one miles; 
the round trip occupying two days, and the service being 
weekly between these two points. 

VILL.-VC.E CHARTER, ISSO-^SKCKEDI.VO OFFICERS. 
The act revising and consolidating previous laws in rela- 
tion to the village of Whitehall, and incorporating it as at 



478 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTS, NEW YORK. 



present, was passed March 16, 1850, and has since been 
amended in the years 1853, 1859, 1869, and 1876. The 
records of the village extend no farther back than 1861, 
all the earlier ones having been destroyed in the fire of April 
13, 1860. Since that time the sucee.ssive presidents of the 
village have been A. Hall, 1861 to 1867, inclusive; W. 
J. Smith, 1868; A. Martin, 1869; D. G. Percival, 1870- 
72; James Doren, 1873; W. F. Bascom, 1874; N. Z. 
Baker, 1875; E. A. Martin, 1876-77. And during the 
same period the following gentlemen have been elected to 
the office of village clerk in the years indicated : A. J. Long, 
1861 to 1863, inclusive; Walter Warner, 1864; W. A. 
AVilkins, 1865 to 1867, inclu.sive; T. S. McLachlin, 1868- 
69; T. A. Patterson, 1870; Charles Farmer, Jr., 1871 ; 
William P. Lamb, 1872; D. C. Smith, 1S73 to 1877, in- 
clusive. 

MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES. 

The falls of Wood creek furnish a natural water-power 
very large in capacity, and possessing an unusually favor- 
able location, being in the very heart of the village, and im- 
mediately on the navigable waters of the lake. A more 
eligible site for manufacturing industry is seldom found, 
and it is a matter of surprise that such an opportunity for 
the advancement of both private and public interests in 
Whitehall should have remained so long almost entirely 
neglected. 

After the mills of Hooker and others had been displaced 
by the canal, a grist-mill, saw-mill, by Bradley Wright, and 
a few other establishments were built on the east side of the 
creek, among which was the clothing-mill, a building four 

stories in height, built by Millard. In 1848 this 

was purchased by AVilliam Wait, who adapted it for the 
manufacture of ingrain carpets, and continued to use it for 
this purpose until May, 1864, when it was destroyed by 
fire. This was the most important establishment ever oper- 
ated by the power of the creek. It employed between forty 
and fifty hands, and its destruction was a very material loss 
to Whitehall. The other establishments in operation there 
and destroyed at the same time were Cozzens' grist- and 
saw-mills, the sash- and door-factory of Crampton & Abell, 
and the foundry and machine-shop of M. V. B. Bull. 
Mitchell's axe-helve factory was not destroyed. 

Since that time the water-power has been still less u.sed 
than before, and at the present time its only utilization is 
by moans of a single turbine wheel on the west side of the 
creek, from which a wire belt communicates the power to 
the mills on the opposite bank, which are the grist-mill of 
Baldwin & Perry, and the machine-shop of James D. Han- 
cock. 

The steam saw-mill and planing-mill of W. W. Cooke & 
Son are located on the east side of the lake, a short distance 
below the village. The first mills at this place were erected 
by W. W. Cooke & Co. in 1837, were destroyed by fire in 
1842, and rebuilt in 1843 and 1844. They were after- 
wards again destroyed, and the present mills erected. The 
business of these mills is large. The firm here owns a 
frontage of about two thousand six hundred feet (about 
half a mile) on the navigable water of the lake. 

A steam planing-mill and .sash- and door-factory 'was also 
built some years ago by Mr. Cooke, on Canal street, in the 



upper portion of the village, and was destroyed by fire while 
leased and occupied by N. H. Ames. 

The planing-mill of D. G. Percival, on the east side of 
the basin, was built and put in operation by 0. F. Blouut, 
in 1852. The succeeding proprietors have been E. E. Da- 
vis, Manville, Seribner & Co., Manville, Hall & Co., and 
Mr. Percival. The business in all emplo3s about twenty- 
five men. This is said to bo the oldest planing-mill now 
existing in the State of New York. 

The Amos door-, sash-, and blind-factory, located near the 
railroad station, was built by Alexander Williamson, some 
ten years since. It afterwards pixssed to the proprietorship 
of N. H. Ames & Co., and so remained until the death of 
Mr. Ames. It is now run by Mr. Williamson, who first 
put it in operation. The motive power is steam. 

The steam saw-mill of Policy, Osgood & Co., near the 
depot, was put in operation here about 1873, the mill ma- 
chinery having been removed here from a previous location 
on the canal about three miles south of the village. 

The steam flour- and feed-mill and foundry of D. P. 
Nye & Co. are on Williams street, east of the creek. The 
flour-mill was started by Nye in 1867, and the foundry 
soon afterwards. Neither part of the works is now in 
operation. Besides the above-mentioned establishments, 
there are the machine-shop of the Northern Transportation 
line, near their landing; the boiler-shop of Thomas Suth- 
erland, in the same vicinity, established in 1867 ; the tan- 
nery of N. T. Jillsou ; and the (steam) wood-working factory 
of Irwin & Wilson, — all on the east side. 

BANKS. 

The old National Bank of Whitehall was chartered as 
the Bauk of Whitehall in 1829, and went into operation in 
1831. It became a national bank, under its present name, 
May 4, 1865. Capital, $100,000. II. G. Burleigh, presi- 
dent ; A. C. Sawyer, cashier. 

The First National Bank of Whitehall was established 
Feb. 22, 1864. Capital, §100,000. A. IJ. Griswold, 
president; I. C. Griswold, viee-iiresideiit ; William Keith, 
cashier. 

The Merchants' National Bank of Whitehall was char- 
tered as the Bank of Whitehall in 1873. First officers: L. 
J. N. Stark, president; I. M. Guy, cashier. Changed to 
national bauk, under present name, March 12, 1875. Capi- 
tal, ?150,000. E. A. Martin, president; I. M. Guy, 
cashier. 

The Commercial Bank of Whitehall went into operation 
Aug. 15, 1849, with a capital of §108,200, and with the 
following board of directors : A. H. Griswold, 0. F. Blount, 
W. W. Cooke, ]\I. O. Blin, G. A. Austin, M. T. Clough, 
H. G. Tisdale, H. N. Graves, H. G. Hewitt, S. Corning, C. 
Boardman, R. C. Johnson, T. T. Vaughan. President, 
A. II. Griswold; cashier, C. M. Davison. This bank went 
out of business on the imposition of the United States tax 
on State bank circulation. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The commencement of the fire department of Whitehall 
properly dates from the purchase of its fire-engine, the Tor- 
rait, No. 1, about the year 1835, though a small rotary 





;>^ ^^l 



Randolph C. Johnson was born iu Wallingford, Vt., 
May 18, 1811. He was only son in a family of four 
children of Jedediali Johnson and Elizabeth Cooley. 
The former was a son of Eliakim Johnson, one of the 
first settlers of Wallingford, who came there through the 
forest, being guided only by marked trees, accompanied 
by his wife, from Wallingford, Conn., and bouglit the 
township, and named it after their home in Connecticut. 
The latter was a daughter of Colonel Wm. Cooley, of 
Rupert, Vt., a lady of rare intelligence. 

Randolph C. came to Whitehall with his parents in 
the year 1828, and at once set up business for himself, 
engaging in the transportation and boating business, and, 
although unaided pecuniarily, through the mi.sfortunc of 
his father, he began with that self-reliance and resolution 
that succeeds, and by industry and economy, with his 
shrewd and sagacious forethought, won his way from 
poverty to a fair competence. For many years be was 
also a merchant in general trade, and it is a fact worthy 
of note that his integrity of character, acknowledged by 
all with whom he came in contact in all business matters, 
was the great lever to give him his first start among 
strangers; and this princi])lo he adhered to through life. 



His main business during his life in Whitehall was 
that which he first engaged in on coming to that place. 

Mr. Johnson was actively interested in the political 
issues of the day, and was formerly identified with the 
Whig party. Held in high esteem, he was elected to fill 
some of the most important places of trust and respon- 
sibility in his town and village. Was supervisor for one 
term, and several terms trustee of the village of White- 
hall; he was a liberal supporter of church and scliool 
interests, and assisted largely in erecting the first Epis- 
copal church at Whitehall. He died March 9, 1870. 

In the year 1835, Jan. 22, he married Miss Jane 
Ann, daughter of Henry F. Wilson and Mary Fenlon, 
of Montezuma, N. Y., by whom he had seven children, — 
Mary Elizabetli (deceased), John Randolph (deceased), 
George Frederick (dece;ised), Henry Francis (deceased), 
Emma Jane, wife of Mr. Uri H. Coffin, of Jersey City, 
Louis Edward (deceased), and Elizabeth, wife of James 
Spencer, attorney and counselor-at-law, of Whitehall, N. Y. 

Mrs. Johnson still survives her husband, and although 
suifering from a quite severe paralytic stroke, retains 
her faculties of rtiind to a remarkable degree. She was 
born June 17, 1817. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



479 



liaiul-cnp;ine Imd, sonic years befdic, been presented to the 
villajic by .loiicl John Williams, but had proved to be of 
little practical use. The Tmrcut was manufactured by But- 
ton, of Waterford, and cost thirteen hundred and fifty dol- 
lars, including hose. Now, after more than forty years of 
service, it is still in use by W. F. Bascom Compatit/, Ao. 
1, as good as ever, and an object of pride among the fire- 
men. Other engines and fire C(|uipnients have been added 
and new companies formed froiu time to time, until the 
pi-esent strength and efficiency has been attained. 

The chief engineer's report, made Jan. 14. 187S, shows 
the department to be composed as follows, viz. : chief en- 
gineer, Charles Chapin ; assistant engineer, T. A. Patterson. 

Umpire IIi>i)lc-and- Ladder Compitiiy. — P. P. Gaylord, 
foreman ; D. 6. Percival, secretary ; number of active 
uicmbers, twenty-eight. 

Whi/chiiU Steamer Oimpniiy. — W. F. Rascoiu, foreman ; 
E. C. Pratt, secretary ; number of active members, thirty- 
four. 

If. F. BuRcom Eiiijiue Ciimptiii)/. — Jaiues Lindsey, fore- 
man ; Samuel Lampro, secretary ; number of active mem- 
bers, tliirty-one. 

W. II. Cooke Eiiffiiie Compntii/. — William Sinnot, fore- 
man; John Lusk, secretary ; has thirty-four active mem- 
bers. This engine is the property of a stock company, but 
is used by the company under the direction of the chief 
engineer. 

James Daren Iluxe Comjiaiii/. — J. II. Townscnd, fore- 
man ; J. P. Farmer, secretary ; number of active mcuibers, 
twenty-six. 

Georr/e Brett, Jr., Ilane Cnmptnii/. — William Kana, 
foreniaii ; A. McNeeley, secretary ; has fifteen active mem- 
bers. 

B. F. Lacca Hose Company. — Thomas Bartholomew, 
foreman ; Thomas Dorcal. secretary ; number of active 
members, tliirty-six. 

A. C. Hopsoii Hose Compaiii/. — JI. Biilgard, foreman ; 
J. Belgard, secretar}' ; number of active members, twenty. 

Lidependent Steamer (formerly No. 1), having now no 
company, is in charge of Whitehall Steamer Company. 

Nlaijani Engine, is located at W. W. Cooke & Son's 
steam-mill. The village also owns six firc-cxtingni.sbers. 

In the numerous fires which have occurred in Whitehall 
the members of the department have always been prompt 
to render aid, and large amounts of property in the village 
liave been saved from the flames by tlieir timely exertions. 
Among the most memorable of these occasions were the 
conflagrations of April 13, 1860, May — , 1864, and Nov. 
8, 1875. In the first mentioned, the fire commenced in 
the drug-store of E. W. Hall, and thence swept the whole 
line of brick buildings on Canal street from the present site 
of Manville's drug-store south i;o Division street, consuming 
also several houses on Centre street, and even comumnicat- 
ing to the buildings on the east side of the creek. The 
next mentioned (1864) destroyed Wail's carpet-factory, a 
grist-mill and saw-mill, a sash- and door-factory. Bull's 
foundry and machine-shop, and some smaller buildings, all 
on the east side of the creek, tlie lo.ss amounting to nearly 
one hundred thousand dollars. The fire of 1875 destroyed 
the liardware-.-:toie of GeoiLie A. Hall and the entire Day- 



ton block on the west side of Canal street ; also the Lake 

House and stables on the opposite .side. The Icsses paid by 
the insurance companies for this fire amounted to nearly 
fifty thousand dollare. 

Another disastrous fire occurred .March 10, 187G, which 
consumed Hall's hotel and stables on Canal street, and <m 
which the companies paid losses amounting to about twenty- 
two thou.sand dollars. 

The amount of water furnished Viy the water-works alone 
would be wholly iiiade(|uate tor the extinguishment of fire.s. 
There are tirc-wclls on Smith and Gilniore streets, but the 
main dependence of the village in such emergency is the 
canal, along the line of which, fortunately, a large portion 
of the business of the place is located. It is for this pur- 
pose that the canal at Whitehall is kept filled during the 
winter season. 

THE WATER Sfl'I'I.V. 

The introduction of pure water into Whitehall by the 
construction of the public aqueduct in 1828 was, at that 
early day, justly regarded as most creditable to the village, 
though it is said that from the first the supply was insuffi- 
cient. The scarcity became more and more felt as the 
village grew in population, and, from time to time, the 
storage capacity and tributary area have been increased, 
but without obviating the difficulty. 

The present sources of sujiply are Smith's and Adams' 
ponds, lying to the southwest of the village. The upper 
reservoir has an area of one hundred by two hundred feet, 
with a water-shed of about twenty-five acres, and an eleva- 
tion of three hundred and eighty-five feet above the canal 
at the village. The middle reservoir has two hundred by 
two hundred and fifty feet of water-surface, a water-shed 
of about one hundred acres, and an elevation of three hun- 
dred and ten feet above the canal. The lower reservoir has 
one hundred and fifty feet elevation, two hundred and 
twenty-five acres of water-shed, one hundred by two hun- 
dred and fifty feet of surface, and a much greater depth 
than the other two. 

It has become evident that a greater supply must soon 
be had, and engineers have been employed by the village 
to make surveys preliminary to the prosecution of such a 
work. One of the projects contemplates the utilization of 
Long pond, a body of water more than one mile in length 
and one quarter mile in width, with an average depth of 
twenty feet, lying wostwardly from the village, at a distance 
of six and one-cjuartcr miles from its outlet to the centre 
of distribution, and elevated four hundred and fifty feet 
above the canal. A company is now engaged in sinking 
an artesian well near the centre of the village, and a depth 
of over two hundred feet has been reached. 

The Adirondack spring, said to possess medicinal prop- 
erties similar to the waters of Saratoga, is located in the 
village, on Canal street. It is the property of a conipaiiy, 
who have erected a building, and do also a considerable 
business in bottling for shipment. 

On the east side of Wood creek a small aqueduct with 
wooden pipes was constructed sonic years ago by Dr. Har- 
rin<'ton ; but this has decayed and been abandoned, and 
that part of the village has now no supply of pure water. 



480 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEM' YORK. 



except from wells, cisterns, and an cxoellent spring, known 
as Mosher's spring. 

0.\S- WORKS — OPERA-HOnSE. 

The Whitehall Gas-Light company was incorporated in 
1860. The stockholders were T. T. Vaughan, 0. Bascom, 
H. T. Gaylord, G. A. Hall, E. W. Hall, who also consti- 
tuted the board of directors. The works, located at the 
corner of Church and Bellamy streets, were built by H. Q. 
Ilawley, of Albany. Gas was first made from rosin, but 
Pennsylvania coal is now used. The company has laid 
about three and a half miles of pipe. H. G. Ti-sdale, 
president; W. F. Bascom, secretary and treasurer. 

Hall's Opera-House, a substantial brick building, on 
Williams street, was opened Sept. 28, 1875. The audience- 
room is on the ground-floor, and has a seating capacity of 
one thousand. Stage, thirty-six by sixty feet, with four 
large dressing-rooms on its level. This is one of the best 
buildings of its kind north of Albany. 

SECRET ORGANIZATIONS — MILITARY. 

riuvnix L'idje, No. 96, F. and A. M., was chartered 
June 10, lS4-t. The first officers of this lodge were 
David 13. Phippeny, W. iM. ; Cyrus T. Boardman, S. W.; 
Joseph Jillson, J. W.; D. S. Wright, Sec. 

The officers for 1878 are Martin Sawyer, W. M. ; J. A. 
Conery, S. W. ; C. B. Bates, J. W. ; W. F. Ba.scora, Trea.s. ; 
E. Pittinger, Sec; N. Z. Baker, S. D.; B. F. Douglas, 
J. D.; C. H. JIcNall, S. M. C. ; W. T. Barthol.miew, 
J. JI. C. ; T. A. Patterson, Marshal ; George Osborn, Tyler. 

Ch<imida!n C'h'ipler, iV'<. 25, Ji. A. M. — Officers for 
1878: D. C. Smith, II. P.; M. Sawyer, K. ; S. B. Wat- 
kins, S. ; George Brett, Treas. ; H. C. Jillson, Sec. ; T. A. 
Paterson, C. of H. ; L. K. Pierce, P. S. ; J. A. Conery, 
R. A. C. ; 0. F. Burroughs, M. of od V. ; E. Pittinger, 
M. of 2d V. ; L. Hyatt, M. of 1st V. ; George O.sborn, Tyler. 

WhitahiM L'idi/e, No. 5, /. O. 0. F., was originally 
numbered 54, and was so chartered July 19, 1841 ; the 
first officers being Horace Stowcll, N. G. ; Lemon Barns, 
V. G. ; L. J. N. Stark, Sec. ; Henry Smith, Treas. ; Geo. 
S. Griswold, Warden. On the l.st of December, 1850, the 
lodge was rechartered as No. 4, and subsequently the 
number was again changed to 5, as at present. The officers 
for 1878 are A. M. Beckwith, N. G. ; James Adams, Jr., 
V. G. ; James H. Burdett, Sec. ; J. P. Blakeslec, Treas. ; 
E. C. Pratt, Permanent Sec. 

Kahshahqiiahna Lodge, No. 383, /. 0. 0. F., was in- 
stituted in 1847, but is not now in existence, having been 
consolidated with Whitehall Lodge. 

Wldteludl Encampment, No. 69, /. 0. 0. F., was insti- 
tuted April 29, 1872. The first officers were J. W. 
Scribner, C. P. ; 0. C. Burroughs, H. P. ; H. N. Parke, 
S. W. ; J. L. Hagav, J. W. ; J. P. Blakeslee, Scribe ; M. 
S. Smith, Treas. The officers for 1878 are Wm. Steven.5on, 
C. P. ; James Adams, Jr., II. P. ; W. II. Murray, S. \V. ; 
Louis Hyatt, J. W. ; W. B. Eddy, Scribe; M. Sawyer, 
Treas. Place of meeting, Odd-Fellows' hall, Canal street, 
Whitehall. 

Jloricon Enciimpninit, No. 29, 7. 0. 0. F., which was 
organized in Whitehall aliout 1846, is now extinct. 



North Star Lodge, No. 68, K. of P., was instituted in 
Whitehall, Dec. 27, 1871. The first officers were Horace 
Stowcll, C. C. ; Benjamin C. Senton, V. C. ; Silas P. 
Whitney, P. C. ; James Adams, K. of R. and S. ; Henry 
Adams, M. of E. ; A. Morris, M. of F. ; John H. Collins, 
M. of A. The officers for 1878 are Warren E. Lyman, 
C. C; Peter Hollenbeck, V. C. ; Wm. Waters, P. C. ; 
Allen M. Burdett, K. of R. and S. ; Henry Waters, M. of 
E. ; Horace Stowell, M. of F. ; Frank Rogers, M. of A. 

Clinmphilii Division, No. 2G7, Sons of Temperance, 
which was instituted in 1847, and a Tent of Rechabites 
organized about the same time, are both extinct. 

The Burleigh Corps, a military body, being Ninth Cuni- 
pany. Third Division, N. Y. S. M., was organized April 
27, 1876, numbering fifty rank and file, and with the fol- 
lowing officers, viz. : G. Thomas Hall, captain ; R. E. 
Ba.sconi, first lieutenant; O. A. Manvillo, second lieuten- 
ant. This company was on duty at Troy, with fifty-five 
men, during the riots of 1877. Armory and drill-room. 
Hall's block. Canal street. Officers, same as at organization. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE TOWN ACADEMY. 

The earliest school of which we have any authentic 
account was taught about 1814, in a clothier's shop, which 
stood on the bank of the creek, at a spot now occupied by 
one of the canal-locks in the village. The best remembered 
teacher of that school was Hull Blakeslee, who, with Alex- 
ander P. Fonda, was also among the earliest teachers in the 
old school-house which was built soon after at the corner 
of Centre and Division streets, where is now the residence 
of N. T. Jillson. In the east part of the town probably 
the earliest school-house was in the Bartholomew neighbor- 
hood, a short distance north of the present school-house 
No. 5. Among the early teachers here were Deacon Wil- 
liam Wright and Major Nathaniel Wood. 

The town was first divided into school districts April 12, 
1815, by school commissioners Melancthon Wheeler, 
Reuben Jones, and Samuel Hatch. The school inspectors 
for that year were Nathaniel Hall, William H. Parker, 
Thomas M. Bowen, Micah G. Bigclow, Philip Hatch, and 
James Manville. In 1833 it was voted to raise an amount 
of money equal to the sum received from the State fl)r 
support of schools, and to pay the inspectors and connnis- 
sioners one dollar and twenty-five cents per day for services. 
In 1836 it was voted to raise one hundred and fifty dollars 
for schools, and in 1838 the pay of commissioners and in- 
spectors was reduced to one dollar per day. The town now 
contains fourteen school districts, each (with the exception 
of No. 11, Whitehall village) supporting a single school of 
about twenty-eight weeks' duration in the year. The num- 
ber of children of school age is two thousand and ninety- 
eight, and the total average daily attendance six hundred 
and ninety-four. 

The amount of public-school money apportioned lo the 
town in the year ending Sept. 30, 1877, was three thousand 
eight hundred and eighteen dollars and forty-five cents, and 
nearly an equal amount was raised in the districts by tax. 
In the districts outside the village the pay of male teachers 
averages about seven dollars and fifty cents per week, and 
that of females about five dollars and fifty cents. 




(^<^A 



p:lisha a. martin. 



Elisha A. Martin was born in the town of White- 
hall, Dec. 29, 1806. The grandfather, Elisha A. 
Martin, came from Connecticut, and settled in the 
town of Whitehall about the close of the war for 
independence; was a farmer by occupation, and 
died at the advanced age of seventy-six years, in 
the year 1808, February 29. 

His father, Reuben H. Martin, married Clarissa 
Martin, of Whitehall, by whom he had four children, 
Alwin, Malina, Reuben H., and Elisha A., all 
deceased except the last, the subject of this sketch. 
The father was a farmer by occupation, and died 
at the age of thirty-four, in the year 1814. His 
wife, surviving him, was married again to Henry 
Graylord, there being born by this second marriage 
five children. She died at the age of fifty-nine, 
in the year 1836. 

Until sixteen years of age, Elisha A. Martin 
spent his time on the farm at home, receiving the 
limited opportunity of the log school-house educa- 
tion of that day. For. the following eight years 
he was a clerk in a general store carried on by 



Captain Ezi-a Smith, where he first became im- 
pressed with the idea of leading a business life, 
and then laid the foundation, by business capacity, 
which has characterized his subsequent career. In 
the year 1831 he married Miss Mary C, eldest 
daughter of Captain Elijah Boynton, of Whitehall, 
and who spent his life on Lake Champlain as 
captain either of a sloop or schooner. Captain 
Boynton was engaged during the War of 1812-14 
in the commissary depai'tment, carrying provisions 
and troops for the American army. 

After his marriage Mr. Martin engaged largely 
in the transportation business with the Northern 
Transportation line, between New York and Mon- 
treal, for the following eleven years, under the firm- 
name of Comstock, Barney & Martin. 

In 1842 he engaged in business with John H. 
Boyd, carrying on the various branches of iron- 
foundry, grist-mill, saw-mill, and machine-shop, and 
raerchandLsing, a part of which was continued until 
1851, when he again engaged in the transportation 
business; and, after five years, was connected with 




h' ' 



W . W. Cook in the lumber business. From 1867 to 
1871 he was secretary and treasurer of the White- 
hall Transportation Company. Mr. Martin was 
also interested in the grocery, feed, and flour busi- 
ness from 1863 to the present time, in the firm of 
E. M. Douglass & Co., now J. H. Sullivan & Co. 

In the year 1877 he was elected president of 
the Merchants' National Bank of Whitehall, which 
position he still retains. His shrewdness and sagac- 
ity in all his business transactions, and his ripe judg- 
ment 35 a financier has given him rank among the 
foremost in the financial circle and business men of 
his town and county. 

Mr. Martin cast his first vote for President of 
the United States for John Quincy Adams; was 
formerly identified with the old Whig party, after- 
wards with the American party, and upon its dis- 
solution supported the Democratic party, and has 
since stood unswervingly a standard-bearer in its 
ranks. During the days of the Whig party, in 
1848, he represented his Assembly district in the 
Legislature of New York State. He has represented 
his town as supervisor for some ten years, aiid been 



president of the board of trastees of Whitehall, 
and trustee at various times for some twenty years. 
He was also deputy collector of customs at White- 
iiall, under appointment by Thomas Corwin, secretary 
of the treasury, for three years. Upon the organi- 
zation of the Union graded school at Whitehall, 
changed from the academy and common school, 
Mr. Martin spared no effort within his reach to 
put forth and bring to a successful completion the 
scheme which resulted in the fully developed oppor- 
tunities now afforded in the village for educating 
the rising generation. 

He holds a commission, signed by Governor Wm. 
L. Marcy, as captain of the Whitehall Light Guards, 
in operation from 1830 to 1837. 

While Mr. and Mrs. Martin have no children 
of their own, they have remembered the neoly, and 
have connected themselves with such enterprises as 
tended to elevate and educate those around them. 
They are both identified with the Presbyterian 
church as members, and Mr. Martin has officiated 
as elder of tiiat church at Whiteiiall for the past 
fifteen vears. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



481 



The Whitehall Academy was established by the regents 
of the university in the fell of 1848, the board of trustees 
consisting of Hiram Eddy, president ; Atherton Hall, sec- 
retary and treasurer ; Rev. Lewis Kcllog|i;, John H. Boyd, 
W. W. Cooke, Joseph Potter, Robert Doig, Jr., L. Root, 
W. E. Caldwell, A. H. Griswold, George S. Griswold, 
Oliver Baseom, Anson Parks, Mason 0. Blin, Justin A. 
Smith, and G. Dayton. The whole number of students for 
the first term was seventy-six. The academy property, 
located on Williams street, was valued at about three thou- 
sand four hundred dollars. Library and philosophical 
apparatus at about three hundred and thirty-five dollars. 
The school existed until 18f)5, when it was discontinued, 
the last principal being Rev. Horace W. Finch. The real 
property was purchased by A. P. Cooke, and the library 
and apparatus was transferred to the Union Free School. 

WHITEHALL UNION FREE SCHOOL. 

The project of establishing a graded union school in 
Whitehall village was commenced in 186G by the requisite 
number of voters in each of the three adjoining school 
districts, Nos. 11, 15, and 17, who united in a call for a 
meeting to be held under the law of May 2, 1864, to de- 
termine the question of such establishment. Upon this 
call a meeting was held at Anderson hall, in the village, on 
the 27th of August, at which the question was decided 
by vote affirmatively, and the consolidated district thus 
created was soon after officially designated by the school 
commissioners as " Union Free School District No. 11, 
of Whitehall." At an adjourned meeting, held on the 
ensuing 3d day of September, Alfred J. Long, Frederick 
H. Luson, James F. Billet, James R. Broughton, James 
Doren, E. A. Martin, George A. Hall, William H. Cooke, 
and Henry Gibson were elected trustees, who in their organ- 
ization elected E. A. Martin president, and Henry Gibson 
clerk of the board. 

The number of schools as first established in the dis- 
trict was four, viz. : School No. 1, taught in the Episcopal 
church (now the French Catholic) ; No. 2, in school-house 
of old district No. 11 ; No. 3, in house formerly of district 
No. 15 ; and No. 4, in the house of No. 17. The.se ac- 
commodations were soon found insufficient, and the present 
large and costly central building was erected in 1868 upon 
a site known as Pierce knoll, for which seventeen hundred 
and fifty dollars were paid. The lot extends from Lafayette 
to West street, above South Bay street. The amount paid 
to Messrs. Willson & Smith, contractors for the building, 
was nineteen thousand six hundred and fifty dollars. It 
was first occupied in January, 1869, at the commencement 
of the winter terra. In August, 1874, an excellent bell 
for this building was donated by Hon. E. A. Martin. 

Still more accommodation being required for scholars, a 
house was built at the southern extremity of the village, on 
a lot purchased from Mr. Rich for five hundred dollars, in 
September, 1874. This building, known as the Adams 
school-house, was erected in 1875 by 0. C. Burroughs, Esq., 
on contract at two thousand four hundred and seventy-nine 
dollars and fifty-four cents, with an addition of three hun- 
dred and fifty dollars for extra work and material. It was 
first occupied in January, 1876. 
61 



The system of teaching, which was at first to some ex- 
tent experimental, has been modified from time to tiin(!, 
and is now a marked success. General supervision is ex- 
ercised by a superintendent, who is also principal of the 
high school. This position is now (January, 1878) held 
by Prof E. Butler, who came here from the charge of the 
Seymour high school in Syracu,se in the fall of 1873. The 
different departments and the names of teachers now hav- 
ing them in charge are as follows : 

Central building, high school. Miss T. M. Knight, assist- 
ant principal ; George H. Reed, tutor. Grammar depart- 
ment. Miss H. E. Hamblin, principal ; Mi.ss M. A. Willson. 
assistant. Higher intermediate. Miss F. A. Dunham, prin- 
cipal ; Miss Minnie Jillson, assistant. Lower intermediate. 
Miss Ella McClurkin, principal; Miss Alice E. Steere, 
assistant. Primary, Miss S. L. Dennis, principal; Miss 
Mary McNeeley, assistant. 

Wheeler avenue school-house (formerly No. 15), higher 
primary, Miss J. E. Gilbert; lower primary, Mi.ss M. 
McAllister. 

Bell* school-house (old No. 11), higher primary. Miss 
M. Martin ; lower primary. Miss C. E. llendrick. 

Adams school-house, one teacher. Miss Ida L. Hopson. 

The salary of the superintendent is fifteen hundred 
dollars ; of the two teachers in high school each six hun- 
dred dollars, and of the principal of grammar department 
five hundred dollars, per year. The other teachers receive 
remuneration varying from eleven dollars to five dollars per 
week. The school-year commences on the first Monday in 
September and embraces forty-two weeks of teaching, in- 
cluding the Christmas holidays. The present attendance 
is about as follows : Central building, three hundred and 
eighty-five ; Adams street, sixty-seven ; Wheeler avenue, 
one hundred and ten ; Bell school, one hundred and twenty. 

The board of education for 1878 is composed of 0. F. 
Davis, president ; Robert Doig, H. R. Snyder, J. R. Brough- 
ton, H. T. Gaylord, M. Manville. W. TI. Cooke, D. G. 
Percival, A. C. Sawyer. 

RELIGIOUS. 

EAST V?HITEHALL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This is the oldest religious organization in Whitehall, 
and among the oldest of the Methodist churches in the 
county. In 1788, Samuel Wigdon and Lenmel Smith were 
appointed respectively to the Lake Champlain and Cam- 
bridge circuits, the latter of which embraced Whitehall. 
The records of this circuit mention contributions from dif- 
ferent societies, commencing !is early as 1791, about which 
time meetings for worship began to be held at dwelling- 
houses; and in 1796 a church organization, consisting of 
ten original members, was formed under the celebrated 
Lorenzo Dow, who was their first preacher. In 1801 this 
church was included in the Brandon circuit, and in 1822 
the Whitehall circuit was formed. Among the preachers 
who served here from 1820 were Revs. Samuel Dra].er, 
Moses Amadon, Jacob Beaman, Orrin Pier, Philo Ferris, 
George Smith, Elijah Crane, Seymour Landon, Dillon 



« So called because, under the old organisation, it was the only 
house which mounted a bell. 



482 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Stephens, William Todd, John C. Green, Lorin Clark, 
Hiram Meeker, James Quinlan, Elijah Crawford, Samuel 
Covel, E. Andrews, J. M. Weaver, C. R. Wilkins, P. P. 
narrower, M. M. Ludlam, G. W. S. Porter. Rev. David 
B. McKenzie, of Hampton, is now in charge. The house 
of worship is a good brick structure, erected in 1826, at a 
cost of sixteen hundred dollars, and has since been repaired 
and enlariicd. The membership of this church is nciw 
small. 

FIRST COXlillEGATIONAL CHURCH, EAST WHITEHALL. 

This church was organized in 1805 with twelve mem- 
bers, and with Rev. James Davis as their first pastor. 
Their meetings were first held in dwellings, but they in- 
creased in numbers, and about the year 1813 a church of 
good size was built on a site near the residence of Almon 
Bartholomew, and now a part of his fiirni. This edifice 
was destroyed by fire on a Sabbath morning in December, 
183-1, but the work of rebuilding was soon commenced, 
and a new church (the present one) was completed in 
1836, mainly by the assistance of Deacon William Wright. 
The builder was Solomon Ferry, and the cost of the build- 
ing about two thousand dollars. A parsonage was built 
near the church soon after. These stand, on ground 
selected by Deacon Wright, about one mile northwesterly 
from the first church lot, which after the burning was sold 
to Almon Bartholomew. The church was repaired in 
1860. Among the early preachers were Revs. Hibbard 
and Kitchell. Rev. Hiram Slauson was pastor from 1840 
to 1843, and afterwards supplied the pulpit from 1859 to 
1863. The last preaching in the church was by Rev. H. 
Lancashire, who closed his labors here about 1872. 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The first step towards the permanent establishment of 
Presbyterian worship in Whitehall was taken by General 
John Williams, who, having resolved to erect here a church 
edifice, collected, in 1805-6, the timber and other mate- 
rials for the purpose, and depo.sited them on a site which he 
had selected as the most eligible in the vicinity, — this being 
a spot of elevated ground owned by himself, and lying 
nearly two miles east of the village. 

Man proposes but God disposes ! The general did not 
live to complete, or even to commence his church, and a 
year or two after his death his son. Colonel John Williams, 
of Salem, removed the materials from the spot selected by 
his father to the lot which now embraces the old burial- 
ground on Williams street in the village. Here he erected 
the church, in the wall of which was placed a memorial 
tablet to the real founder. General Williams. 

The first Presbyterian body existing in Whitehall was a 
Scotch (Associate Reformed) church, organized in 1810 by 
Rev. Alexander Proudfit, D.D., of Salem. It originally 
numbered six male and ten female members. Their house 
of worship was the Williams church, and their pastor was 
Rev. Whyte, settled over them soon after their or- 
ganization. His pastorate ended in 1812, and no successor 
was ever installed over the church, which, as was to be ex- 
pected under such circum.stances, languished, and finally 
disbanded. 



From 1812 to 1819 there was no stated worship in 
Whitehall. On Saturday, the 18th of September, in the 
last-named year, the present church was organized by the 
Rev. Samuel Blatchford, D.D., " under the care of the 
presbytery of Columbia, to be known as the First Presbyte- 
rian church in W^hitehall." The original members were 
Alexander Cruikshank, John Adams, James Morton, An- 
drew Anderson, Asa Goodrich, Clarissa Goodrich, Lucy 
Downs, Tabitha Cleveland, Eliza Wheeler, Hannah Smith, 
Mary Ann Adams, Amanda Smith, Anna Goodrich, and 
Eunice Lockwood, from the earlier organization, and Dr. 
Ira Bascom and Patience Bascom, his wife, from the 
church in West Granville. On the same day their number 
was increased by the reception of James Cos and Lucy 
Smith, wife of Archibald Smith, on profession of faith. 
The first elders elected were Dr. Ira Bascijm, Alexander 
Crookshank, John Adams, and James Morton, the four last 
named having filled the same oflfice in the Scotch church. 
On the 19th (Sabbath) Dr. Bascom was ordained a ruling 
elder, and the first Lord's supper was administered to the 
eighteen communicants. 

For nearly three years they were without a pastor, but 
during this period they were at difli^erent times supplied by 
Rev. Absalom Peters, afterwards of Williamstown, Mass. ; 
Rev. Mr. Knox, afterwards of Newburg. N. Y. ; and by 
Rev. Ralph Robinson, who in February, 1821, "agreed to 
preach with this people, for the term of one year." on each 
alternate Sabbath. " During the latter part of 1821," said 
Mr. Robinson, " Mr. Peter J. H. Myers came among them, 
and I have reason to think that was an important event in 
their history. His effortii probably conduced much to their 
growth and prosperity." 

The first settled pastor of this church was Rev. John R. 
Coe, son of Rev. Dr. Jonas Coe, of Troy. He was ordained 
and installed July 17, 1822 ; but his course was short, for 
he died September 30 in the following year, and was buried 
in the ground adjoining the church, whence, more than 
forty years later, his remains were removed to the new 
cemetery between Troy and Lansingburg. His successor 
was the Rev. John Kennedy, an Irishman, " a man of fine 
talents and an attractive preacher," who was installed in 
September, 1824, and remained until February, 1832, when 
he resigned his charge on account of failing health. The 
duration of his most successful pastorate was seven years 
and five months. 

It had been the good fortune of this congregation to re- 
ceive as a gift from Colonel Williams the house of worship 
which he had built, with the lot of land on which it stood. 
" From this lot of land," says Rev. Lewis Kellogg, in a 
historical discourse delivered June 27, 1847, " was ulti- 
mately realized the sum of two thousand dollars." In 
1826, during Mr. Kennedy's pastorate, the church building 
was taken down and re-erected on the site of the present 
house of worship in Church street. 

The third pastor was Rev. Archibald Fleming, a native 
of Paisley, Scotland. He was installed over this congrega- 
tion in September, 1832, and remained with them until 
May, 1837, when he left to assume a charge in Vermont. 
He died June 3, 1875, aged seventy-five years. The 
successor of Mr. Fleming was Rev. Lewis Kellogg, who 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW VORK. 



48:i 



coiiimeiicc^J labor here on the last Sabbath of June, 1837, 
was ordained and installed in the following November, and 
continued in charge until June 28, 1854. Durin" the 
second year of his pastorate the church buildinj: was en- 
larged and improved, and in 1842 a lecture-room was added. 
Si.x years later the old church was demolished and the pres- 
ent one erected on its site, and dedicated Dec. 28, 1848. the 
sermon upon that occasion being preached by Rev. N. S. 
S. Bemau, D.D., of Troy. 

Mr. Kellogg's successor was Rev. Louis Gano, who was 
ordained and installed March 7, 1855, and remained as 
pastor until Aug. 13, 1856, during which time the church 
received an accession of two persons on profession. He 
was afterwards engaged in a banking bu.siness in Chicago. 
The next pastor was Rev. W. H. Corning, who came from 
the charge of a church in Owego, N. Y., and was installed 
Feb. 9, 1858. He remained until May, 1862, when the 
relation was dissolved at his own request. He died in the 
following October, at Saratoga. After the departure of Mr. 
Corning the Rev. Lewis Kellogg was recalled, and was re- 
installed Oct. 13, 1862. After a second pastorate of six 
years he resigned in June, 1868, on account of ill health. 
He is now pastor at North Granville, N. Y. 

His successor was Rev. Charles J. Hill, who began his 
work here Nov. 8, 1868, and remained until Sept. 16, 1872, 
when he assumed charge of the Congregational church at 
Ansonia, Conn. He is now pastor of the First Congrega- 
tional church at Middletown, Conn. The successor of Jlr. 
Hill, the Rev. John Lowrey, a graduate of Princeton, came 
here from the pastorate of the Throop Avenue Presbyterian 
church of Brooklyn, commenced his work with this church 
June 29, 1873, and was installed July 1 in the same year. 
He is their ninth and present pastor. 

Following is a list of the elders of this church from its 
organization : Ira Bascom, Alexander Cruikshank, John 
Adams, James Morton, James Cox, Andrew Anderson, 
Elias Depew, Nathan Pierce, Asa Eddy, Albert Blakeslee, 
Peter J. H. Myers, George H. Fish, Washington A. 
Travis, Wm. H. Parker, William Hauuis, Joseph Bunce, 
Hiram Eddy, Alfred A. John.son, Michael J. Myers, Henry 
Gaylord, James H. H. Parke, Elisha A. Martin, John F. 
Clarke, Rollin E. Bascom. 

A Sabbath-school, auxiliary to this church, has existed 
since 1819. A list of the earlier superintendents cannot 
be obtained, but the following are, as nearly as can be ascer- 
tained, the names of those who have filled that honorable 
ofiSce during the past thirty years : Michael J. Myers, E. 
A. Martin, J. H. H. Parke, Benjamin Dyer, Horace S. 
Allen, C. M. Davison, J. H. Bronson, J. P. Blakeslee, 
Tracy Cowen, J. F. Clarke, T. S. McLachlin. Rollin E. 
Bascom. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL OHHRCH, ■WHITEHALL VILLAGE. 

This organization, originally consisting of one male and 
four female members, was formed in 1822, by Rev. Philo 
Ferris. This congregation, though so small, was regularly 
visited by circuit preachers, of whom the first who followed 
Mr. Ferris was Rev. George Smith, in 1823; then came 
Rev. Orrin Pier, 1824-25; Rev. Elijah Craue, 1826; 
Rev. Wesley P. Lake, 1827 ; Rev. Hiram Meeker, 1828 ; 



Rev. James Quinlan, 1829; Rev. Elijah Crawford, 1830; 
Rev. Samuel Covel, 1831 ; and Rev. K. Aiidrcws, 1832- 
33. Up to the time of Mr. Andrews' charge the meetings 
had been held in the dwellings of the different members, or 
in the school hou.se, but in 1832 they built their fir.st (and 
present ) house of woi-ship, a good brick edifice, on the west 
side of Church street, above Saunders. To the erection of 
this house the energy and iis.sistancc of Mr. Edmund Pratt 
contributed largely. Sixteen years later it was repaired 
and improved at an expense of about two thousand dollars, 
and was again remodeled in 1802-63. The present valua- 
tion of church and parsonage (on same lot) is about fifteen 
thousand dollars. 

Since the close of Mr. Andrew.s" pastorate, in 1833, this 
church has been served by the following preachers : Revs. 
J. M. Weaver, C. R. Wilkins, P. P. Harrower, W. B. 
Wood, James Caughey, Daniel F. Page, John Haslam, 
Thomas F. Kirby, Ru.ssel Z. Mason, R. H. Robertson, B. 
Isbell, Daniel F. Page (a second pastorate, during which 
he died in this village), M. M. Ludlam, William Amer, 

John D. Thompson, Wescott, J. D. White, William 

Ford, Styles, John D. Lytle, Bigelow, Myron 

White, Jonas Phillips, Isaac Parks, John Kernan, G. W. 

S. Porter, Harwood, Lewis, and Dennis Brougli, 

the present pastor. A Sabbath-school connected with this 
church enrolls an attendance of about seventy-five, under 
superinteiidency of W'illiam Combs. 

FIRST BAPTIST L'UURCII IN WHITEHALL. 

Forty years ago there were but eight pronounced Bap- 
tists in Whitehall. For some time these have held worship- 
meetings at their several dwellings, and, on a day in the 
summer of 1838, having met at the house of one of their 
number (W. W. Cooke, at the corner of Canal and South 
Bay streets), they effected an informal organization which 
was the germ of the present church. Their meetings were 
continued, and during the following year their number was 
increased by the accession of Stephen N. Bush and wife, 
who removed hither from East Whitehall. Having been 
visited, and their plan and condition approved, by a com- 
mittee from several churches, they were formally organized 
on the 15th of July, 1840, and were duly recognized as the 
First Baptist church of Whitehall. The sermon on that 
occasion was preached by Rev. William Arthur, of the Botts- 
kill church. The original members were W. W. Cooke and 
Hearty C. Cooke, his wife, from the church in Fort Ann ; 
Stephen N. Bush, Salome, his wife, and Henry J. Day, 
from the Granville church ; Lester Leach, and Mindwell, 
his wife, from the church in Middleton, Vt. ; Mre. Phiebe 
Blin, from the Hampton church ; Laura Chalk, from Botts- 
kill ; and Mrs. Jane Stephens, from the church in Hartford, 
— ten in all. Meetings were maintained at their several 
dwellings, with occasional preaching by ministers of the 
vicinity, among whom were Rev. Mr. Hotchkiss, of Poult- 
ney, and Rev. Mr. Dilloway, of Granville. They also often 
met in the old school-house on Division street. John 
Alden and Thomas Chalk had joined by baptism, and eight 
othere by letter, increasing their number to twenty, when, 
in June, 1841, the church was admitted into the union 
association. In that year a temporary supply was obtained 



484 



HISTORY OF VVA8HINGT0-\ COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



in the person of Rov. Daniel Haskell, a professor at Ham- 
ilton College. 

In 1846 the church building, which had been erected 
b}' the Episcopalians nine years before, on Division street, 
was offered for sale, and was purchased by W. W. Cooke, 
Esq., for this society. In 1848 it was by him conveyed to 
H. Reynolds, S. N. Bush, and Henry J. Day, trustees, as 
a house of worship, in which no doctrines should be preached 
but those embodied in the articles of faith which had been 
adopted by this church. 

In the spring of 1847, Rev. William Grant was engaged 
to preach, and he remained until the summer of 1848, 
when Rev. Josiah Cannon was settled. His successor was 
Rev. Thomas Brandt, who served the church from 1851 to 
1855, during which time the membership increased to one 
hundred and thirteen. The next pastor was Rev. Leonard 
Tiacy, from Burlington, Vt., who after about two years was 
compelled to resign by reason of a loss of voice. Then for 

about one year the desk was supplied by Rev. Grant. 

Rev. Malachi Taylor, a professor in Washington College, 
Pennsylvania, next assumed the pastorate, and, in 1860, 
resigned on account of the failing health of his wife. His 
successor was Rev. Norman Fox, Jr., from Rochester Theo- 
logical Seminary, who was ordained and installed Jan. 12, 
1860 ; the ceremonies being conducted by Revs. Brown, 
Bogart, Cheshire, J. Earl, W. Groom, N. Fox, Sr., and 
Drs. Robinson, Mason, and Beecher, of Saratoga. Mr. Fox 
resigned in 1862, to take the chaplaincy of the Seventy- 
seventh Regiment, New York Volunteers, and continued 
in the position until the mustering out of the regiment. 
He is now one of the editors of the Baptist Record, of 
St. Louis. Rev. Isaac E. Howard became pastor in the 
autumn of 1862, and resigned in January, 1866. He was 
succeeded in the following August by Rev. D. T. James, 
of Newport, N. H., who remained until his death, Jan. 8, 
1870. During his pastorate (in 1868) the church building 
was remodeled, and an organ donated by one of the founders 
of the church. 

The successor of Mr. James was Rev. C. A. Johnson, 
whose pastorate commenced Jan. 8, 1871, and ended, by 
resignation, Nov. 1, 1873. The present pastor, Rev. E. 
M. Haynes, was called Feb. 1, 1874, and commenced his 
labor March 1 in the same year. 

On Feb. 13, 1874, their meeting-house was destroyed by 
fire. Six days later it was voted to proceed immediately 
to erect a new church on the east side of the creek, and 
during the following July work was commenced. In June, 
1876, the house was completed, and was dedicated on the 
14th of that month, Rev. Dr. Armitage, of New York, 
preaching the sermon, and Rev. J. 0. Mason, D.D., of 
Greenwich, offering the dedicatory prayer. The church is 
a large and costly mixed-Gothic structure of brick, with 
trimmings of Glen's Falls limestone. The interior is ex- 
pensively finished and beautifully decorated. The main 
audience-room has a seating capacity of five hundred, and 
the lecture-room of two hundred and twenty-five. The total 
cost of the building was nearly forty thousand dollars. 
Its location is at the corner of Williams and McCotter 
streets. The present trustees of the church are W. W. 
Cooke, J. R. Broughton, S. C. Bull, W. H. Cooke, H. R. 



Wait, S. T. Cook, W. M. Keith, George Belden, and Ste- 
phen Osgood. The deacons are W. W. Cooke, J. R. 
Broughton, W. H. Cooke, and John H. Sullivan. The 
superintendent of Sabbath-school is Horace H. Wait. 

TRINITY CHURCH (EPISCOPAL). 

An Epi-scopal church was organized in Whitehall about 
1834, the first rector being Rev. Palmer Dyer, who as- 
sumed charge in that year. Their first house of worship 
was erected in 1837, on the south side of Division street. 
This was afterwards sold to the Baptists, and in 1843 their 
second house was built on the west side of Church street, 
above Division, this being the same which is now owned 
and occupied by the Catholic church of Nutre Dame de la 
Victoire. 

In the thirty years which followed the coming of Mr. 
Dyer, the succeeding rectors were Rev. Munsel Van Rens- 
selaer, Rev. Edward F. Edwards, Rev. S. N. Sleight, Rev. 
Jubal Hodges, Rev. Charles E. Phelps, and Rev. Henry 
Adams, who came in 1864. 

In 1866 their present fine and commodious church edi- 
fice, standing on the west side of Church street, was erected 
at a cost of tliirteen thousand dollars, and in the same year 
a new parish, designated as Trinity church, was organized, 
with Rev. Frederick N. Luson as rector, with whom the 
Revs. Francis Stubbs and Nelson R. Boss were associated 
as deacon.s. The successors of Mr. Luson have been the 
Rev. William Townsend Early, Rev. Joseph M. Mcllvvaine, 
Rev. Henry C. Hutchings, and Rev. James E. Hall, the 
present rector. 

The present officers of the church are James A. Conery 
and G. T. Hall, wardens ; J. H. Greenough, H. W. Dick- 
enson, James Adams, Jeremiah Adams, A. H. Tanner, W. 
F. Bascom, H. G. Burleigh, vestrymen. The parish in- 
cludes about three hundred and fifty persons, and the Sab- 
bath-school attendance is about one hundred. 

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF ANGELS (CATHOLIC). 

The first Catholic services in Whitehall were held in the 
dwelling of Antoine Renois, by Rev. Father Mailloux, of 
Chambly, C. E., the number of worshipers being four- 
teen. Occasional services continued to be held at the same 
place by Fathers Daly and F. Coyle, until 1841, in which 
year their first church was built at a cost of two thousand 
two hundred dollars, including the lot, which was located 
on the west side of Church street, at the present intersec- 
tion of Saunders street. This was named St. Anthony's 
church. The earliest record is dated May, 1843, at which 
time Father Coyle was appointed by Bishop Hughes to the 
charge of Whitehall, and the neighboring missions within 
a circuit of forty miles. He was succeeded in October, 
1843, by Rev. Joseph Guerdet, who was followed by Rev. 
Andrew Doyle in December, 1844. The next two priests 
in charge were Rev. M. Olivetti, — August, 1846, to De- 
cember, 1858, — -and Rev. L. Deroches, who remained till 
December, 1867, in which year the church property was 
taken by the village for the opening of a highway (Saun- 
ders street), and the congregation, which had now grown 
very large, was divided into two, a French- and an English- 
speaking church, the latter receiving the name which heads 




'=>ii^t^ ? I^X- '^Ci^-'''/^ f '^^r-^c 



O/, 4^</ 



LAMBERT H. LAW. 



Lambert H. Law was born in the towD of Whitehall, 
Washington Co., N. Y., January 22, 1820. He was the 
eldest in a family of three children (there being two daugh- 
ters, Ann and Mary, now living in New Haven, Conn.) 
of Andrew Law and Clara Thompson, and of English de- 
scent. His maternal grandfather, Jesse Thompson, served 
five years in the Revolutionary war. 

His father, Andrew Law, was a soldier in the war of 
1812, and was greatly interested in the spread of the 
gospel, and a very enthusiastic Christian man, devoting 
much of his time to bringing about a unity of feeling be- 
tween the different religious denominations. Was formerly 
au ardent supporter of the old Whig party, and upon the 



formation of the Republican party stood firm to its prin- 
ciples, and was especially interested in all enterprises look- 
ing towards the elevation and education of the masses in 
school and secular instruction. 

He died in 1866, leaving a wife who only survived him 
two years. The old homestead is now in possession of his 
only son, Lambert H. Law, who has given his whole atten- 
tion thus far to agriculture. He is connected with the 
First Presbyterian church of Whitehall, and has been a 
member of the same for about twenty-five years. In politics 
he is a strong advocate of the Republican party ; he is a 
plain, unassuming man, known by all for his integrity of 
purpose and uprightness of character. 




/^'(r^^>-^^^ oO-T^-^^, 




ROBERT DOIG. 



Robert Doig was born in the town of Greenwicb (eastern 
part), Washington County, March 13, 1810. His grandfather, 
Thomas Doig, was a native of Scotland, and died at Thorn- 
hUl, Scotland, about 1798, leaving two sons, Robert and John, 
and three daughters, Jean, Elizabeth, and Marian, of whom 
Robert emigrated to America (John and Jean emigrating 
afterwards) in the year 1798, first settling at East Green- 
wich, this county. He was born 1769, and about the 
year 1802 married Miss Hannah, daughter of John Beattie, 
of Salem, by whom he had ten children, — Grace, John 
B., Janet, Thomas, Robert, James R., David, Elizabeth, 
Hannah, and Sarah. Robert Doig gave his attention 
largely to farming. Moved to Salem in the year 1810, 
where he remained until about the year 1830, when he 
removed to Cambridge, where he lived until his demise, 
1850. His wife survived him some ten years, dying at 
the advanced age of eighty years. Robert spent his boy- 
hood on a farm at home, receiving the limited opportunities 
of the district school ; was a clerk in the store of John 
Beattie, of Salem, for some two years, and during the 
latter years of his minority availed him.self of the facilities 
of Washington Academy, at Salem, and the Cambridge 
Academy. In these schools he took high rank, and at the 
age of twenty-four entered Union College, at Schenectady, 
and graduated from that institution in the year 1 836 with 
the usual honors. Unassisted, pecuniarily, Mr. Doig was 
obliged to defray his own expenses, and after leaving college, 
impressed with the idea of a professional life he began teach- 
ing in Troy, N. Y., and at the same time to read law with 
Judge Hunt, a man of high standing as a lawyer. He 
finished his studies there in 1838, and came to Whitehidl 
and entered the ofiice of Boyd & Billings, where he com- 
pleted his law study, and was admitted as an attorney of 
the Supreme Court of the State, and about the same time 



received the honorary degree of A.M. from Union College. 
He at once opened an office for himself in Whitehall, where 
he began the practice of his profession, and as with most new 
practitioners in any profession (it was no exception in his 
case), he met the obstacles incident to young men brought 
in contact with more experienced men. His indefatigable 
perseverance and resolution to succeed soon gave him a 
prominent place among the legal fraternity of the county. 

In the year 1841 he was elected justice of the peace, 
which office he retained for some nineteen successive years, 
and at the same time kept up the practice of the law. . 

During and since his time of office as justice of the peace 
he served as clerk of the board of supervisors for three 
years, and was attorney for the Commercial Bank of White- 
hall for some eighteen years, and for several yeare attorney 
at various times for the several railroads of Saratoga and 
Washington, Saratoga and Whitehall, and the Rensselaer 
and Saratoga. Since the close of his justiceship he has 
given his full attention to the practice of the law. 

In the year 1841, September, he married Miss Martha, 
second daughter of Joseph Goodale, of 'Wliitehall. Her 
ancestors were earl}' settlers of Salem, near Shushan. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Doig have been born four children,— 
Robert ; Mary (deceased), wife of Henry Smith ; Martha, 
twin sister of Mary, died in infancy ; Martha G., wife of 
Edward Pittinger, of Whitehall. In politics Mr. Doig has 
remained firm and unswervingly a member of the Demo- 
cratic party since the breaking up of the old Whig party, 
and although never solicitous of any political preferment, 
yet regarded the right of suffrage of paramount interest to 
every American citizen, and was among the foremost in 
supporting the Union cause during the late rcbelliou and 
promoting the welfare of those who fought in defense of 
an undivided republic. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



485 



this sketch, and the former that of Notre Dame de la 
Victoire.* 

In January, 1868, the Rev. J. J. McDonnell was ap- 
pointed to the pastorate of the English-speaking congrega- 
tion, and has remained in charge until the present time. 
Under him, their service was hold in Anderson hall, until 
the completion of their new church edifice, of which the 
corner-stone was laid, Sept. 27, 18(38, by the Very Rev. E. 
P. Wadhams, vicar-general of the diocese of Albany, and 
which was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. J. J. Conroy, bishop 
of Albany, Nov. 24, 1870. 

The total cost of this church was about thirty thousand 
dollars. The lot on which it stand,s — lying on Canal, Board- 
man, and West streets — was formerly the homestead lot of 
Hon. Justin A. Smith, and purchased from him for the 
sum of five thousand five hundred dollars. A fine par- 
souage was erected on the same lot, adjoining the church, 
in 1872-73. 

The congregation now numbers about one hundred fam- 
ilies. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NOTRE DAME DE LA VICTOIRE. 

At the time of the division of St. Mary's congregation, 
the French portion, which received the above designation, 
were placed under charge of Rev. A. Payette, as pastor, 
and the old Episcojial church was purchased as their house 
of worship, at a cost (including the enlargement and repairs 
which were made before occupation) of about four thousand 
dollars. It was dedicated by Vicar-General Wadhams, Sept. 
27, 1868 ; the same day on which was laid the corner-stone 
of the English Catholic edifice. The pastorate of Father 
Payette continued until July, 1877, after which the church 
was without a priest until about the 1st of December fol- 
lowing, when the charge was assumed by Rev. Adam, 

the present pastor. The congregation now embraces about 
three hundred families, for which number their house is 
entirely insufiicient ; and ou this account they have pur- 
chased from the estate of the late Judge Wheeler a lot of 
ground at the corner of Skeene street and Wheeler avenue, 
on which the erection of a new and commodious church is 
contemplated. The cost of this lot, including a dwelling- 
house to be used as a parsonage, was about six thousand 
five hundred dollars. 

CEMETERIES. 

The most ancient burial-place in the village of Whitehall 
is the old Presbyterian cemetery on the east side of Wil- 
liams street, between Poultney and Elizabeth streets, being 
a part of the land donated to that society with their church, 
by Colonel John Williams. It is not known whose was 
the first interment, but it must have been made nearly three- 
fourths of a century ago. The ground has become very 
populous, and new burials within it have been discontinued. 

Another, probably of equal antiquity, is the Methodist 
burial-ground, at their church in East Whitehall, originally 
taken from the farm of Simeon Hotchkiss. The number 
of interments has become very large, and an extension of 
about half an acre was added to its eastern side in 1875. 

* Before the division, at a date which we arc unable to aseertaiu, 
the name had been changeil, by authority, from St. Anthony's to 

,-it. iMarv's church. 



The old Bartholomew grave-yard, in East Whitehall, is 
a ground given for burial purposses by Lemuel Bartholomew, 
one of the first settlers, whose remains, with those of two 
generations of his descendants, as well as those of many 
other of the early residents of this part of the town, lie 
within its inclosure. It has become crowded, and no in- 
terments are now made there. 

The Hatch Hill burial-ground is a small but well-filled 
cemetery, located in the neighborhood of the same name, 
in the southeastern part of the town. Another is located 
in the southwest part, on the Fort Ann road, near the resi- 
dence of J. Osgood ; and near the Hampton town line is 
an old ground originally taken from the farm of Levi 
Falkeubury, a .soldier of the Revolution. Near the north- 
eastern corner of the town is a burial-place in the Whit« 
and Pratt neighborhood, and also one on the farm of Wil- 
liam Clarke. About one mile from the village, on the Gran- 
ville road, adjoining the farm of George H. Buel, is a 
ground recently laid out for the interment of indigent per- 
sons. This is owned by the town of Whitehall, and was 
purchased from Ebenezer Ingalls. 

Some years ago a cemetery plat was laid out on Queeu 
street, and some lots were sold by the proprietor, Justin A. 
Smith, Esq. It chanced that among the earliest interments 
were those of one or more members of the Odd-Fellows' 
fraternity, from which circumstance the ground became to 
some extent known as Odd-Fellows' cemetery ; but this 
designation was never an authorized or a correct one. No 
burials are made there now, and many of the remains have 
been removed from it. 

The Boardman cemetery is located on Smith street, op- 
posite the head of Boardman street, in the southern part 
of the village. The first interment here was that of Nancy 
Boardman, who died Feb. 15, 1853, and the ground was 
surveyed and laid ofl" as a cemetery June 15 in the same 
year, by Cyrus Boardman, whose heirs are still proprietors 
of the unsold portion. The first survey embraced two hun- 
dred and eight lots, and a second survey of one hundred 
and twenty-five lots was afterwards added. Lying together 
with these is a large private plat, owned by Hon. E. A. 
Martin, and also a tract laid out for burial purposes by 
Justin A. Smith, Esq. These grounds form, in fact, a 
single cemetery, which is now the principal place of inter- 
ment in use by the inhabitants of the village and vicinity. 

AGRICULTURE — SLATE PRODUCTION— POPULATION. 

The area of Whitehall is 31,509 acres, of which about 
three-fifths is improved land. The crops most raised arc 
oats, corn, wheat, rye, and potatoes, which last named are 
quite extensively produced for the market in the slate 
region of the east part of the town. In general, however, 
the soil is a stiff, intractable clay, and best adapted to 
grazing, to which branch the attention of farmers is in a 
great measure directed. There are in the town two cheese- 
factories, viz., the Rogers factory, on the farm of J. S. 
Rogers, in the north part, and the Hollister factory, in 
East Whitehall, near the Hampton line. Both these are 
owned by stock companies, and together they manufacture 
the product of about six hundred cows. In the south 
part, on the old Granville road, is a creamery, established 



486 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



by George Rathbun in 1876, with a patrninige of about 
ninety cows. A considerable amount of milk is also 
shipped by rail, the quantity sent from this town in 1877 
having been nine thousand four hundred and eighty-two 
gallons. 

Very littlu attention is given to the production of fruit, ex- 
cept the grape, to wliich the soil of the limestone portion of the 
town seems peculiarly adapted. There are several vineyards, 
principally of the Delaware grape, in the vicinity of White- 
hall village, on the eastern side of Wood week, among 
which are those of 0. F. Davis, Esq., Judge Joseph Pot- 
ter, the Gibson estate, George S. Griswold, and Colonel 
Lemon Barns. All these have proved successful and de- 
cidedly remunerative. 

Tobacco culture has been carried on to some extent by 
J. S. Rogers, Allen E. Kelley, and W. W. Cooke, Esq., 
but is now nearly discontinued. The farm of Mr. Cooke 
in this town, containing five hundred acres, ranks among 
the best and most valuable farms in Washington county. 

The east portion of the town is in many places underlaid 
by a slate formation, which has been developed to some ex- 
tent. In the southeast corner is the Eureka slate quarry 
of I. S. Herbert & Co., now in operation. It produces 
slate of a red tint, uniform in shade, and of very superior 
quality. Another, upon the farm of Isaac Spink, near the 
Hampton line, has been considerably developed, producing 
excellent slate, but at present is not worked. There are 
opportunities for the opening of quarries at many other 
points within the town. 

The population of the town in 1840 was 3813; in 1845, 
3954 ; in 1850, 4726 ; in 1855, 4438 ; in 1860, 4862 ; in 
1865, 4422; in 1870, 5564; in 1875, 5039. In 1875 
the population of Whitehall village was near 4900, but is 
thought to have decreased since that time. 

MILITARY. 

Joseph W. Alkn, enl. Aug, 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Wni. H. Allen, enl. Aug, 6, 1862, 12:3(i Hegt., Co. C. 

Cyrus W. Allen, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Eegt., Co. I. 

Julio IS. Benjamin, sergt. ; enl. Sept. 14, 1862, 169tli Regt., Co. F. 

RumBey D. Brown, Corp.; enl. Sept. 4, 1862, ICDtli Kegf.. Co. P. 

L. M. D. Brown, enl. Sept. 1, 1862, 169tli Begt., Co. F. 

Ebenezer Blinn, enl. Sept. 8, 1862, lonth Regt., Co. F. 

Dennis Barrett, enl. Sept. C, 1862, 169lh Regt., Co. F. 

J. A. Butler, enl. Sept. 6, 1862, 169tli Regt. 

Winfield Butler, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co C. 

Mark Bourdon, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

George Brannock, enl. .\ug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Thomas Bryan, enl. Aug. 1, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

George S. Black, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

George H. Beattio, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Hiram T. Blanchard, enl, Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C. 

Joseph Bogart, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Andiew Buoll, enl. Xng. 29, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

John Bacon, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. 

.lames Bruley, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, o3d Regt., Co. A. 

Dana Briggs, enl. Aug. 10, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

George Brand, enl. Aug. 13, 1863, 2a Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Joseph Bolton, enl. Aug. 18, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Joseph Barrett, enl. Aug. 18, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Robert H. Brett, enl. Aug.' 16, 1863, 2d Vet, Cav., Co. D. 

James T. Boyle, enl. July 311, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Michael Boyle, enl. Aug. 4, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

John H. Blinn, enl. Nov. 16, 1801, 93d Begt., Co. I. 

Frank Bylan, enl. Jan. 2, 1S62, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

Wm. T. Boyil, corp. ; enl. Oct. 14, 1861, S7th Regt., Co. G. 

Stephen R. Cooper, enl. Aug. 23, 1862, 169th Eegt., Co. F. 

Daniel Curnmings, enl. Sept. 0, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. 

John C. Corbett, 2d lieut. ; eul. July, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C. 

Luke H. Carrington, sergt. ; enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Regt., (.'o. C. 

Francis E. Cull, enl. July 28, 1802, 123a Eegt., Co. C. 



Michael Crowley, enl. Aug. 14, 18G2, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

Jed A. Cull, enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

James Crowley, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

Paschal L. Cook. enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

James Carroll, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123il Regt.,Co.C. 

Henry Clemens, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

John Carle, enl. Aug. .5, 1802, 123d Regt., (;o. C. 

Charles Carpenter, eul. .\ug. 11, 1863, 2d Vet Cav., Co. D; bad served in 78th 
Regt. 

Wm. Cain, enl. Aug. 5, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., (Jo. D. 

Franklin T. Centre, eul. Aug. 20, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Augustus P. Chase, enl. Aug. 31, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Wm. I. Coombs, enl. Aug. 19, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Charles Conkey, enl. Aug. 6, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

John Carpenter, enl. July 31, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

John W. Clark, enl. July 31, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Joseph Case, enl. July 30, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. F. 

Frank A. Churchill, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

John Carpenter, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

George Carr, enl. Nov. 16, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

Wm. C. Corbit, corp.; enl. Oct. 14, 1861, 87tli Regt., Co. G. 

Henry H. Carver, enl. Dec. 28, 1861, 78th Regt., Co. C. 

.\mabel Chessier, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. 

Walter Doyle, enl. Sept. 16, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. 

Joseph H. Dilts, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

Charles Donahue, enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

John Douglass, enl. Aug. 7, 1802,123d Eegt., Co. C. 

Edward B. Day, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C. 

Daniel Donahue, enl. Nov. 20, 1861, 96th Begt., Co. E. 

Seymour Daly, enl. Jan. 3, 1802, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

Wm. Deacon, Corp.; enl. Oct. 14, 1801, 87th Regt., Co. G. 

Morris Dalton, enl.Oct. 14, 1861, 87th Eegt., Co. G. 

Caleb M. Earl, enl. Sept. 14, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. 

James W. Earl, Jr., enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

John B. Foole, Corp. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. 

Richard W. Farrell, sergt. ; enl. July 28, 18B2, 123d Begt., Co. C. 

Wm. Foster, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

George Forget, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

Thomas Forbes, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

Dcwitt C.Falkenberry, enl. Oct. 14, 1801, 87th Eegt., Co. G. 

George Greene, enl. Aug. 29, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. 

Wm. Glover, enl. Sept. 1, 1802, 169th Regt., Co. F. 

L. S. Gillott, corp. ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 
James H. Green, enl. Aug. 10, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 
Wm. Golden, enl. Aug. 22, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 
Charles Graham, enl. Aug. 4, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 
Daniel Geary, enl. Aug. 15, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 
Robert Gero, enl. Aug. 3, 1863. 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 
George R. Goodall, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. f. 
Nicholas Uillard, sergt. ; eul. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 
John C. Hollister, Corp.; enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 
George Horton, enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 
Wm. Button, Jr., enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 
W. P. Huntington, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C. 
James Hurlburt, eul. Aug. 2, 1802, l'23d Eegt., Co. C. 
Wm. Holt, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 
Enos Hall, enl. Oct. 8, 1801, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. F. 
Evan Hughes, enl. Aug. 28, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 
George W. Hudson, enl. Aug. 16, 186.3, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 
Michael Hogan, enl. Aug. 17, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 
Wm. Holliday, enl. Aug. 18, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. U. 
Christopher Heeny, enl. Sept. 7, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 
Michael Hofferman, Sept. 7, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 
Antonio Hule, enl. Aug. 10, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 
Anson Hall, enl. Jau. 3, 1862, 93d Regt., Co. I. 
Philip Hart, enl. Dec. 3, 1861, 78th Begt., Co. C. 
Gardner W. Harvey, enl. Bee. 2, 1801, 78th Regt., Co. A. 
John Johnson, enl. Sept. 0, 1302, 109th Eegt., Co. F. 
Michael Johnson, sergt. ; enl. July 30, 1862, 123rt Eegt., Co. C. 
Henry F. Johnson, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 
John King, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 169th Eegt., Co. F. 
James Killyallon, eul. Aug. 13, 1802, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 
George N. Knowles, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 
Thomas Kelly, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 123J Eegt., Co. C. 
Patrick Kinney, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, I23d Eegt., Co. C. 
Lewis King, enl. July 29, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 
James Kelley, enl. Sept. 9, 1801, 53d Begt., Co. G. 
Morris Kane, enl. Nov. 26, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. G. 
Erastus Lowell, enl. Sept. 4, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. 
Wm. P. Lamb, enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 
George W. Lamb, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 
Nathan Leonard, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 
George H. Leonard, enl. .Vug 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 
Leou Lacaille, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 63d Regt., Co. A. 
Wm. Lindsay, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Eegt., Co. A. 
Theodore Lyon, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 63d Regt., Co. A. 
Joselib Lapointo, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



487 



.Iiisoph Laburge, eiil. Aug. 8, 1863, 2(J Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Kiiwland Luomis, eiil. Aug. 6, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

.\llred Laporte, enl. July 30, 1RC3, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. F. 

Henry Liiggan, enl. Dec. 26, 1861, 93d Bcgt, Co. I. 

Siymour F. Loomis, enl. (Jet. 2, 1861, 87th Uegt., Co. \. 

John McLanghliu, enl. Aug. 23, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. 

Michael McBreon, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 109th Uegt., Co. F. 

Tliomivs Mi-Kanna, enl. Sept. 5, 181.2, loilth Kegt , Co. F. 

H. C. Morehouse, sergt. ; enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Aliram Mosher, Corp.; enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. C. 

Orville Mannville, corp. ; enl. Aug. 9. 1862, 123d Begl., Co. C. 

Franklin Moore, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Rogt., Co. C. 

Charles W. Morris, enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Thomas McCarty, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

John \V. Manning, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regl., Co. C. 

Napoleon Meatt, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. V. 

Wm. Murray, enl. Sept. 24, lSOI,.53d Regt,, Co. A. 

Orrin G. Miller, enl. Sept. 2ll, 1861. 6 id Regt., Co. A. 

Adolphus Miller, enl. Sept. 24, 1S61, 53d Regt., Co. A. 

Joseph Moon, enl. Aug. 1", 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Alfred Manore, enl. Aug. 5, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

John McUermott, eril. Sept. 9, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Nathan Maxlield, enl. Aug. 26, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Wm. McCnmskey, enl. Aug. 3, 1863, 2il Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Wm. H. Montena, enl. Aug. 11, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I). 

John H. McGee, enl. Aug. 6, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I). 

Patrick Matthews, enl. Aug. IS, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I). 

Wm. W. Miller, drummer; enl. Oct. 5, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. C. 

Henry May, enl. Sept. 24, 1S61, 87th Regl., Co. ti. 

John Moore, enl. Oct. 14, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. G. 

Daniel Murphy, enl. Dec. 7, 1861, 78th Regt., Co. C. 

Joseph Neddo, enl. Sept. 16, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. 

Charles H. Norton, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Joseph Naddo, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, o.3d Regt., Co. A. 

James O'Reilly, enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Daniel O'Conner, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

David O'Hare, enl. Oct. 14, 1801, 87th Regt., Co. G. 

.lames Perry, corp. ; enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. 

Augustus Palmer, enl. Sept. 18, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F 

Charles B. Pardo, enl. Sept. 4, 1862, 169tb Regt., Co. F. 

Edward S. Penfleld, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. 0. 

Horace Pardee, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Joseph Price, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Joseph Perrot, enl. Sept. 24, 1801, 53d Regt., Co. A. 

Leon Pairsie, enl. Aug. 4, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Ely Pocket, enl. Aug. 8, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Alexander Paro, enl. Aug. 25, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

John Parke, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

Horace Pardoe, enl. Nov. 16, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

James Pardoe, enl. Nov. 10, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

James C. Parke, enl. Nov. 10, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. 1. 

Henry Pardoe, enl. Jan. 3, 1862, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

Edward Pettinger, enl. Oct. 14, 1801, S7th Regt., Co. G. 

James B. Randall, sergt.; enl. Sept. 2, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. F. 

Charles Rose, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Lewis Rohitail, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. 

Alexander Rodd, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 63d Regt., Co. A. 

James Beno, enl. Aug. 10, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Elihu Rickert, enl. Aug. 22, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Philo Rickert, enl. Aug. 22, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I). 

James Riley, enl. Aug. 25, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

S. Robertson, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

Robert Bowe, enl. Oct. 14, 1861, 87th Eegt., Co. G. 

Myron Bickert, enl. Sept. 2, 1801, 87th Regt., Co. G. 

Edward Bod, Sept. 14, 1861, 87tU Regt., Co. G. 

Alonzo Searls, corp.; enl. Sept. 9, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. 

John Slaveu, enl. Sept. 16, 1862, 169th Eegt., Co. F. 

Richard Scott, enl. July 28, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Dauiel Shields, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

John Sears, Jr., enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

John C. Smith, enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

David H. Sager, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

.lames J. Sherman, enl. Aug 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Francis Saddobar, drummer; enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Itegt., Co. A. 

Antoine Sliuott, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. 

David Sawyer, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. 

Joseph Slinott, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. 

Samuel Swift, enl. Aug. 21, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Israel Sweeney, enl. Aug. 3, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Joseph Selvy, enl. Aug. 6, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Winfteld S. Stowell, enl. Aug. 7, 1863, 2d Vel. Cav., Co. D. 

Duane Smith, enl. Oct. 14, 1801, 87th Eegt., Co. G. 

Robert Taggart, enl. Sept. 3, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. 

Adolphus H. Tanner, capt. ; enl. July, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Michael Tighe, enl. July 25, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. C. 

Hiram A. Tafft, enl. Aug. 7, 1S6J, 12:id Regt., Co. C. 

Henry A. Tafft, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, l-23d Kegt., Co. C. 



Hiram Tafft. Jr., onl. Aug. 13, 1862, I23d Begl., Co. C. 

Andrew Taffl, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. 

Richard Terrill, enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 123d Eegt., Co. C. 

Nathan Thompson, enl. Aug. li, 1862,12:id Regt., Co. C. 

Samuel U. Thurber, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. 

John Van Anden, onl. Aug. 9. 1862, 12.)il Regt., Co. C. 

Oliver Vigor, enl. Aug. 14, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 

Foster Winchell, enl. Sept. .'>, 1802, 109th Eegt., Co. F. 

Charles Williams, enl. Sept. 8, 1862, 169tli Regt., Co. F. 

James Waters, enl. Sept. 10, 1862, 109tli Eegt., Co. F. 

Robert J. Woodward, enl. Aug. .11), 1862 1691b Eegt., Co. F. 

John D. Warren, enl. Sept. S, 1862, 160tli Eegt., Co. F. 

Walter G. Warner, Ist lieut. ; enl. July, 1862, I2:td Eegt., Co. C. 

George Wright, Corp. ; enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. C. 

Thomas J. Wrangham, corp ; enl. July 29, 1802, 12.1d Rogt., Co. V. 

George W. Wells, corp. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 12:ld Regl., Co. C. 

Edson Whitney, musii.ian ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, litd R*gt., (>i. C. 

George R. Winn, enl. Aug. 7, 1S02, 123d Regl., Co. C. 

Joseph Whiltcn, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. 0. 

Andrew Wilson, enl. Aug. B, 1802, 12:!d Kegt., Co. C. 

Charles E Wood, ei.I. Dec. 31, 1803, lOlh Art., Co. I. 

Michael Whigley, enl. Aug. 15, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I). 

Curtis D. Wells, enl. Aug. 14, 186:i, 2d Vet. Cav., Vo. li. 

Edward Wells, enl. Aug. 5, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JUDOE ASA HAWLEY 

was born in Pawlet, Vt., Jan. 12, ISOG. He was a linoal 
descendant in the fifth generatiun From Samuel Hawlcy, 
who came from Eiiirland and settled in Staflord, Conn., in 




the year 16(56. His grandfather, Ager Hawley, built the 
first mill in Fair Haven, Vt., in the year 1782, and was 
killed in the mill December, 178-1. 

His father, Asa Hawley, was a miller of the same place, 
but soon aft«r 1806 came to Whitehall with his family, 
consisting of wife and three children,— Sally, Beusey, and 
Asa. There were born alter coming to Whitehall, Silas, 



488 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Charlotte, and Harvey. The father died December, 1853, 
his wife having died March, 1852. 

Judge Hawlcy spent his early life as a farmer's son at 
home in Whitehall, receiving only the opportunities of the 
common schools of that day, but his subsequent life was 
marked with a desire to be conversant with not only the 
current topics of the day, but with the Bible and history. 

At the age of twenty-three he married Miss Frelove, 
second daughter in a family of four children of Robert 
Spink and Sarah Matthew, the former a native of Shafts- 
bury, Vt., but of Whitehall at the time of the marriage. 
She was born January, 1802, and is now living (in 1878), 
residing with her daughter, Mrs. John W. Esty, upon the 
old homestead taken up by her grandfather, Isaac Mattliew, 
who came to the county when it was a wilderness and about 
the close of the Revolutionary war, and bought a farm of 
some five hundred acres. 

By this union there were three children, — -Rev. C. R. 
Hawley, a Methodist clergyman now at Fair Haven, Vt. ; 
Sarah, wife of John W. Esty, of Whitehall ; and Mary, wife 
of James H. Aiken, of Benson, Vt. Judge Hawley spent the 
most of his life, after his marriage, as a farmer on the old 
homestead of his father-in-law. In politics he was an un- 
swerving member of the Democratic party, and for man^' 
years justice of the peace of the town of Whitehall, and 
for four years an associate judge of Washington county. 
It is said of him " that while he acted as judge his counsel 
was given with that deliberation and sagacity that gave evi- 
dence of a clear judgment and sense of justice to all men." 

Particularly characteristic of the judge were his genial 
and social qualities, especially admired and appreciated by 
his intimate friends. He was the centre of attraction in his 
family, a man of great kindness of heart, plain and unas- 
suming in his ways. At an early age he became an earnest 
member of the Methodist Episcopal church; and with his 
wife had been connected with that church for over a half- 
century at the time of his death, September, 1871. Judge 
Hawley was ever ready to devote his time and strength to 
every good work, and support any enterprise tending to 
educate and elevate the rising generation. 



ALFRED JEROME LONG, M.D., 

of Whitehall, N. Y., was born at Rutland, Vt., Aug. 5, 
1824. He was the son of Jared Long and Martha Barr. 
The former, a native of Rutland, born Oct. 13, 1791, was a 
farmer by occupation, a member of the State Legislature 
(Vermont), and is now living, in 1878, where he was born. 

His grandfather, Levi Long, was born in Coventry, was 
a farmer by occupation, and died at the age of ninety-one, 
in the year 1850. Martha Barr was born in Highgate, Vt., 
June 11, 1792 ; was a daughter of Conrad Barr, an emi- 
grant from Wurtemberg, Germany, about the year 1790 ; 
born about 1745, and died at the age of eighty-eight years. 
Until the age of nineteen the subject of this notice remained 
on his father's farm, and then was sent to Castleton Semi- 
nary during the summer and taught school in winter. 

In 1847 he entered the Middlebury College, from which 
he graduated in 1851. While .still attending college, in 
1849, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Henry 



R. Jones, of New Haven, Vt. During the fall and winter 
of 1851 he taught at the high school in Bridport, and in 
the spring and summer of 1852 was principal of the Geor- 
gia Academy, Vt. In 1852 he attended the fall course of 
medical lectures at the Castleton Medical College. He 
attended his second course at the University of New York, 
where he graduated M.D. in the spring of 1853. July 28 
of this year he opened an office at Whitehall, Washington 
Co., N. Y., where he gradually acquired a good practice, 
which he still enjoys. 

In all the years of his professional labors he has never 
taken rest save that gained in attending the meetings of the 
local. State, and National Medical Societies. He was elected 
.superintendent of the public schools in 1856, justice of the 
peace from 1857 to 1863, a member of the board of edu- 
cation from 1866 to 1875, town physician in 1862 and 
1863, and health officer of the port of Whitehall in 1866 
and 1867. He is a member of the Washington County 
Medical Society, and was its president in 1869-70, and its 
delegate to the New York State Medical Society from 1867 
to 1871. He was president of the Union Medical Asso- 
ciation of Washington, Warren, and Saratoga counties in 
1876. He was a delegate from the State Medical Society 
to the American Medical Association in 1871, and attended 
the meeting at San Francisco. He is also an honorary 
member of the California State Medical Society. In 1878 
he was elected permanent member of the New York State 
Medical Society. 

The doctor is a man possessing rare powere for original 
observations, with native wit and an inexhaustible fund of 
anecdote, and therefore a most agreeable and entertaining 
companion. His notes of observations and incidents of his 
trip to the Pacific are deserving of publication. In 1869, 
Dr. Long made an address before the Washington County 
Medical Society, on the necessity and advantage of more 
frequent meetings of the body, which he was requested to 
furnish for publication. In 1870, before the same body, 
he read a paper on the " Claims jModern Life imposes upon 
the Profession." His time is so fully occupied that he has 
never found time to prepare for the press some admirable 
addresses, notwithstanding he has been requested to do so 
by a vote of the society. In December, 1855, he was united 
in marriage to Susan Eleanor, third daughter of Thomas 
Coulson, Jr., and Mary Jane Watson, the former a native 
of St. John's, N. B., and a resident of Albany, N. Y., at 
the time of her marriage. Her father was a glue-manufac- 
turer by occupation, and died in 1871, at the age of sixty- 
eight. Her mother was a native of Sussex, England, and 
came to America at the age of twelve, was married at the 
age of eighteen, raised a family of twelve children, and died 
in 1862, in her fifty-second year. Mrs. Dr. Long was born 
in the year 1833, in Baltimore, Md., and is a lady of re- 
finement and culture. To the doctor and Mrs. Long have 
been born Mary Jane, wife of Dr. B. C. Sen ton, Nov. 17, 
1857;'Charles Jared, July 17, 1860; Freddie Coulson, 
born Aug. 15, 1862, died Nov. 17, 1864; Benj. Alfred, 
born Sept. 12, 1867; Clymer Barr, born Dec. 21, 1873. 
The doctor and his wife are members of the Presbyterian 
church at Whitehall, and always interested in the propaga- 
tion of every good work. 




^J.^. 




Whitehall. N.Y. 



IIISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



489 



COLONEL LEMON BAKNS. 
An account of the parcnta-jo, ancestr}', place of nativity, 
life, and career of Colonel Lemon Barns, for more than 
tliree-quarters of a century, we desire to here place on 
record. His ancestry were of New England stock, de- 
scended from the emigrants from the " Mayflower." His 
grandfather on his father's side was Abel Barns, who resided 
in Litchfield, Conn., and who was one of the committee of 




^^'^f^ (T^t / y^^s^^^-^-t^ 



// 



safety in the Revolution. His father, John Barns, was 
born in 17G7, at Litchfield, Conn. He also had an uncle, 
Enos Barns, who was killed in the patriot army. 

His father was just preparing to join the array when 
peace was declared and the independence of the United 
States acknowledged. He received a good New England 
education, particularly in mathematics. He went from 
there to West Haven, Rutland Co., Vt. He had pre- 
viously married Thcdora Ingraham, the mother of the sub- 
ject of this sketch. Lemon Barns was born at West 
Haven, Vt., Oct. 1, 1800. He was of feeble health for the 
first ten years of his life, after which he became a strong 
boy with a stout physical frame. In 1811 he was a cabin 
boy on the second steamboat in the world,— the " Vermont," 
of Vergennes, built in 1809, by John and James Wynes, 
on Lake Cliamplain, at Basin Harbor, Vt. She was one 
hundred and nine feet long and twenty-two feet beam, 
geared engine ; could make four miles an hour in a calm. 
Pursuing his studies at a district school, and mathematics 
at home, under the in.struction of his father, he became 
proficient in mensuration and surveying, and had a partial 
knowledge of navigation at seventeen years of age. When 
eighteen yeare of age, while in a saw-mil!, he accidentally 
62 



with an adze severed the cords directly under the knee-pan 

of the left leg, which compelled him to curry his foot in a 
stirrup for three years, during which time he placed him- 
self under the tuition of Prof. Howe, at Castlcton Acad- 
emy, Castlcton, Vt., where he pursued his studies with 
vigor, particularly in mathematics. At the completion of 
his studies he had developed a strong physical frame, stand- 
ing five feet ten and a half inches in his stocking feet, 
weighing over two hundred pounds, with symmetrical pro- 
portion, powerful muscles, and with a great deal of elasticity 
and endurance. 

The 1st day of January, 182:^, he united himself in mar- 
riage with Fanny, the daughter of Th.mias and Rhoda 
Dibble, who long resided in Fair Haven, Vt. She was born 
at that place, Dec. 4, 1804. They came immediately lo 
Whitehall, Washington Co., N. Y., and have made that 
their residence ever since, excepting four years when they 
resided at his mills; two years of which was at Moriah, 
E.ssex Co., N. Y., where he was manufacturing lumber, and 
two years in Chemung, where he was manufacturing flour. 
The first business he engaged in on coming to Whitehall was 
clearing the west mountain in that town of pine timber, 
where he cut, and delivered at Fort Edward, New York, 
fifteen thousand saw logs for the firm of the Hon. Mclanc- 
thon Wheeler and Jarvis Martin. 

On the 10th of November, 1823, was born to them, as a 
pledge of their union, a daughter, whom they named Mary. 
At a proper age she commenced and pursued her studies in 
a select school in Whitehall, until the age of thirteen, when 
she was sent to Burlington, Vt.. to a school whose principal 
was the Rev. Mr. Crane, under the patronage of the Right 
Rev. Bishop Hopkins; she made music a specialty under 
the teaching of an eminent (lerman jirofessor and con)poser, 
and she became an accomplished pianist both in science 
and execution. 

In 1824-27 he was engaged in the transportation of lum- 
ber and other property from Whitehall to Troy and Albany, 
and bringing back merchandise. In the year 1828 he wa.s 
appointed lumber inspector at this port, which position he 
held for five years, at the same time engaging in civil engi- 
neering and surveying. 

The same year he was appointed by Colonel Eddy adju- 
tant of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ilcgimeiit, Sev- 
enteenth Brigade, Tenth Division, New York State militia, 
which position he held for four years. During the same 
period he was engaged in buying lumber in northern New 
York and Vermont, which he sent to Troy, Albany, and 
New York, to different houses, to be sold on commission. 
In 1832 he was elected colonel commandant of the above- 
named regiment, which position he held until 1841. The 
regiment was composed of ten companii\s, — six of infantry, 
two of light guards, one of artillery, and one of cavalry, — 
in all a thousand strong. In 1832 he purchased a tract of 
timber land, about two thousand acres, upon which he erected 
mills and manufactured lumber for three years. In 1835 
he sold the mills, and in 1835-3G invested a large amount 
of money in farming and timber lands, and city property 
in Michigan and Indiana. 

In 1830 he was one of the grand in(|uc.st of Washington 
county. In 1837 occurred the great revolution iu business. 



490 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



In that year and in 1838-41 he pursued his former occu- 
pation of civil engineerin";; and surveying. 

In 1839 he purchased the place wiiere lie now resides, 
No. 72 William street, Whitehall, of about two acres and 
one-half. 

In 1842 he purchased back his former Essex county 
lumber property, with an addition of about one thousand 
acres, erected two additional mills, and manufactured a large 
quantity of sawed lumber. In 1845, when the fires were 
raging in the woods and destroying vast amounts of prop- 
erty in this and other States, the .subject of this sketch lost 
by that element a large quantity of lumber and two mills, 
houses and barns, and the timber was killed on one thousand 
acres of splendid pine-tiinber lands. Estimated lo.ss, forty 
thousand dollars, atid no insurance. He rebuilt the mills, 
stocked a large quantity of logs the next winter, sawed 
them out in the spring, and commenced the sale of the 
property the next fall in parcels. The same fall he went 
into Steuben county and purchased five hundred acres of 
land, with mills, and farm of two hundred acres, in com- 
pany with two others ; sold out the same fall. He then 
purchased in the spring of 1847 four thou.sand acres in 
Tioga, Tioga Co., Pa., where he erected a gang-mill and two 
English mills; he there manufactured several million feet 
of lumber, which was transported to Albany and sold on 
commission. 

In 1850 he suffered a loss, from a July freshet, of four 
thousand logs and one hundred and fifty barrels of salt, 
the waters nearly undermining his store. 

In the fall he sold out the property, — lands, mills, and 
stores. In 1851 he purchased a mill-site and old mills in 
Chemung, Chemung Co., N. Y., where he improved tlie 
saw-mills and flouring-mill, and invested in a bridge across 
the Chemung river at that place, expending in all twenty- 
five tliou.sai)d dollars. The mills went by the name of the 
Chemung Valley mills. The grist-mill was used for flour- 
ing nights, and for gristing for the neighboring country in 
the day-time. It contained a merchant's bolt and cooler, 
and all the appliances for manufacturing flour. In 1853 
he purchased six hundred acres of timber-land in Charles- 
ton, Tioga Co., Pa., and erected a steam-mill for the sawing of 
lumber, and two shingle-mills for the manufacturing of shin- 
gles, destroyed by fire in 1857. Insurance, two thou.sand 
dollars ; loss over insurance, three thousand dollars. He 
immediately erected another mill on this property, which 
he disposed of in 18C0. The year 1853 he also purchased 
a lumbering establishment in Canada, north of Port Hope. 
In 1856 he sold it, and also the same year disposed of 
the Chemung valley mill-property. In 1861 he was en- 
gaged in driving piles for the State of New York, near 
Geneva, N. Y., which he finished the same year. 

In 18G2 he was collector of village taxes for the village of 
Whitehall. 

On July 27, 1863, by special order from Adjutant-Gen- 
eral J. T. Sprague, on the recommendation of Inspector-Gen- 
eral Miller and the commander-in-chief, he was appointed 
to raise a regiment of infantry of national guards in Wash- 
ington county, with full power to name his field-, line-, and 
staff-offioers. Said regiment was raised and organized, and 
officers commissioned by Governor Horatio Seymour, but 



never called into service, and after the war was disbanded. 
Subsequently he was two years road- and water-commis- 
sioner of the village of Whitehall, and was appointed to 
till a vacancy as justice of the peace, and also police justice. 
In 1871 he was elected justice of the peace of the town of 
Whitehall for four years, and also police justice, which 
offices he held for four years, — the term of town justice 
expiring on the 1st of January, 1876, and that of police 
on the July following, when the subject of this sketch 
retired fiom active business to domestic life. At his resi- 
dence, No. 72 Will/am street, he takes the oversight of his 
garden, called the Glen Cove garden, whore is cultivated a 
small vineyard, consisting of five hundred grape-vines of 
the choicest varieties, together with other small fruits and 
vegetables. Thus is brought down an active, varied busi- 
ness life for near threescore years, with its successes and 
reverses, its anxieties and fears, — a checkered life. 

At one time he had four establishments of business, di- 
vergent in some instances four hundred miles, and his close 
attention to business called him to ride nights from one 
establishment to the other, doing business in the day-time, 
and then resuming his journey to the next place ; givhig 
himself little or no rest for months, and even years, except 
what he might get in the cars or stage, and bringing a strain 
upon him which none but a powerful physical frame and 
an active and hojieful mind could have endured. 

As a military man, when off duty he was approachable, 
social, and familiar with all ; but when on duty was stern 
and exacting, requiring every man to be in his place, and 
the evolutions of the regiment to be performed with exact- 
ness and celerity. As a tactician and a drill-otticer few were 
his peers. 

In 1842 he was one of five who organized the fir.st Odd- 
Fellows' lodge in this place, and the same yjar held the 
position of first ofiicer. 

He has been fifty-five years a member of the Masonic 
fraternity ; is now a member of the Blue lodge, chaiitei'. 
council, and conimandery, and has attained to the degree uf 
Knight of Malta; has held the oflice of High-Priest of 
Ch:uui)lain Cha|)tor, No. 25, K. A. M., for four consecutive 
years, ending 1870. 

In his social capacity, he has always been a kind, familiar, 
and obliging friend, — would go any length to help a friend ; 
but, as an enemy, he was uncompromising with those who 
persisted in wrong-doing. He maintained a good moral 
character, strictly observing the Sabbath. Was also a tem- 
perance man. While officiating as magistrate he induced 
many, who were brought before him (or drunkenness, to sign 
an affidavit of abstinence, in most cases with happy effect. 
In 1875 he was confirmed a member of the Protestant 
Epi.scopal church by the Right llev. William Croswell 
Doane, of the diocese of Albany. 

As a judicial officer during a term of seven years, with 
a multiplicity of cases brought before him, both civil and 
criminal, no case was ever reversed by the higher courts, 
although several were carried up. 

As the subject of this sketch kept no diary, and the (ask 
would be too elaborate to go through his books and papers 
to get the precise dates, some of the dates may not bo cor- 
rect, but bear a close approximation. 




\- \ 






^ ^^^ 







%^:F 



Oliver Bascom 



O^^-^WlIkc^ C^ct^fL. 




• sj-i, ,5g»i5-^.j-^j?^^J< »-*^ 



DtN^L OF MRS AiMX^A BASCOM - lhall J 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



401 



So ends this narrative. 

The poet savs our life is iv history written through 

With ill or gooil, wilh false or true. 

Goil grant, ivhcn blesseil angels turn the |i!\ges of our years 

They will reail the good with smiles, auj lilot the had wilh tears ! 



HON. OLIVER BASCOM 

w;is born in West Haven, Vt., on the 13th of June, 1815. 
He was son of Josiah Bascom and Betsey Bottom, the 
former a lineal descendant, in the seventh generation, from 
Thomas Bascom, who came to America about the year 
1 634. The family of Basconis is large in this country, 
scattered through the United States and Canada, and most 
of whom are descendants of the ancestor Thomas. Josiah 
Bascom was a farmer by occupation ; was born at Newport, 
N. H., Jlaich 7, 178G, and died at Whitehall, N. Y., Jan. 
24, 1863. 

The grandfather, Elias Bascom, was in the battle of 
Saratogi as a volunteer from North field, Mass. Was a 
man greatly interested in the spread of the gospel and in 
the homo and foreign missions. He lived to see the fifth 
generation in his own family, and when his youngest 
daughter was married had ninety-nine living descendants. 
When past ninety years of age he objected to the second 
pint of gin prescribed by the physician, saying " he feared 
he should learn to like it." 

Oliver Bascom came to Whitehall, in 1823, to seek em- 
ployment and lay the foundation of his future fame and 
fortune. At first a clerk, winning the full confidence of 
his employer, he gradually and surely reached the position 
of merchant, and for many years was a member of the firm 
of Bascom & Gaylord. In 1851 he was instrumental in 
forming a company for the purchase of the transportation 
property, then belonging to the estate of James II. Hooker. 
The firm-name was Bascom, Vaughan & Co., and here 
was the formation of the " Northern Transportation Line," 
which was organized in 1857, under the general act, as a 
stock company, with Mr. Bascom as secretary and treasurer, 
which position he held for six years, at the same time 
being a director of the company ; and to his ripe judgment 
and active business habits this company owes a large share 
of its prosperity. 

Recently he was a member of the prosperous lumber 
firm of Brett, Spooner & Co. 

His political career was moulded after the firm .and fixed 
principles that characterized his business transactions. He 
was one of the original thirteen Democrats that at one 
time constituted that party in the town of Whitehall. He 
ever unswej'vingly stood as a standard-bearer of that party, 
and for several terms held the office of supervisor of his 
town. During the late Rebellion he was made chairman 



of the AVashington county war committee, and by his per- 
sonal efforts raised a large share of the money paid for 
bounties. He was also a director of the Bank of White- 
hall. 

In the fall of 1868 he was nominated by the Democratic 
State convention as a candidate for canal commissioner, and 
triumphantly elected to that ofiice. 

His honest, faithful, and active performance of the duties 
of that difficult position are known to all who have an in- 
terest in the business of transportation, fulfilling as ho did 
all and more of the great expectations of his friends, and 
like a wall of iron will his unflinching and constant per- 
formance of duty stand between his honored memory and 
partisan hatred. Mr. Bascom, in every sense of the word, 
was a self-made man, and fought the battle of life with 
every odds against him, and won a substantial victory. As 
an example of his purity of motive and integrity of pur- 
pose, pending his election as canal commissioner his 
friends told him he could secure the votes of several des- 
perate characters by going on their bail, to which he re- 
plied : " Gentlemen, I appreciate your motives of friend- 
ship ; but if I am elected it must not be by compromising 
my honor by assisting criminals to go unpunished." In 
all his life not one dishonorable spot or blemish attaches to 
his character as a business man. He was loved and re- 
spected by all who knew him. For many years previous 
to his decease he was a faithful member of the Episcopal 
church at Whitehall, and in honor of the man, at the time 
of his funeral, flags at half-mast, on housetop and pole, 
many of them draped in mourning, betokened the public 
sorrow. He was a friend to the poor, generous to a fault, 
and of that sympathetic nature which could not resist the 
pleadings of a suffering fellow-creature. He died Nov. 7, 
1869. 

In the year 1842 (Jan. 4) he married Jliss Almira, 
eldest daughter of Sanmel T. Tanner and I'rudentia Hitch- 
cock, — the former descended from one of the pioneer fami- 
lies of Kingsbury, Washington Co. He was a lawyer by 
profession, and died at Whitehall, 1838. The latter was 
also descended from one of the earliest families of Kings- 
bury, who had settled there in about 1780, and is still 
living. Mrs. Bascom wa.s born at Granville, N. Y., April 
30, 1822, and still survives. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Bascom were born seven children, — 
Warren F., largely engaged in the transportation business, 
and a lumber merchant of Whitehall, has been supervisor 
for three years, and president of the Northern transporta- 
tion line one year ; George Herbert, who had just entered 
his senior year in class '70, in Yale College, died at New 
Haven, Conn., of typhoid fever, Oct. 24, 186!l, aged 
twenty-three ycai-s; Jlary Emma (deceased) ; Edward Oliver 
(died at Minneapolis, Minn., while attending school) ; Mary 
Eliza ; Julia ; and Jessie Almira. 



NAMES OF CITIZENS 

WHO ASSISTED AND CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS THE PUBLICATION OF THE HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY; 

WITH PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



SALEM. 

C. L. Allen, son of Dnvid and Elizabetli (Lansing) Allpii, b. Ucnssi'Iaer Co , N. 

Y., s. Oct., 1«18 (retired); P. O., Siilt-ni. 
Cornelius L. Allen, Jr., son of C. L. and Sanili H. (Rnssell) Allen, b. Wasbing- 

lon Co., N. Y., Aug. G, 1847, Attorney-at-Law and Special County Jmigo ; 

P. 0., Salem. 
Win. H. Arcbibald, son of David T. and Margaret B. (Wrigbt) ArL-hibald, b. 

Keb. 28, 184(1, Carpenter; P. 0., Salem. 
David W. Ackley, son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Wrigbt) Ackley, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., Sept. 8, 1805, resident ; P. 0., Salem. 
Elijah Gregory Atwood, son of Zuccheus and Hannah (Gregory) Atwood, h. 

Worcester Co., Mass., s. .Tune, 1804, Ins. Agent and Florist; P. 0., Salem. 
Bernard Blair, son of William and Sarah M. (Train) Blair, b. Berkshire Co., 

IH.1SS., s. Aug., 18-25, Attoriicy-at-Law ; P. O., Salem. 
B. K. Bmcroft, son of J. B. and Betsy (Clark) Bancroft, li. Hampton Co., Mass., 

18M, Cash. Nat. Bk. Salem, and Vice-Pres't Nat, Tru.st Co., N. Y. ; P. 0., 

Salem. 
Mrs. Anthony Blanchard, danghter of Bradley and Harriot Hull Martin, b. 

Livingston Co., N. Y., s. 1855, resident; P. 0., Salem. 
John J. Beattie, son of John W. and Sarah (Getty) Beattie, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., Nov. 15, 184:), General Merchant; P. 0., Salem. 
0. E. Breese, son of \Vm. and Deborah (Bump) Breesc, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

Sept. 3, 1842, Meat Market ; P. 0., Salem. 
James Bla<hfield, »on of Flavel and Anna (Braly) Blashfleld, b. Windham Co., 

Vt., 8. 1840, Furniture Dealer; P. 0., Salem. 

A. K. Broughton, son of Ira, Jr., and Lavina (Sweet) Bronghton, b. Rutland Co., 

Vt., 8. 1852, Locomotive Engineer; P. 0., Salem. 
James M. Biitlie, eon of Tliomas and Rebecca (Farley) Battie, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., Aug. 30, 1825, Farmer; P. 0., Salem. 
John Burnett, son of James and Janet (Edgar) Burnett, b. Bennington Co., 

Vt., s. April, 1803, Farmer; P. 0., Salem. 
A.G. Conant, son of Ahm/,o and Elizabeth (Gwyer) Conant, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., Oct. 8, 1850, Attorney-at-Law ; P. 0., Salem. 
Wlllard H. Cotton, son of Thonins and Clarissa (Pearce) Cotton, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., Dec. 18, 1836, Dentist ; P. 0., Salem. 
Robert Cruiksbank, soJi of Peter and Elizabeth (McKnight) Cruikshank, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 1, 1816, Postmaster; P. 0., Salem. 
Mrs. A. E. Cruikshank, daughter of Russell and Anna (Murdock) Bassett, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y., Dec. 8, 1811, resident ; P. 0., Salem. 
W. J. Cruikshank, son of Peter and Elizabeth (McKnight) Cruikshank, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y., Jan. 8, 1839, Caipenter; P. 0., Salem. 

B. Cleveland, son of Job W. and Ilanjiah (Clark) Cleveland, b. Washington Co. 

N. Y., March 20, 1808 (retired) ; P. O., Salem. 
Alonzo L. Copeland, son of David and Susan (Combs) Copelaiid, b, Rensselaer 

Co., N. Y., a. 1839, Carpenter; P. 0., Salem. 
John Cleveland, son of Aaron and Doraphy (Stone) Cleveland, b. Washington 

l,'o., N. Y., June 12, 1824, Farmer; P. 0., Salem. 

C. F. Clark, son of Orin and Phel.e (Buck) Clark, b. Bennington Co., Vt., s. May 

7, 1807 (retired) ; P. C, Shushan. 
Marion B. Congdon, daijghter of E. D. and Cornelia L. (Church) Bartlett, b. 
Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, 1845 ; Postmistress, Shushan. 

D. F. Coon, son of Tbomiis P. and Jane (Mack) Coon, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

Oct. 7, 1845, Faimor; P. O., Salem. 
Marinus Fairchild, son of G. H. and Louisa (Crary) Faircbild, b. Jefferson Co., 

N. T., 8. 1830, Attorney-at-Law; P. 0., S.alem. 
Lonson Fraser, son of Isaac and Mary (Mansfield) Frasor, b. W.ashington Co., 

N. Y., Jan. 12, 1825, Attorney-at-Law; P. C, Salem. 
Asa Fitch, son of Asa and Abigail (Martin) Fitch, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

Feb. 24, 1809, Naturalist; P. O., Salem. 
W. J. Fitch, son of Josephus and Jane (Beatty) Fitch, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

May 17, 1846, General Merchant ; P. 0., Salem. 
James Gibson, son of James B. and Sarah Margaret (Townsend) Gibson, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 10, 1810, Attorney-at-Law (ex-State Senator 

and County Judge); P. O., Salem. 
Jamea Gibson, Jr., son of James and Jane (Woodworlh) Gibson, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., Aug. 3, 1842, Attorney-at-l.aw ; P. 0., Salem. 
Frank II. Graham, son of Austin P. and Francis (Chandler) Graham, b. Sara- 
toga Co., N. Y., s. Aug., 1S74, Attoriiiy-at-l.aw; P. (I., Salem. 

4ft2 



Andrew Getty, aon of James McW. and Lydia (Miirtin) Getty, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., April 19, 1854, General Merchant ; P. O., Salem. 
Mary Gray, daughter of Joseph and Sally (Gray) Hawley, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., May 9, 1807, res-dent ; P. 0., Salem. 
D. S. Gray, son of Stephen R. and Lydia (Harris) Gray, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., Aug. 9, 1848, Farmer; P. 0., Sliuslmn. 
Rev. T. W. Harwood, son of John and Fanny (Levis) Harwood, b. England, a. 

April, 1845, Pastor M. E. Church ; P. 0., Salem. 
Rev. John H. Houghton, son of Alfred and Julia Ann (Fenton) Houghton, 

h. Albany Co., N. Y., a. Jan., 1850, Rector St. Paul's Church ; P. O , 

Salem. 
Mrs. David Hawley, danghter of Bethel and Huldah (Smith | Hawley, b. Rens- 
selaer Co., N. T., a. Oct., 1848, resident ; P. O , Salem. 
Jamea Hickey, aon of Michael and Margaret (Meaney) Hickey, b. Ireland, s. 

June, 1856, Grocer; P. O., Salem. 
Johnston Harrison, son of John and Priscilla (Johnston) Harrison, b. Ireland, 

H. Oct., 1857, Grocer; P. 0., Salem. 
F. J. Hinds, M. D., aon of Wm. ami Lydia (Somers) Hinds, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., Sept. 311, 1854, Physician and Surgeon ; P. 0., Salem. 
Joseph Hofert, son of J. J. and Christina (Pahl) Holert, b. Baden, Germany, s. 

1871, Shoemaker; P. 0., Salem. 
A. J. Haggart, son of Andrew and Eliza (McEachran) Haggart, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., Oct. 15, 1814, General Merchant; P. 0., Salem. 
George W. Hopkins, son of George and Eliza Jane (McAllaatcr) Hopkins, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y., May 27, 1850, Farmer; P. 0., Silem. 
Moses Johnson, son of Thomas and Mary A. (Juy) Johnson, h. Rensselaer Co., 

N. Y., 8. April 1, 1869, Druggist ; P. 0., Salem. 
Emannal Jonas, aon of Abraham and Berta ^Stark) Jonas, b. Prussia, s. May 8, 

1875, Dealer in Ready-made Clothing; P. 0., Salem. 
John King, aon of Henry and Hnldah (Cook) King, b. Washington Co., N, Y., 

Jan. 18, 1823 (retired); P. 0., Salem. 
Leonard M. Liddle, son of John and Catherine (Merritt) Liddle, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., April 15, 1841, General Merchant; P. 0., Salem. 
John Lambert, M.D., son of Porter and Mary R. (Downs) Lambert, h. Y'ork Co., 

Me., 8. 1855, Physician and Surgeon; P. 0., Salem. 
Edgar Ladd, eon of Hiram and Mary (Coon) Ladd, b. KensBelaer Co., N. Y., a. 

1865, House Painter; P. 0., Salem. 
William Law, son of John and Elizabeth Law, b. Washington Co., N. Y., May 

7, 1807 (retired); P. 0., Shushan. 
A. B. Law, son of Thomas and Mary Law, h. Wa-sbington Co., N. Y., Oct., 1809, 

Farmer; P.O., Shushan. 
R. T. Law, son of Thomas and Mary Law, b. Washington Co., N. Y., July 19, 

1792 (retired); P. 0., Shushan. 
Wm. II. Lakin, aon of Samuel and Margaret (Grey) Lakin, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., Nov. 22, 1825, Carpenter; P. 0., Salem. 
W. A. Mackenzie aon of James and Rebecca (Patterson) Mackenzie, b. Colitm- 

liiana, Ohio, s. Oct., 1871, Past.r U. P. Church ; P. 0., Salem. 
H. D. Morris, son of W. K. and Claiijsa (Higley) Morris, b. Essex Co., N. Y., 8. 

March 17, 1857, Editor /^e<« ; P. 0., Salem. 
J A. More, aon of Andrew and Sabrina (Bigalow) More, b. Schenectady Co., N. 

Y., Jan. 15, 1842, Farmer; P. 0., Salem. 
Wm. B. Maynard, M.D., son of Elisha A. and Annie (Trim) Maynard, b. Wind- 
ham Co., Vt., a. April 15, 1872, Physician and Snrgcon; P. 0., Salem. 
George Betbune McCartee, son of Rev. Ridiert and Jessie G. (Bcthune) McfDar- 

tee, b. New York city, s. Apiil, 1868 (retired); P. 0., Salem. 
John A. McFailand, son of Daniel and Jane (Sliiland) MeFarland, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. y., June 23, 1824, Principal of Academy; P. 0., Salem. 
William MeFarland, aon of .Tames A. and Jlary E. (Proudfit) MeFarland, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y., March 4, 1833, General Mercliant; P. 0., Salem. 
Edwin McNanghton, son of Gen. John and Esther A. (Crary) McNaughton, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. 20, 1840, General Merchant; P. O., Salem. 
E. S. MeFarland, son of J. A. and Amanda (Hawley) MeFarland, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., Oct. 19, 1852, Hardware ; P. O., Salem. 
Daniel MeFarland, son of James J. and Martha (Saffurd) MeFarland, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Dec. 10, 1840, Carpenter; P. O., Salem. 
W. M. McMorris, son of James and Isabella (Law) IMcMorris, b. Washingt.in 

Co., N. Y., Nov. 15, 1811, Carriage Maker; P. O., Salem. 
Robert McFnrlaml, son of James J. and Martha (Saflord) MeFarland, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Oct. 8, 1828, Farmer (Street Com.) ; P. O., Salem. 



HISTORY OF WASniNGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



493 



CImrles M. Mc Laurie, M.D., son ofThom-ia A. anil Eliza D. (Savage) McLanrie, 

h. Niw York city, 9. Aug.. 1870, I'liyaician anil SurKuon ; P. O., Salem. 
Jolin H. McFailanii, son of Wni. and Sarah (M SaiiRliton) McF.irlanil, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y., Not. 17, 182II, Altoni.-.v-at-l,aw; P. 0., Saloin. 
.lames McClangliry, son of Tlioniiis and Sarali (McXitt) MoClangliiy, h. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., April 9, 1818, KainuT; P. O., West Ilebroii. 
Mortimer D. Oatman, son of Elisha and Lucie (linns)'0.itman, b. Chautauqua 

Co., N. Y., s. 18.i6, Marble Dealer ; P. O., Salem. 
Isaac H. Oatrnan, son of Elisha and Lncio (Iiiiui) Oatman, b. Cayuga Co., N. Y., 

8. 1844, Marble Dealer; P. 0., Salem. 
Joseph Oliver, son of Joseph and Sarah (Kelly) Oliver, b. Canada, a. May 8, 

1808, Supt. Salem Steam Mills; P. O , Salem. 
Paul Pincna, son of Michael and Ricka (Wilder) Pincus, b. Prussia, s. May 8, 

1875, Dealer in Ready-made Clothing; P. 0., Salem. 
T. T. Potter, son of Joseph and Sally (Uudleslon) Potter, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., March 7, 1837, Livory ; P. 0., Salem. 
David V. T. Qua, son of Daviil and Abigail (Scott) Qua, l>. Washington Co., N. 

Y., July 23, 1820, Teacher; P. 0.. Shnslian. 
Solomon W. Russell, son of Solomon W. and Zada (Tutman) Russell, b. Warren 

Co., N. Y., .\ltorney-al-Law; P. O., Salem. 
D. S. Rich, son of Ehenezor and Myra (Smith) Rich, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

March 14, 182.5, Farmer; P. 0., Shnshan. 
A. A. Rich, son of Ebenezer and Myra (■^mith) Rich, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

May 22, 1823, Farmer; P. 0., Shnshan. 
Bov. Edward P. Sprague, son of Rev. Daniel G. and Caroline (Wood) Spraguo, 

b. Now London, Conn., 8. April 29, 1808, Pastor Presbyterian Church; 

P. O., Salem. 
Robert M. Stevenson, son of .Tamos B. and Martha (McFarland) Stevenson, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 1833, General Merchandise ; P. 0., Salem. 
Joliu Shaw, son of Jonathan and Betsy (Vance; Shaw, b. Washington Co., N. 

y., Aug. 1, 1830, Meat Market ; P. 0., Salem. 
Franklin Stevens, son of Thomas and Martha (Howe) Stevens, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., April 24, 18119, Farmer; P. O., Salem. 
A. M. Sherman, son of Isaac and Charlotte L. (Rising) Sliermtin, b. Bennington 

Co., Vt., s. 1837. Farmer ; P. O., Rupert, Vt. 
D. T. Steele, son of Joshua, Jr., and Mary A. (lieatty) Steele, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., May 20, 1848, Farmer; P. O., Shnshan. 
Elisha P. Thurston, son of Daniel and Mary A. M, (Wadhams) Thurston, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y'., Oct. 19, 184.i, Local Ed. Sainn Prean; P O., Salem. 
John M. Williams, son of John and Harriet B. (Martin) Williams, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. y., Oct. 8, 1830, Manufacturer; P. 0., Salem. 
Mrs. N. W. Wilson, daughter of Sanil. De Merritt and Alice (Locke) Do Merritt, 

b. Stafford, Conn., s. June 2, 1810, resident; P. O., S.ilem. 
Daniel Ward, son of Wm. and Bridget (Boyle) Ward, h. Ireland, s. 18,50, Supt. 

Evergreen (Cemetery; P. 0., Salem. 
Charles Whitcomb, son of Joseph M. and D E. Wliitoomb, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., Sept. 1, 1841, Watchmaker and Jeweler; P. 0., Salem. 
Clinton F. Wilson, son of Fayette and Juliette (Bccbe) Wilson, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., May 25, 1844, Farmer; P. O., Salem. 
A. JI. Young, M. D., son of Clayton and Rhoda (Mallory) Young, l>. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, ISSf, Pijysician and Surgeon; P. 0., Salem. 



GRANVILLE. 

Will. II. Allen, son of Gilbert and Sarah (Bryan) Allen, b. North Granville, N. 
v.. 1827, Merchant, " Bates, Allen & Co. ;" P. O., Middle Granville. 

Koyul C. Belts, son of John and Lydia Betls, b. Pawlct, Vt., s. 1857, Lawyer, 
(ex-District-.4ttorney), Quaker St.; P. 0., Granville, N. Y. 

Chester A. Bulkley, son of Alfred and Mary 11. Biilkloy, b. Granville, N. Y., 
1839, General Insurance Agent; P. 0., Gmnvillc, N. Y. 

E. J. Brown, son of James G. and Eunice (Brayton) Brown, b. Fort Ann, Wash- 
ington Co., N. y., 1840, Proprietor Central House; P. 0., Granville, N. Y. 

Geo. N. Bates, son of Natli. and Nancy (Burbank) Bates, b. Granville, Mass., s. 
1820, Merchant, "Bates, Allen & Co.;" P. 0., Middle Granville. 

Gen. Edward Bulkley, son of Chas. II. Bulkley, b. Colchester, Conn., 8. 1789, 
(retired); residence, North Granville. 

Geo. L. Bulkley, son of Edward and Mary (Brown) Bulkley, b. North Granville, 
1832 (retired) ; residence, Main St., North Granville. 

Abram Barker, son of Isaac and Mary (Boweii) Barker, b. White Creek, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., ISl.'i, Farmer; P. 0., Middle Granville. 

C. K. Baker, son of I. V. and Laura D. (Comstoek) Baker, b. Conistock, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 1849, Farmer; residence. Main St., North Granville. 

John S. Burbank, son of Isaac and Judith (Allen) Burbank, b. Bethel, Vt., 6. 
1809, Farmer and Merchant; P. O., North Grauville. 

Lorenzo Barnard, son of Philander and Fanny C. (Stroeter) Barnard, b. Gran- 
ville, Washington Co., N. Y., 18.18, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. 

Ira H. llartlett, son of Jos. anil Phebe (Colviu) Barllelt, b. Danby, Vt., 1816, s. 
1847, Farmer; P. O., Granville. 

Henry BarnanI, sou of Philander and Kanny C. (Stroeter) Barnard, b, Granville, 
N. Y., 1839, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. 

Leonard Brown, son of Chas. and Sanih (Newton) Brown, b. Granville, N. Y,, 
1820, Farmer, Granville ; P. O., Ilartfolil. 

Stephen B. Can"iiter, son of Amos and Deborah (Dillinghnin) Carpenter, b, 
Granville, N. V , 1SI19, Retired Farmer; P. O., Granville. 



Asa B. Cook, son of Isaiah and Anna (Cnlilwoll) Cook, b. Granville, N. Y., 1827, 

Physician ami Surgeon ; P. O., Granville. N. Y. 
Samuel Chapin, son of Ziba and Lucy (lli-own) I'hnpin, b. Janinlcn, Windham 

Co., Vt.,B. 1822, Fanner; P. O., South Granville. 
Geo. B. Culver, son of James and Kezla (Lee) Culver, b. Sandy Hill, N. Y., 18:15, 

Cashier North Granville National Bank, North Grauville. 
John Carpenter, son of Hudson and Lucy (Taylor) Carpenter, b. South Gran- 
ville, N. Y., 1829, Farmer; P. 0., South Granville. 
Chas. J. CSiallield, son of Chas. J. and Sanili D. (Foster) Chatfleld, b. Painted 

Post, N. Y., 8. Sept. S, 1877, Teacher; P. 0., North Granville. 
Nath. II. Crippen, son of Nalh. R. and Khoda (Griffis) Crip|>en. b. Hillsdale, (>>- 

lumbia Co., N. Y., 8. 180:i, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. 
CInett & Sons, Wholesale and Retiil Dealers In Pianos, Organs, and Musical 

Instruments, 205 River St., Troy, N. Y. 
M. T. C. Day, Bon of Noah and Susan (Wilson) Day, b. Granville, N. Y., 1821, 

(retired); residence, Granville. 
Otis Dillingham, son of SU'phcn nud Amy (Tnckor) Dillingham, b. Granville' 

N. Y., 1811, Retired Farmer; residence, Quaker St., Granville. 
Stephen Dillingham, son of Stephen and Amy (Tucker) Dillingham, b. Gmn- 
villc, N. Y., 1800, Retired Farmer; residence, Granville. 
Morvin Duel, son of llinim and Alice (Whitney) Duel, b. Granville, N. Y., 1820, 

Retired Farmer ; residence, Quaker St., Granville. 
Noah Day. son of Noah and Ellis (Whitney) Day, b. Windham Co., Vt., ■. 1789, 

Fanner; P. 0., South Granville. 
Susan Wilson Day, daughter of Wm. and Susan (Botliel) Wilson, b. Hebron, 

N, Y., 1787 (deceased). 
Abram Dillingham, son of Stephen and Amy (Tucker) Dillingham, b. Easton, 

N. Y., 1800, Farmer; P. 0., Middle Grauville. 
R. G. Diiyton, son of Jiliiel and Jlary (Parks) Dayton, I). North Granville, N. 

Y., 1815, Merchant; P. O., North Gmnvillc. 
Daniel I. Day, son of Jacob and Abigail (Bulkley) l)ay,l>. Willinmstnwn, Miiss., 

s. 1827, Retired Farmer; residence, Giiinvillo. 
H.D.Deuel, son of Morgan and Lydia M. (Day) Deuel, b. Granville, N. Y., 1843, 

Butcher; P. 0., Granville. 
Almera J. Deuel, daughter of E. B. and Ophelia (Smith) Hicks, b. Granville, 

N. Y., 1849; residence, Granville. 
Wm. De Kalli, son of Wni. and Martha (Macomber) Do Kalb, b. Granville, N. 

y., 1827, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. 
Jonathan A. De Kalb, sou of Wm. and 9Iarlha (Macomber) De Kulh, b. Gran- 
ville, N. Y., 1812, Fariper, North Granville; P. O., Middle Gmnvillc. 
Augustus De Kalb, son of Win. and Martha (Macomber) De Kalb, b. Granville, 

N. Y., 1813, Farmer; P. 0., Middle Granville. 
B. F. Farwell, son of John G. and Lucy (Lar» -./) Farwell, b. Poultiiey Vt., 

1810, 8. 18-')0, Farmer, Jamcsville Dislrict; P. 0., Poultuey, Vi. 
Jolin Fyfe, son of Thomas and EiiMibeth (Clark) Fyfo, b. Forrnrahin-, Scotland, 
8. 1804, President Middle Granville Slate Company; P. O., Middle Gran- 
ville. 
Shcrod Farwell, son of P. B. and Betsey (Burr) Farwell, b. Dorset, Bennington 

Co., Vt., 1830, Proprietor Livery. Granville, N. Y. 
J. W. Gray, son of John and Dilla (Caswell) Gray, b. Middletown, Vt., •. 18«8, 

Farmer; P. O., Granville, 
n. W. Hughes, son of Hugh and Mary (Roberts) Hughes, b. Carnanunsliiro, 

North Wales, s. 1860, Manufactnier RooHug Slates; P. O., Granville. 
F. D. Hamiuond, son of Daniel and Deborah (Hall) Hammond, b. South Gran- 
ville, N. y., 1838, Farmer, Middle Oranvillo; P. O., Granville. 
Hicl Holiister, sou of Aslibel and Mary (Pepper) Hollister, b. Pawlet, Vt., 1806, 
Farmer, Pawlet, Vt. ; P. O., North Pawlet. 

D. W. Hcrron, son of Jas. and Hannah (Whitney) Herron, b. Hebron, Washing- 

ton Co., N. Y., 1824, Faimer; P. 0., South Granville. 
Franklin Hicks, son of Edwin B. and Ophelia (Smith) Hicks, b. Granville, N. Y., 

1848, Farmer; P. O., North Granvilb'. 
Pliilo F. Hatch, son of Asa N. and El mbelh (Brown) Hatch, b. Granville, N. Y., 

1831, Farmer ami Teacher; P. 0., Granville. 
Orlando Hicks, son of Jos. and Jcrnslia (Roblco) Hicks, b. Granville, N. Y., 1829, 

Farmer; P. O., Middle Granville. 

E. B. Hicks, son of Jos. and Jernslia (llobloe) Hicks, b. Granville, N. T., 182(1, 

Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. 

Sarah O. Smith, nte Ilicks, daughter of Abi.iuh E. and Sarah (Brown) Smith, b. 
Fort Kdwanl, N. Y., 1820; P. O., North Granville. 

Horace H. liigalls, son of John and Olive (Hicks) Ingalls, b. Ilartfonl, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 1807, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. 

Loami Lee, son of David and Polly (Whitcomb) Lee, b. Granville, N. Y., 1820_ 
Farmer; P. 0., Poultuey, Vt. 

A. M. Locke, son of John and Sarah (Winrhell) Locke, b. Madison Co., N. Y., 
1805, Manufacturer Booting Slate; P.O., Poultuey, Vt. 

Wm. Lyon, son of James and Catharine (Sullivan) Lyon, b. Ojrk, Ireland, ■. 
1864*, Merchant, " Bates, Allen * Co. ; " P. O., Middle Granville. 

Geo. W. Lowell, son of Jas. and droline (I'atchin) Lowell, b. Granville, S. Y., 
18.37, Farmer ; P. O., North Granville. 

Jas. N. Monroe, son of Imuic, Jr., and Mary (Thomsim) Monw, b. Smith Gran- 
ville, N. Y., 1849, Farmer; P. O., Granville. 

Geo. H. Monroe, son of Erastus and Harriet (llamdenl Monroe, b. Gmuvillo, 
N. Y., 1846, Dealer in Fnrnitnro and Collins; P. o., i;ranville. 

Chas. Monroe, son of Erastus and Harriet (llarnden) Monroe, b. Granville, N. 
Y., 18511; Dealer in Furniture and l^fllns; P.O., Granville. 

I. T. Monroe, «m of Isiuic and Mary (Thonwon) Monroe, b. Granville, N. Y., 
1841, Physician and Surgeon ; P. O., OraiiTillo. 



494 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



S. N. MarDing. son of J. 0. nnd Sylvia (Tiowlriilge) MnrllinE. b. Whitclmll, 
N. Y., 1S48, Dniggist ; P. O., Granville. 

Michael Malion, son of Patriclt and Margaret (Calalian) Mahon, b. Kings Co., 
Ireland, 8. 18C4, Farmer; P. O., llarlford. 

Jas. MiiMleton, son of Kobert and Mary (Burnctl) Middleton,b. Kincairn^hi^e, 
Scotland, s. 1841, Farmer; P. O., Norlli Granville. 

David K. Martin, s(rn of AVni. and Mary (Koblee) Martin, b Gr;invill.', N. Y., 
1827, Farmer; P. 0., Hartford. 

Jas. L. McArlhur, son of Wm. and Elsie (Lillic) McArtliur, b. Pntnam, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 185.1, Editor Granville Smlinrl; P. O., Granville. 

Jas. McBreen, son of Jas. and Nancy (Kaviinngli) McBreen,b. North Granville, 
N. Y., 1852; residence, Wells, Rutland Co., Yt. 

Zillah H. McColter, daughter of Arnold and Esther (Hiclss) Brown, b. Chester- 
field, Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1852, Fanner; P. 0., Middle Grarivlll.-. 

Wni. MeCotter, son of Dennis and Ann (Workman) McCotter, b. Ireland, s. 
1852 (deceased). 

Cynthia S. Norton, daughter of Amos and Dcboiali (Dillingham) Carpenter, h. 
Granville, N. Y., 1811 ; residence, Quaker St., Gninville. 

Jas. Norton, son of David and Elizabeth (Lamb) Noitoji, b. Pitlstoivn, Kens- 
selaer Co., N. Y., s. 18:i5 (dece:.sed). 

Slocuni B. Norton, son of James and Susan (Harker) Norton, b. Granville, N. 
Y., 18:i0, Merchant; P. 0., Granville. 

Geo. Norlhnp, Jr., son of Geo. and Mary (Mead) Norlhup, b. Hebron, N. Y., 
1810, Farmer; P. 0., Hartford. 

Ephrnini Nortliup, son of Clark and Mary (Knowles) Morthnp, b. Granville, 
N. Y., 1S15, Farmer; P. O., Hartfuid. 

Geo. Norlhup, son of Gardner and Siirah (Larkhani) Northup, b. Granville, 
N. Y., 1828, Produce Dealer; P. 0., West Granville Corners. 

Patrick Organ, eon of Bliehael and Britlget (Lowrey) Organ, b. Ireland, s. 187:{, 
Manuraclnrer Knit GooiIb, Shirts, Drawirs, etc. ; P. 0., Granville. 

George Parker, son of Asa and Laura (Wliitne.v) Parker, h. South Granville, N. 
Y.. 18:i2, Farmer; P. O., Middle Granv.lle. 

Jonathan W.Potter, son of Wm. and Eliza (Wood) Potter, h. Granville, N. Y., 
lS:ill, Lumber Dealer: P. 0., Granville 

Natli. I'arker,son of Asa and Laura (Whitney) Parker, b. South Granville, 1825, 
Farmer; P. O., Middle Granville. 

Slacy K. Potter, son of Jirennah and Rebecca (Cook) Potter, b. Il.nmitnn, 
W ashington Co., N. Y., 1840, Merchant ; P. O., Gninville. 

James E. Pratt, son of Erwin and Caroline (Elwell) Pratt, b. Pawlet, Vt., 18.'..'i, 
Meichant; Main St., Granville. 

Seymour L. Potter, son of Stacy and Cynthia (Hitchcock) Potter, b. Granville, 
N. Y., 182;, Farmer • I'. O., Granville. 

Channcey H. Pepper, son of '(■'Vauncey P. and Scba (Derby) Pepper, b. Pawlet, 
Vt., 8.1831, Mannfactnrcrof ij,;.ck8; P. 0., Middle Granville. 

Dr. II. P. Prouty, son of Linus E. and Betsey (Tooloy) Pronly, b. Mniray, 
Orleans Co., N. Y., b. 1846, Pliysiciau and Surgeon; P. 0. Middle Gran- 
ville. 
Jos. Pember.son of Orlin and Fidilla (Hyde) Peniber, b. Wells, Rutland Co., Vt., 

s. 1874, Farmer; P. 0., South Granville. 
J ohn D. Potter, mn of Gideon and Orry (Cook) Potter, h. Granville, N. Y., 1820, 
Farni.randDairjman, (iuaker St., Granville. 

Asa Parker, son of Nath. and Tamson (Baker) Parker, b. Miiblle Granville, N. Y., 
17'jn, Farmer; P. O , South Granville. 

Laura Paiker, daughter of Cornelius and Sarah C. (Cacij) Whitney, b. Gran- 
ville, N. Y., 1797 ; P. 0., South Gianville. 

Wm. J. Potter, son of Wm. and Eliza (Wood) Potter, b. Granville, N. Y., 1827, 
Fanner; P. 0., Granville. 

Jas. Peets, son of Freeman and Hannah (Rice) Peeta, b. Canibriilge, Washington 
Co.. N. Y., 1826, Farmer; P. 0., South Granville. 

Benj. F. Potter, son of Wm. and Eliza (Wood) Potter, b. Granville, N. Y., 1825, 
Farmer and Teacher; P. 0., Middle Granville. 

Deliverance Rogers, son of David and Hannah (Dillingham) Rogers, h. Gran- 
ville, N. Y., 1841 (relired) ; residence, Granville 

Geo. W. Race, son of Andrew and Lydia (Dayley) Race, b. Hampton, Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., 1812, Farmer, Raceville; P. 0., Middle Gninville. 

A. N. Rogers, son of Lemuel and Cynthia (Rider) Rogers, b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. Y., 8. 18G1, Hardware Merchant ; P. O., Middle Granville. 

B. C. Richard.son, son of Jesse and Ruth (Jones) Ricliardsr-n, b. Clarendon, Rut- 

land Co., Vt., 8. 1834, Farmer; P. 0., Nortli Granville. 
Horace M. Rhodes, son of Wm. and Byer (Derby) Rhode.s, b. Granville, N. Y., 

1S35, Farmer; P. O., North Granville. 
Joel Stevens, son of Peter and Mercy (House) Stevens, b. Pawlet, Vt., s. 1S52, 

Farmer and Cheese-Maker; P. O., Granville. 
John R. Staples, son of Jon.athan and Sylvia (Rogers) Staples, b. Danby, Vt. s. 

1852, Farmer; P. O., Jliddle Granville. 
Mifflin H. Streeter, son of Joab and Savire (Wheal) Strecter, b. Wales, Erie Co., 

N. Y., 8. 1856, Physician and Surgeon ; P. 0., Pawlet, Vt. 
Asahel Stearns, son of Ashley and Mary A. (Newton) Stearns, b. Granville, N. 

Y., 1842, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. 
Sharon Spencer, son of Fayette L. and Caroline E. (Rahn) Spencer, b. Granville, 

N. Y., 1848, Miller; P. O., North Granville. 
Milo L. Stearns, son of Stephanos and Olive (Perry) Stearns, b. Pawlet, Vt., s. 

1841, Manufacturer (lirriage Hubs; P. 0., North Granville. 
Lewis Smith, son of Eli and Jerusha (Simonds) Smith, b. Granville, N Y.,1628, 

Farmer; P. 0., Middle Granville. 
Stephen Staples, son of Willard and Elizabeth (Rogers) Staples, b. Danby, Vt., 



Truman Temple, son of Rosivell and Elizabeth (Case) Temple, b. Hebron, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 1834, Fanner; 1>. O., Granville. 

Oria Temple, son of Edwin and Mary (Woodard) Temple, b. Hebron, N. Y., 
18.-).5, Dealer in Groceries and l•^ovi^ion8; P. O., Granville. 

Edwin B. Temple, son of Roswell and Elizabeth (Case) Temple, b. Granville, 
N. Y., 1825, Farmer and Speculator; P. 0., Granville. 

L, R. Temple, son of Roswell and Elizabeth (Case) Temple, b. Granville, N. Y^ 
1829, Farmer; P. O., South Granville. 

Samuel Thomas, sim of Peleg and Ascnath (Nichols) Tliomas, b. Easlon, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 1828, Lawyer, District Attorney; P. 0., North Gran- 
ville. 

Is.a:ic W. Thompson, son of Jag. and Betsey (Downs) Thompson, b. Gouverneur, 
St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., 8.1830, Attorney and Counselor; P. 0.,Granvillc. 

JefTerson Thomson, son of Aplias and Elizabeth (Campbell) Thomson, b. South 
Granville, N. Y., 1828, Farmer; P. 0., Gninville. 

Asa W. Tapper, son of Josiah and Mercy (Wilbur) Tupi)er, h. Venice, Cayuga 
Oi., N. Y., 8. 1864, Physician and Surgeon ; P. O., North Granville. 

Geo. Tol ey, son of JoMah and Lorctle (I'pham) Tobey, b. Pawlet, Vt., a. 1873, 
General Agent Cliiett & Sons, Troy, N. Y., Pianos, Organs, and Musical 
Instruments ; P. 0., Granville. 

Oscar F. Thompson, son of James and Befeiey (Downs) Thompson, b. Gouverneur, 
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1835, Lawyer and Banker; P. O., Granville. 

Leonard C. Thome, son of Samuel C. and Maria H. Tlionie, b.Glen Cove, L. I., 
8. 1872 (retired); residenci'. Church Hill, Gninville. 

John Usher, son of John and Anna M. (All|iangli) Usher, b. Montgomery Co., 
N. Y., s. 18711, Miller ; P. O., Granville. 

David Whilnty, 8on of Isaac and Pbebe (Gould) Whitney, b. Granville, N. Y., 
1812. Fanner and Cheese-Maker, South Granville; P. 0., Granville. 

John Willc-tt, son of Cornelius and Nancy (Whalen) Willetl, b. Cambridge, 
Washington Co., N. Y., 1790, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. 

Walter Waril, son. of Moses and Betsey (Harrington) Ward, b. Danby, Vt., s. 
1817, Farmer; P. O., Middle Granville. 

Henry Warner, son of Roswell and Perthena Warner, b. Wells, Rutland Co., 
N. Y., s. 1847, Farmer ; P. 0., North Granville. 

Daniel Woodard, Jr., son of Daniel and Anna (Case) Woodard, b. Hebron, 
Wa.«hin5ton Co., N. Y'., 1822, Banker ; P. 0., Granville. 

Jonathan S. Warren, son of Snnniel and Cornelia (Clark) Warren, b. Weathera- 
field, Vt., 8. 1850, Merchant, Main St., Granville. 

Addison Willett, son of John and Selenda (Allen) Willett, b. Tinmouth, Rut- 
land Co., Vt., 8. 1828, Taller North Granville National Bank ; P. 0., North 
Granville. 

John J. Wing, son of Stephen and Elizabeth <H»dwur) Wing, b. Mount Holly, 
Vt., s. ISilC, Farmer and Teacher; P.O., North Granville. 

W. C. Wilcox, son of Alvan and Patience (Cornwell) Wilcox, b. New Haven, 
Conn., s. April 7, 1870, Teacher; P. 0., North Granville. 

Willard Whitney, son of David and Mary (Woodell) Whitney, b. South Gran- 
ville, N. Y., 1846, Farmer; P. 0., South Granville. 

Mansir K. Waite, sou of -Clark G. an.l Abigail (Pbillips) Waile, b. Granville, 
N. Y., 1819, Farmer, Slyborongh ; P. 0., Hartford. 



ARGYLE. 



, b. Hebron, W.-ish- 



8. 1840, 



. O., Middle Gr! 



John Armitage, son of William and .Sarah (McKie) Ar 
ington Co., N. Y., 1812, Merchant; P. O., Argyle. 

Alexander Barkley, son of James and Margaret (SIcDougall) Biirkley.b. Wash- 
ington Co , 1817, Farmer; P. 0., Argyle. 

James H. Bardiii, son of Hinira W. and Honor (Austin) Hardin, b. Washington 
Co., N. Y., 1844, Farmer; P. 0., North Argyle. 

Eliza Bardin, daughter of Joseph and Annie (Burke) Nelson, b. Adams, Mass., 
s. 1841. 

Wm. J. Black, son of Wm. and Elizabeth (Huggins) Black, b. Washington Co., 
N. Y., 1839, Fanner; P. 0., Norlli Argyle. 

Joliii D. Barkley, son of James and Margaret (McDougall) Barkley, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 1824, Farmer; P. 0., Argyle. 

Alexander Bain, son of James and Catharine iMcQuarie) Bain, b. Wathingtou 
Co., N. Y., 1825, Farmer; P. 0., South Argyle. 

Daniel Bain, son of James and Catharine (Mc(Juarie)Bain, b. Wiishington Co., 
N. Y., 1806, Farmer; P. 0., South Argyle. 

John McBain, son of James and Catharine (McQuarie) Bain, b. Washington 
Co., N. Y., 1820, Farmer; P. 0., South Argyle. 

Robert G. Clark, son of Robert and Jane (Graham) Clark, b. New Brunswick, 
N. J., s. 1823, Fanner; P. 0., Argyle. 

Alexander Cuthbert, Bon of Robert and Ellen (Gilchrist) Cntbbei t, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., 1852, Merchant; P. 0., North Argyle. 

Wm, Clapp, son of Benj. and Asenath (Grover) Clapp, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 
1813, Farmer; P. 0., North Argyle. 

Wm. Congdon, son of Wm. and Pliebo (Sherman) Congdon, b. Washington Co., 
N. Y.,18()4, Wagon Maker; P. 0., South Argyle. 

Edward Dodd, son of Henry atid Anne(Moutgouiery)Dodd, b. Salem, Wiuihing- 
ton Co., N. Y., 1805; P. 0., Argyle. 

Geo. C. Dennis, son of Arehibald and Hannah (Marshall) Dennis, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., 1817, Custom-nouse Ollicial. 

Mary Dennis, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Falkendor) Stewart, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 1818 ; P. O., Argjle. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



495 



Robert Dinning, son of Jara33 anl El -anor (Morelied) Dinning, b. It-eland, a. 

18C(), Farmer; P. O., Nortli Argylo. 
Phineaa F. Dixon, «on of Osnior and H»rriot (Luigli) Dixon, b. Waslliugton Co., 

N. Y., 1S14, Filrmer; I'. O., Argylo. 
James Foster, son of Andrew and M;iry (Utlcy) Foster, b. Wiuliiuglon Co., N. 

y., 1S20, Farmer: P. 0., Bolclior. 
Pliilip B. Frencli, son of John and Magdalen (Bain) French, b. Wiishinglon Co., 

N. Y., 18:il. Blacksniith; P. 0., S.nitli Argyle. 
Samuel Graliam, sun of John and Jane (Ujbertion) Graham, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1S27, Farmer; P. 0., North Argylo. 
John L. Gilchrist, son c.f Archibald ami Mary (McCoy) Gilchrist, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 1808, Farmer; P. 0., Argylo. 
James Henry, son of James and Margiiret (Kerr) Henry, b. Ilockshire C.)., 

Scotland, s. 18-21, Farmer; P. 0., Argyle. 
James K. Henry, s -n of James and Mary Henry, b. Washington Ce., N.Y., t8-t6. 

Farmer; P.O., Argylo. 
Wm. B. Ilenning, sonof John and Margiret (Loclihart) Henning, b. Ireland, 

8. 18j3, Minister; P. O., North Argyle. 
John W. Unggins, son of John and Nancy (Williamsun) Ilnggins, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., I84:i, Farmer; P. O., Norlli Argyle. 
John U. Ilarsha, son of David and Nancy Hai-sha, b. Wjishington Co., N. Y., 1819, 

Farmer; P. 0., Nurth Argyle. 
Robert G. Hall, son of JoIiti and 81 .ry (McClellon) Hall, h. Washington Co., N. 

Y., 1799, Farmer; P. 0., Argyle. 
Robert Hale, son of Samnol and Elinalicth (Thurston) Halo, b. Gloncestcr Co., 

Kng., in 1821, s. 183:i, Farmer ; P. 0., Argylo. 
George Henry, son of Thos. and Isabel (Telfer) Henry, b. Scotland, s. 18:17, 

Farmer; P. 0., North Greenwich. 
Wm. Henry, son of Thomas and Isabel (Telfer) Henry, b. Scotland, s. 18:17, 

Farmer; P. 0., Nortli Greenwich. 
Wm. H. King, son of Jolin and M irgar.-t (Tilfjrd) King, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., 18U, Lawyer. 
Catherine J. King, daughter of Daniel F. and Elizabeth (Van Olinda) King, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y., 1817; P. 0., Argyle. 
Morris Kinno, son of Ebene/.ei- and Anna (KeynolJs) Kiane, b. Duti-bess Co., 

N. Y., 8. 18l:i, Farmer; P. 0., Argyle. 
John Knickerbocker, son of John anil Mary (Couse) Knickerbocker, b. Columbia 

Co., N. Y., 1798, s. 1803, Fanner ; P. 0., Soutli Argyle. 
Jesse S. Leigh, son of Jos.-ph and Hannah (Smith) Leigh, b. Rensselaer Co., 

N. Y., s. 1785, Lawyer. 
Mary J. Leigh, daughter of Robert and Jane (Jlills) McFaddon, b. Troy, N. Y., 

s. 1810; P.O., Argyle. 
George Lasher, son of Herman and Maria (Kilinrr) Lasher, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1808, Farmer. 
Esther Lasher, daughter ofJohn and Eli/.abolh (McElroy) Boyil, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 1808; P. O., North Avgyle. 
George Lester, son of John and Sarah (Nelson) liestei-,b. Washington Co., N.Y,, 

1809, Farmer; P. 0„ North Algyle. 
Catharine Lester, daughter of Jamos R, and Hannah (Crawford) Nel.son, b, Del- 
aware Co., N. Y„ s, 1840. 
Alexander D.Lester, sou of David and Jane (Brown) Lest -r, b, W,ishington Co,, 

N, Y,, 1817, Carpenter; P, 0., North Argyle, 
Hannah Lester, daughter of John A, and Anna McDongall Gillis, b, Washing- 
ton Co,, N, Y,, 1820, 
Wm, Lendrum, son of George and Mar,v (Robertson) Lendrum, b, Washington 

Co,, N. Y., 1810, Carpenter and Farmer; P. O., South Argyle. 
G. S. Lake, sou of Jamos and Lydia (Cio.ss) Lake, b, Washington Co., N, Y,, 

181,'i, Keeper Co, House; P. O., Argyle. 
John S. Lundy, son of Wm. and Margaret (Beatie) Lundy, b, Washington Co., 

N, Y,, 18:i:i, Farmer; P, O,, North Argyle, 
James Livingston, son of John and Ann (Cummings) Livingston, b, Wasliing- 

ton Co,, N. Y,, 1807, Farmer; P. , Argyle, 
G, Maira, son of George and Sarah (McFaddin; Mairs, b. Washington Co,, N. Y,, 

17'.I9, Minister; P. O., Argyle. 
Moses B. Milliman, sou of Isaiic and Achra (Baniett) Milliman, b. Rensse- 
laer Co , N. Y,, 182.5, Farmer and Carpenter ; P, 0,, Argylo, 
A, W. Mori-is, son of Uriah and Enuiline (Marshal) Morris, b, Beaver Oo,, Pa,, 

8, July 1, 1875, Minister; P. 0,, South Aigyle, 
Daniel S, McDougnll, son of John and Mary Ann (Harsha) McDougall, b. 

Washington Co,, N. Y„ 1820, Farmer; P, 0,, .-Idamsvillo, 
Daniel McUua[ie, Jr,, son of Daniel and Jane (Harper) McQuarie, b. Washing- 
ton Co,, N. Y,, 1840, Farmer; P, 0,, Argyle. 
Wm. McEachron, b. Washington Co., N, Y,, 1810, Farmer; P, O,, Argylo. 
Wm. J, McEachron, son of Wm, and Mary (Haggart) McEachron, b, Washing- 
ton Co,, N, y,, 1837, Farmer; P, O,, Argyle. 
Jane McCoy, daughter of Joseph and Eleanor (Taylor) McCoy, b, Washington 

Co,, N. Y,, 1808; P, 0,, Argyle. 
James McEachron, son of Philip and Catharine (McKolIor) McEachi-oii, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y., 1S16, Farmer; P, 0„ Argylo, 
.Tames A, McCollum, son of John aTid Catharine (McNeil) McCollum, b. Wash- 
ington Co,, N. Y,, 1837, Farmer; P, O,, South Argyle, 
Malcom G, McNaugliton, son of Duncan and Sarah (dotty) MoNanghton, b: 

Washington Co,, N, Y',, 1800, Fanner; P. 0,, South Argylo, 
David T. Pierce, son of Hugh and Jtary (Rogers) Pierce, b. WaaluTigton Co,, N. 

Y., 1850, Physician ; P, O., Argyle. 
John Ross, son of David and Margaret (JIcKillip) Itoss, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., 1791, Cabinetmaker; P. 0., Aigylo. 



Archibald M. R>wan, son of Stephen and Blinaboth (McAllister) Rowan, li. 
Salcra. Washington Co,, N. Y,, 1800, Farmer; P, O,, Argyle, 

Alexander P. Robinson, son of John and Eli/jibeth (Qua) Itobinson, b, Wash- 
ington C.I., N, Y„ 18o:l, Farmer; P, 0,, North Ai-gyle. 

Nicholas lt<ibort«.)n, son of Hobertand Isabel (Slillsl RoWrlson, b, Washington 
Co,, N, Y,, 180:l, aibinot-maker;1', O., Nortli Argyle. 

Harvey Reynolds, son of Nathaniel and Mary (McKacliron) Reynolds, b, Wa»h- 
ingtnn Co,, N, Y,, 1842, Karraer; P, O,, Beleher, 

Wm. J. Robinson, son of Geo. M. and Susannah ( McOiy) lUibinsoii, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., 1S«), Farmer; P. O., Argyle. 

John Reid, son of John and Ma'-garet (McAnhur) Held, b. Washington Co., N. 
Y., 1798, Farmer; P. , Lake. 

DuuKin Roberlaon. son of Archibald and Ann rilobinson) Robertson, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N, Y„ 1824, Farmer; P, O., Soutli Argyle. 

Myron Rogers, son of Jamos and IsaUd (Kolchuni) Rogers, b. W.isliington Co., 
N. y,, IB.'W, Farmer; P. 0., South Argylo. 

J. G. Salfoi-d, am of Gideon O. and Jane (McOoy) Saffool, b, Argylo, Washington 
C.I,, N, Y,, 1841, Lawyer; P. O., Argyle, 

Geo, D. Stewart, son of Ceo, and Anna (Darrow) Stewart, b, Washington Cu., N. 
Y„ 1X21, Teacher; P, 0,, Argyle, 

Wm, D, Slevensoii, son of Win, and Susan (Terry) Stevenson, b, WuahlngUin 
Co,, N, Y„ 1847 ; P, 0., North Argylo. 

Daniel Sicvonsou, son of John and Margaret (White) Stevenson, b. Washington 
Co,, N, Y,, 18I;l, Farmer; P, O,, North Argyle, 

Lovella L, Scutt, daughter of John and &irah (Nelson) Lester, b. Washington 
Co., N, y„ 1820; I'. 0., North Argyle. 

John Scott, son of John Scott, b. Ireland, s. 1821, Farmer; P. O,, North Argyle, 

Alexander Shields, son of John and Martha (MahulTy) Shields, b, Ireland, s, 
1844, Fanner; P, 0,, North Argyle. 

Harvey B. Sybrandt, son of Rip and Katharino(Tiniicrman)Sybr.iiidt, b. Wasll- 
iugton Co., N, Y,, 18-20, Farmer ; P, 0,, North Greenwich, 

Albert Stewart, son of George F. and Mary (McAuleyi Stewart, b. Washington 
Co., N. Y., 1844, Merchant; P. 0., South Argyle. 

James Slovenson, son of John and Margaret (White) Stevenson, b. Waaliinglon 
C^o., N. Y., ISlo, Farmer; P. O., Argylo. 

James Stolt, son of John and Elizabeth (Hall) Stolt, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 
18l:l, Farmer; P, 0., Argyle, 

Wm, Stewart, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Falkendor) Stewart, b, Washing- 
ton Co,, N. Y,, 181-2, Farmer; P, O,, Argyle, 

John Stewart, son of Samuel and Kli»Uietli (Fiilkender) Stewart, b, W^asbing- 
ton Co,, N, y,, 1809, Farmer; P, (>., North Greenwich, 

Henry Smith, son of John and Slai-garet (Tinkoy) Smith, b, Washington Co,, 
N. y., 1792, Fanner; P, 0., Fort Edward. 

Chas. W. Taylor, sun of George and Jane S. (Curswell) Taylor, b. Arg.vle, N. Y., 
18*); P.O., Argyle. 

Geo. M. Tod.l, Son of John and Isabel (Mosier) Todd, b. Washington Co., N. Y ., 
18:14, Farmer; P. O., Nortli Aigye. 

Thomas M. Toild, son of John and Isabel (Mosier) Todd, b. WiuliingVm Co., 
N, Y,, 1818, Farmer; P. O., North Argyle. 

Win. W. Tilford, son of John and Jane (Welch) Tilford, b. WasliingUm Co,, N, 
Y., 18-24, Farmer; P, O,, North Argylo, 

Daniel Tinkoy, son of Stephen and Catherine (Bain) Tinkey, b, W.ishingloii 
Co., N, Y,, 181-2, Farmer; P, U,, South Argylo, 

David H, Williams, s.m of David W, and Margaret (I-osey) Williams, b, Wash- 
ington Co,, N, Y,, 18:54, Fanner; V. O., North Argylo. 

James Williaiiison, son of John and lCliy.al«-th (White; Williamson, I.. Washing- 
ton Co., N. y., 1820, Karnior; P. O., Art:)le. 



CAMBRIDGE. 



lelaer Co,, N, Y,, 



I James II, Austi 
^ Y., 1808, 



Wm, H, Akin, son of Win, and Abigail (Jolinson) Akin, U, Ken 

, 1809, Farmer ; P. 0,, South Cambridge, ^ 

, Austin, son of John and Waty (West) Austin, b, Washington Co,, N. ) 
P. 0,, Cambridge Centre, ''^ 

John Barker, son of John and Susan (Slocum) Barker, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

1797, Fanner and Dealer in Wood; P. O., Cambridge, 
Parismna Burch, son of Ir.i and Eli/iiliolb (Do Grolf) Burcli, b. Rensselaer Co., 

N, Y,, s. 1808, Farmer; P, O,, South Cambridge, 
Columbus Bowon, son of Sylvester and Julia (Cross) llowcn, b. Wiishinglon Co,, 

N, y„ 1820, Farmer; P. 0,, Cambridge, 
Jane Webster llockos, daughter of S, Do Wilt and Nancy (McClellon) Dockos, 

b, Wa.i|iington Co,, N. Y,, 1822; P. 0,, Cambridge, 
Robert Blair, son of Philip and Katharine (Lannouth) Blalr, b, Washington 

Co,, N, Y,, 181-2, Farmer; P, 0,, Cambridge. 
Andrew A. nevoriilge,son of David and Klizabeth (Shaw) Bovoridgo, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 18:12, Dealer in Lumber and Feed ; P. O., Cambridge. 
Samuel and Ephraiin J, Burroughs, sons of Kphraim and Elizabeth (Green) 

Bnrmiighs, b, Washington Co,, N, Y,, 1821 and 18:19, Farmers; P, O,, 

Greenwich, 
Sheldon Corliss, son of Albert H, and Susan (Lawson) Coriiss, b, Oneida Co,, 

N,y., 8, 1870, Lawyer; P. 0,, Cambridge. 
Margaret L. Campbell, daughter of John and Kliziibelh Law, b. Washington 

Co., N, Y., 1801 ; widow of late Itev. P. Campliell ; P. O., C«inliridgo. 
Mary E, Carpeiitir, daughter of Wm, and Elizab.dh A, (Patterson) Livingston, 

b, Merrinia. k I'.i . N. M , ", 1820; P. O., Cambridge. 



496 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Clioa. W. Darrow, fon of Josiali and Fanny (Hnll) Dairow, h. Vusliington Co., 

N. Y., 18:n, Farmer ; P. 0., Sontli Cambridge. 
Eiirl Durfec, son of Gideon iiiul Baiinah (Cornell^ Durfee, b. Wasliington Co.. 

N. Y., 1SII4; P. O., Biiskirk's Bridge. 
Iloiace Dodds, son of Jacob and Margaret (Vnndecar) Dodds, b. WaHbiiigton 

Co., N. Y., 1838, Carlienter and Builder; V. O., Caniliriilge Centio. 
Martin C. Ejcleshimer, son of Peter and Maliala (Lee) Evclesbynier, b. RenB- 

Belaer Co., N. Y., s. 1872, Fanner; P. 0., Buskirk's Bridge. 
Ahira Eldridge, son of Zoetli and Klizabcth (Hinkley) Eldiidgc, b. Tolland Co., 

Ct., 1794, 8. 1815, Farmer; P. O., Cambridae. 
Leonard Fletcher, son of Joshua and Mary fParmeley) Fletcher, b. Saratoga 

Co., N. Y., 8. ISOfi, Attoruey-at-Law; P. 0., Cambridge. 
Russell S. Fii'h, son of Isaac and Mary (Allen) Fish, b. Bensseluer Co., N. Y., b. 

1S57, Farmer (retired); P. 0., Cambridge. 
Blacknian B. Fowler, son of Browning and Jane (Galaspie, Fowler, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., 1811, Farmer; P. 0., Cambridge. 
John F. Flinn, son of Thomas and Jlargarct (Fitzgerald) Flinn, b. Washioglon 

Co., N. y., 1855, Clerk ; P. O., Cambridge. 
Chas. W. Grover, son of Eilmund and Hai riet (Moore) Grover, b. RnllanJ Co., 

Vt., s. 1827, Farmer; P. O., Eagle Bridge. 
Nathan GifTold, son of Elihu and Deborah (Allen) Gifford, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1700, Farmer; P. 0., JcdinTOnvillo. 
Swilzer Green, son of Sidomon and Mary (Galloway) Green, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1821, Farmer and Mechanic; P. 0., Cambridge. 
Byal C. Gilford, son of Ira and Susan (Cornell) Gifford, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., 1821 (retired); P. 0., Cambridge. 
Thos. C. Gilford, sou of Ira and Su^an (Cornell) Gifford, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., 1815, Dealer in Wiwl ; I'. 0., Cambridge. 
James Green, son of James and Eliz;ibclli (Coulter) Green, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1820, Farmer; P. 0., Coila. 
Henry Gordon, son of Henry and Elizabeth (McAuley) Gordon, b. Ireland, s. 

1S57, Minister ; P. 0., Coila. 
Alexander Green, son of James S. and Bannah (Skellie) Green, b. Washington 

Co., N. y., 18:il ; P. 0., Uoila. 
Onin S. Hall, son of Wm. and Mary tThonias) Hall, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

I.SIB, Farmer; P. 0., Coila. 
Henry H. Hall, son of Wm. and Mary (Th-mas) Hall, b. Wasliiuglon Co.,N. Y., 

1812, Farmer; P. O., West Cambridge. 
John L. Hunt, sonof Johnand Elizabeth (Skellie) Hunt, b. Washington Co ,N. 

Y., 1S18, Farmer; P. O., Cambridge. 
Elansing Kenyon, son of Martin B. and Caroline (Van Woert) Kenyon, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 1831, Farmer; P. 0., West Cambridge. 
Wm. M. and Chas. Kenyon, sons of Wm. arid Mary Ann (Hillman) Kenyon, 

b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1842 and 1844, Farmers; P.O., Valley Sum- 
mit. 

D. A. Kenyon, son of Martin B. and Caroline (Van Woert) Kenyon, b. Wash- 

ington Co., N. y., 1843, Farmer; P. 0., West Cambridge. 
B. F. Ketchum, son of Benj. and Mary Ketchuin, b. Kensselaer Co., N. Y., 8. 

1872, Physician and Surgeon ; P. O., Cambridge. 
Hiram H. Lovejoy, son of Joseph and Mary (Sniith) Lovejoy, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 18U7, Mechanic; P. 0., Cambridge. 
J. B. Fisher, son of G. W. and Eunice (Shernnin) Fisher, b. Cambridge, N. Y., 

1839, Clei'gyman ; residence, 242 Third street, Jersey City 
Hiram S. Lee, sou of Elislia E. and Esllier ,MeCreely) Lee, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1841, Prop'r Centnil House, Cambridge Village. 
James Maxwell, son of Geo. and Margaret (McDoud) Sla.twell, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 1823, Farmer; P. 0., Cambridge. 
Wm. Marshall, son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Anderson) Marshall, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 1797, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. 

E. I. McKie, son of George and Calherine (Whiteside) McKie, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 181S; P. 0., Cambridge. 
Mrs. Geo. SlcKie, daughter of Peter and Ann (Robertson) Whiteside, b. Wash- 
ington (^., N. Y., 1795; P. O., South Oambriilge. 
James McKie, son of John and Catherine K. (Whites ile) McKie, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 1831, Farmer; P. 0., South Cambridge. 
B. F. McNilt, son of James C. and Judith (Crocker) McNitt, b. Champion, Jef- 
ferson Co., N. Y., s. 1833, Merchant ; P. O., Cambridge. 
John S. Piiitt, son of Amasaand Fannie (King) Pratt, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

1824, Farmer; P.O., Briskirk's Bridge. 
Adam C.Pratt, sonof .\masa and F.lunie (King) Piatt, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

1833, Farmer; P. 0., Bnskirk's Bridge. 
Benjamin Potter, son of Gideon S. and Polly (Ilillinan) Potter, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 1824 ; P.O., Coila. 
Charles Porter, son of Ralph and Abigail (Town) Porter-, b. Kichfleld, Otsego 

Co., N. Y., 185(1, Merchant; P. , Cambridge. 
Ephraim Petleys, son of John and Jane (Burdick) Petteys, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1787, Farmer ( deceased). 
Lewis Petteys, son of Kphiaim and Elizabeth (Ferris) Petteys, b. Washington 

Co., N. y., 1851, Firrmer; P. O., Greenwich. 
A. I. Porter, son of Ralph and Abigail (Town) Porter, b. Richfield, Otsego Co., 

N. Y., 1843, Merchant ; P. O., Cambridge. 
Jci-ome B. Rico, son of Roswc-ll N. ami Botey Arm (Hodges) Rice.b. W;Lihington 

Co., N. Y., 1841, Seedsman ; P. 0., Canrbridge. 
Cyrus S. Robinson, son of Ira and Bot-ey (Cushing) Robinson, b. Washington 

Co., N. y., 1829, Tailor; P. O., Cnmbridgi-. 
David Robertson, son of John arrd Christia iPortiss) Robertson, b. Washiirgton 

Co., N. y., 17UU, Farmer ; P. 0., Canibr idge. 



Alvan Robertson, son of Zenas and Helen (Marshall) Robertson, b. Washington 
Co., N. Y., 1851, Farmer; P. O., Cambri.lge. 

Nathan E. Rice, son of Daniel and Zena (Kid.lcr) Rice, b. Washington Co., N. 
Y., 1825, Dealer in Stock ; P. O., Cambridge. 

Daniel Bice, son of Daniel and Zena (Kidder) Rice, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 
ISUG, Farmer and Merchant; P. 0., <3ambr dge. 

James S. Smart, son of John G and Anna Blaiia (Stovenson) Smart, b. Balti- 
more, Md., 8. 1850, Editor ; P. 0., Cambridge. 

Zerah Rirlcr-, son of Zerah and Sai-ah (Cogswell) Rider, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 
1825, Farmer; P. O., Cambridge. 

Thomas Shiland, Sim of Jidin and Margaret lEdie) Shiland, b. Wiushington Co., 
N. Y., 1814,- Fanner; P. 0., (Jimbriilge. 

Seraph H. Stevenson, dangliter of Rev. E. H. and Huldah Cbipman Newton, b. 
Mariboro', Vt., 8. 1836; P. O., Cambridge. 

John M. Stevenson, son of Wm. and Frances (McAllister) Stevenson, b. Wa.^b- 
inglon Co., N. Y., 1818, Altornej-at-Lnw (deci-a-ed). 

Cortland Skinner, son of Nathan and Hannah (Lawlon) Skinner, b. Benrdng- 
ton, Vt., s. 1817, Farmer; P. 0., Cambridge. 

Chas. Tingne, son of John and Delia (House) Tingne, b. Montgomery Co.,N. Y., 
8. 182C, Liveryman ; P. O., Cambridge. 

S.mon A. Thompson, son of Andrew and Eliza (Stevens) Thompson, b. Washing- 
top Co., N. Y., 1841, Farmer; P. 0., Buskirk's Bi idge. 

Pardon Tripp, son of Har\-ey and Eunice (Sherman) Ti-ipp, b, Washingtorr Co., 
N. Y.. 1825, Farmer; P. 0., South Cambridge. 

Horace Valentine, son of Daniel and Nancy (Hrll) Valentine, b. Wa.sliirrgton 
Co., N. Y , 1810, Far-mer; P. 0., Cambridge. 

Theodore C. Wallace, snrr of James and Patience S. Anthony, b. Easton, Wash- 
ington Co , N. Y., 1«57, Physician and Surgeon ; P. O., Cambridge. 

Peter Walsh, son of Joseph and Anna i Frederick) Walsh, b. Washington Co., 
N. Y , 179S, Farmer; P. 0., Cambridge. 

Marlirr B. Waite, son of Ezra arrd Mary (Bentley) Waitc, b. Waihington Co., 
N. Y., 1818, Carpenter irnd Joiner; P. 0., Cambridge Centre. 

Herrry M. Wells, s<m of Sidney and Silvia (Fairchild) Wells, b. Washiugloir Co., 
N. y., 1824, Photographer ; P. 0., Canrbridge. 

Elishn Weir, son of Robert I. and Sarah (Whipple) Weir, b. Washirrgtoir Co., 
N. Y., 1818, Farmer and Mechanic. 



DRESDEN. 

Burr Benjamin, son of Walter and Jane (Barrett) Beirjamin,b. Dresden, Wash- 
ington Co., N. y., Feb. 29, 1820, Farmer; P. O., Dresderr Stivtion. 

David lianett, son of Roger and Arrnie ( H'illson) Barrett, b. Whitehall, Wash- 
iirgton Co., N. Y., Oct. 18, 1798, Farmer; P. 0., Dresden Station. 

Myron L. Bclderr, son of Calvin C. and Solrrrda (Abell) Bolden, h. Dresden, 
Washington Co., N. Y., Jlrly 30, 1837, Farmer; P. O., Dresden Statii.ir. 

James K. Benjamin, son of Burr aird Lucy (Joues^ Berrjaurirr, b. Dresden, Wrish- 
ington Co., N. Y., Dec. 3, 1844, Station Mister; P. O., Dresden Centre. 

Boswell Beehe,son ofRoswell C.and Eliza (Hale) Beebe,b. Dresden, Washing- 
ton Co., N. y., Sept. 15, 1829, Farmer and Lumberman ; P. 0., Ditedeu 
Centre. 

Joseph Barrett, son of Joseph and Annis (Chapman) Barrett, b. Dresden, 
Washington Co , N. Y., Jan. 15, 1821, Fanner; P. 0., Dresden Centre. 

Ralph Barber, son of Ralph and Panielia (Collins) Barber, b. Dresden, Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., Oct. 19, 1830, Farnrer; P.O., Whiteball. 

George L. Clcmoirs, son of John D. and Polly (Hale) Clenrons, b. Dresden, 
Wiislrinjiton Co., N. Y., May 10, 1841, Merchant; P. O., Dresden Cetrtre. 

Daniel A. Flandreau, son of Dairiel A. and Githerirre (Reeve) Flnrrdreau, b. 
Long Island, s. Sept., 1860, Farmer; P. 0., Drefdeir Centre. 

A. D. Gillette, son of Dr-. F. B. and Tabiiha (Dunham) Gillette, b. Cambridge, 
Washington Co., N. V., Sept. 8, 1807, Clergyman ; P. 0., Dresden, and 149 
Wist Twenty-third St., New York. 

John W. Hall, son of Dr. Athertolr and Mehetabel (Clark) Hall, b. Whitehall, 
N. Y., July 2, 1841, Hotel-Keeper, Bosom, on Lake GecJrge; P. 0., Hulett'a 
Landing. 

Timotby M. Sleight, son of Alexander and Jane (Martin) Sleiglrt, b. Saratoga 
Co.. N. y., s. 18:i2, Jlerchant ; P. O., Dresden Station. 

David Sleight, son of David arrd Catherilre A. (Woodcock) Slcit'ht, b. Errglarrd, 
s. Jnrre, 1865, Farmer; P. 0., Dresden Station. 

Oliver L. Steere, son of Caleb and Topsey (Hulett) Sleere, b. Rhode Island, s. 
Sept., 1821, Farmer; P. 0., Dresden Centre. 

Jonas II. Sniith, son of William and Mary (Neil) Smith, b. Ireland, s. Oct. 1.5, 
1874, Farnrer ; P. O., Dresden Centre. 

William Snody, son of James and Hannah (Wilsey) Snody, b. Drc.-deii, Wa.~li- 
irrgtoir Co., N. Y., March 29, 1806, Farmer ; P. 0., Dresden Centre. 

Arrros Waters, sorr of John H. and Anna (Blanchard) Waters, b. Whitehall, N. 
Y., Sept. 5, ISU'J, Farmer; P. 0., Whitehall. 



EASTON. 

Stephen Allen, son of Thomas and Susaumrh (Barker) Allen, b. Massachusetts, 
1780, 8. 17'.l9, Farmer and Blacksmith ; P. O., Easton. 

WilLaiii F. Adams, son of John and Susan (Bailey) Adams, b. Washington Co., 
N. y., 1814, Farmer ; P. 0., Middle Falls. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YOllK. 



497 



iit«, 1.. Allaiiy.X. Y^ 



1 Co., 



Kichohui Bratt, son of Daniel and Cliristinadivekni 

178(1, s. 1823, Farm.T; P. 0., Ciaiirtalrs Corm- 
Benajiili B:irker, s..n of lienK.iali anil SaniU (Cliase) Barker, b. Washington Ci> 

N. Y., 1808, Karnior; P. {)., EiiBton. 
Horace Duaiile, son of John F. and Mary (Wait) Beadio, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., 18:i0, Fainier; P. 0., West Cambridge. 
Z ria W. Beadle, son of John K. ami Mary fWait) Beailje, b. Wio.liingt,.n Co., X. 

Y., s. 18;i2, Farnier; P. O., West Cambridge. 
C. J. Button, son of Jolin and Maria (Growbargar) Bntt0l^ b. Kenasclaer Co, N. 

Y., 8. 1,S16, Fanner; P. 0., Schagliticokc. 
Franklin B. Buckley, son of Spenor A. and Frances C. (Bosworlli) Bnikley, U 

Witshiugton Co., N. Y., IS.i.'i, Faruiir; P. 0, Hart's Falls. 
Adam Cottrell,son of Nathan and .Mary ;Tim) Cottrcll, b. Wa«liington Co., N. 

Y., 1T98, Farmer; P. O., Grocnwieh. 
llorton Cotlrell, son of John and B.tsy (Divelle) Coltroll, b. Wiisbinglon (Al, 

N. Y., 182!, Farmer; P. O., Greenwiirh. 
David Conklin, son of Carpenter and Lncretia (Nelson) Conklin, b. Iten-sclaer 

Co., N. Y., s. 1827, Farmer; P. 0., Uresnwicli. 
A. G. Cocliran, son of Kdward and Esther (Gibson) Cochran, b. Veraiotit s. 

1860, Clergyman Presbyterian aiurcli; P. 0., Middle Kails. 
Nathan Corliss, son of John and Isabella (Tefft) Corliss, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., 1808, Farmer; P. 0., Sehnylerville, Saratoga Co, N. Y. 
Lewis H. Crandall, son of Warren and Pliebc (Buckley) Cmndull, b. Wiisliing- 

ton Co., N. Y., 1839, Manufacturer; P. 0., Crandall's Cornei-s. 
A. G. L. De Kidder, son of Simon and Maria (Van Scbaick) I)e Ei.lder, b. 

Wa-iliington Co., N. Y., 1812, Farmer; P. 0,, SchuyWrviUe, Saratoga Co., 

N. Y. 
John B. Eldridge, son of Job and Sarah (Beadle) Eldridge, h. Wa 

N. Y'., 1823, Farnier; P. 0., Greenwich. 
J. Warren Fort, son of Lewis and Julia Fort, b. Wasliiugtou Co., N. Y., is:i7, 

Farnier (Supervisor); P. O., Kaston. 
Sarah B. Fort, daughter of Peleg and Asenatli (Nichols) Thomas •>• Washington 

Co., N. Y., ISaO ; P. O., South Ea-^ton. 
Elihu GifTorJ, son of Elihu and Deborah (Allen) Gifford, b. Washington Co, N. 

Y., 1803, Farmer; 1". ()., South Easton. 
Allen Gifford, son of Eliliu and Deborah (Allen) Gilford, b. W'asliington Co., N. 

Y , 1792, Fainior; P. O. Crandall's Comers. 
I.-a.nc lloag, sun of Ira and Sylvia (KeLsey) Hoag, b. Wasllington Col, N. Y., 

1824, Farmer; P. 0., South Easton. 
Edmund W. Hollister, son of Sylvester and Phobe (JIartin) Hollister, b. Colum- 
bia Co., N. y., s. 18.32, Farmer; P. O., Middle Falh. 
James ilill, son of Enoch ami Ann (Monroe) Uill, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

1830, Blacksmith ; P. 0, South ElUiton. 
Frederick 0. Ives, son of Oscar F. D. and Mary D. ( Hoag) Ives, b. Wasllington 

Co., N. Y., 1838, Farmer; P. 0., SoiiUi Easton. 
Hezekiah W. Martin, son of Charles and Miirinda (White) Martin, b. Monroe 

Co., N. Y., 8. 18G5, Farmer and Seed-Growor; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Edgar M. Petteys, son of John D. and Slary (Rogers) Petteys, b. Wasllington 

Co., N. y., 1844, Farmer; P. O., Middle Falls. 
I,e»is Potter, son of Gifford and Heplizibah (Pease) Potter, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1831, Justice of the Peace and Farmer; P. 0., North Easton. 
Wm. V. K. Reynolds, son of Hiram and Margaret A. (Van Kirk) Iteyn<dds, b. 

Washington Co., N. Y., 1847, Farmer and Seed-Grower; P. O., Greenwich. 
Bussell W. Robinson, son of Joseph and Hannah B. (Batlie) Itobiusou, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Farmer; P. 0, South Easton. 
Uirain C. Kathbun, son of Kenyon and Perlina (Freeman) Ralhbnn, b. Wash- 

ington Co., N. Y,, 1823, Farmer: P. 0., Vly Summit. 
Jenks Remington, son of Gardner and Mary (Haws) Remington, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 180U, Farmer; P. 0., Middle Falls. 
Royal Slocum, son of Royal and J. (Moslier) Slocum, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

1847, Physician and Surgeon ; P. 0., Easton. 
F. Franklin Silvey, son of Jeremiah and Slaria (Loomis) Silvey, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 1827, Farmer; P. 0., Middle Falls. 
Lewis Slocum, son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Taber) Slocum, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 1817, Farmer; P. O., North Easton. 
John Stewart, son of David and Elizabeth (Kenyon) Stewart, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 1817, Produce Dealer; P. 0., Greenwich. 
John Smith, sou of Aaron and Slary P. ( Brown) Smith, b. Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 

8. 18:19, Farmer and Fruit-Growcr; P. 0., Easton Centre. 
Hoi-ace Taber, sou of Henry and Slargaret (Haynor; Taber, b. Washington Co, 

N. Y., 1822, Farmer; P. , Grecuwicli. 
Andrew Thompson, son of Andrew and Hannah (Stevens) Thompson, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 1808, Farmer; P. O, Greenwich. 
John H. Tefft, sou of Caleb and Hannah (Green) Tefft, b. Washington Co., X. 

Y., 1822, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Jonathan Wood, son of Jacob and Anrelia (Wilbur) Wood, b. Washington Co, 

N. Y., 1832, Farmer; P. 0., Easton. 
David Wait, son of Isaac and Mary (Milk8)*Wait, b. Washington Co., N. Y, 

1814, Fanner; P. O., Easton. 
John M. Welling, son of Nathaniel and .Jano Maria Welling, b. Rensselaer Co. 

N. Y, 8. 1847, Merc.iant and Poslmaster: P. 0, North Easton. 
Mrs. A. M. Wickes, daughter of Simon and Phebe (Beiulel) Burton, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y, 1829; P. O, Greenwich. 
Mrs. Lydia Wilbur, daughter of Philander and Sarah (Marshall) Toby, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 1806 ; P. O., North Ea-lon. 
Julius Williams, son of Stephen B. and Bet-y (Lucas) Williiuus, b. Washii:gton 

Co , N. Y., 1827, Fanner; P. 0., Greenwich. 

63 



Francis J. WheMen, son of Francis B. and Eli/jjlwth (Skinner) Whelden, b. 

Washingloii Co., N. Y., 1829, Farmer; P. O., Greenwich. 
Darins B. Wheldt-n. son .,r Jal«-z and Eunice i Woodard) Whelden, b. Wiuhing- 

ton Co., N. Y., 180.1, Fann.r; P. O., Greenwich. 
John Wilbur, Jr., son of John and Sarah ( Bragg) Wilbur, b. Washington Co., 

N. v., ISW, Farmer ; P. O, North Easton. 
Alonzo Young, son of Clayton and Rhoda (Slallery) Young, b. Washington 

Co, N. Y., 1833, Farmer; P. O, Gi-eonwich. 



FORT ANN. 

George Ashley, son of Jamcn aii.l Nancy (Xiius) Ashley, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., 18:12, Farmer; P. O, Fort Ann. 
I. v. Baker, son of Reuben and Luis C. (Baxter) Baker, b. Wimhlngton Co., N. 

Y., 1813 ; Farmer, Banker, and Prcst. N. Y. and Ciinada U. B. ; residence, 

CoUKIocIt; r. 0... Comstock. 
J. 0. Brown, sun of Daniel and Aminia (Lines) Broirn, b. Dutchess d., N. Y., 

8. 1850, Retired Farmer, Kane's Fa-ll.-^; P. <>., Fort Ann. 
J. II. Benton, son of AIra and Lucinda (Earle) Benton, b. Washington Co, N. 

Y, 1830, Lnuifcertnan; P. O, Fort Ann. 
Howard Bailey, son of F:ben and Silra (H.iward) Biuley, b. Wa-hinglun Co., N. 

Y., 1802, Blillwiight; P. O, Fort Ann. 
Cyrus Boyce, son of Wni. and .Sar.ih (Sargaut) Boyce, b. Washington Co., VI, 

183C, Faimer; P. O.. Fort Ann. 
Alexander Baker, eon of Awa and Maliel ( Y^onng) Baker, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y,, 1829, Farmer; P. O, Fort Ann. 

B. W. Breirster, son of Natliaui.-I O. and Delight (Winchester) Brewster, b. 

Wiishingtcm Co, N. Y, 1821, Farmer and I.nrabenuan ; P. O., Fort Ann. 
,Iohn Bubcock.sou of Denj. and Delight (Buck) Balic.ck, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y, 1797, Retired Farmer; P. O., West Foit Ann. 
John M. Barnctt,sun of Benj. and Hary (Nicktdson) Ibirnett, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 1820, Farmer and Manufacturer; P. 0, Fort Ann. 
Benj. Broun, son of BenJ. and Elizabeth (Dolly) Brown, b. Rhode Island, s. 

1809, Retired Farmer; P. 0., West Fort Ann. 

A. T. Brown, sim of Elislia and Eliza (Row) Brown, h. Washington Co., X. Y., 

1822, Cai-penter anil Joiner; P. U., West Granville. 
Orlando Cluipin, son of Solomon and Lydia (Bice) Cliapin, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y, 184-2, Farmer; P. O., West Granville. 
Harlan P. Cone, son of Geo. B. and Ann Eliza (Burrington) Cone, k. Washing- 
ton Co, N. Y., 1850, Farmer; P. O., West Granville. 
T. N. Deuey, son of Chester and Mary T. (Bush) Dewey, b. Washington Co., X. 

Y., 1820, Farmer; P. 0, Fort Ann. 
J. D. Earle, .ion of John and Jula (Mosher) Earle, b. Wa.shington Co, N. Y, 

1837. Merchant; P. 0, Fort Ann. 
R. G. Fairbanks, son of Silas and Ele innr (Goodale) Fairlanka, b. Herkimer 

Co., N. Y, R. 1871, Maufr. Silex, Kane's Falls ; P. O., Fort Ann. 
M. J. Farr, daughter of Jaims and Hannah (Winegar) Farr, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y, 1829; P. O., Fort Ann. 

C. C. Farr, sou of James and Han nab ( Winegar) Farr, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

18:i8, Farmer; P. 0, Fort Ann. 

Benjamin Gillett, son of Abrani andjerusba (Allen) Gillett, b. Washington Co, 
N. Y, 1830, Farnier; P. 0., West Granville. 

J. D. Goorlman, son of O. W. and Mary J. (Farr) Goodman, b. M'ashington Co., 
N. Y., 1854, Farmer; P. 0, Fort Auil 

Josejili Haynea, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (King) Hayne.i, b. Gloucester- 
shire, Eng., s. 1849, Farmer; P. O., Griswold .Mills. 

Orson Kingsley, sou of Supply and Avis (Mason) Kingsley, h. Wasllington Co., 
N. Y., 1807, Retired Farmer; P. 0, Comstock. 

B. A. KUburu, son of Simon an.l Lucy (Aldlich) Kilburn, b. Rutland Co., Vt., 

6. 1804, Fanner; P. 0, West Granville. 
B. J. Lawrence, son of Hiram and Mary B. (Griffin) Lawrence, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 182:1, Farmer; P. 0., West Granville. 
Stepijen J. Lewis, son of John H. and Elizabeth (Antis) Lewis, b. Montgomery 

Co., N. Y, 8. 1870, Farmer; P. 0., Fort Ann. 
Frank M. Lamb, son of P. H. and Jane E. (Dean) Lamb, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., 1853, Farmer; P. 0, Fort Ann. 
George L. Stevens, son of Wm. and Sibye (Roberts) Stevens, b. Wa-ibjiigton Co., 

N. Y, 1827, Farmer; P. 0, Fort Ann. 
Nathan Smith, son of Hemen and Lucy (Beckwith) Sroitli, b. Plattsbnrg, 

Clinton Co., N. Y., s. 184.1, Farmer, Merchant, aud (3oal Dealer, Smith's 

Landing; P. 0, Comstock. 
Sidney S. Spencer, aon of Phiueas and Elcy (Farnsworth) Spencer, b. Washing- 
ton Co, N. Y., 1819, Farmer; P. O, West Giunville. 
Henry Stevens, son of Mathew U. and Caroline (Church) Stevens, b. Salem, 

Washington Co., N. Y, 18.50, Farmer; P. 0, North Granville. 
Sylvester Skinner, aon of Ell and Sally (Griggs) Skinner, b. Washington Co, N. 

Y, 1828, Farmer; P. O, Fort Ann. 
Gardner Stevens, son of Wm. anil Sd.ye (IloberU) Stoveiu, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y, 1828, Farmer; P. O., Fort Ann. 
Otis Sheldon, son of Nathan and Eleanor (Van Loner) Sheldon, b. Wsshlngton 

Co., N. Y, 1801, Farmer; P. O., West Fort Ann. 
Israel Thompson, son of Jndah and Mary (Harris) riiompson, b. Wa.hinglon 

Co, N. Y, 1803, Fanner; P. !>., Fort Ann. 
John H. Thonip<ion,8on of Judah and Mary (Harris) Thompson, b. Washington 

Co, N. y, 1799, Retired Farmer; P. O., Fori Ann. 



408 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



I,eonaid Vniiglin,K(in of Wliitniaii nrnl B(>t80.v (Drnptr) Vniiglin.b. Wiishington 
Co., N. Y., 1814, Karmer; 1'. 0., Fort Ann. 

Madison Vaughn, sun <if Ualel) and Ruth (llogers) Vaughn, b. VVasliiiiglon Co., 
N. Y., 1H22, Farmer; 1>. O., Fort Ann. 

Fri'dcrick F. Wray.son of Garrtt and Sarah J. (Smith) VVray, b. Wa.'-liinglon 
Co., N. v., 18:!:!, Farmer and Surveyor; 1'. 0., West Granville. 

Francis I). Wni.v, eon of Garret and Sanih J. (Smith) Wray, b. \Va>hinglon Co., 
N. v., ISil, Farmej-; P. 0., West Granville. 

Joshua Wells, son of I'erry G. and Maria(Biim) Wells, b. Kulland Co., Vt.,noc, 
8. 1810, Retired Farmer; P. O., West Granville. 

Lllthor Washburn, mn of Kphraini and Sally (Martin) Waslibuni, l>. Washing- 
ton Co., N. y., I82i, Farmer; I*. 0., Fort Ann. 

Mathias Whitney, son of Mathias and Olive (D..ty) Whitney, b. Berkshire Co., 
Mass., 8. 18112, Retired Farmer; P. 0., West Granville. 

Walter WoodrnlT, son of Simmons and Anna iSkinner) Woodniff, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., 18(J8, Retired Farmer; P. O., Fort Ann. 

Aaron White, son of Aaron and Polly (Fosdiek) White, b. Washington Co., N. 
Y., 1.S21, Farmer and Contiactor; P. O., Comstiiek. 

Edwani Wall, son of .James and Mary Wall, b. Mass , s. 1859, Snpt. of Foit Ann 
Woolen (;o.; P. 0., Fort Anil. 

Sylvester Woodruft; son of Simmons and Anna (Skinner) Woo.lrntr, b. Wa^ljirg- 
ton Co., N. Y., 1S28, Farmer and Tciclier ; P. O., Fort A nii. 



FORT EDWARD. 

Robert Armstrong, Jr., son of Robert and Alice (Allen) Armstiong, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, 184.5, Lawyer; P. O., Fort Edward. 
II. T. Blanchard, son of Ailonyah and Jane (Cox) Uhuichard, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., Oct. la. 181:i, Editor of G<i;e(fe ; P. 0., Fort Edward. 
Polcr Bennett, son of Jaraes and M.iry lEagan) Bennett, b. Ireland, s, April 12, 

18(i(l, Clothing and Merchant Tailor; P. O., Fort Edward. 
F. E. Barton, son of Ira and Abigail (Weston) Barton, b. Windsor Co., Vt., s. 

April, 1SC8, Watchnuiker and Jeweler ; P. 0., Foi t Edwaid. 
D. C. Brisbin, son of Oliver and Anzolett;l (Ball) Bri^bin, b. Saratoga Co., }J. Y., 

B. Nov., 1850, General Mdse. and Farmer; P. 0., Moses Kill. 
Erastus Bristol, son of Silas and Joanna (Payne) Bristol, b. Washington Co.. N. 

Y., Sejrt. 20, ISCS, Farmer; P. 0., Fort Miller. 
11. W. Brannock, son of George S. and ,Iaue (Wadsworth) Biannock, b. Warren 

Co., N. y., s. April, 1875, Farmer; P. O., Fort Edward. 
A. M. Clements, son of George and Theodosia (Underbill) Clements, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N.Y., Oct. 21, 1839, Dealer in Diy Goods and Gen. Md.te.; P. 

0., Fort Edward. 
George Clements, son of Wm. and Betsy (Oakley) Clements, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., March 19, 1809, Cashier State Bank of Fort Edward. 
A. W. Cary, son of Wm. and Mariah (Flack) Cary, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

Sept. 20, 1825, Dealer in Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots, Shoes, and Crockery ; 

P. 0., Fort Eilward. 
Alexander Carswell, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Safford) Carswell, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., March 24, 1802, Farmer ; P. O., Fort Millei-. 
Win. II. Collier, son of Beiij. J. and Sallio (Daniels) Collier, b. Rensselaer Co., 

N. y., s. Aug. 1802, Farmer; P. 0., Moses Kill. 
Alfred W. Chapman, son of Spencer and Sally (Ward) Chapman, b. Washington 

Co., N. y., July 20, 1820, Farmer; P. O., Fort Edward. 
S. R. Dnrkce, son of Solomon and Sarah Dnrkee, b. Washington Co., N. V., July 

5, 1822, Grist-Mill and Brewery; P. 0., Fort Edward. 
Francis B.Davis, son of Henry L. and Mary (Breese) Davis, b. Saratoga Co., 

N. Y., 8. 1808, Drriggist ; P. 0., Fort Edward. 
J. U. Durkce, son of Ellas and Chariotle (R.gens) Dnrkee, b. Washington Co., 

N. y., April 17, 1S48, Teacher; P. O., Sandy Hdl. 
John S. Dnrkee, son of Solomon and Criste]ni(Sannder8)Duikei', b. Washington 

Co., N. y., Feb. 18, 18111, Farming; P. 0., Fort Edwaid. 
Norman Dnrkee, son of Renbeii ami Mary (Powell ) Durk( c, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., Jrrn. 27, 182:!, Farming; P. 0., Kort E.hvard. 
Archibald Dnrkee, son of Solomon, Jr., and Sally (Cliiff) Dnrkee, b. Washing- 
ton Co , N. Y., Jan. 8, 18 5 (retired) ; P. O., Fort Edward. 
S. Dnrkee, son of Charles and Ann Dnrkee, b. Washington Co., N. Y., Feb. 28, 

18:17, Farming; P. O., Fort E.lwaril. 
Neil E. Dnrkee, son of Itenben and .Mary (Powell) Dnrkee, b. Wa..ihirrgton Co., 

N. Y., Jan. 4, 1829, Farming ; P. O., Fort Kilwai-d. 
Wm. U. Durkoe, son of Charles and Ann Dnrkee, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

April 10, 1S43, Farming ; P. O,, Fort Edwarrl. 
C. A. Ellmore, son of Austin and Eleanor (Ilogeboom) Ellmore, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., Oct. 2, 1828, Dentist; P. 0., Fort Eilward. 
Thomas Ellis, son of John and Mary (Robinson) Ellis, b. Saratoga Co., N. V,, 

s. 1810, Fanning; P. 0., Fort Edward. 
Thomas W. Ellis, son of Thomas and Abigail (Dnrkee) Ellis, b. Washington Co., 

N. y., Oct. 4, 18:i2, Farmer; P. 0., Fort Edward. 
George Ford, son of George and Elizabeth (\Villianis)Tord, b. Columbia Co., 

N. Y., 8. April, 1810, Farmer; P. 0., Fort Eilward. 
Levi Galiisha, son of Itenben and Marriba (Pike) Galusha, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., Jan. 10, 1829,'Farmer; P. 0., Fort Miller. 
P. C. Hitchcock, son of Collins and Eunice Hitchcock, b. Washington Co.,N. Y., 

Nov. 30, 1805, Cashier Nat. Bank of Fort Eilward. 
Edgar Ilrill, son of Eraslns and Louisa (Race) Hull, b. Albany Co., N. Y., 8. 

March, ISOO, Lawyer; P. O., Fort Edward. 



J. H. Harris, son of Pelaliali and Mary (Mcllmoyles) Harris, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., Aug. 10,18411; Postma-ster, Fort Edward. 
A. Hewitt, M.D., son of Clark and Nancy Ann (Burnham) Hewitt, b. Saratoga 

Co., N. v., 8. Jan., 1870, Physician and Surgeon ; P. O.. Fort Edward. 
Mrs. F. D. Hodgeman, daughter of Lucius A. and Emily P. (Suiilli) Foot, b. 

Essex Co , N. Y., 8. 1854; residence, cor. Broadway and Ch. street ; P. O , 

Fort Edward. , 
J. S. Iliibbell, son of Erastns and Racliael (Smith) Hiibbcll, b. Boikshire Co., 

Mass., 8. Oct , 18:!!), Livery ; P. O., For t Mw ird. 
A. K. Ilaxslnn.soii of King A. and Mary D. (Donahue) Haxstun, b. Wiuihiiigtiin 

Co., N. Y., Dec. 10, 182.5, Pottery; P. O., Fort Edward. 
Merchant Hall, son of Henry M. and Elizabeth (Wilber) H.tll, b. Bennington 

Co., Vt., s. 1832, Farmer; P. 0., Argyle. 
Joseph II. Hopkins, son of Martin, Jr.. and Sabrina (Green) Hopkins, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Jan. 7, 18:!.">, Fanner; P. 0.,Fort Edward. 
Archibald G. Howdeii, son of Rev. Wm. and Christiana (Goodall) Ilowdin, 

b. Sci.lland. s. 1847, Faimer; P. C, Fort Eilward. 
Joseph E. King, D.D., son of Elijah and Catlnrino (Olmstead) King, b. Otsego 

Co., N. Y.. s. Nov. 30, 1854, Prin. Fort Edward Col. Institute ; P. O., Fort 

Edward. 
Horace Kingsley, son of Warren and Leonora (Otis) Kingsley, b. AVasliington 

Co , N. Y , Oct. 28, 18:!0, Dealer in Boots, Shoes, Leather and Findings; 

P. 0., Fort Edward. 
Daniel H. Lane, son of Samuel and Mary (Havibind) Lane, b. Pntnani Co., N. ¥., 

8. April, 1856, Farmer; P. {)., Fort Edward. 
Walter M. Lane, sou of Stephen M. and Delilah (Foster) Lane, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., Sept. 2, 1832, Insurance and Grocer; P. O., Fort Edward. 
G. W. Lewthwuite, s*»n of Alexander and Margaret Lewthwaile, b. Isle of Man, 

England, 8. Sept. 19, 1800, Piiper-Maker ; P. 0, Fort M.ller. . 
J. A. Morris, son of W. K. and Clarissa (Higley) Morri.s b. Clinton Co., N. Y., 

8. Nov. 1, 1S7C, Editor and Publisher /iifl-7>cii*.i( ,■ P. O., Fort Eilward. 
N. B. Milliman, son of Thomas and Esther (liarnett) Milliman, b. Ren^iselaer 

Co., N. Y., B. 1820, Lawyer and .Manufacturer ; P. 0., Fort Edward. 
J. W. Mooi e, son of Joseph and Priscilla (Franklin) Moore, b. Windsor Co., Vt., 

8. Jan. 15, 1873, Prop. St. James Hotel ; P. 0., Fort Eilward. 
J. D. Mott, son of Samuel and Maria (Barker) Mott, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., 

E. May, 1849, Farming, Boat-Iiuilding, and Repairing; P. O., Fort Edward. 
Samuel SlcKean, son of Kev. Andrew and Cathei ine (Bedell) McKean, b. Sara- 
toga Co., N. y., s. April, 1874, Clergyman ; P. 0., Fort Edward. 
James McDonald, son of James and Bachael (Wells) McDonald, b. Warren Co., 

N. Y,, s. April 1, 1805, Farming; P. O., Fort Edward. 
W. C. McDongall, son of Alexander and Martha J. (Nebsoir) McDongall, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Oct. 12, 1855, Farmer; V. O., Fort Edwnnl. 
Wm. R. Ottman, son of Jtvob and Mary E. (Burns) ("ttinan, b. JIadison Co., 

N. Y., s. May 19, 1857, Pottery; P. O., Fort Edwaivl. 
Gilbert O. 01 1 man, son of Jacob and Mary E. (Burns) Oilman, b. Madison Co., 

N. v., s. Oct. 22, 1S72, Pottery ; P. 0., Fort Edward. 
John Osgood, son of David L, and Mary (Gould) Osgood, b. Canada, s. about 185:1, 

Foundry and Machine-Shnp ; P. 0., Fort Edward. 
Daniel T. Priyne,8iin of Daniel and Margaret (Biisbin) Payne, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., July 13, 1804, Farmer: P. O , Fort M.ller. 
George II. Peursall, son of A. II. and .Mary (Re-d) Pearsall, b. Saratoga Co., N. 

Y., s. Jan. 12. 1805, Farmer; P. 0., Fort Miller. 
Seneca Pike, son of Levi and Bachael (Wilbur) Pike, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

June 17, 1820, Farmer; P. O., Fort Edwaid. 
T. W. Quackenbush, M.D., son of Sybriint and Mary (McCarthy) (Juackenbush, 

b. Washington Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1817, Physician; P. O., Port Edward. 
James h. Reyiiolils, son of George and Luthena (Potter) Reynolds, b. Saratoga 

Co., N. v., s. Nov. i:), 18&1, Lawyer; P. 0., Fort Edward. 
M. L. Koberls, son of Esek and Mary (Ward) Uoberts, b. Otseno Co, N. Y., 
8. 1S70; Dealer in Watches, Jewelry, Silver- and Plaled-Ware ; P.O., Fort 



Eilw 



George Satleilee, Bon of Wm. H. and Lucie (Cady) Satlerlee, h. Saratoga Co., 

N. y., s. 1S50, Manufacturer of Pottery (Pres. of Village) ; P. O., Fort 

Edward. 
R. Scott, son of .lames and Margaret (Waters) Scott, b. Canada, s. May 29, 1870, 

Paper-Milker ; P. O., Fort Miller. 
A. L. Sargent, son of Amos and Rebecca (Andrews) Sargent, b. Windsor Co., 

Vt.. s. Oct. 12, 1806, Farmer; P. O., Fort Edward. 
John Stevens, son of Lewis and Catherine (Fort) Stevens, b. .Saratoga Co., N. Y., 

s. April 1, 1800, Fanner: P. O., Fort Edward. 
A. C. Tefft, si.n of Nathan S. and Sarah (Remington) Tefft, b. W.ishington Co., 

N. Y., Oct. 29, 1800 (retired); P. 0., Foit Miller. 
John Thorpe, son of John and Hannah (Hadfield) Thorpe, b. England, s. 1803, 

Manufacturer of Paper; P. O., Fort Miller. 
L. B. Uiulerwoiid, son of Oliver and Maria (Nichols) Ilnderwooil, b. Windsor 

Co., Vt., 8. 1862, Fanner; P. O., Fort Miller. 
A. D. Wait, son of Luther and ijiuily B. (llanoroft) Wait, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., Sept. 1, 1S22, Lawyerand Co. Judge; P. 0., Fort Edward. 
Dr. E. Went worth, son of Erastus and Esther Wentworlh,b. Connecticut, s. May, 

1877, Pastor M. E. Clmrcli ; P. 0., Fort Edward. 
John Wagman, son of Nicholas and Mary (Close) Wagman, b. Saratoga Co., N. 

Y., s. Aug. 10, lS7il, Manufacturer of Paper; P. 0., Fort Miller. 
Merritt Williams, son of J. dm and Hannah B. (Hopkins) Williams, b.Wasbiiig- 

tou Co., N. Y., April III, 1820, Farmer; P. 0., Fort Miller. 
Albert Williams, son of Bi-njamin and Ann (Hopkins) Williams, b. Washinglon 

Co., N. Y., Jan. l::, 1815, Fiii m.r; P. 0., Fort Edward. 



IIISTOUY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, iNEW YORK. 



499 



Beiij. Willinnis, son of Piiiicn and Jcnislm (niivoiis) Willinms, h. Wiisliiiigto 
Cu., N. v., Mmch 2U, 18W (letiicd); P. 0, Fort EJwar.l. 



GREENWICH VILLAGE AND TOWN- 
SHIP. 

E.hvin .\ii(li-,-w8, 6„n of Asii ami I.i.ura An.lr.'ws, b. &ui.lgat^ Vt., a. W2T, 

Banker; P 0^ Groenwicli. 
Egbsrl C. Aliny, win of lii-nj. and IlciwibctU Almy, 1.. DuIoIkss Co., N. V., 

8. April, 18J2, Farm.'r; P. 0., Greenwich. 
John Alexiinrler, son of .lainos ami Jonnotte Alexander, li. Greenwich, Wnsli- 

ington Co, N. Y., F.-b. 2-2, ISIH, Farmer; P. O., Ka'it Greenwich. 
Wni. Alexander, son of John and Oatlinrine Alexander, b. Greenwich, Washing- 
ton Co., N. y., JIa.v II, 18 iO, Lnml.er and Flax Dealer; P. 0., Lake. 
David A. Boies, son of Joseph anil Anna E. Boies, li. Greenwich, Washington 

Co.,N. Y., 1819, Lawyer; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Joseph M. Battle, sun of Stephen and Uehecca liatfie, b. Gaston, Washington 

Co.,N. Y., June 1:1, 1841, Fnvnilure Dealer and Undertaker; P.O., Green- 
wich. 
Btissel C. Barbnr, son of Adelbei-t IF. and Louisa Barbnr, li. Greenwich, Wash- 
ington Co ,N. Y., Jan. IG, is:.i;. Farmer; P. , North Greenwich.' 
Piatt W. llakcr,son of Samuel and Mary Baker, b. Rensselaer Co., N. Y.,s. 1«M, 

Farmer; P. O., Fort Miller. 
James Beveridge, Jr , son of James and Jennette Bevc idge, b. Greenwich, 

Washington Co., N. Y., Dec. 2, 18 12, Farmer; l>. 0., Ijike. 
Wm. L. Cozzens, son of Wm. F. and Betsey raiy./.ens, b. Greenwich, N. Y., An-. 

9, 1S24, Hardware Merch int ; P. 0, Greenwich. 
Nathan ll.Cranilall, son of Daniel and Sarali Cinn Inll, b. Washington Co., N.Y. 

Oct. 19, 18O0 (retired) ; residence, Salem Street; P. , Greenwich. ' 
Iliram Corliss, son of John and Abigiil Cjiliss, b. Easton, Wasiiiiigton Co., 

N. Y., Oct. 21, 179 i, Physician ; P. 0., Gieenw cli. 
Hiram K. Cornell, son of Abram and Mary E. Cornell, b. Easton, Washington 

Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 182!, Liveryman ; P. 0., Gieeriw ch. 
David Crandall, son of Nathan R. and Silvia C andall, b. Jackson, Washington 

Co., N. Y., Sept. 6, 1842, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Monroe C'onlee, son of James and Alcy Coulee, b. Greenwich, N. Y , Jaii.4. 1820, 

Farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Fdward A. Clark, son of Enos C. and Harriot Clark, b. Greenwich, N. Y., Oct. 

2:i, 1841), Farmer and Teacher; P. O.JIidlle Falls. 
John C. Carswell, son of Nathaniel iiiul Betsey Carswell, h. Argyle, Washington 

Co., N. Y., April :), 183:i, Farmer; P. 0., Bitten Kill. 
Ilii-am Clark, son of Thos. and Hannah Clark, b. Greenwich, Washington Co., 

N. Y., Dec. 2.-1, 1811, Faimer, Grain Dealer, and Lumberm.iri, Clark's 

Mills; P. 0., Schuylerville. 
Elijah Clongh, son of Ardcn H. and Kezah Cbingli, b. Hartford, Washington 

Co., N. Y., April 2, 181:i, Farmer; P. O., Lake. 
Bcnj. Delavergue, son of Seneca and Phui'.o Delavorgne, b. Troy, N. Y., s. April, 

18fi6, Meat-Market ; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Alphonso Dwellc, son of Abner and Mariam Dwelle, b. Greenwich, Washington 

Co, N. Y., May :i, 18IM, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwicli. 
David T..Ensign, son of Stephen and Patty Ens gn, b. Hebron, Washington Co., 

N. Y., March 22, I8.i:!, Merchant; P. 0., Gre.inwich. 
Edmund H. Gibson, son of Jonas and Susan Gibson, b. Ponltney, Vt., Oct. 5, 

184cl,s. 18G4, Lawyer; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Horace Garette, son of John and Mabel Garettc, b. Argyle, Washington Co., 

N. Y., Jnne 15, 181j, Farmer; P. 0., North Greenwich. 
F. A. Gale, son of John and R. M. Gale, b. Eastra, Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. 

10, 181", Miller; P. C, Greenwich. 
-\lvir. 0. Gorhain, son of Josiah D. atid Caroline Gorham, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., Aug. 10, 18.^1, Farmer; P. 0., North Greenwich. 
Wm. M. Holmes, son of Henry and Ann Caroline Holmes, b. GrecJiwicli, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Oct. 19, 1828, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Mra. J. M. Haskell, daughter of Win. H. and Angelina Mowry, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., Dec. 5, 1834 ; residence. Park St.; P. O., Greenwich. 
Wm. M. Haskell, son of DeoJatus D. and Jennie E. Haskell, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., July in, 18.iG; residenco. Park St. ; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Geo. W. Uillman, son of Matthew and Mary Uillraan, h. Cambridge, N. Y., Dec. 

18, 1812, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwicli. 
Edward Hunt, son of James and Elizabeth Hunt, b. White Creek, Washington 

Co., N. Y., March 9, 1812, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Wm. Hutton, son of John and Margaret Hutton, b. Greenwich, N, Y., April 21, 

1821, farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Wm. K. HobbiH, son of Wm. Henry and Sarah C. Hobbie, b. Unity, Jle., s. Nov., 

187(1, Paper Mannficturer, Battenville; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Wra. aartshorne, son of Ji'ilndiah and .lane Hartshorno, b. Greenwich, Wash- 

ington Co., N. Y., March 3, 1823. Farmer; P. 0., North Greenwich. 
Robert Hamilton, son of Joseph and Jane Hamilton, b. Schaghticoke, Rensse- 
laer Co., N. Y., 8. April 1, ISOC, Pi oprietor of Greenwich Hotel ; P. O., 

Greenwich. 
Harvey Hanks, son of Amos and Polly Hanks, b. Greenwich, Washington Co., 

N. Y., Aug. 16, 181G, Farmer ; P. 0., liiike. 
Allen E.Johnson, son of Mat bias and Elizabeth B. .lohnsnn, b. While Creek, 

Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 12, 184G, Dealer in Dry Goods, Clothing, 

Boots, Shoes, Carpets, etc.; i*. O., tireenwich. 



James I. Lniirio, son of Go irge anil Mary ( Wlille.ide> Lourle, li. Jackson, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, ISlll. Lawyer; P. O., Gri-enwirh. 
Nathan S. Lungdon, son of Samuel and Plieb,. A. L I'ngdon, b. Glen's Fall-, S. 

Y, July 28, 18.i2, 8. 187.1, Mannfr. Agl. Implements .and Klal Ueai'er; 

P. 0., Greenwich. 
Archibald Lendrnni, son of George and Mary L"n.lrnra,b. Argyle, Washington 

Co , N. Y., May Hi, 1829. Farmer; P. O., ijist Greenwich. 
John T. Slasturs, son of Nicholas Merrill and Anna T. Miuters, b. Troy. N. V., 

March 2.^,, 1819, s. 1841, Culleclor U. S. Int. B«v, loth Dist., N. Y. • P O 

Gicenwich. 
Hill Miller, s Ml of Perry and Sally Miller, b. Washington Co, N Y., S<pt. 2a, 

1798(retiredK resblence, .Salem St.; P. O., (Jreonwich. 
Henry L. Mowry. sou of Win. H. and Ang.dina O. Moivry, b. Oreenwieh, Wash- 

ington Co, N. Y, Dec. 1:1, 1837, Manfr. Paper; P. O, Greenwich. 
L. H. Mealier, son of R diert and Kliza Mea.ler, b. E iston, Washlnglun Co., N. 

Y., Jan. 14, 18 15, Sleat Marki I ; P. O , Greenw ich. 
Horace Morse, son of Sanford and Lncinda Mono, b. Greenwich, N. Y., Aug. 

11, 1838, Farmer; P. O., Greenwich. 
Henry C. Morhous, son of Win', ai aimelia Sf.irhons, b. Kceseville, Essex Co., 

N. Y., s. July 28, 1870, Editor and Propr. P^opk't Journal; P. O, Green- 
wich. 
William Dewilt McL-an, sou of Thos. King and Mary McTa-an, b. Jackson, 

Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. l."., 1817, Lniubeiman; P. O., GrcBiiwlch. 
Fitch McLean, son of John C. and Abigail McLean, h. Groenwicli, Washington 

Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 18 18, Farmer; P. 0., Battenville. 
Ezra McClanghry, -on of Thos. and Sanih MeClanghry, b. Salem, Washington 

Co., N. Y., Nov. 2, 181.% Parmer; P. 0., East Greenwich. 
Henry C. Newbury, son of James R. and Amy Newbury, b. Greenwich, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Dec. 11, I83J, Commission Merchant, New York city ; 

P. , Middle Falls. 
F. 0. Parker, son of James and Sarah Parker, b. Greenwich, N. Y., Aug. 1(1, 

1812. Faimer; P. 0, Middle Falls. 
Nelson Pratt, son of .S mon and Debomli Pratt, b. Greenwich, Washington Co, 

N. Y., Sept. 23, 1832, Fanner; P. O, Lake. 
Abram Reynolds, son of Abram and Maria Reynolds, b. .\rgyle, Wasliiiiglun 

Co, N. Y., July U,182S, Manfr. Agricultural Implements and Flax Dealer, 

P. O., Greenwich. 
Harvey J. Rogers, son of James and Experience Rogers, b. Greenwich, N. Y, 

Jan. 12, 1809, Farmer; P. O, Middle F.ills. 
A. S. Rogers, son of Thos. and Betsey Rogers, b. Greenwich, N. Y, Dec. 1.1, 

1829, Farmer; P. 0, Schuylorvillo, N. Y. 
Harvey L. Beid, son of Wm. and Ann Held, b. Greenwich, N. Y., Feb. 2", 1829, 

Merchant and Pastiinister, North Greenwich. 
Cliiw. Rogera, son of Thos. and Betsey Rogeis, b. Greenwich, N. Y, July, 1827, 

Farmer; P. 0., Bald Mouiitaiii, N. Y. 
Ira C. Stevens, son of Simon and Anna Stevens, b. Wa-shingfon Co., N. Y, May 

W, 1800 (retired); residence. Academy Si. ; P. 0, Creonwich. 
John Safford, Jr., son of John and Deborah SalTonl, b. Easton, Washington Col, 

■ N. Y., Sept. 9, 184 !, Paper Manufactiircr; P. O, Greenwich. 
Edwin R. Stevens, son of Ira C. and Julia A. Stevens, b. Jackson, Washington 

Co., N. Y., Sept. 10, 1840, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. 
C. B. Saffoid, son of .1. B. and E. C. Sjilford, b. Erie Co , N. Y., s. 18.17, Farmer; 

P. C North Greenwich. 
John G. Smart, son of John G. and Anna Maria Smart, b. Baltimore, Md., s. 

Feb. 1, 1871, Clergyman ; P. O., Greenwich. 
Walter G. Stewart, sou of Geo. and Anna Stewart, b. Greenwich, Washington 

Co., N. Y., March 3, 1813, Merchant; P. 0..- Lake. 
Lemon Thomson, son of Chas. C. and Susannah Thomson, b. Warren Co., N. Y., 

8. 1872, Lumber Manufacturer; P. 0., Nurthnniberland. 
Amos M. Tefft, son of William S. and Nancy Tefft, b. Greenwich, Washington 

Co., N. Y., March 12, 1816, Insnr.ince, Galesrille; P. O., Middle Falls. 
Willard Tefft, sou of Nathan S. and S ir.ih Teffl, b. Greenwich, Washinglun Co, 

N. Y., Feb. 9, 18a'i. Farmer; P. 0, Greenwicli. 
Nathan Tucker, Bon of Nat ban and Mary Tucker, b. Washington Co., N. T, 

Jan. It, 1811, Famicr; P. 0., North Greenwich. 
Simeon B. Tucker, sin of Simeon and Lita Tucker, h. Cheshire Co, Vt., s. Feb. 

14, 1859, Farmer; P. 0., North Greenwich. 
Tbos. TlioiiKon, sun of Edward and JIaria Thomson, h. Warren Co., N. V, «. 

1873, Agent ThoiiLson Mills; P.O., Nortlinmberland. 
J. 0. Whclden, son of Fmiicis B. and Deborah Wlielden. b. Easton, Wiisliingtun 

Co, N. Y., Feb. 14, 1846, Fanner; P. 0., Greenwich. 
Mi-s. Joanna Wright, daughter of BoiiJ. ami Elizabeth R-raington, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., s. Nov. 19, 1832; P. O., North Greenwich. 
Wm. Walker, son of Horatio and Rhodn Walker, b. Manchester, Vt., s isr.l. 

Lumber Mannfr. (Supervisor Greenwich) ; P. O, East (ireenwich. 
Horace Wright, son of John P. and Joanna Wright, b. Greenwich, N. Y, June 

.30, 1812, Farmer; P. O, Greenwich. 
Henry H. Wanier, son of Daniel L. and Betsey Warner, b. Leicester, Living- 
ston Co., N. Y,, s. Aug. 20, 1870, Supt. G. and J. B. B.; P. (»., Greenwich. 



HAMPTON. 

n C. Broughton, son of Ira and Elizabeth (Calkins) Bronghton, b. Ponlt- 
ney, Vt., a. 1824, lllucksmllh ; P. U., Hamplon. 

ell Clark, son of Roswell and TliankfuKll.slgkin-) 'lilt '■ «,.|K Itoi- 
land Co., Vt., s. 1821, Fanner ; P. O., llainpt.ui. 



oOO 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Kathanicl Dniley, eon of Nnlli. and Jane (Scribnoi) Dailpy, li. Ilanipt.n, N. Y., 

181:!, Farmer (c^x-Mi-niber Assenil.ly anil JusticB Sessions 22 years) ; P. 

O., IlHin|»tnii Corners. 
Lura A. Dailey, daiigliter of Joab and Liini (Andrews) Stone, b. Mount Holly, 

Vt., 8. 1840; P. O., Hampton Corjiers. 
Martin P. Hooker, son of S.iniiicl and Elizabeth (Martin) Hooker, b. Hampton, 

N. Y., 1811, Farmer; P. O., Hampton. 
C. J. Innian, son of .lolin and Bebec-ca (Phillips) Inrnaii, 1.. IWlloii, Warren Co., 

N. Y.,s. 1824, Farmer; P. 0., Hampton. 
Jane Ijiman, dangliter of Calvin and Eliza (Scott) Mallary, b. Ponllncy, Yl., 9. 

leSo; P.O., Hampton. 
Uowai-d Leonard, son of Ira and Hannah (Haskell; Leonard, b. BlaliforJ, Slass., 

B. IB.™, Farmci- ; P. O, Fair Haven. 
S. P. Jliller, son of Wni. and I'anlina (Phelps) Miller, h. Hampton, N. Y., 18o:i, 

Fanner; P. 0., Fair Haven, Vt. 
Paulinus Millard, son of Abither and Eleanor (Ashley) Millard, b. Hampton, 

N. Y., 1792, Fanner; P. 0., Fair Haven, Vt. 
John H. Miller, son of Win. and Lucy P. (Smith) Miller, b. Hampton, N. Y., 

1822. Farmer; P. 0., Fair Haven, Vt. 
Gilbert Peck, son of Seth and • (Northrop) Peek, b. Hampton, N. Y., 1814 ; 

died Jnne 111, 18G5. 
Caroline Peck, daughter of Theodoras and Eunice (Fuller) Moure, b. Hampton, 

N. Y., 1814, Farming; P. O, Fair Haven, Vt. 
Eli T. IVck, son of Gilbert and Caroline (Moore) Peck, b. Hamilton, N. Y.,1S4:!, 

Farmei ; P. O., Fair Haven, Vt. 
Maria Perk, daugliter of Gilbert and Caroline (Moore) Peck, b. II.impton,N. Y., 

1848, Farming ; P. 0., Fair Haven, Vt. 
Kiilph Richards, son of Eli and Amanda (Filiey) Kichards, b. W.alheisfield, 

Vt., s. 1813, Farmer (ex-Senator and Mem. Assembly) ; P. O., Hampton. 
R. T. Kiiy, son of Lowden and Electa (Gillelt) ISay, b. Tinnionth, Vl., s. ISGU, 

Farmer; P.O., Hampton. 
Lydia 1'. Itay, daughter of Joab and Lura (Andrew-) Stowe, b. Mount llully, 

Vt., 8. 1841); P. 0., Hampton. 
Eli Ray, son of Lowden anil Elcctra (Gillett) Ray, b. Tinmooth, Vt., s. l.SCO, 

FarnuT ; P. O., Hampton. 
M. O. Stoddard, son of Jos. M. and Dcbonill A. (Vredenbnrgli) Stoddaid, b. 

Hampton, N. Y., 1840, Merchant, Ponltney, Vt. 
Squire A. Warren, son of Ethan and Sallie (Willis) Warren, b. Hampton, N. Y., 

1827, Fanner; P. 0., Hampton Cornera. 
Gideon Warren, son of Ellian and Eunice (Owen) Warren, b. Hampton, N. Y., 

1812, Farmer ; P. , Hampton. 



HARTFORD. 



Levi Arnold, son of David and Nancy (Gates) Arnold, b. Wasliington Co.. N. Y*., 

1811!, Farmer; P. O., Hartford. 
Thos. A, Bniyton, son of David Biayton, 2d, and Nancy (Arnold) Brayton, b. 

Washington Co., 1S21, Farmer, and Breeder ol Full Blooded Span sh 51 e- 

rino Sheep and Hambleton Hore 8, and Prop. East Poultney Mills, Vt ; 

residence and P. O., Hartford. 
Wm. Bowen, son of S.aiiiuel and Susannah (Mason) Bowen, b. Washington Co., 

181(1, Farmer; P. 0., Hartford. 
Geo. M. Bull, son of Nathaniel and Mary A. (Cook) Bull, b. Washington Co., 

182C, Farmer; P. O., Hai tford. 
Harvey Brown, son of Caleb and Abi;.'a 1 (Whimey) Brown, b. W.isliington Co., 

18U4, Farmer ; P. O., South Hartford. 
G. D. Bull, son of Nath.miel and Mary A. (Cook) Bull, b. Washington Co., 1828, 

Farmer; P. O., West Granville Corners. 
John Brayton, son of Wm. and Maria (Hoyt) Brayton, b. Wahington Co., 1840, 

Jeweler and Prop. Empire House; P. 0., Hartlbrii. 
Leonard Cotton, son of Sani'l and Lydia D. (West) Co.ton, b. Washington Co., 

1810, Farmer; P. O., Hartford. 
Wm. E. Congdon, s,.n of John and Thankful (Eddy) Congdon, b. Wasliiugtoii 

Co., 1708, Retired Farmer; P. 0., Hartfoul. 
Jolin W. Chaimian, son of Spencer and Sally (Ward) Cliaimi in, b. Waslington 

Co., 181'J, Farmer and Fi nt Grower ; P. 0., Hartfoi d. 
Koah Z. Gibbs, son of Zadoc and Lydia (Landnis) Gibbs, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1802, Farmer ; P. 0., Hartford. 
Thos. Gilchrist, son of llobt. and Elizabeth (Dorson) Gilchrist, b. Wasliington 

Co., 182!), Produce Dealer and Fanner; P. 0., South Hartford. 
B. P. Harden, son ol Sim'l and Lvdia (Parks) Harden, b. Wasliington Co., ISKl, 

Fariiic , Loan Coinnir., ami Breeder Spanish Merino Slieeji ; P. O., 

Uarlfoi.l. 
Samuel Hal),s..n of Alex, and Pbobe (Utter) llall, b. Washington Co., 1820, 

Farmer; P. O.. Hartford. 
Levi Hatch, son of Waitand Martha (Spencer) Hatch, b. Wiishington Co., 1809, 

Tanner and Currier and Farmer; P. O., South Hartf.ird. 
K. S. Holley, son of Benj. and Eunice (Weatherby) Holley, h. Washington Co., 

1824, Farm.r ; P. 0., Adamsville. 
Royal Ingalabo, son of James and Fannie (Harris) Ingalsbe, b. Washington 

Co., N. v., 1820, F.irmer; P. O., South Haitf nd. 
LeoiianI Ingills, son of Simeon and Lydia (liaker) Ingalls, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1S21, Farmer; P. 0., Hartford. 
Milton 11. Kinney, son of .fohn S. and Mary Ann (Morgan) Kinney, b. tlijiton 

Co., N. v., 8. 18oS, Farmer; P. O., Hartford. 



John H. Martin, son of Job and Martha (Goodwin) Martin, h. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 18H9, Apiarian and Farmer; P. O., Hartford. 
.John Norton, son of Richard and Hannah (Barlow) Norton, h Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1801, Jnslice of the Peace and Postmaster, Harirord. 
H. Davis Northnp, son of James M. and Julia A. (Davis) Northup, h. Washing- 

tou Co., N. Y., 1842, Produce De.iler and Manufacturer Shirts and Col- 

las; firm, Davis A Co.; P. O , Haltf..rd. 
James M. Northnp, son of John S. and Laura (Baker) Northup, h. Clinton Co , 

N. Y., 3. 1828, Produce Dealer (flrni J. M. Norlhiip A Co.), Farmer, Treas. 

Washington Co. (ex-Menihcr of Assem ly) ; P. 0., Hartford. 
Wm. B. Northup, son of John S. and Laura (Uakei) Northnp, h. Washington 

Co., 18i8, Produce Dealer (flrin J. M, Northnp & Co.) : P. O , Hartlonl. 
John B. Norton, son of Jabez and Abigail (Buck) Norton, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y.,1807, Retired Farmer; P. O.. Hartford. 
John I Seeby, son of John R. and Philiiida (Oatnian) Seeley, b. Washington 

Co , N. Y., 1824, Farmer and Jnslice of the Peace ; P. O., Hartlord. 
E. W. Tuwnsi.nd, son of David and Pliebe (Spring) Townsend, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 18^2, Farmer; P. O., Hartford. 
C. J. Townson, son of Calvin and Maiy (Covell) Townson, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1812, Farmer; P. 0., South Hartford. 
George Wooddell. son of Joseph and Sallie (Wood) Wooddell, h. Washington Co., 

N. Y., ISoa, Retired Farmer; P. O., Hartford. 
Ira W. Warren, son of Barton and Sarali (Clark) Warren, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., isal. Farmer; P. O., Hartfoi d. 
John F. Whittemore, son of Josiali and Betsy (Foster) Whittemore, b. W'ash- 

ington Co., N. Y., 18U, Farmer; P. 0., Adamsville. 
Harvey S. Wing, son of Benj. and Orilla (Smith) Wing, b. Washington Co., N. V., 

1820, Farmer; P. 0., West Granville Corners. 



HEBRON. 

Jacob Eraymer, son of Daniel and Lucina (Woodward) Braymcr, b. North Hidi- 

ron, Washington Co., N. Y'., Feb. G, ISiO, Farmer; P. 0., Norlli H.diron. 
Daniel Braymer, son of Jacob and Anna (Ulakeslce) Braymcr, b. North Ilibron, 

Washington Co., N. Y., Oct. 2G, 1800, Farmer; P. 0., Nortli Hebron. 
John Brown, son of Jolin and Mary Jane (McCrea) Brown, b. Ireland, s. Aug., 

1817, Farmer; P. O., North Hebron. 
Edward L. Coy, son of Asaph and Eunice (Kennoy) Coy, h. Bernard>town, 

Mass., s. Dec. 1, 1847, Seed-Grower and Breeder of Ayrshire Cattle ; P.O., 

West Hebron. 
Mrs. E. L. Coy, daughter of John and Catliarine (Cooley) Carey, b. West Hebron, 

Washington Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 18:16. 
Lewis Chamberlin, son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Ilagaman) Chamberlin, b. 

New Jersey, s. Jan. 18, 1801, Fanner; P. O., Hebron. 
James Craig, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Eggleston) Craig, b. North Hebron, 

Wiushington Co., N. Y., April 20, 182:i, Fanner; P. 0., North Hebron. 
Jbiry .lane Gilchrist, daughter of John S. and Laura (Baker) Northup, b. West 

Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. IG, 1815, Farming ; P. 0., West 

Hebron. 
Josep. H. Hays, son of Josep. H. and Sybil (Hastings) Hays, b. Rupert, Ben- 
nington Co., Vt., s. Oct. 10, 1806, Merchant; P. O., West Hebron. 
Nathan R. Hills, son of George and Mary (Reynolds) H lis, b. North Hebron, 

Washington Co , June 28, 1819, Fanner; P. 0., North Hebron. 
Stephen M. Ingersoll, son of Dr. Ebenezer and Huldah S. (Marlindale) Inger- 

soll, b. Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., June 8, 1810, Farmer; P.O., 

Hebron. 
Abraham Johnson, son of John and Mary (Graham) Johnson, b. Ireland, s. May, 

1819, Farmer; P. 0., West HeliMn. 
John II. Madison, son of Job and Mabel (Andrews) Madison, b. Hebron, Wasli- 
ington Co., N. Y., May 2, 1812, Physician ; P. 0., West Hebron. 
Wm. J. McCIollan, son of John and Isabel (Cummings) McClellan, h. West 

Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., June 27, 1828, Farmer; P. 0., West 

Hebron. 
James McCloy, son of Moore and Martha (McClarty) McCloy, h. Ireland, a. 

June, 1860, Farmer; P. 0., West Hebron. 
,Iohn A. McKnight, son of George and Jane (Macauley) McKnight, h. West 

Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 13, 1830, Farmer; P. 0., West 

Hebron. 
John JlcConnell, son of James and Jane (Dawson) McConnell, h. West Hebron, 

Washington Co., N. Y., Ang. 15, 1828, Farmer; P. 0., West Hebron. 
Jennet McConnell, daughter of John and Isabel (Cummings) McClellan, b. West 

Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Oct. 1:!, 1825. 
Wm. Reid, son of James and Jane (Cnmmings) Reid.b. West Hebron, Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., Ang. 3, 1827, Manufacturer; P. O., West Hebron. 
Geo. Rca, son of John and Isabel (Dick) Ilea, h. West Hebron, Washington Co., 

N. Y., Sept. 22, 1827, Farmer ; P. 0., West Hebron. 
Joshua J. Rogei-s, son of Benj. and Sarah Ann Rogers, b. West Hebron, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Feb. 13, 1835, Fanner; P. 0., West Hebron. 
Benjamin Rigers, son of Samuel and Ruth (Gardner) Rogers, b. West Hebron, 

Washington Co., N. Y., Feb. 19, 1805, Farmer; P. 0., West Hebron. 
Sylvester E. Spoor, son of Elijah and Eunice (Soutllwick) Spoor, b. Hebron, 

Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 2. 1814, Farmer; P. O., Hebron. 
Arlhiir L. Smith, son of Whedoii and Dolly A. (Dibble) Smith, b. North Hebron, 

Washington Co , N. Y., Feb. 22, 1884, Farmer; P. O., North Hebron. 



l^ 



HISTORY OF WASrUNGTOX COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



/iiighii, son of Wni. A. iiiul S imh (V^.nslow) V^iiighn, b. V^.iahiiigtoii Co., 
,": v.. 18:i8, Fiirmer; 1'. ()., Kiiigsl.^ry. 

[Vunglm, son of John iinil HKrinair.(5Inrlhi) Vaughn, b. Wusliington Co., 
I\ Y., ISail, Fiirnier; I' , King-Sbury. 
■£, Vanghn. son of Caleb an.l .\nnH (Bscon) Vanghn, b. Wiinhlngton Co., 

\^Y., 1814, FarniiT; I>. 0., Kingsbury. 
J v'mij;hn, son of Joscphns ami .Ii'niiina (Crilllii) Vauxlin, h. Warren 
,- Co., N. v., 8. 18G4, Farmer; I". 0., Sanily Hill. 

^^ Vanghn, si-n of Wliitnmn nnrt lietsoy (Draper) Vanghn, li. Washington 
Co., N. Y., 18U6, Farmer; P.O., Kingsbnry. 
T. WiiKbt, son of Abner and I'anielia (Trninbnll) Wriglil, I. Washington 
Co., N. Y., ISil, Fanner; P. 0., SniithV Basin. 
/miJlia Wiltse, danghter of Wni. and Lncy (Nelson) ftise, b. Washington C.)., 

N. Y., 1813; P. 0, Adamsville. 
Jliram Willie, son of Ncliemiali and Jernsha (Webster) Wilt<e, b. Washington 
' Co., N. Y., 1804. 

|S. H. Wilsey, son of Alanson and Sophia Wilspy, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

]8:in, Sowing-Machine Agent and Farmer; P. 0., Adamsville. 
.ilanson Wilspy, son of Henry and P::ii/.!iliL'tb (I*iutt) VVil^ey, b. Wasliington 

Co., N. Y., 1806, Farmer; P. O., Adamsville. 
Chester Wiltse, son of Nehemiah ami .lernslia (Webster) Wiltse, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 181(1, Farmer; P. O., Adamsville. 
Wm. II. Yonng, son of Thos. anil K-tlier (Hamilton) Young, b. Quebec, Canada, 
». 1S:J1, Farmer; P. O., Sanily Hill. 



SANDY HILL. 

Loven Allen, son of Elihn and Lanra (Cornell) Allen, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., 

B. 1850, Paper Manufactmer, Sandy Hill, 
Hiram Allen, son of Elihn and Laura (Cornell) Allen, b. S.iratoga Co., N. Y., 
/ B, 1850, Paper Mannf icturer, Sandy Hill, 

^iias B. Anibler, son of Stephen and Lovic ( Laraway) Ambler, b. Saratoga (\)., 

N. Y., 8. 1807, Book-Keeper and Lnmbenmm. 
Cbas. II. Beach, son of Titus and Polly (Hitclieoek) Beach, b. Washiiigton Co., 
; N. Y., 1810, Civil Engineer and Coal Merchant. 

•Tames P. Buck, son of Justus and Lovimi (Paiks) Buck, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., 18U, Farmer. 
Tlunnas Brice, son of Tlios. and Anna (Fonracre) Bi ice, b. Brist.d, England, s. 

1803, Plauing-Mill, Sash and Do..r Mannfaetnrer. 
(ieorge Barney, son of John and Eliwibctli Barney, b. Canada, s. 185.5, Manu- 
facturer Carriages and Wagcms. 
1.. W. Cronkhite, son of Woolseyand Ann (Freeman) Cronkhite, b. Sandy Hill, 

1820, Banker. 
■R. Howard Crocker, son of James and Susanna Neiswanger, b. Soutli Carolina, 

s 1855, Civil Engineer. 
^. T. Colman, son of Wm. and Mineiva (Bell) Colinan, b. Wasliington Co., N. 

Y'., 1850, Lumberman. 
W. N. Collin, son of James and Valonia S. (Hill) Collin, b. Lenox, Mass., s. 1SC7, 

Cashier First National Bank. 
Chaa. M. Clements, sou of George and Theoilosia H. (Underbill) Clements, b. 

Washington Co.. N. Y., 1841, Merchant. 
John Dwyer, son of Peter and Kllen Dwyer, b. Inland, s. 1805, Ed.tor and 

Publisher. 
A. B. Davis, son of Henry L. and Mary H. Davis, b. Waterford, N. Y., .s. 1831, 

Merchant. 
K. A. Ouy, son of Ambrose and Polly (Smith) Guy, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 
18:10, Deputy Sheriff ami Jailer. 

"I. Howe, son of John F. and Lydia (Ilichards) Howe, b. Washington Co., 
I. Y., 1852, Jlerchant. 

■ovvland, son of Stephen and Susan (McOmber) Howland, b. S iraloga, 
., 3, 1844, Paper Klanufacturer, Saluly Hill, residence. Fort Edwanl; 
, Sandy Mill. 

M.SDMof J.ihn and Chuley (Bartlett) Hall, b. Warren Co., X. Y., s. 
, lilacksmitb, 

les, son of Walter and Esther (Hamilton) Hughes b. New Orleans, 
138, Atlorney-at-Law. 

M. Ingalsbe, sou of Milo and Laura (Cbapin) Ingalsbe, b. Wiislrnglon 
/ /., N. Y., 1840, Atlorney-at-Law. 
.. 'iVIcCarty, son of Patrick and Mary (Donavan) MeCarty, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 1840, Machinist. 
Morris, son of Andrew and Bulall (.Siiuiief) Jlorris, b, F..rt Edward, 1S42, 



Merchant, 
yman S. Ma.sim, son of. Isaac and Julia (Kingsley) Mason, !■. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1827, Piiper-Maker and Millwriglit. 
II, B. Nash, son of Pelatiah B. and Polly (Towner) Nash, b. Dorset, VI,, s, 1824, 

Deuler in Furniture and Undertak.r. 
K. G. Paris, son of Milihell and Catherine (Dagerl) Paris, b. Herkimer Co., N. 

Y., 8. 1847, Altorni-y-at-Law. 
Ebsr Itichards, son of Or=,on and Julian (Fisk) Richards, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 

1S37, Lumberman. 
Clias. Sto.ne, son of Cluus, and Amy L. (Northnipi Stone, b. Wa-liingbm Co., N. 

Y,, 1828, Lnnil.ernlan. 
Goo. B. Shcrill, son of David and Mary Sherill, b. Washington a.., N. Y., 1822, 

Ci>ntractor. 
l;e.;-I'. Terry, son of Thom.as and Sarah (Adams) Terry, b. Saratoja Co., X. Y., 

s. lljlO, Attoruey-al-Law. 



M, S. Teller, Kou of D. F. nud Ell/ab<'lli (Dubois) Toller, b. Greene Co., X. Y., ». 

18III, Driiggisl. 
F. M. V.iii Woiiuer, sou of Henry F. ami Jane M. (Fuller) Van Wormer, b. 

Wiishinglon Co., N. Y., 1845, M.icliinisl. 
RossWilaiui, M.D., son of David and Sl.iry E. (l!o9<) Wilson, b. Wuahinglou 

Co., N. Y., 1847, Pliyaiciau. 
George Weston, son of Koswell and Ly.lia (W.llongliby) Wclon, b. Sandy Hill, 

18IW, Kelired Farmer. 
N. W. Wait, son of Wm. T. and Pamclln (Barker) Walt, b. S.iralopi Co., N. Y., 

8. 1S5U, Paper Manufacturer and President Kir-t Naliiuial lliuk. 
Chas. Wilpeu, son of John and Kll/ji Witpen. b. New York ciiy, ». 1870, 5Ian- 

nfacturer of Wagons, Carrlag «, Sleighs, ele. 
J. B.Wilson, son of H. W. and Eli/ji (Van Valkenbnrgli) M'ilsou, b.iVan.-n 

Co., N. Y., ». ISOi, Dealer in Groceries and (•..nfeclioMCry. 



■It, li. Pi 



, Wash 



PUTNAM. 

J. Dallas Burnett, ».m of Geo. and Ann (W' rigid 

ington Co., N. Y, July 0, 1840, Fan •; P. tl,. Piiliiani. 

George G. Burnett, son of Geo. anil Ann (Wiiglil) Burnett, b. Putnam, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Oct. 27, 1819. Farmer; P.O., Pntnani. 

David Cummiugs, sou ol Thomas and Christie (Scott) Cummiugs, b. Pnliiam, 
Washington Co., N. Y., Nov, 11, 1834, Farmer; P, O., Pulmnn, 

Wm. M. Cummings, son of Wm. and Margaret (Scott) Cumniings, b. Pntmiln, 
Wa-hington Co., N. Y,, May 7, 1827, Farm-r; P. 0., Putnam, 

Wm, A, Cummings, son of Thomas and Cliristic (Scott) Cnuiniiugs, b. Putnam, 
Washington Co , N. Y., Fell. 28, 1831, Farmer; P. 0., Putnam. 

Henry D. Eastou, son of Robert and Cliristiami (Doilrok) Ewton, b, Putnam, 
Wash ngt.ui Co , N, Y,, April 10, 1810, Farmer; P. , Putnam. 

Robert P. Graliam, son of Thompson T. and Agues (Sinip<un) Gralnm, b. IVit- 
nam, Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 14, 1845, Merchant, Putnam. 

Wm. Hnttcm, son of Peter and Jenrt (Sliiel) Hultun, b. Putnam, Washington 
Co., N. v., Dec. 21, 1810, Farmer; P. O., Putnam. 

R. R. Hiitlon, s.ni of Wm. and Nancy (Ka-ton) llnlton, b. Putnam, W.isnin-,;- 
ton Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 18i:i, Farim-r; P. 0., Putmim. 

P. W. Ilutlon, 8.>n of Wm. and Nancy (Eiaton) Hiltt.ui, b. Putnam, Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., Julyil, 1812, Farmer; P, O., Pntnani. 

Wm. Lillie, son of Thomas and Mary (Scjtl) Lillic, b. Scotland, s. 1814, Farmer; 
P. O., Putnam. 

Thomas Lillii', son of Thomas and Ma'-y (Scott) Lillie, b. Putnam, Washington 
C.I., N. Y., May 25, 1S2.!, Farmer; I'. O., Putnam. 

James 1), Leigh, s.n of R chard and Jenelt (SIcArlhur) Leigh, b, Putnam, 
Washiiiglon Co,. N. Y., Fell. 22, 1840, Farm-r; P. I),, Putnam. 

A,G. Meiklejolin,s.iuorAndrewnndEli7.dietli (Kialiui) Meiklejolin.b. Piitnim, 
Washington Co,, N. Y,, Aug, 22. 1828, Farm-r; P. O., Pull 

James McLanglilili,soii of Alexander and .loanna (C.rbel) McLaughlin, b, Put- 
nam, W.iRliiiigt..n Co, N. Y., Aug 2S, 1814, Fauier; P, 0„ Putnam. 

James A. McLaughlin, son of James and Isabel (Anderson) Mcljinglilin, b. 
Pnliiam, Wa-hinglon Co., N. Y,, Feb, 12, 18.-in, Merchant ; P. O., Pufn on. 

D. Bay Williamson, son of Andrew and Sarah A. (Hice) Willinmsou.b. Pntnani, 
Washington Co., N. Y., July -23, 18.J3, Furnior; P. 0., Putnam. 



WHITE CREEK. 

Stephen Barker, son of Jolin and Sus.innali (Slociim) B.iker. b. Wasliinglmi 

Co., N. Y., I79i>, Farmer and Wool Dealer; P. O,, While Civek. 
George Haiker,son of Slocuin and Hannah (ll.irrett) Barker, b. Wasliington ('..., 

N. Y., 1820, Farmer and Wool Dealer; P. O., While Cioc'k. 
Charles C. Cottrell, son of Nathaniel and Emma (B.>oth) Cotti oil, b. Ueuaselaer 

Co.. N. Y., 8. 1835, FariniT ; P. 0., Centre White Creek. 
Asa L. Darby, son of Leonard and Eli/,abelh (Weir) Darby, b. Waahiugbm Co., 

N. Y., 1821, Machinist and Engineer; P. O , Cambridge. 
Alviii Fi-h, son of Kphniim and Lucy Ann (Wood) Fish, b. Washington C,, i. 

Y,, 1S20, Miller; P. 0., Eagle Bridge, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. 
John 11. llanna, son of Nathaniel and Sarah (ll.ikcr) llalina, b. Washington Co., 

X. Y,, 1824, Fanner; P, O,, Cambriilge, 
John P, Hunt, sou of John I", and Anna (Porter) Hunt, b, Washington Co.. N. 

Y,, 1831, Farmer and Pioduco Dealer; P. O,, Eagle Bridge, Reu-selaer 

Co., N. Y. 
John James, son of Randall and Sally (Kddy) Jnme«, b. Uensselaer Co,, N. V.. 

8. 1S75, Farmer; P. 0., Centre While Creek. 
Clarence D. Konyou, Bon of Ben|. B. and Ihinniili (Br.i\vnell) Kenyon,!.. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 18 a, Farm.'r ; P. O., Centre While Creek. 
Lafayette laiko.eon of James and Lydia (Cross) Uke, b. Wiuihinglon C., N. 

Y., 1824, Fanner; P. 0., White Creek. 
Wm. McKie, son of John and Catharine (Wliiteslde) JIcKie, b. Washiiiglon Co., 

N. Y.,1828, Farmer; P. O., Cambriilge, 
Uriah N. Pratt, son of Jesse and K.Uli (Sli.iw) Pratt, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

1805, Fanner ; P. 0., Cambridge. 
Jonatll in H. Palmer, son of John nud Cliarlolte (Hill) Palmer, h. Rensselaer 

Co., N. Y., 1814, Farmer; P. O., Eagle Bridge, Rensselaer IVi,, N. V. 
John II. Pitney,s.m of B. 11. and Mary Ann(ltowen) Pilm-y. b. WasliiiiKt.'U Co., 

N. Y., 18 U, Mail Araail ; P. <>., Ea;:!.- Bridge, Rens3.1.ier Co., N. Y. 



H117 80 



/ I 



; 

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Goo. M. Wilpy. son of .Mexnlider and Mnrgar<-« (Ciimminaii) Wili-y, li. riitni 
Wii<liinglon Co., K. Y., Dec. 1!, ISOT, Clptgyniiin ; P. 0., WfSt Heliroi 

Georgo Wilson, sou ol' Jiinii'S and Sll-nnnnh (Mntliuvs) Wilson, h. Hfbi 
Wiishington Co., N. Y., Juue 2, 183U, Fanner; I'. O., West UeUron. 



JACKSON. 

George Amott, son of-Min and Mary Ann (Brown) Ainolt. b. W:isliinjr(..nCo., 

N. Y., 18:«, Farnier; P. 0., Shuslian. 
John Alexandor. soi. of Maxwell and Ann (Smill) Alexander, b. Wusliington 

Oo., N. Y>, 18.-. 1, Karnior; P. O., Coila. 
CHias. A. Bilnip, son of Alford and Aila (Lnnon) Bnnip, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 

8. ISill, Karniir; P. O., Cambridge. 
- Henry Billings, sou of Elinlia and Catharine (Perine) Billings, h. Waal.ington 
J Co., N. Y., ls:!n, Fanner; P. O., East S.ilern. 

Herbert R. Cleveland, son of F. S. and Francis K. (Sliepard) Cleveland, b. Wasli- 
( ington Co., N. Y., 1805, Fanner ; P. 0., Salem. 

r. S. Clev.lanil, s..n of James and Fannie (Sliepard) Cleveland, b. Washington 
( Co., N. Y., 1818, Fanner ; P. 0., Salem. 

Geo. W. CB.nplioll, son of David and Isabella (McLean) Caniiibell, I.. Wa-liing- 

ton Co., N. Y., 1815, Farmer; P. 0., Fast Salem. 
James Colter, son ..f Geo. and Cath.irine (Switzer) Colter, b. Wa.shington Co., 

N. Y., 1700, Faiiner ; P. O., Coila. 
Lewis C.le, sun ..f Curtis and Ann (Ford) Cole, 1). Washington Co., N. Y., 1812, 

Firmer; P. O., Battenville. 
Benj. Curtis, son of Joel and Hannah (Sharp) Curtis, b. Washington Co., N.Y., 

182.1, Manfi. Wagons, Carriages, Sleiglis, eir. ; P. IP., East Greenwich. 
John H. Olarli, son of Thomas and Rebecca (Harwood) Clark, b. llillsborough 

Co., N. H., 8. 1S:!2, Retired Fanner; P. O., Shilshan. 
John Cowan, Bon of James and Margaret (Green) Cowan, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1821, Farmer; P. O., Battenville. 
Peter Cowan, son of James and Margaret (Green) Cowan, b. Wa.shington Co., 

N. Y., 18.15, Fanner; P. 0., East Greenwich. 
Henry 111 Cuiihaui. sou of Samuel D. and Mary (Norton) Dunham, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., 1842, Farmer; P. O., Sliiislian. 
Wm. J. Doig, son of Paul and Abbin Maria (Tii I) Doig, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., Iftio, Farmer; P. 0., Siileni. 
Geo. H. Edie, son of Wm. and Jcnuelt (Maxwelll EJie, b. Sandgale, Vt., s. 

184:1, Farmer ; P. 0., Shushan. 
James C. Ferguson, son of Duncan and Mary H. (Tilfor.1) Ferguson, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., 18.11, Farmer; P. O., East Greenwi. Ii. 
Morris Green, son of Samuel and Sanih (Water.-) Green, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., 1801, Retired Farmer; P. O., Caniliridge. 
II. T. Hedges, son of Samnel B. and Mary (Baker) Hedges, b. Wa-shingtoti Co., 

N. Y., 1839, Farmer and Miller; P. 0., Shushan. 
Wm. Hedges, son of Samuel B. and Mary (Bake:) Hedges, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 18.11, Farmer; P. 0., Shushan. 
Will. HoldeP, eon of John and Abigail (Chipmaii) Ilolden, b. Arlington, Vt., s. 

1822, Leather Manufacturer; P. O., East Salem. 
Wm. H. Holden, son of Wm. and Eveline M. (K.-lly) Holdcn, b. Wa-^hiiigton 

Co.. N. Y., 18:17, Leather Manufacturer (Supi'rvisoi) ; P. 0., East Salem. 
Peter Henry, son of Adam and Dora Ueury, b. Geniiany,s. 1854, Faimor ; P.O., 

Camtiridgo. 
Betsey Hastings, daughter of Riifiis and Catharine (Boice) Wilder, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., 1840; P. O., East Salem. 
John Hastings, son of Theodore and Rachael (For.l) Ilastir gs, b. Washington 

Co., N.Y., 1824. 
James Hill, son of Peter and Mary (Macauley) Hill, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 

18:18, Farmer; P. O , Coila. 
Isaac Merilt llillnian, son of Mathew and Delinda (Ballon) llillman, b. Wiish- 
ington Co., N. Y., 1824, Farmer; P. O., Gieenwiih. 
John Jordan, son of .loseph and Lucy (Wood) Joiilin, b. Kssex Co., N. Y., 8. 

1854, Black-mith ; P. 0., East Greenwich. 
Warren Kenyon, son of Zobulon and Anna (Woodard) Kenyon, b. Washington 

Co., N. y., 1814, Farmer; P. , Sliu.ilian. 
Phebe Esther V. Kenyon, daughter of Levi H. a 

Washington Co., N. Y., 1817; P. 0., Shilsha 
T. B. Lourie, son of Georgo and Jennett (Beveridgt 

Co., N. Y., 1827, Farmer; P. O., Coila. 
Wm. McMillan, son of John and Elizabeth (Livingsto 

ton Co., N. Y., ISlfi, Farmer; P. 0., Cambridge. 
Geo. McGeoch, son of Wm. and Jennettc (Small) McGe 

N. y., 1815, Farmer; P. O., Cambridge. 
John A. McClellan,sonof Wm. and Margaret (Randies) McClellau, b. Wasbiiig- 

toii Co., N. Y., 1828, Farmer ; P. 0., Caiiibi idge. 
Henry C. Mayn.ard, son of Xurry and Polly (Thompson) M.iynaid, b. Washing. 

ton Co., N. Y., 1827, Farmer; P. 0., Cambridge. 
Andrew W. McLean, son of Louis and Either (Coll.ns) McLean, b. Washingtm 

Co., N. Y., 1824, Farmer ; P. O., Shushan. 
Geo. L. Marshall, son of Bobt. and Margaret (Law) Marshall, h. Washington 

Co., N. y., 1841, Fai-mer, Town Clerk ; P. 0., Cambridge. 
James McArthur, son of John and Jane (McMorris) McArthur, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y,, 1842, Farmer; P. 0., Coila. 
Geo. Maxwell, sou of Walter and Jeniiette (Livingston) Maxwell, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., 1791, Retired Farmer; V. 0., Battenville. 



nd Lois (Clougli) Kenyon, b. 

■idgo) Lourie, b. Washington 

n) McMillan, b. Washing- 

ich, b. Washington Co., 



; -j^ \ 

Alex. Maxneii, km of Walter and Jlixabetli (Skellie) Maxwell, b. Was* 

Co., N. Y., 1809, Farmer; P. 0., Battenville. """ ^-t 

Robert Miller, son of James and Mary Ann (Johnston) Miller, b. Was! ; 

Co., N. Y'., 1809, Farmer; P. O., Coila. I" '^°> 

Wm. McClellan, son of John and Sarah (Thomiison) McClellan, b. Wnsii'. 

Co., N. Y , 1812, Farmer; P. O., Coila. /ashing. 

Wm. Rich, son of Ebenezer and Maria (Smith) Rich, b. Washington Cf T*' '■"'' 

18211, Farmer ; P. 0., Shnshan.' 
James W. R'lhertson, Ron of Geo. and Nancy (Woods) Robertson, b. Washingt" » 

Co., N. Y., 1841, Fanner; P. 0., East Salem. »• 

Charles Stevens, son ofliaC. and Julia A. (Brown) Stevens, b. W.ishiogton Ci 

N. Y., 1828, Farm r; P. O., Greenwich. " 

Allen Stewart, son of Wm. and Sarah (Green) Stewart, b. Wa-hiiigton Co., N 

Y., 18.18, Farmer ; P. 0.. Greenwich. 
James Small, son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Maxw.ll) Small, 1.. Washingloi 

Co., N. Y., 1845, Farmer; P. 0., East Greenwich. 
James K. Shaler, son of Timotliy and Mary (Duel) Shaler, h. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1811. Fanner; P. O., Sabni. 
Henry Thompson, son of Wm. and Orra (Buck) Thompson, b. Washington Co., 

N. Y., 1840, Farmer; P. 0., East Salem. 
Chas. Thc.mps'.n, son of Chas. and Cynthia (Packard) Thompson, h. Hadlcy. 

Mass., s. 18:12, Prop. Planiiig-Mill, Manufacturer of Sash, Doore, Blind.s, 

etc.; P.O., East Greenwich. 
Chas. 0. Valentine, son of Harvey and Elizi (Broiighton) Valentine, I.. Wash- 
ington Co., N. y., 18:12, Fanner ; P. 0., Calnl.ri.lge. 
Jonathan Warner, son of S>domon and Elizabelh (WoodinlT) Warner, b. Wah- 

ington Co.. N. Y., 1802. Farmer; P. O., Cambridge. 
James II. Weir, son of Thos. I. and Matilda (Howland) Weir, b. Wasbiiig!oii 

Co., N. v., 1816, Farmer; P. O., Greenwicll. 
Earl P. Wright, son of George and La Vendee (Woodard) Wright, b. Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., 1817 (ex-Teicher;, Farmer; P. O., Salem. 



KINGSBURY. j 

M. L. Andrews, son of Jer. and Esther (Beach) Andrews, b. Wiwhinglon 

N. Y., 18:l.', Fanner; P. 0., Patten's Mills. 
James Bnnihiim, son of Ashbel ami Lydia (Agrin) Bornham, b. Washi. 

Co., N. Y., 180:i, Ret.red Fanner; P. 0:, Sandy Hill. 
J. H. ftildwin. son of Thomas and Polly (Lamphere) Baldwin, b. MantI 

Conn., B. 1841, Fanner and Cooper; P. 0., Fort Ann. 
James H. Blown, son of James S. and Sarah (llerron) Brown, b. Washington 

Co., N. Y., 1811, Facmnr (retired) and Boalnmn : P. O., Sandy Hill. 
Ainasa Burt.iii, son of Davi.l and Lydia (Buck) Burton, b. Washington Co., N. 

Y., 1800, Retired Farmer; P. 0., S.iiidy Hill. 
S. 0. Cross, son of Theodore and Pamelia (Kidder) Cross, b. Wa-hington Co., N. 

v., 1820, Farmer and Insurance Agent; P. O, Sandy Creek. 
Ilol-ace Dibble, son of Huttoii and P.dly (Buck) Dibble, b. Washington Co., K. 

Y., 180:t, Farmer ; P. O., Sandy Hill. 
J.diii Duers, son of John and Naomi (Beadle) Doers, b. Washington Co., N. V., 

ISIC, Farmer; P. O., Sandy Hill. 
Seth Divine, son of Abel and Hannah (Losee) Devine, b. Dutchess Co., N. Y., 

8. 1849, Fanner; P. 0., Kingsbury. 
Chas. C. Dunham, son of Samuel and Laura (Dibble) Dunham, b. Washington 

Co., N. y., 1824, Farmer; P. 0., Sandy Hill. 
T. M. Groosheck, son of David and Phebe (Barnelt) Groesbcck, b. Reiissi laer 

Co., N. Y., B. 18:17, Farmer; P. 0., Fort Ann. 
Daniel Holley, sim of Benj. and Eunice (Weatherby) Uolley, b. Washingli] 

Co., N. Y., 1807, Farmer; P. 0., Sandy Hill. 
A. F. Hitihcock, son of Collins and Eunice (Porter) Hitchcock, h. Washingt.. 

Co., N. Y., 1803, Farmer; P. O., Kingsbury. 
J. H. Harris, son of Ebenezer and Mary S. (Stearns) Harris, b. Washington Co 

N. y., 1820, Farmer; P. 0., Smiths Basin. 
W. S. Hoskin, son of Samuel and Freelove (Tucker) Hoskin, b. Washingto 

Co., N. Y., 18:19, Farmer; P. O., Smith's Basin. 
Elzada Hoskin, daughter of John and Deborah (Bantley) Miller, b. Washins 

ton Co., N. Y., 1840. ; 

Lewis Johnson, son of Lewis and Elizabeth (High) Johnson, b. Washingtoi , 

Co., N. Y., 1817, Farmer; P. 0., Dunham's Basin. 
Jesse King, son of Solomon and Susan (ItaUpli) King, b. Washington Co., N. v^ 

Y., 1805, Retired Fanner; P. 0., Sandy Hill. 
0. B. Meid, son of M.ithew and Cynthia Mead, b. Warren Co., N. Y., s. 1872 

Fanner; P. 0., Patten's Mills. 
Isaiah Miller, son of John and Minerva (Paddeu) Jliller, b. Washington Co., ' 

N. Y., 1840, Farmer ; P. 0., Sandy Hill. ' 

Ilonry Stewart, son of Wm. and Rebecca (Vaughn) Stewart, b. Washington Co,, ' 

N. Y., 1808, Fanner ; P. O., Fort Ann. \ 

Harvey Smith, son of Ezekiel and Nancy (Campbell) Smith, b. Washingtoi. 

Co., N. Y., 181.5, Farmer; P. O., Kingshury. 
John Tefft, son of Joseph and Chl.e (Heath) Tefft, b. Washington Co., N. \'., I 

1812, Farmer; P. O., Sandy Hill. I 

E. D. Vaughn, son of Do Wilt C. and Maria (WaUace) Vaughn, b. Washington I 

Co., N. Y., 1848, Fanner; P. 0., Sandy Hill. ^ _ I 

Wm. D. Vaughn, son of James B. and Smyrna (Stewart) Vaughn, b. Wa-A»lig. ^ 



"•\ 



ton Co., N. Y., 18:14, Far 



I'. 0., Kil.gsbniy. 



\ 



